5 Ways to have a Cracking Christmas (even in 2020)

How is it December already?! This year has somehow both flown and crawled by.   

When I look back over 2020, the days all seem to blur into one, punctuated by the odd vivid memory, like getting to know our neighbours as we clapped for the NHS. Friends getting engaged or having babies. Richmond park without cars and cyclists or planes overhead. Some things seemed to shine brighter for all the monotony, and good news seemed sweeter given its scarcity.

The reality of this year has been stark economically and financially. But for a species hard wired for connection, lockdowns and “social distance” have also taken a significant toll. 

The good news is that Christmas isn’t cancelled! But how do we handle what should be our most social and silly month, when our reserves are already low and the rules have changed (again)? 

Here’s my 5 ways create holiday happiness and have a cracking Christmas:

1.     Dare to be Different

Most (if not all) disappointments in life are due to things not living up to our expectations. If we try and make Christmas exactly the same as before, then we are inviting comparison.

This year I’m celebrating Christmas with friends who are also stranded due to travel restrictions. We’re each sharing some of our traditions and between Australia, Northern Ireland, England, Thailand & Canada it should be pretty interesting (and yes – we are only 3 households).  

Different doesn’t mean bad - what new rituals can you come up with to celebrate this year?

2.     Go Big on Boundaries

By that I mean - decide what rules you are following. Don’t get me wrong, you should absolutely follow the Government guidelines for gatherings at Christmas. Yet you know that some people are going to interpret them more liberally than others (or ignore them entirely).

Decide where you stand and share this with love, with those who need to know.  Then there is no awkwardness or mind reading required.

Respect peoples’ decisions, remember no one is trying to spoil the fun, it is about protecting loved ones and saving lives.

3.     Budgets are Brilliant

Christmas often makes us feel pressured to spend well beyond our means on gifts and food and people frequently end up in debt as a result. The strain is greater this year given the impact of the pandemic, and it may be tempting to use Christmas as a way to compensate. 

 Set a budget you’re comfortable with so that you can enjoy the moment, rather than agonise over each purchase. If money allows, try and add a little buffer in so that you can treat yourself and others without the guilt kicking-in.

Building on Strategy 1 (doing things differently), can 2020 help you create a more meaningful, less commercial or wasteful Christmas? Can you support local or independent shops?   Doing this is also a positive way to share your budget and invite others to do the same - and you could create even more impact!

4.     Create Connection

We are social animals and it’s important to plan in time to connect with family and friends. If you’re tired of zoom, use the telephone, send a letter or Christmas card – these small acts make a big impact on your health and happiness (and those you connect with).

Think of people who you haven’t seen or talked to for years – could this be the year you get back in touch?  Is there anyone who may be feeling isolated that you can surprise and delight by making contact?

There are so many brilliant new ways you can connection to your community and help people in need – particularly at this time of year. One friend is cooking extra food, so that a local charity can take the plates of home cooked Christmas lunch to vulnerable people, who otherwise wouldn’t be enjoying one.

5.     Get Grateful

One of the things 2020 has taught us is to enjoy the simple things. How many of us have found joy in discovering new recipes, growing chillies and finding new walks near our homes that we never knew existed.

It feels like so much has taken away from us this year, things we took for granted! Yet, if we stop and think about it, there’s always something we can be grateful for.  

This process retrains our brain to look for positives and importantly - what we focus on expands.  A recent study found that people who practiced gratitude for just 5 minutes a day, for a week, were happier and less depressed 6 months later. Worth a try right?

I’d love to hear your strategies on how to create holiday happiness this Christmas.