Uh, can this please happen again?
My Christmas was nothing short of jolly! It was the usual routine of opening up presents from under our tree, and then going to our cousin’s house to open even more presents. Like always, the second round of gift-opening had to wait until the grand feast was over, and in no way am I complaining. The heavenly combination of presents and gourmet dishes is probably the best thing out there.
There’s one thing that saddens me, though. Over the years and as I get older, my excitement for the Holidays has declined. No, I no longer squeal out of pure happiness like a 6 year old on Christmas morning, nor do I countdown the days until Christmas. The same way how my outlook’s changing on me, so will yours…and just about everyone else’s for that matter. Things are a’changing, but you should always, always be aware of what really makes Christmas…well, Christmas (And if you don’t celebrate Christmas, then of the Holidays in principal!). Here they are:
1. Take a step back and really appreciate things for what they are. Too often do we live our lives in fast-motion, not stopping for a split second to reflect on anything or anyone. Time flies by–but it won’t if you stop in your tracks every now and then, and really think hard about where you are in your life. Maybe take a second to feel proud of how far you’ve gotten in your education, or appreciative of loved ones, close friends.
Cliche, but sometimes I would randomly look up at the sky, and gaze at it for however long–it’s pretty soothing, a remedy that can put any kind of stress and pressure to rest. Personally, I live a relatively schedule-directed life, albeit a loose one, but I still make sure to find the time to reflect on my own progress and well-being.
2. Family time is important and can be fun. Make time for more of it. Spend time with your family as much as possible. It’s obvious they won’t be in your life for all it, so live life with them while you still can. Many things in our lives are, and will be, temporary–a part-time job, a girlfriend or boyfriend–but your parents are wholly not. They won’t come and go as fast as your next paycheck, for instance (hint, hint).
3. Food can be delicious. Have cheat days every now and then, and treat yourself. If you’re on a diet, make sure you make days for your favorite comfort foods–it’s necessary we escape from reality every so often. It’s what keeps us sane from our insanely work-orientated lives. It’s what keeps us stress-free, and when we continue our work, more productive. Besides, promising yourself a reward (and my personal favorite, a size-large Maui Zaui from Round Table Pizza) in the near future only increases motivation and purpose to work even more efficiently.
4. Gifts are meaningful, but they can only be as meaningful as you make it out to be. Do nice things for people every now and then–it’ll mean a lot. A few days back, I watched this one Youtube video (of Anna Akana, for those of you who are interested), where she talks about one of her guy friends; apparently, he makes it his job to do something nice for someone every day. Imagine how happier of a society we’d be if everyone did this? Gifts themselves connect and consolidate friendship, but keep in mind it’s the thought behind it that really counts–cliche, but that’s what the person will remember you by. Make it count!
These aren’t just bullet-points you should do on Christmas–they’re delights that you should strive to achieve every single day. Some of these points may seem like a burden, definitely, but after you get into a habit of it all, you’ll find your life much, much more cheerful. Trust me. And with that, I wish you all a more productive life!
The QT Psychologist 