Remember When Christmas Was Fun?

Christmas and the holiday season is meant to be fun, enjoyable and even meaningful, but increasingly people seem to be becoming jaded by it. Whether it is the hassle and expense of buying everyone gifts, presents and cards, the stresses of arranging and preparing all the food, putting up all the decorations and ornaments, or the yearly disappointment of the TV schedule, the Christmas period has lost some of it’s sparkle, don’t you think?

To me, Christmas is a great time to mark the end of the year, celebrate and take a break from the monotony of day-to-day life so you can recharge your batteries and regain your focus. Out of all the other months of the year, December is unique – more parties, more presents, more fun, more socializing and more days off work! To a productivian like myself, I can use the time to really clear the decks, but I can also use the time to think about anything other than getting things done.

Of course, the commercialization of Christmas gets worse every year and when you’re hearing Christmas music on the radio in November, it’s hard not to become jaded by it all. The advertising industry may be trying to slowly steal your festive spirit with each passing year, but, ultimately, Christmas is just one day. Don’t succumb to unrealistic expectations or to the hype. Having a great Christmas and new year doesn’t just happen, it’s down to you.

Figure out what makes the festive period special for you. Being with your family? The religious side of it? Or maybe it’s all the presents, alcohol and good food? Take steps to make sure Christmas delivers on those things. If you’re not impressed with the TV schedule, make sure you have a few of your favorite films on DVD to watch instead. When you’re doing the food shopping sneak a few bottles of beer under the turkey when your wife is looking the other way…

Of course, that’s just half the picture. For some, the Christmas period may be the busiest period of the year, for others it may be the quietest, but it doesn’t have to be devoid of the festive spirit. Is your company having a Christmas party? If not, why not? Put up some decorations around your store or office and get some Christmas cards for your colleagues. It may be just small gestures but it can set a much more jolly tone, especially if you’re being overrun by festive shoppers.

The Christmas period can be fun and fulfilling, but you need to be proactive about it. It’s not just for the kids, it has value to everybody. Don’t be that grumpy guy who moans every year when the decorations come out; be the person who makes the most of the holiday season. After all, it only happens once a year!