5 Ways to get through Christmas graciously...

So there is no escaping it now, it's December and the month of Christmas is finally here! 

I've been noticing a lot lately how many people are not over joyed at this prospect and I understand that for many Christmas can be a difficult and emotional time, so if you are feeling more "Bah-Humbug" than "Tis the season to be jolly" here are some ways to put a little bit of grace into the impending festivities...

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” - Plato

• No one of knows truly what others are thinking or feeling this holiday season, although some people might put on a happy face they may be feeling very sad or low inside, showing some kindness, even if you don't agree or understand their ideas, don't like how they behave or what they say, will go along way. If someone you know is having a tough time, give them slack, maybe it's your generosity in love that will make the difference?

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”- Anne Frank

• This doesn't necessarily mean spending loads of money on others, being lavish or breaking the bank, instead let it mean giving of spirit and compassion instead, bringing joy and happiness. Sounds a bit airy fairy I know but at this time of year we focus a lot on what we have to buy and the money side of things, I wonder if we could all think of ways to give that didn't cost a penny? Maybe making something with a personal touch or  take some time to give your services to other, local homeless centre or pet shelter, maybe you could buy a small gift for a child in hospital or at a refuge..?

“No one is more insufferable than he who lacks basic courtesy.”  - Bryant McGill

• OK, OK, I know this is a tough one, especially if you have to spend the day with an in-law you can't stand, your crazy great aunt or suffer the annoying boss at your Christmas party! Remember you get what you give out or another way to put it, treat others the way you would want to be treated. I'm not suggesting you be a door mat and let others speak to you or treat you like dirt, I'm suggesting you practice the art of being the bigger person, if another wants to act in a bitter or negative manner let that be their problem, not yours!

  “All the statistics in the world can't measure the warmth of a smile.” - Chris Hart

• So true, a smile goes along way, you can never underestimate the power of it. At this time of the year everybody gets wrapped up in their busy Christmas plans, rushing about and being caught up in what they are doing, spread some cheer about, smile at someone each day that you wouldn't normally smile at, you never know it could make them want to pass that smile on...

“Though sympathy alone can't alter facts, it can help to make them more bearable." 

- Bram Stoker

•  I have already touch on this above, people have a hard time at this time of year, you may know some one who has lost someone they loved, been made redundant, suffered a trauma or is experiencing depression, reaching out to them may not change how they feel but will help make the situation easier to bear, remember to let others experience Christmas in a way that makes them comfortable.

As a side note I have noticed already there is a lot of negativity about Christmas around, this makes me so sad, it seems that people will always choose to celebrate the season in a different way to others and I wonder if we could try to just be happy for them and the fun they are having, the traditions they keep and the way they do things, even if it is different to our ways, even if we don't agree, because who are we to say that anything is wrong, different strokes for different folks and all that.

This year we have done the decorations on the 1st, the elf thing and the hand drawn Christmas cards by LC, and we are doing these things for us, because it makes our family happy, because we have had a shitty year and by getting a bit crazy and excited for Christmas it helps to be grateful for the things we do have, you know focusing on the positive rather than the negative. We don't do it out of guilt or one up man-ship, we do it because that is what we want for our family, if other people are doing it, great! If they are not, OK! So before I start to pass comment on how another person is or isn't celebrating Christmas I will remind myself to stop, take a moment and be happy for them that they are doing what feels right for them, because I don't know their circumstances and I don't get the whole picture from making assumptions, maybe they have had a shitty year like me too and are celebrating or not celebrating right now because of that. And if they are having an Christmas extravaganza for one up man-ship, to portray an image, because they feel guilty or like they have too then I would like to be gracious enough not to spend too much time dwelling on it and focus on what makes my family happy instead. Why can't people just be happy and accepting for others instead, why all the bad feeling? - Anyway just my thoughts...