Don’t you just hate those soppy Christmas posts that usually revolve around the concept that ‘Christmas is not about gifts it’s about spending time with one another’ and all that other lovey dovey mushy stuff? Me too.
So, you should probably stop reading as this is exactly one of those posts.
For me personally 2017 hasn’t been the worst year, not exactly the best year, but definitely not the worst. I can’t say the same for what has been going on around me. The world has been in turmoil this year now more than ever before. Natural disasters, mass shootings, sickness, drought, deaths… I could go on and on. I am daily reminded how blessed I am to have my family all together and to be able to live such a good life. I can assure you I do not take my quality of living for granted.
That’s why Christmas is a bit of a tricky time of year. From as early as the end of October we are bombarded with chocolates, treats, decorations, discounted gift ideas; basically, anything that we can convince ourselves that we NEED this festive season. Things we need in order to be happy, things we need in order to be celebrating Christmas the ‘right’ way. Believe me when I say I am not judging, merely observing (an observation that I actively participate in and thoroughly enjoy). I love shopping full stop and now you’re telling me there is a specific reason I have to shop? Sounds fabulous! But as with everything in life, nothing is as good as it seems and Christmas shopping can very soon turn sour. In my experience (I have a lot of shopping experience you have no idea) there is nothing you can buy, for yourself or anyone else, that will bring you true everlasting happiness.
From a religious aspect I know that nothing besides God will ever bring you true inner happiness, but I know that not everyone has this same belief. What I will then say is that I know deep down you all know none of these superficial seasonal ploys to get you to spend money will bring you that happiness you so desperately seek this time of year. I am all for spoiling the ones closest to you, eating good food, decorating the house and putting in that extra bit of effort to look good, but those are all added extra’s that contribute to Christmas. They alone do not represent or signify Christmas.
If I can offer any advice this season it would be to keep these things in mind when rushing around getting all stressed out over last-minute Christmas gifts or perhaps frustration over not receiving what you had hoped for. Ask yourself; in the bigger picture of things, does this actually matter to me? Will I ever use this? Could I spend my money on something better? Could I rather say no and save my money? It’s so easy to get completely overwhelmed and swept up in this consumer concept of what Christmas is, only to later on realise how unnecessary it all was. Worst case scenario: you know you’re not strong enough to turn a blind eye on those trinkets you walk by in the mall – stick to online shopping. It’s quick, easy and paying for all your items at once makes you really analyse if all those items in your cart are needed.
Please note: all of the above is a letter to myself as well. This girl loves to shop.
Christmas really is one of my favourite times of year. A great time to laugh and be merry and I love seeing all the families come to together. Life practically comes to a stand still for a day. A Christmas tradition my family started a few years ago is; to write each family member a letter, which we read out to one another, listing our favourite things about them. Something we admire or anything else positive we would like to say to them. It felt very forced and a bit awkward at first but now I couldn’t imagine a Christmas without it. I actually look forward to it and it truly makes the day that much more special. Why not try something similar with your family this year? If not, be sure to not only show your loved ones how much you care about them but make sure you tell them too. You never know how much that could mean to them.
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