For many of us, Christmas is the time of year where we spend time and strengthen the ties we have with family and friends. It is a welcomed excuse to catch up with the people that we love and often that we don’t see enough.

The festive season presents most of us the opportunity for social gatherings and fills our calendars up to the brim. There are catch ups to organise, dinner plans being made, presents to buy and lots of extra activities and events to be a part of. The shops get busier, and everything seems to come alive more so than it does for the rest of the year. 

This lead up to Christmas causes many different reactions in people. In most children Christmas causes excitement. The anticipation of the big day and what presents Santa has left for them is at the forefront of many minds. Then, there is the pure joy that comes with what is uncovered when they do so on the day.

In many adults, it’s a time to sit back with loved ones, and appreciate what is around them. It’s a time to stop, think and reflect on the privileges that life has given them.

For retailers, Christmas can be daunting. They are under constant pressure at work, as the stream of customers may seem never ending. There is also the shopper, who may feel like they are under pressure to get everything crossed on their list. The experience for many is the same, but at the same time the feeling associated with that same experience can be so different.

For others, Christmas is a time where they remember loved ones that have passed and as a result, Christmas may be a time they find difficult. It brings up memories of what was, and so for these individuals Christmas is hard, and the day isn’t so bright.

For others with a terminal illness this may be their last Christmas. They may be aware that this is the last time they will put up and decorate the Christmas tree. It may be the last time they will enjoy Christmas lunch, or even the last time they will watch their children unwrap their presents from Santa and spend time with their loved ones in this way.

For each individual, Christmas has a different meaning. While it may be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for some, for others, this is not always the case.

This year I encourage you to take the time. Take the time to appreciate the blessing around you during this season and, whether you look at them as being small or large, please remember it’s still a blessing that you are lucky enough to be a part of. Take the experience in and really enjoy it.

This season presents us with an opportunity to be vulnerable. It is an opportunity to be mindful of how you are feeling, and how others around you are also going during this time. If you are the one struggling, try to open up to someone and share your experience with them. Be vulnerable. There is often something extra special on the other side of doing that.

And finally, although ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is just that for most people, if we can go the extra mile, and if we can help those who are finding it more difficult, and if we can even speak what we are feeling, we have the power to bring some real joy to each other at this time. And, when we do, this will be something that will stay with us, and something they will remember for a very long time.