There’s so much going on during the run up to Christmas that’s it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. The festive season is, above all, a time for us all to rejoice with our loved ones. A time to share the spirit of Christmas and embrace this magical time of year.
Willow Tree Christmas figurines celebrate unity, they capture the unique bond between couples, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, grandparents and grandchildren, and the unconditional love we have for our pets (even when they have eaten our slippers or left a dead mouse on the doorstep as an early Christmas gift). They commemorate friendship and mark special occasions and milestones in our lives. Christmas is the perfect time to strengthen relationships and remember the importance of having good friends and close family members.
A Time to Say Thank you
Saying thank you is such a small and innocuous gesture, but we have to ask ourselves – do we do it enough? It’s so easy to take those closest to us for granted. The sister that always gives you a lift to Zumba on a Thursday evening, the Sunday lunch your parents always cook (even though you vaguely mentioned having every one round to yours one week to give them a break), the friend who always pops in to feed your cat when you are away from home. Little things that make our life easier still require appreciation, and Christmas is the perfect time to say thank you.
A Time for Simple Joys
Christmas doesn’t have to be all about expensive gifts, lavish meals and over-indulgence. There’s a lot to be said for taking a simpler approach to the festive season. A crisp, wintery walk in the park with your loved ones (Fido can come to), followed by a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows can be great fun. Organise your own Christmas get together at someone’s home (or rent a church hall or similar between a large group).
Get everyone to bring a dish each and a tipple or two for a fun time without too much hassle or expense. You can even get someone to dress up as Santa and pay a surprise visit!
A Time for Remembrance
Christmas is also a time for remembering those who are no longer with us, our thoughts tend to stray to those we have lost. Special occasions have a way of highlighting those who are missing from a celebration and we feel their absence.
It’s fine to shed a tear and remember the good times you shared with lost family and friends.
A Time for Hope
The festive season not only heralds the start of Christmas celebrations but also marks the run up to a brand-new year. On New Year’s Eve we ring in the new, take stock of what we have and think about our plans for the coming year. It’s an opportunity to change and improve, a chance to put past mistakes behind us, to challenge ourselves and look forward. Make a promise to yourself that you will spend quality time with your friends and family during the new year. Block dates out on the calendar and in your diary if needs be to make sure you have the time to give without the distractions of day-to-day life.
A Time to Strengthen Family Ties
Families often meet bumps in the road, in the form of arguments, disagreements and differing opinions. Compromise isn’t always easy and meeting someone halfway can be challenging. Resolve to try and put to bed any niggling disputes and instead focus on the positive aspects of family life.
A Time to Have Fun with Those Who Matter
Christmas offers the perfect excuse to have a good time with those who matter most. Snuggle up on the sofa and watch a festive movie with your partner and kids (don’t forget a huge bucket of obligatory popcorn). Go ice skating with a few family members (who cares if you fall on your bum), and meet good friends for a touch of the Christmas spirit (vodka, brandy, gin – whatever takes your fancy)!
Don’t Forget to Make Time for You!
Making time for others is important but it’s also important to make time for yourself. Save a little time to rest and recharge over the holidays. No one will mind if you sneak off for a deep bubble bath and to read a few pages of the new bestseller Santa brought you!