I’m not sure what it is about the Christmas season, but it just brings a sense of gratefulness. Being grateful for health, family and the many other blessings we have in life. We should of course be thankful for everyday of our lives and make the most of them all year round. But something about Christmas brings out the best of people. Maybe it’s the reason for the season, maybe its because Christmas is about Jesus and the love he showed when he died for us. I like to think thats why people start being kinder and more loving to one another.
On the flip side, Christmas can be hard for some people. It can be tough as Christmas time is about family and love, and some people don’t have that. For todays Blogmas post I thought we could talk about how we can be more grateful this Christmas, and how we can be truly thankful for the life we are living.
FOCUS ON GRATITUDE
Do this alone or with others, simply write a list of 10 things that you are thankful for this year. You’ll probably notice as you write you will think of even more things, maybe more than 10. I like to do this every now and then, even not at Christmas. Its a great reminder and creates time for us to reflect on the true blessings we have in life.
If you have been blessed this year, then it’s only right to bless others. Do a random act of kindness or put together some gifts for others. Do something out of the ordinary.
ENJOY THE TIME OFF
If you are lucky enough to get time off of work or school at Christmas then make sure you appreciate it. It can be so hard to switch off sometimes even if you have time away. But try to leave the work at work. Enjoy the time you have with family or loved ones and actually be present in the moment. We often forget how important this is. Our life is consumed by work, but over the holiday season we need to switch off and enjoy the time we have been given.
DO SOMETHING KIND
I know one way that helps humble me and make me feel grateful for what I have is giving back to those who are less fortunate. We should help out the in need communities. I think at Christmas there should be more of an emphasis on doing this at Christmas too. Invite people to your house (If at the time your local social distancing allows) who would usually be alone during the holiday period.
I know over the Holidays it can be hard for older people who may not have family to celebrate with. Reach out to those people and make them feel included. Help out at your local homeless shelter and give back to your community.
How do you practice gratitude over the holiday season? How do you give back?
I hope this post made an emphasis that we have so much to be thankful for all year round, not just at Christmas. It’s not just about gifts and material items, but the connections and time we put aside for the people we love and care about.
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