The Spirit of Christmas

Top Ten Tips – Feel the Spirit of Christmas this Year!

Christmas is such a special time of year!  Yet sometimes, I think it gets a bit too concerned with gifts and preparations, and less about the most important part, the spirit of Christmas – and sharing it with your loved ones.

Do you yearn for the Christmas of your childhood? Nostalgic, sweet, secure memories of the true spirit of Christmas, which somehow seem to be lost in today’s stressful society.

Surveys have shown that people feel less of the spirit of Christmas now than they did 10 years ago.  This could be simply because as we grow older, we lose the wonder of childhood.  But could it also be increasing pressure to ‘outdo’ others, or a desire to have everything just perfect.  So this year, concentrate on the people you’ll be sharing Christmas with, instead of the accompaniments.

Here are my top 10 tips to help you re-capture some of the magic of the true spirit of Christmas.

1.  Take it Easy

Especially if you’re hosting a large gathering for Christmas, or if you’re going to be celebrating Christmas with other relatives and friends, then make sure the day before, you and your family eat something simple and easy to prepare, for example, make-your-own sandwiches, or perhaps order in a pizza.  Enjoy that special time chatting and relaxing, enjoying each other’s company, before the mayhem and fun to come!

Eat that meal with just the lights of the Christmas tree, perhaps some candles too.  It is a long-held tradition in many religions to light candles over the festive period.  As a child I remember my parents always lighting a candle in the main front window as soon as it got dark, every evening from the start of Advent until just after Christmas.

Of course, to be eco friendly – and more healthy too – choose beeswax or soy candles (‘normal’ candles are made from petroleum products and can emit toxins into the air).

2.  Help Others

A great way to remember the true spirit of Christmas is to make a donation to a worthy cause, or help out / volunteer at a homeless shelter or animal rescue centre.  Many supermarkets also collect non-perishables for the less fortunate, so when you do your shopping, be sure to include some extra goodies.  You’ll feel better for having helped someone.

3.  Make Contact

Something that many people do over Christmas is write letters that somehow didn’t get sent throughout the year – someone you wish you’d thanked for a kindness, someone you need to reconcile with perhaps.  It’s easy in the hustle and bustle of daily living, to let time slip by.  Take time this year to show the true spirit of Christmas by contacting them.

4.  Give Meaningful Gifts

Don’t buy people ‘stuff’ just for the sake of giving a gift.   Give the spirit of Christmas by giving people the gift of time, or have trees planted and grown in their name – these are just some of the unusual gifts I mention in my series on eco friendly Christmas gifts.

5.  Be Grateful

I like the idea of a Christmas Gift Book.  Use a beautiful journal notebook, and record the gifts that you (and perhaps your family too) receive.   And give.  It will make thank you notes much easier, and also make sure you don’t give a similar gift to the same person twice.   In addition, it will become a lovely record of the thoughtfulness of others.

6.  Watch an Old Film

I also like to watch an old film at Christmas.  James Stewart’s A Wonderful Life (1946) is an old favourite, but any movie which celebrates sharing and compassion is perfect.  A more modern take might be “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.  Make it a family tradition!

7.  Reduce Loneliness

Do you know someone who may be alone this Christmas?  Invite them to Christmas lunch.  It will take almost no extra effort for you, but it might mean the world to your guest – Christmas is a prime time for depression for lonely people.

8.  Don’t Overspend

Don’t spend more money than you have.  Anxiety over bills can ruin the best Christmas.  Christmas should be warm and cozy, not worrying.  Having a bigger tree or more lights than your neighbour will not make you a happier person.  Christmas spirit is not about spending, it’s about caring.

9. Mean Your Greetings

During all your interactions – in stores, in traffic as well with as friends and family, when you wish someone a Merry Christmas, take the time to really mean it.  Smile, and think about what you’re saying.   Spread some of the real Christmas spirit.

10. Make it an Eco Friendly Christmas

Well, this wouldn’t be the EcoExpert Blog without a reminder to help the environment, would it?  Re-use rather than buy new, avoid disposables as much as possible, reduce wastage, and recycle rather than dump after Christmas.  The planet will appreciate your Christmas Spirit!

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