Christmas can be hectic. Remembering presents (hoping not to forget anyone), getting all the food in, preparing a big meal for everyone, seeing friends and family, squeezing in more activities than you had done the rest of the year! Christmas sure can be busy, but it’s what you make it. Do you want to be run off your feet? Or plan a slower, more meaningful Christmas? Here I share How To Cherish A Cosy Calm Christmas..
I want to be conscious of this year’s Christmas. Last year I spent Christmas in Australia, where we went for a walk in the warm sunshine and had barricaded our Christmas tree from our tiny but very grabby baby’s hands. Christmas decorations were draped everywhere, and the usual Christmas carols played in supermarkets and the like. “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” and other snowy songs played while people milled about in their summer clothes buying turkey and stuffing.
After a very full-on year (to say the least), we are back in the northern hemisphere. I feel my whole being, every cell of me sigh with relief. Even the hair on my head prefers this temperature – instead of dry frizziness in the sun, it sits soft and relaxed in the cold.
So being back in the colder climate might not be amazing. It certainly has its pros and cons. But I want to make the most of the slowness and work with the season rather than against it. To ride it like a wave. This year I plan to allow more quiet time and bring the new traditions I had created last year.
What is your intention to celebrate Christmas?
Many people say they want a ‘perfect’ Christmas – but what does that really mean? If anything, by putting that badge on it will surely bring such high expectations that if it doesn’t reach perfection…then it’s not a good Christmas.
What is perfect? To have a happy home? Well-fed & nourished? To feel the love of everyone around you?
Get more specific of what you want for your Christmas, then you can start to plan for it. Bringing to your home those little joys that will make your Christmas how you wish it to be.
This is not a control thing. It’s about welcoming in the things that will make your Christmas.
So instead of a perfect Christmas, I simply want to Cherish A Cosy Calm Christmas.
Cherish
I want to hold on tight to my loved ones. To be in the moment and create memories. To be mindful that these times pass by like fleeting moments. I want to keep these occasions in my mind, and cherish them for years to come.
Cosy
I want my family to be warm this Christmas. To enjoy the festivities, but I want to keep them close by. To have a twinkling tree, the smells of baking, the jolly feel-good music, hot cups of cocoa – cosiness.
Calm
I want to be relaxed. Not focussing all my time and energy on one meal, but enjoying the lead up to Christmas. The meal is just an excuse to come together. Mornings writing by candlelight, reading a book by the fire and putting my feet up at night. I want to unwind from the year that has been and acknowledge what I’m thankful for. I also want space and time to acknowledge loved ones who are not here.
What kind of Christmas do you want?
A relaxing, loving, creative Christmas? It can be something you have not considered before, but something that feels right this year.
How do you want to celebrate the season?
It’s up to you.
Now you’ve thought about what kind of Christmas you’d like. It’s time to welcome in the fun. What would you like to do during the season that will make it joyful…
Christmas challenge
My challenge to you is to make a bucket list of all the things you’d like to do this year. I started writing my list, and the more I wrote the more ideas I got. It’s not about giving yourself more things to do. It’s about making the most of the time – as days pass so quickly and if you’re like me I forget what I did!
This way you can incorporate what you love. Maybe you don’t manage to do all your items…but some you will!
Make a Christmas Bucket list
Give yourself a bit of time for this. The start of December is a good opportunity, we are close to Christmas with still plenty of time to plan before the season really starts. Or of course, the earlier you do this the better. Whatever works for you. This is a fun task. I completed my list in 10 minutes. I was surprised to see what I would like to do during Christmas, as soon as I wrote down one idea, another one popped into my head! Dig into what brings you joy. That’s what it’s all about. Relishing the joy and if you are happy – it will radiate towards everyone around you.
My bucket list
Just to give you an idea. These ideas are not specific to the few days around Christmas, but rather start from early December until the New Year.
Attend a German Market – or some other Christmas market
Bake Yoyo biscuits with my toddler
Read the two Christmas novels I have sitting on my bookshelf
Buy a delicious luxury brand of hot chocolate for the cupboard
Make dried orange and cinnamon decorations for the fireplace
Wishing you a joyful season
However you wish to celebrate the season, make sure to seek out what brings you joy. Taking a few minutes to jot down what will bring you joy is a wonderful way to keep the happy vibe around you – touching everyone you meet. This is the time of year to reflect and be thankful. Relish this opportunity. Cherish A Cosy Calm Christmas
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you planning your Christmas with intention? What are you most excited about for Christmas?
If you enjoyed this, please have a peek at my previous post – How to keep your creativity alive when you’re blocked
Pin for later – How To Cherish A Cosy Calm Christmas
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