Being Present is The Best Gift this Christmas

It can be such a crazy time of year. The lead up to Christmas is often frenetic with so much to do and numerous Christmas get-togethers, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype, but you don’t have to. Take a long, slow breath and consider what Christmas means to you?

For me it is about spending quality time with family and friends. It’s not about the gifts, it’s about the conversations, the laughs and invaluable time spent together sharing in the magic.

Even though gifts are a focus for our children we can still gently guide them towards a more mindful Christmas filled with gratitude and love with a focus on a few special gifts. I saw a great quote recently which I felt captured the essence of Christmas for me – “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers”

Being present with your family and friends during this festive period is the perfect way to enjoy a Christmas that has a little more meaning to it. Changing the focus and moving at your own pace can help you do this.

Taking the time to pause and consider some activities to do together with our children is also another way to be more present in this busy time. Children are always great at keeping us in the moment so try go with it, no matter how long your “to do” list seems.

Whether it’s playing hide and seek in the backyard, making some Christmas decorations, singing Christmas songs whatever it might be, it’s these special times that create the beautiful memories that will outlast many of the toys and trinkets given at Christmas.

Volunteering is also another way to stay present. There are many amazing charities that you can support over the Christmas period. It’s a way for you to give back to your local community and will also help to cultivate a sense of gratitude for everything you have in your own life.

Whatever you choose to do this Christmas, try to create your own little bit of magic with your family and friends. Whether it’s an early morning swim together at the beach on Christmas day, a short hike to watch the sunrise, volunteering or even a special little Christmas mediation together, remember that being present is the best gift you can give.

Lisa