Christmas Survival

The most challenging thing about Christmas is the expectation. No, not the expectation to spend lots of money or love snow or sing carols constantly. I mean the belief that we should be happy and full of joy at this time. It's tough, right? But there are ways through; it's going to be okay.

It is a time for happiness and appreciation. The ultimate meaning behind Christmas is the birth of Christ, the baby who was sent to save us. You hear it year on year, to the point it's easy to lose focus on how incredible this was - a baby born to die for you. I am eternally grateful and indebted to what He did for us, and I celebrate every day, living for Him and what He has done. Yet, I still struggle with Christmas.

Why? Because it's a day we're supposed to be happy. I don't know about you but my emotions certainly don't respond on demand to how I want and the pressure to be a certain way only makes it more difficult. So this is permission to not enjoy Christmas Day. This is a sign that you can find it tough. You don't have to plaster that fake smile even sparklier than you normally do. Getting through the day is enough.

First and foremost, you need patience. Patience with yourself, patience with your sadness, and patience with others. Allow yourself to feel how you are feeling. That is okay. If you need to stay in your PJs all day then really Christmas is a perfect excuse to do so. Even if you have to go out - Aaron is wearing a onesie to Church this Christmas morning (he promised and I'm not letting it go), so you'll not seem too weird. Comfort first. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, the hunger and lack of routine, the never ending mess of opened boxes and dropped wrappers, don't forget to breathe. This time of year has so many accidents on the roads and in stores because we forget how we are humans. We want things to go perfectly, cars to drive faster, people to leave the relentless shop queues. That isn't going to happen, sorry to burst the bubble. So breathe. Let it pass. Take your time.

Hydration and food is also vital. The whole mayhem of food on Christmas day with a delayed dinner, manic breakfast and continuous snacking is easy for us to forget to fuel our bodies. I'm one of many prone to headaches on Christmas morning because of shameful amounts of sugar and a lack of water. Don't neglect your basic needs.

A favourite movie, a little less social media. The people that post all of their gifts on Facebook/Twitter/their forehead drive me slightly mad. Just stooooopppppp it. You are not the quality of the gifts you give, the quantity you receive, or in a social hierarchy to gain More and Better and Win. It isn't a competition. Materialism is painful. Keep what matters close to your heart; the game of monopoly that divide families, the film you know word-for-word yet still laugh at it, the homemade gift you were nervous at giving since it isn't branded or pricey.

Blanket forts are another essential. I hide in a blanket cocoon regardless of the holiday, date, temperature. Partially because it's warm and cosy. Moreover because it is safe. Blankets are patient, cosy for films, and pair with hot beverages perfectly. The perfect combination.

Lastly, remember to talk to someone. Okay, I know, slightly in contradiction to hiding from social media, but this is different. If you're finding the day tough, don't keep that in. Don't let that rot inside of you, the guilt building because you're meant to be happy. You don't have to be anything. Let your pals make you hot chocolate with extra marshmallows and give you a hug. You are loved. And that love does not depend on who you are, or how you are feeling. You are still loved.

Despite all this, however, I ask you to remember what the season is for. It's not about the earthly gifts or bought joy; remember the pure, holy gift, the baby, and what was done for the undeserving, like you and me.

Take care.

'Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.' 1 Timothy 1:15