What, a post about Christmas already? I mean, if you've been following the news, that isn't so strange, as Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro ruled that Christmas starts October 1 this year, so that is quite soon. But additionally, Thanksgiving, which is sooner, is literally all about gratitude, and it is something good to have all the time.
Shopping for gifts, planning Christmas dinner, decorating... It all seems like a lot to get done. But do you remember what the holiday season is supposed to be about? In all of this planning, you probably already forgot its original meaning: gratitude. With how commercial Christmas has become, it’s important that you don’t forget why you go the extra mile to begin with. So how do you bring back the gratitude at Christmas? Here are some practices for you to implement.
1. Focus On Your Health
Science has proven that too much stress can be detrimental to your health. And because of the colder winter months during Christmas, that makes you even more susceptible to disease. Forget going outside to put up holiday lights and consider the permanent christmas lights cost instead. Get help with decorating and planning meals. Give yourself some time to spend with friends and family. By making the holiday more positive, you’ll not only be more grateful for what you have, but you’ll also improve your overall health.
2. Look At What You Have
It can be easy to only look at the things that you want during the holiday season. But why not reflect inwards and be grateful for what you already have? Although Christmas can be a time to focus on receiving gifts, you can increase your gratitude by making a list of things you have that some people may even desire, especially the basics. You might find that you have a lot that you take for granted.
3. Meditation Can Help
Meditation is turning your mind inwards and focusing on your thoughts in that moment. It works well during times of stress when you need to calm down, but it can also help you to re-establish what your priorities are in life so that you don’t get bogged down by the minute details that don’t really matter. Doing this will help you to be more mindful so that you can focus on the bigger picture.
4. Practice Acts Of Kindness
Christmas is also one of the best times to help out others who are less fortunate. But by giving back, donating, or volunteering, you’re helping others to have a good Christmas as well, even if they can’t give you any gifts in return. These acts of kindness can provide you with some insight as to how fortunate you are so that you can be more grateful for what you have. Studies have shown that donating and volunteering are also great for mood improvement and overall health.
5. Writing Thank You Notes
Has someone ever gone out of their way to make your day a little brighter? Did a random act of kindness make you smile a little more? Why not write a thank you note? Even just a small note or card saying thank you is a simple and effective way of expressing your gratitude. You’ll not only feel better, but you’re also making someone else’s day brighter as well.
Don’t let Christmas time remain stressful for everyone. Even something as simple as a thank you can take away some of that heavy feeling that comes with the holidays. Why not make everyone’s holidays just a little bit brighter?