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What with the credit crunch biting and curtailing some of our pleasures, here are some tips, inspired by the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, on ways to enjoy the run up to Christmas (and beyond for that matter) without spending a fortune, indeed, without spending anything at all for some of them! On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear tree – well, the pears will be nice next summer and the partridge could be tasty, but why not make sure you give and receive one big hug every day? More enjoyable!
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent 2 turtle doves – symbols of peace and love, so as you write those Christmas cards take 2 minutes to write a little note to those special friends who are going through difficult times or who have drifted away for the moment. You will find you benefit from the thought you have taken too.
On the third day of Christmas he sent 3 french hens – no time or money to pop across the channel? Settle yourself down into a comfy chair, relax and spend 3 minutes with a delicious warm drink and perhaps a croissant, remembering a lovely day on your last holiday, notice how much better you feel afterwards.
On the fourth day of Christmas there were 4 calling birds, so time for a get together with 3 friends for a good natter, share lunch or go and see a film? Get on that phone!
On the fifth day of Christmas five gold rings turned up! Credit crunch and recession version – relax and recall 5 beautiful occasions with people who are special to you, spend at least 5 minutes on each memory, share them with the people who were there if you can.
On the sixth day of Christmas, 6 geese a-laying waddled into the kitchen, symbols of creation. What do you like creating? Put aside time on at least 6 occasions before Christmas to do something creative for you – that’s just a couple of hours each week. What will it be for you?
On the seventh day of Christmas seven swams a-swimming floated past your window. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy a delight each day of the week, such as holding hands with a child and jumping in a puddle together, looking at beautiful scenery, listening to some lovely music, enjoying a delicious meal, that hug...
On the eighth day of Christmas 8 maids a-milking smiled their way into your life. This is a good time to think about those people who really listen to you, make you laugh and give you affection? Are you spending enough time with them? They nourish your soul and you probably nourish theirs in return.
On the ninth day of Christmas 9 ladies danced in through your door! What makes your heart sing, or makes you want to dance? Spending 9 minutes a day dancing for the fun of it or just letting your heart sing or will have a wonderful effect on the rest of your day, a gentle echo of joy that rebounds on you and others, so make sure you have music, pictures or activities around you that will light that fire in your heart.
On the tenth day of Christmas 10 lords leapt into your life! Take 10 minutes to consider what you can delegate to those ‘lords’ in your life (children, partners, relatives, you get the picture!) that will make your Christmas more enjoyable, (washing up, writing cards, recycling etc) then leap for joy! Don’t forget to point out a benefit to them if they do the tasks cheerfully!
On the eleventh day of Christmas 11 pipers marched into the living room. Perhaps you are wondering whether you’ll have time for all of these suggestions, then a noisy band turns up! A little military discipline, settling down to spend a few minutes in quiet reflection each morning to prioritise the activities for the day and imagine how good it will feel to achieve what you choose to do that day will allow you to choose the pace of the day and when you are going to fit in those special moments.
On the twelfth day of Christmas 12 drummers arrived on cue to herald your new, exciting and joy-filled day!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Nicola Preston Bell |