As we become surrounded by such a material focused society, it can be hard to remember the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time to give back to those who are less fortunate, a time to appreciate what you have, and a time to show the most important people in your life how much you love and care about them. As much as we might look forward to giving and receiving gifts, the holiday season as a whole means so much more than that. It is easy to get caught up in the decorations and gifts and fun that Christmas brings, but if you can take the time to celebrate the true meaning, even a little bit every day, your holiday season will be that much more meaningful and bright. Think of this as your checklist to celebrating the people in your life, and appreciating what you have, and make the most out of “the most wonderful time of the year”.
1. Make a list of everything you are thankful for.
Look it over and think about how life would be different without those things.
2. Call your parents, they raised you and made you the person you are today.
Thank them, and tell them you love them.
3. Tell you friends, or boyfriend/girlfriend that you appreciate them being in your life.
Sometimes, we forget to tell people how special, and everyone needs to hear it from time to time.
4. Hug your dog, or cat, or whatever animal you call a pet.
Think about how much happiness they bring you just by being that weird little animal that lives in your house. Give them a treat, and tell them how good they are. You are probably the most important thing in their little lives, remember that.
5. Do something for someone in need.
Buy a meal for someone who is homeless, better yet volunteer for the homeless. Give them a sweater, or a blanket, a bag of toiletries, a gift card to a restaurant, or even something as small as the spare granola bar you have in your backpack. You’ll make their day just by being kind, and you’ll make your own knowing you did something for someone else. They probably have a very different Christmas than you do, bring some brightness to their season.
6. Do something for someone regardless of what they have.
Random acts of giving and kindness doesn’t have to be limited to those who have very little. Everyone has a story, and you never know what they might be going for, people all have different struggles, and you might just be the person who restores their hope or faith, or even just brightens their day a little. Buy the coffee for the person behind you, let someone else take the parking spot, compliment a stranger, walk ahead to hold the door for someone. It doesn’t have to be big to make a bid difference. Help others, is actually the most rewarding to yourself.
7. Throw a potluck Christmas dinner party with your friends.
Everyone cooks, everyone eats, everyone spends time together and celebrates.
8. Think about the origins and true meaning of Christmas, keep the simplicity of it in mind this year as you get tempted to be swept away by the mass gift buying.
9. Watch your favorite Christmas movie.
Nothing like one of your favorites to bring back all the magical memories of holidays in the years past.
10. Volunteer.
You can go alone, but going with friends or family and sharing the experience makes it a wonderful memory to share with others. Let it be the start of a wonderful tradition.
11. Spend time with those who mean the most, the holidays are a time that should be spent together, enjoying each others company and showing you care about those who care about you.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
