The Christmas Chaos

Most people have a love/hate relationship with Christmas. In theory we should love it. As the white lights, garlands and glistening baubles dangle all around us, it’s an opportunity to spend time with family and friends at the end of a long year. But in reality, Christmas often gets lost in the chaos and many of us can't wait for December to be over.

If you stop for a minute and look at people shopping on the high streets during the lead up to Christmas, most faces appear miserable and stressed as people needlessly shop for superfluous gifts. And on the roads, cars are whizzing by, overtaking and beeping horns. Everyone is in a rush to be somewhere and the frantic urgency is palpable.

And when it comes to the spending frenzy, many feel the pressure to pay out way more than they have by using credit cards, bank and credit union loans. This is all to make sure that everything is bought in before the big day. Christmas has to be perfect! 

Amongst all the hype and sparkling perfection, there are people all over the world who are suffering. Some are sick, bereaved or feeling that extra sense of loneliness at Christmas time. Even with people around, it’s easy to feel a sense of separation from the abounding cheer in our midst as it reminds us of the things and people missing in our lives. With the Christmas spirit hanging thick in the air, our hearts may just not be in it. 

HERE ARE 5 SMALL gestures to HELP bring back the true spirit of Christmas:

• Offer someone to go ahead of you in a shopping queue if they look in a rush or under pressure.
• Contact a friend you haven't heard from in a while, just to say hello & make sure they are doing okay.
• Donate to one of your favourite charities. Even if it is something small, it will make a difference.
• Smile at someone if you see them looking stressed and unhappy. They may not smile back but it might remind them of the true spirit of Christmas.
• BE KIND - even if the world around you feels like it has gone insane, don’t be a part of the chaos.

Remember, the world is full of kind people... if you can't find one, be one.