The Christmas and New Year seasons are a rush of activity: gift-buying, family planning, car park navigating, schedule-aligning and endless breakfast, lunch or dinner delegations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the midst of the rush – among all the items we need to cross off our to-do lists – we need to ensure we are living and enjoying the season with a sense of contentment.
We all have a lot to accomplish, people to please and places to be. But ensuring we approach our daily schedules as content as possible is essential – to make the most out of the most wonderful time of the year – for us, and for the people around us.
Here are my top tips on staying content this Christmas season:
1. Practice gratitude.
Gratitude is the antidote to discontentment – because it involves giving. I always make it a personal goal to focus on what I’m giving to family and friends every year. I want to be positioned to give more than presents. I want to focus on giving attention, joy, love and time to the people around me during this season. Be grateful by giving to the ones closest to you – beyond simply giving gifts.
2. Stop comparing yourself to others.
It’s all too-tempting to compare yourself to people around you during the stress of the holiday season – whether family members or friends. Comparing our circumstances or behaviours to others takes our focus off the great things in our lives, and creates discontentment. Focus on your agenda – and how to help and bless people near to you – and not on how you compare to others this season.
3. Be thankful.
Australians can be very good at allowing what’s wrong in their life to distract them from what is right with their lives. Remember, a heart of thankfulness can actually change your entire life. If you need to – make a note in your schedule to set aside a few minutes every day to be thankful. Write down the good things about your life and remember what is going well.
Don’t allow the stress of everyday circumstances to distract you and steal your contentment. The Christmas season is designed to be filled with love, joy and hope.
This starts with all of us prioritising contentment in our own lives. Let’s focus on how we can give to others – out of a place where we personally feel satisfied and peaceful about the upcoming season.
