How to be Present at Christmas
The greatest gift you can give is to be truly present!
Yes, the tree and the lights and the food and the presents are all lovely. But most people agree that being together is the most important thing.
And if you’re stressing in the kitchen, or glued to your phone, in your VR headset, or just in your own head all the time, it’s hard to be present with the people you care about.
This is our guide to being present and beating the stress of the season.
Make time to just be
If you’re involved in Christmas preparations, it can seem like there is so much to do. Think through how you can prioritise time with your friends and family.
• Maybe scale back the cooking and choose easy dishes or ready-made meals
• Shop online
• Delegate present-wrapping, cleaning and decoration
• Encourage others to join in and let them be creative
• Make preparations fun - put on Christmas music and silly hats (if that’s your thing)
• Involve children if you have them in your life
• Make new traditions that involve Christmas preparations
Take time for yourself
Grabbing a few peaceful moments in the midst of Christmas busyness can give you a much-needed rest especially if you’re an introvert or get over-stimulated. Don’t be afraid to escape for a quick breather in a quiet room or walk round the block. Take some deep breaths and know that you’ll be in a better frame of mind afterwards. You can also try our mindfulness tips below.
Be in the moment
• Once you are settled at the table or on the sofa together, enjoy the moment.
• Try to let any perfectionist tendencies go.
• Be thankful for what you have
• Agree your headphones and phone policy in advance to avoid arguments on the day
• We know it’s hard, but put your phone away – even just for a few hours.
Relieve relationship tensions
We know it can happen. Family (and friend) arguments can spring up at Christmas when people are a bit too tired/drunk/over-stimulated. Here are a few ideas for relieving the pressure
• Play a game. Playing is a really great way to relax, bond and have fun. Choose games that everyone present can join in with. Best to avoid Monopoly though!
• Go for a walk together. A change of scene and a bit more space are great for releasing stress. People can go at their own pace and burn off some energy.
• Watch a movie. Put on a feel-good film and distract them from their tiff.
• Be mindful that not everyone loves Christmas. It can be a very difficult time for some. Try to listen well to understand different points of view and don’t insist everyone joins in with everything.
Mindfulness Tips
Mindfulness can help us be present. Here are a few tips and activities
Try meditation. Google to find a guided meditation. Or get comfy and concentrate on your breathing or listen to relaxing music.
Box breathing exercise (breathe in counting to 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4 and repeat 1-3 times)
Try Yoga, or even just some stretching or gentle exercise to relive tension
Use grounding techniques (Identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste)
Be with your pets, stroke them, play with them take them for a walk
Why no try 12 days wild to help nature - and yourself. This great Wildlife Trust activity challenges us to do something involving nature everyday throughout the christmas period. Get the whole family involved.
https://ethicalhour.com/charities-ngos/12-days-wild-help-nature-this-christmas/
