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5 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS KINDNESS
Christmas
is my favourite time of the year
To me, it’s magical. It’s sparkling trees and fairy lights, brown sugar bickies and Kris Kringle games. It’s a time of goodwill and peace and kindness and extra servings of chocolate pudding while you watch Elf and Arthur Christmas and Love Actually.
The problem of course is that real life has a habit of shoe-horning itself into the season. Carpark chaos. Toddler meltdowns. Toy store queues. Tension with your spouse/children/brother-in-law/thewomaninfrontofyouatthepostoffice. Everything can start to feel rushed and overwhelming and stressful.
Sigh.
Slow down
Slowing down, focusing on one activity at a time (instead of multitasking) helps us feel and be more present. There’s less distraction and more connection with those around us. Acts of kindness boost our happiness levels as well as those of the recipient. As for rituals and traditions, experts say they have that dual ability of both energising and comforting us. In a world that often feels out-of-control and unreliable – family traditions feel nurturing and predictable (in a good way). These days this – slowing down, doing acts of kindness and focusing on rituals – is where I put my Christmas focus.