Christmas is often a time filled with joy and fulfilment for many. But do we ever stop to question where this happiness stems from? And why must we wait an entire year for the season of delight to arrive? Afterall, as stated by the Christmas legend Andy Williams, it is ‘the most wonderful time of the year.’
Modern day life can be infused with hardships and difficulty all year round. But it is important for society to make a conscious effort at this time of year to reflect on what really matters in life. Despite the financial burden of the festive season, arguably the most significant aspect is love. The love for those such as your family, friends, pets, partners, colleagues. This feeling that truly triggers that dopamine rush that we all know, love and crave.
Expressing gratitude at Christmas time may boost the morale of the occasion. Whether it is for gifts, food or simply company. Why not make your mum a cuppa in bed on Christmas morning before she makes a start on Christmas dinner? Or help your dad dispose of the wrapping paper which has shrouded the living room from head to toe? This may gift the festivity a deeper, richer meaning. This can shift the focus from materialism to appreciation for the smaller things in life. While Christmas may be a cherished time for many, it is crucial to consider the struggles that lots of people endure regardless of the season. Completing an act of kindness at this time of year would help to uplift the Christmas spirit for everyone in society, and not just the privileged. For example, donations through Dunelm Christmas tags, food banks or packages of gifts for those who are less fortunate.
“Completing an act of kindness at this time of year would help to uplift the Christmas spirit for everyone in society, and not just the privileged.”
My personal favourite part of Christmas is the much-anticipated countdown. The excitement which buzzes around the house and town, lighting up people’s faces, even on the gloomiest of days. On Christmas eve, I love the exhilaration on my nephew’s face as he realises that Santa will soon be visiting and the constant pleads to track his whereabouts on NORAD. I love going to the Christingle service at the local church where I am surrounded by many familiar faces. I love singing hymns and lighting up the bright, decorative Christingle in my hands. It my only source of warmth as row by row the flame is passed along. I love the feeling of unity as the whole family trudges back to the house where we indulge in a variety of cheeses, crackers, wine and our butcher’s speciality cocktail pasties. I love the thrill of getting to open one present in the evening before settling in for a cozy night under a blanket, watching Christmas movies or television (if anything good is on).
When the big day arrives, I anticipate walking downstairs to where my parents greet me. Either they’re eating their breakfast or mum is sipping her morning tea. Ushered into the living room, I divide our presents out as we take turns opening our gifts. Christmas music is playing along in the background. After I return to my room to store my presents, I get ready for the exciting day ahead. Then, once my sister and her family arrive, I get the pleasure of watching my young nephews experience the sheer bliss and carefree magic of Christmas at that age.
The delicious Christmas dinner is usually served around 1pm and leaves us feeling severely satisfied. We then exchange gifts with my sister’s family. My nephews run riot around the house with their new toys and gadgets, wanting to unpackage and play with them all at the same time. My evening consists of seeing my partner and his family where gifts are exchanged and more divine food is consumed. Christmas day evening is similarly finished by chilling out with the people who are closest to me. For me, Christmas is genuinely all about the relationships that you cherish and the effort you make to spend quality time with those people.
However, this year is a little different as I am 135 miles away from home. I may miss out on the advent calendars, the nativities, putting up Christmas decorations or flipping my stand-up Christmas day countdown. But I have found peace in my new life and my new home. Me and my closest friends will decorate our kitchen and hallway with tinsel and lights. We’ll have movie nights with Christmas films and snacks. We’ll cook Christmas dinners and visit Christmas markets and winter wonderlands. But most importantly of all, we’ll continue to make a conscious effort to make time for each other at this special time of year. Therefore I believe I am rightful to think that love actually is all around…
Words by Lottie Oldreive
Featured image courtesy of Nick Fewings via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.
Christmas image courtesy of Tessa Rampersad via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.
