Creating Some Festive Spirit!

This ‘time of year’ comes about every year! There is no escaping it. This year could be a second year when you are not with family and friends, but separated due to this wretched Covid with its own determination to keep us apart.

So we need to decide - are we going to create some festive spirit or just busy ourselves during this time? It’s all about keeping our ‘spirits high’ and ensuring we have the momentum to enrich our lives and make it worthwhile. I have spoken with many of us women who crave for company and friendship and if we want, it is there for the taking.

Having started our Meet Up ‘Power of Women in our Sixties’ nearly 6 years ago, I have met some amazing women who, although on their own, make an assertive effort to get out of their comfort zone and ensure they are in the company of other like-minded women. This then leads to friendships and opportunities.

It starts with waking up each morning and creating a To-Do-List! Yes, it is essential to plan your day. If you don’t, you simply let the day slide away. This list gives you purpose and a challenge, you have made the first step to a great day.

Here are some ideas:

*After writing your To Do List in your pyjamas and having a cup of tea, get dressed! Yes it is too easy to stay comfortable all day. Getting dressed changes your mind set and you are ready.

Go outside and have a walk - even ten minutes, to assess the atmosphere and pass a few people to check in what they are doing. Assess each person and consider what their life is about - it can be fun!

Create a ‘festive’ atmosphere at home - just a few things! Purchase some colourful tree baubles and hang them in clusters around the house. Under the lamp, on a branch, from the window etc. These are so elegant and create an instant change.

Clear your dining table and set it out for Christmas Lunch or Dinner. Bring out the best crockery and glasses and have it set for a whole week, and always eat there - every meal! It is so much fun and you know you are not being ripped off at a restaurant or being served by a grumpy waiter!!

Put on some music, Richard Clayderman is a wonderful pianist and his Christmas songs are uplifting without any voices! Then you can lead on to some traditional ones if you wish. I love symphony orchestras at this time of year, they fill up my soul and are enriching.

Visit a Reject Shop or Charity Store and pick up a few bargains, this will benefit the charities and if you fall ‘out of love’ with what you have bought (normally for very little), you can return and give it back to charity! I purchase some clothes (and hats) I would never normally choose and take them home to play around and see if I do like them. It is fun getting out of your comfort zone.

Who are you neighbours? Maybe share some spirit with them. I have 5 neighbours on my floor, I have only met 2 but I will put a little gift, possibly a plant from Bunnings, wrap it and put on a note - ‘Merry Christmas from your Neighbour Chris in #2019.’ Then I leave it to them if they wish to take the invitation further!

Choose an exciting book to read - or a pile! Get into a mystery or love story or deep and meaningful! The company of a good book is precious and you can choose so many places to read them. You could head to a cafe and enjoy the ambience, a library or park - or simply stay at home and indulge in comfort!

Spend time in a huge shopping centre and feel the energy of others as they panic to shop! It makes one feel thankful that we are not having to spend endless amounts on items normally not being appreciated. The connect of family is not necessarily a harmonious one, and being on ones own at Christmas can be quite peaceful!

If you are seeking peace and harmony head to some of the beautiful cathedrals and churches. At Christmas they are decked out beautifully and the music is quite lovely. Either go to an early morning service or an evening one as they fill the spirit.

Invent a Festive Cocktail - either purchase an exotic cocktail glass (to find in the charity shop) or bring out your crystal glass and invent some drinks. At this time of year there are festive packet gifts in the bottle shops so you could treat yourself and be inventive! Add a straw, paper decor, cut fruit and ice.

Seek out a very classy Hotel Foyer and have one coffee or drink! Sit in the elegance of its wall paintings, carpets, plants, furniture and lighting. It is so uplifting and an excuse to dress up and view the crowd coming in and out wondering what life they are living!

Send out an Invitation - or phone - someone to ask them for a coffee or a drink or to come home for a meal. An invitation is the best gift you can offer and when done, it feeds your soul too. When did you last do this? We are sometimes too hesitant to do this, but the result can be so uplifting.