Christmas is meant to be fun, enjoyable and even meaningful, but people seem to be increasingly becoming jaded by it. Whether it be the hassle and expense of buying everyone presents and cards, the stresses of arranging and preparing all the food and decorations or the yearly disappointment of the TV schedule, Christmas 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 refocus. 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 capitalization of Christmas gets worse every year and when you’re hearing All I Want For Christmas Is You 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 of the year at work, 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!
December 16, 2009 at 10:39PM
I agree with you. I’m not a huge fan of Christmas as a holiday, but I always seem to make progress on my projects in the month of December. There also seems to be an overall relaxed feel in my business and among my contacts that makes December feel relaxed. Thankfully I’m not in retail! It just feels like a relaxed month… as long as I avoid the stores that is!
December 22, 2009 at 06:47AM
Normally I love the Christmas season, but this year the added stress and time requirements at work are making things less than enjoyable. I haven’t had the time to do the things I would traditionally do. We don’t get crazy with gifts. We get crazy with food! We have traditions that we’ve been trying to uphold, but increasing time pressures are making it nearly impossible. I don’t care if I don’t get a single gift. The best gift for me is the time to enjoy the holiday season.
December 22, 2009 at 09:03PM
You have it in one, Dave. Everything feels more relaxed. Of course it’s dependent on many factors. With some industries, it’s quite the opposite. As Carole says, enjoying the holiday season is the best gift because the rest of the year is comparatively hectic.