Christmas has not always been my favourite time of the year. In fact, as a child, I dreaded this season. My Christmas was wrapped in beautiful dresses, sumptuous food, and sparkling decorations, but besides all these, it was a season of intense family drama. Secondly, because Christmas coincides with the end of the year, it was always a time of reflection for me. Every December, I review my New Year’s resolutions, the ones I wrote with so much hope in January, only to realise that most of them had been abandoned early in the year, long before Easter. That made my Christmas a period of uncomfortable reflection.
That was a long time ago. I no longer feel that way about Christmas. I have come into self-realisation and acceptance. But today, there are still people who do not like Christmas for different reasons.
Some have experienced loss during this year. This may be a break-up in their family or relationships that makes their Christmas table feel different. Others may be struggling with chronic illnesses that wipe away the ability to feel joy or have fun. Likewise, as Christmas comes at the end of the year, some reflect on the financial struggles they went through during the year and find no reason to celebrate.
There are people without a next of kin. They feel alone in a world with an estimated 7 billion people. For such people, Christmas amplifies their loneliness. Still, there are others who feel discouraged because the year is ending and their goals remain untouched. While some people simply find the frenzy of the holidays – shopping, decorating, and social gatherings – far too overwhelming. The festivities don’t go with their personality.
For many like me, Christmas may trigger old memories of family conflicts. This may start from preparing for the season to sitting at the Christmas dinner table with non-stop drama.
Every reason is personal. I once didn’t like Christmas, but now I love it. This is what I’ve realised: life is dynamic, and feelings can be rewritten. Christmas can become something beautiful again for anyone having a difficult Christmas season. If you are standing where I once stood, here are 10 simple ways to lift your spirit and rediscover joy this season:
- Focus on God’s unending love: If you have experienced any form of loss this year, focus on God’s love. He only has the power to rescue, revive, and refresh us again. He can restore all that was lost in many different ways and in multiple folds.
- Visit the hospital: If you struggled with your health this year, you’re not alone. You should visit the hospitals and see the sick, then you can appreciate that faltering health is part of living.
- Gift the homeless: If you have struggled financially this year and Christmas feels like no season of celebration, make plans to gift the homeless on the streets. Don’t buy any big gifts, give everyday essentials. You can also volunteer for a day at the food bank. This will help you appreciate how your needs were met this year.
- Send out messages of joy and peace: If Christmas is a season of loneliness for you, look through your contacts, and send out messages of joy, peace and goodwill to others. Your kindness will reflect on you, as what you give comes back to you.
- Make new resolutions: If you don’t like Christmas because it coincides with the end of the year and your unattained goals, try again. Make fresh resolutions and include some of the unaccomplished ones. Give yourself another chance. Next year is another opportunity to succeed. When there is life, there is hope.
- Do the things you love: If the Christmas frenzy is just not you, then do the things you love: bake your favourite recipes, watch movies, catch up on the TV series you missed, read books, meet up with friends, rest, relax and do the things that matter to you.
- Make new memories around Christmas: If Christmas brings you the feeling of anxiety or distress, you can rewrite your Christmas story. Be intentional about creating new memories of fun and laughter at Christmas.
- Be nice and use kind words: If Christmas reminds you of family feuds, or symbolises a replay of sibling rivalry, or is characterised by a show of power and influence, steer clear. Stay out of family drama, avoid conflict, be nice and use kind words at family gatherings and other moments of the season. Kindness brightens the heart.
- Practise gratitude: As you take stock of the events of the year, remember to practise gratitude simultaneously. Count your blessings, and you will be delighted to know it’s been a good year after all.
- Appreciate the reason for the season: As the world revels in the festivities of Christmas, pause to reflect on the reason for the season: God’s unending love and priceless gift to mankind. Be joyful, God loves you.
For The Christmas Lovers
As we send out seasonal messages of love, peace and joy, let’s remember people who may be struggling this Christmas. We should let them know they’re in our thoughts and prayers. Let’s share with them the message of hope and demonstrate our support and encouragement. Not every gift is tangible. Our prayers and thoughtful words can warm hearts more than our wrapped, ribboned and glittered boxes.
Share love this Christmas.