The holidays are filled with so much good. The music, the lights, and the company, but sometimes we get so caught up in everything we need to do and buy that we forget to appreciate the entire season until it's over. This Christmas, take the time to appreciate the small things and realize that you will never get these moments back, so don't waste them worrying about everything that needs to be done and all the gifts that need to be bought, instead, remember to:
1. Wrap someone in a hug.
Hug the people that you love and tell them that you're thankful for them. Each person in your life is special and deserves to be told what they mean to you every day, especially around the holidays. Spend your energy embracing, smiling, and talking with the people you love because you never know when it could be the last time.
2. Donate food.
Every single person you meet is struggling around the holidays, but you should never forget that there is always someone out there who needs more help than you. When you're shopping for your Christmas dinner, pick up a little extra and donate it. Drop off your extra clothes to a shelter. Do anything, but do something. One small act of kindness could make a world of difference for someone around this time of the year.
3. Be the light.
Our world is full of hatred and we are reminded of that every single day. Hold the door for strangers, pay for people's meals, and smile at everyone you pass. Let people merge onto the highway in front of you, give the homeless man on the street your last $5 bill, and tell every single person you see to have a Merry Christmas. There's so much darkness, so choose to be the light this holiday season.
4. Soak in every small thing.
The smell of your house after you make cookies. The way your living room lights up when you put up the tree. The sound of the bell that's being rung outside of the mall asking for spare change. All of the wrapped presents under the tree and the ornaments hanging that have more memories attached to them. The sound of your house as your mom sings her favorite Christmas songs and the excited screams as you open up your gifts on Christmas morning. The messy, the loud, the smells— all of it. Soak every moment in because this comes around once a year and those memories will last for the rest of your life.
5. Forget buying presents, just be present.
Make the time to see your friends that are now home for the month. Jam pack your nights with Christmas parties and plays and movies. Make the cookies with your family and spend the evening laughing. Not every day has to be an adventure, but just be present, be there and even the small moments will become memories that you'll want back.
