Have Yourself A Mindful Little Christmas

 How come, when Christmas falls on the same day every year, it always seems to creep up and take me by surprise?  There’s how many days left till Christmas?

And how come I always get tired in December?  Like, really, really tired.  I just want to crawl under a duvet and sleep for 48 hours.  It’s a mental tiredness too, not just physical.  

Anyway, it occurred to me there are only a few short weeks left in 2015.  I think everyone has cottoned on to that judging by the general thrum of activity that is taking place.   Have you been to a shopping centre lately?  Even a local supermarket?  ‘Nuff said.

It’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  And on the back of that, whilst things are busy but still generally quiet, before they get totally manic, I thought I’d write down a few things to keep in mind.  To keep us sane and focused. 

They don’t call it the silly season for nothing.   

So, whether or not you set fire to your hair as well as the pudding, even if you forget the crackers and indulge way too much, it’s still only one day.   It might be a long day, granted, but even the worst day is only 24 hours long.  I saw something I really liked recently; it’s not the presents around the Christmas tree that count, but the people around it. 

Remember folks, it’s nice to be nice.  No pushing or shoving.  It’s just a coffee machine, the last half price designer bag or parking space.  Use your indicators.  Stop at pedestrian crossings.  Be mindful of little kids wanting to do their own Christmas shopping.  Say please and thank you, please.  Thank you.  

Remember those people behind the tills or in customer services don’t want to be there any more than you do.  They’re just doing their job.

Buy a suspended coffee.  Give someone your trolley coin.  Smile at people.  Even if they don’t smile back.

Drink responsibly.  Do not drink and drive.  Please put down the blasted mobile phone.  When you’re in the car, at the dinner table, in the pub or paying for something.       

Say merry Christmas like you mean it.

Go for a walk.   Buy headphones and use them.  Listen to the local radio station or some music.  Avoid bright and cheery Christmas television if sound and bright lights are your trigger.

There are lots of things you can do to help you over the festive period.  It’s ok to say no for starters.  If you just cannot face into yet another gathering or room full of people, make your excuse and take some time out for yourself. 

We are constantly surrounded by noise, mental and visual stimulation and this can chip away at our tolerance levels.  Try not to get too stressed over the whole thing.  It will come and it will go and life will return to normal.  Live in the moment.  The next one is just around the corner.

2015 is mere weeks away from being history.   I am going to try and let mine go out with a small pop rather than a big bang. 

Because that suits me.  You do you.  And be safe. 

May your days, all of them, be merry and bright.