You’ve probably heard of Random Acts of Kindness.

Well, I’ve always like the idea of preparing for Christmas by focusing not on the commercialism, but on the real magic of Christmas. There’s a special feeling around Christmas that is nothing to do with giving and receiving gifts. It’s about giving and receiving of ourselves and our time and our love.  It has a real feel-good effect and that, in turn, passes on to others.

 

Every year I prepare an Advent calendar at home.  I have a cloth calendar, with one little gift bag for each day from the 1st to the 24th December.  Along with a little treat of a few sweets or a tiny gift, I put a little piece of paper with a “Thought for the day” on it.  It’s as simple as saying hello to people you meet on the street, or hugging someone you love, or remembering to tell someone you love them.

 

I started doing it when my children were small and, even though they are now grown, they still love the thrill of a little daily reminder that Christmas is coming (and the sweets of course!).

 

I’m not crazy enough to think that it’s all fun and games. Many people have great difficulty getting through the season. Even more reason to start preparing beforehand.  Every day, from now till Christmas, do some small thing to bring your focus to the positive.  It might be as simple as taking time to smile and thank people sincerely for any little interaction today e.g. at the supermarket - really thank the assistant, smile and look them in the eye as you say thanks.  It’ll make a big difference to them and to you.  And if you’re having a tough day - even more reason to bring some light and sunshine into it!

 

The more people who buy into this, the more relaxed and enjoyable your preparation for Christmas will be.  If you’re stuck for ideas any day - follow my Twitter messages.  I’ll be tweeting throughout Advent and suggesting a focus for the day.  There will be nothing that costs money, just a little of your time and effort.  You’ll find it so worthwhile to engage with Christmas in a more positive, stress-free way.

 

You could even write it out for yourself and pin it up on your noticeboars, or stick it on the refrigerator door, or slip it in your purse where you’ll see it every time you open it.  You know yourself how to make the most of it.  Let me know how it works for you.