This post goes out to people who don’t love Christmas!
Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!
Eggnog, mince pies and joyful carols.
Gift demands and over drinking the Baileys demands.
Forced happiness and tight, raspy breaths
as you look at your list of to dos,
while icing 6,000 cookies for your neighbourhood exchange
& where is that damn elf?
Phew!
This time of year isn’t easy
and it can be extra hard when
it sharpens our focus on the people we miss,
the people who used to be near,
the Christmases we used to have.
The pull of family is so strong
and that can bring it’s own sadness,
stress, and disappointment.

Early December is the perfect time to sit and think.
What does Christmas mean to me?
Now, before you get swooped up in the should’s,
the expectations, the demands,
sit on that comfy armchair and place those feet firmly on the floor.
Ground yourself. Close your eyes. Listen to your thoughts and your answers.
Note the ones that say…at Christmas I like to …,
Not the ones that say…at Christmas I should be, or have to or must…
At Christmas I like to.
You like to what? Write that down. Maybe you have 3 things, maybe more.
It won’t be a lengthy list. It will be the precious things
and it is those precious things that are going to set your mood for the season.
If you are sharing your Christmas with other people (little or big) ask them too.
What is their favourite thing to do? Let them choose a thing to add to your list – is it still looking manageable? Great!!
This is your master list – this is how you decide your future yes’s and no’s.
Is it on the list? Yes – great – check it off?
Is it on the list, no? Sorry no can do this year!
A master list for the season could really help manage the season,
maybe even enjoy it. Ho Ho Ho.

Wishing you all a truly happy holiday!