EMBRACE A SLOW CHRISTMAS
If you tend to associate the word Christmas with stress, then maybe its time to rethink how you do Christmas. Even if you love it, we can all still get a little overwhelmed and forget to stop and appreciate how magical this time of year can be. It’s time to change things up a bit. Time to forget the stress and the worry. Time to relax and rejoice in the company of family, friends and loved ones when we can. Time to slow down and enjoy the festive season. Here’s how to have a slow Christmas, how to really soak up those special moments and re-engage with what this time of year is really all about.
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Here are a few ways you can embrace slow living this Christmas…
PRESENCE OVER PERFECTION
The idealised representation of what Christmas should be is just that – a representation. And, to get a little cynical for a moment, it’s a representation forced onto us by marketers and media trying to sell us products and services. Forget “perfection” and opt for presence – being present in mind as well as body when you’re in the company of friends and family. Create the “perfect” Christmas for you and your family, whatever that might be.
SHOP ONLNE
There’s something magical about Christmas displays in-store… but all that hustle and bustle? No thank you. Shopping online is a huge time (and stress) saver. You can easily get all of your present and food shopping done in one go and then sit back and wait for the postman to arrive. A lot of companies will even offer a gift-wrapping service which means even less work for you!
GATHER TOGETHER
Christmas is all about spending time with those you care about. Make time to meet up with friends, family, and co-workers in a relaxed and social setting. You could even host a drinks or dinner party. If you do, why not ask everyone invited to contribute in some way – providing drinks, cocktail-making skills, or their signature dish is a great way to get everyone involved (and means less work for you!).
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MAKE GIFTS
I dislike the mass consumerism we’re encouraged to partake in at this time of year. Instead, I love to make gifts for loved ones when I can. Over the years, this has ranged from homewares, decorations and soft furnishings, candles, food items and sweet treats, and, of course, bath and body care. And if I really haven’t got the time to make everything from scratch, a make a few little things and create bespoke gift sets of homemade and shop-bought treats.
ONE THING AT A TIME
This is, perhaps, the epitome of slow living… do just one thing at a time. Multi-tasking, along with “busy”, has been glorified, but it can mean we don’t really experience of enjoy any of those tasks fully. Slowing down and focusing on one task at a time – and really getting into it, not letting yourself become distracted or worried by other things – makes every task so much more enjoyable.
TAKE AN AROMATHERAPY BATH
It’s important to find time for you. I know it can be difficult to find time for a relaxing bath, what with four house guests sharing the same bathroom, guests downstairs, and the rest of it. But even if you have to do it after everyone’s gone to bed, or before they even get up, spending fifteen minutes (or longer if you can) soaking in the tub can work wonders for your skin, body, mind and emotions.
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CREATE FAMILY TRADITIONS
Whether it’s making a homemade advent calendar each year or donating to charity, think of things you can do together as a family that help you appreciate what is in front of you. By establishing your own seasonal rituals you will automatically create little pockets where you are focusing on what’s important to you and your family.
TAKE A WALK WITH NATURE
Walking instantly provides you with some mental space and calm. By paying attention to seasonal details by using all your senses you become grounded in the present moment.
CELEBRATE SIMPLE JOYS
If we can cherish the little acts of joy that the season has to offer we can experience more contentment and gratitude.
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CHRISTMAS CRAFTING
Let your hands and minds get lost in a wonderful Christmas craft. Always a fun activity to do with children, it can really help you feel in a festive mood. Whether it’s making cranberry and popcorn garlands, baking orange slices, or making gingerbread biscuits, there are lots of simple crafts to try.
BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
Bringing nature into our home in the form of greenery, wreaths, pinecones etc, is a wonderful way to help us enjoy all of winters wonderful offerings. Plus, these pieces of nature will act as a visual reminder that connects you to the season even when you are not outside.