4 Tips for a Merry Christmas

4 TIPS for a MERRY CHRISTMAS

In the last few weeks, I doubt you’ve heard anyone say, “It’s Christmas, time to get personal.” But personal perspective is what creates a merry Christmas. 

These four little things could make a big difference:

Release Expectations

           

Have people expected you to help fulfill their Christmas plans this year? How much time have you spent on your own personal goals?

Expectations are triangular. On one side they can be positive, filled with anticipation of satisfying events. But on two sides they can be filled with assumptions and requirements. 

Christmas is Personal

Sometimes they appear as traditions: We’ve always done it this way. There’s nothing wrong with that, but growth comes with change. Christmas, in all its colors, sights and sounds, should not be allowed to become routine.

This year escape the triangle in two ways: First, allow others to fulfill their expectations. Second, plan time to fulfill your own.

Expand Your View

Ask yourself, “What makes a merry Christmas for me?”

I’ve answered that question in many ways.

Community Christmas is Fun

In childhood it was the receiving of gifts. But as a young adult it wasn’t Christmas until I had baked and made candy treats to share outside our home.

Years later, my Christmas was merry as I attended a variety of community events.

There’s no single approach to Christmas. It’s up to you to make it personal.

Pursue the Positive

Don't Be a Loner 

Are you tempted to say, “Bah, Humbug!” in the face of someone else’s cheer? Are you the grouch that pooh-poohs the Christmas efforts of people around you?

Decide to be positive. Let others follow through on their Christmas goals and dreams. Then focus on your own, small though they may be. Not all changes need to be major.

Being positive includes respect for others. Civility is never out of style; it sets you free from a judgmental attitude. Negative energy can then be put toward productive personal goals.

Share Yourself

In a major big-box store last night, I was amazed at all the people checking out with baskets full of toys and gifts. They certainly shared themselves by expending personal energy. Some were still checking their lists.

Christmas Includes Variety

We can share by giving our time and/or our money. But we also share ourselves by putting aside personal prejudices and expectations in order to help others succeed.

Create a spirit of freedom for yourself and share it with others. A freeing thought is everything does NOT have to be done my way.  

But why be merry only at Christmas?

Giving produces joy. God’s gift of giving is celebrated when we sing Joy to the World. But God’s giving was not limited to one day, and neither is ours.

Be Merry All Year

John Greenleaf Whittier, American author and poet, put it this way: Somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, is the joy that comes back to you.

You now have four tips for a merry Christmas. But don’t stop there!

They can also create a happy new year!