Recently, a British comedian asked his audience to applaud with these words: "Please give a big hand to women for organising Christmas year after year!"
Yes, dear ladies, we are Christkind. We are Christmas magic. We are Christmas. We didn't think so either. Because organising Christmas is not for the faint-hearted. It's easy to forget about yourself.
Honestly, without us there would be little Christmas magic. Because what is the Christmas atmosphere? It's the smell of the biscuits we've baked, the lights, candles and decorations we've hung up, the get-togethers we've organised, the warmth with which we fill Advent. Without wishing to treat even one man unfairly here, the main burden is usually borne by the boss.
So if you’re, so to speak, the Christ Child’s deputy, don’t you deserve to be treated particularly well? It was a session with a client that inspired me to write this article. I love that moment when clients start to shed the shell of politeness and courtesy. When their genuine feelings and authentic voice slowly come to the fore.
Once our inner truth has found its way to the surface, a moment of profound relief sets in, for this truth has a deeply healing effect. Suddenly, we find a sense of peace within ourselves; something is in its rightful place, and that feels very liberating, even if the truth is ugly. Simply being able to name one’s own needs is liberating.
Then the pangs of guilt set in straight away: „But I can’t do that at Christmas. I mean, my poor grandchildren – I can’t do that to them.“ But once you’ve felt the power of your own authenticity, you don’t give in so easily. „It can’t be solely my responsibility to keep the family together. I’m going away. I’m not taking part in this sort of Christmas any more.“
I felt I had to tell this story. You love the magic of Christmas, and you might forget that it’s not right if it’s created solely through your own hard work. A lot of it is simply extra work. I wish you a mindful Advent season, during which you not only organise the festive atmosphere but also enjoy it. For me personally, there are only two ways to really enjoy Christmas.
Delegate
Delegating is highly recommended, and not just at Christmas. Most women are world champions at taking on work themselves. And it’s not just that the work needs to be done – the result has to be perfect. Ask yourself whether you’d expect as much from a friend as you do from yourself. Be kind to yourself. You need to teach those around you how you want to be treated.
Reduce
Nothing stands in the way of enjoyment more than a fixed idea of what it’s supposed to look like. Relax. Open a beer and put your feet up. Advent is a time of warmth, love and mindfulness. None of this comes from yet another string of fairy lights or another type of biscuit. These are things we carry in our hearts.
Image source: pixabay.com/Goumbik
Let your heart do the talking, not presents. Leave everything that causes stress behind. Give your loved ones a smile, a listening ear, and simply your presence. And above all – give these things to yourself as well. Then even a single candle will be enough to set the mood.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas!
