Start Enjoying Christmas Again!

November 26th 2007

Every year I hear more and more people complain about Christmas, how it’s not the same as it used to be, all that money and effort and you end up with another pair of socks as a present. Oh, and everything on the TV sucks! Sound familiar? The problem for a lot of people is that they somehow build up unrealistic expectations of the Christmas period so it all inevitably comes crashing down. Maybe we still cling onto the idealized image of the holiday from years ago. Or maybe it’s the way the media portrays it. Either way, it doesn’t have to be like this!

Firstly, you need to find out what matters to you about Christmas and what you enjoy about it. Do you enjoy being with your family? Is it the spiritual or religious element? Maybe you like all the new presents you get. Either way, list it all down and begin taking steps to make sure that your Christmas delivers on those things you enjoy. My partner personally enjoys buying presents for her close friends and relatives and wrapping them up all pretty, so she makes sure she puts time aside to go shopping and get everything wrapped.

It’s important not to be pressurized into doing stuff you are not keen on, or end up missing out on things you do like. If you view Christmas as a spiritual time don’t let anyone stop you from going to church, but likewise don’t force anyone into going who is not interested. While my partner’s extravagance when it comes to buying presents for people can make my frugal side shudder at times, I certainly wouldn’t try and dissuade her from doing it.

Don’t be afraid to fill in the gaps too. If you think Christmas TV will be rubbish, buy a few DVDs as little treats. If the only meat for the meal is turkey and you want something else, offer to bring your own choice or even cook it for them. I’m personally bringing along my Nintedo Wii to keep me and my relatives entertained.

Businesses may be pushing Christmas down our throats earlier and earlier each year but that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. The countdown to Christmas starts from the beginning of December. It’s hard to get into the festive spirit any earlier than that so don’t be tempted to put on the Christmas carols CD or get the decorations out of the storage cupboard too early. However that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get prepared. If you leave things too late, by the time you get everything sorted you will have to pack it all away again.

While businesses steal away some of the soul of the Christmas holiday, so too can your job and work environment. Little gestures, like having a small tree on display or a few decorations on your desk can go a long way to creating a festive ambiance. And if your workplace haven’t arranged some form of Christmas party start pushing for one now! At the very least, arrange to meet up in a bar or go out for a meal. Just don’t get drunk and make a fool of yourself, ok?

Another problem that can be detrimental to an enjoyable holiday season is the hectic workload and not having enough days off. Wind some of it down if you can. Having worked in retail a few years ago, I know how many hours people have to do through the holiday period with minimal time off and I am sure it’s the same in other trades. However, that still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fight for your fair share of time off. There will be plenty of people pushing for it where you work, don’t let yourself get stuck with the fallout from that. If people are getting time off, you can quite easily end up covering for them if you don’t keep tabs on it.

If you want to start enjoying Christmas again, be proactive about it. Just because it’s the holiday season it doesn’t mean everything will automatically be all cheery and easy-going despite the impression TV adverts may give off. If you have to travel back from your parents early because you have to work Boxing day, make the most of the limited Christmas you do have. Nowadays, it feels like we have to squeeze Christmas in between everything else so just take the actions necessary to enjoy what you get.

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