In the lead up to Christmas we're always rushing around trying to get it all done. We don't give ourselves a break, we push ourselves to the limit and end up feeling rubbish because we didn't get something done. It can end up leaving us feeling like we're not good enough, and that influences how we treat everyone else. So this Christmas don't forget to take a step back to appreciate all the good things, despite the Christmas craziness.
The shopping madness
Preparing for the big day is madness. Buying all the gifts, shopping in the city with hundreds of other shoppers - all driving each other crazy. But you can enjoy this stage.
Look at the wonderful way the town is decorated for Christmas, try to feel the Christmas magic!
Perhaps you and your hubby could go shopping together and spend the day, not only making progress on the Christmas shopping but spending time together too! Don't just focus on getting the Christmas stuff done, have a meal while you're out, spoil each other, talk, even hold hands while you're walking through town. Reconnect at this festive time of year.
Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.
Winston Churchill
Wrapping
It becomes a chore quickly and you wrap as fast as you can without a thought about what the recipient will think of the gift.
It's time to make wrapping more fun! Have a glass of wine while wrapping, and try to think about how much the recipient will like the gift, particularly if it's your own kids. Play Christmas music, have mince pies, turn it into something you look forward to - rather than a chore!
Take time for togetherness
The Christmas craziness takes over and before you know the day is over and the kids are going to bed having opened all the presents. You blinked and didn't really get a chance to enjoy it.
On Christmas Eve take a minute to enjoy the festive season together. Watch a Christmas movie, have a drink, play games, even start new traditions. Our Christmas Eve is always the same - after putting out a mince pie and bourbon (yes, Santa likes bourbon!) the kids go to bed and we finish the last of the wrapping (if there's any left to do), then arrange the presents in a new way. Every year we set out the presents a different way - one year we had a mountain of presents, one year we did a treasure hunt, and last year all the presents were inside a 'present house' - the boys love it so much and always look forward to finding out how Santa has decided to arrange the presents. Once that is finished we settle down ourselves and watch Love Actually. I've seen it so many times but I always look forward to this part of our tradition.
Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
Dale Evans
On the day
The presents are open, the kids are playing with their new toys.
Take a moment to look at your family and see how much you've enjoyed Christmas so far. Allow yourself a minute to take it all in and be thankful for all you have.
Christmas is a busy time but it is a wonderful time too - you just need to take a step back to see it.
How will you be taking a step back this Christmas?
If you enjoyed this post you'll like Christmas gift ideas for your mother-in-law, or if you're looking for ways to get a little time alone during the festive season check out 5 ways you can get time for yourself this Christmas.
Stop by Facebook and let me know how you're taking a step back this festive season.
And to keep the kids busy so you can get the wrapping done why not grab this Christmas Activity Book?