Out with the Old and in with the New Year

It is one of my most favorite times of the year. I celebrate Christmas and I adore the lights and gifting, and the atmosphere of the festive season. I find joy in closing off an old year and starting a new one. It is a time of cleansing for me, for shedding the old and opening the doors for the new. My birthday also happens to be on the very last day of the year and I love birthdays. Cake for breakfast is key to doing things that make your heart happy. So by the time the first of January rolls around each year, I am ready to face a new chapter on so many levels. Having spent time closing off the old it is time to welcome the new.

Slow down

I completely understand that it is a busy time of the year and that there is much to be done. Just promise me one thing, remember to slow down. We are so much more prone to having bad effects from stress and lack of time management. Even if you have spent all year looking after yourself, a person is quick to allow the silliness of the season to slip in and take over with little regard for the rest that you require.

Take time to rest

Look there is no getting away from it, we need more rest than others do. I have learned that this is simply a fact of life. Fatigue is a very real part of our daily life. Many of you will be away on holiday as I am at the moment and wanting to see everything and do as much as possible.  Remember to take rest days in between, whether it is at home or on holiday. Make time to put your feet up, watch a movie, or read your favorite book.

It is okay to ask for help

Right, okay Mr. and Mrs. do it all (and yes I am including myself in this). It is time to start assembling teams to get things done. There is no need to feel that you need to do it all yourself, that is a myth. Get some friends and loved ones to help prepare for your big Christmas lunch, or if you are traveling with someone be sure to allow them to help you with a few things.

Make new year's resolutions

Some people do it, some people don’t, there are those of us who stick to them and those who do not. My opinion is that you should make some, last year I made only one and it was to be happy again, the years to prior to that had been hard and I had last my spark for a lot of things, I would like to think that I achieved that one thing last year. The coming year there will be more than one, besides needing the challenge I think that hope is one of the most powerful things that we can hold on to.

Whatever you do or whatever you celebrate over the festive season, I do hope that you will be kind to yourself and others, that the light of love will shine down on you and your families.