Abigail Tennant
Photography by Rodion Kutsaev via Unsplash
I don’t know about you but I love Christmas.
I love it even more now that I’m a mother and have an extra reason to embrace my childhood again. In my opinion, the only way to survive it is to embrace it and join in; we don’t have much choice in this society. However, it does really annoys me that shops start to change after Halloween!
Christmas for most is a decision of who to spend it with. I am lucky in that I have my own small family (my son and daughter) so I keep it for them and then do the occasional family visit. I love seeing the wonder in their eyes, it takes me back to being a kid and makes me think why grown-ups cannot have the same wonder and enjoyment. Why should it be made into a marketing tool?
For me, the main issue I face in surviving is my finances. Is it me or do people go way over the top? I have to turn my social media off at Christmas as everyone shares the mountains of presents they gave or received. I only get a few and I buy my own from the kids, then act surprised when I open them. I don’t feel bad my kids don’t get as much as their friends because I tell my kids they will get a few bits and bobs and a main present — as they get things all year round any way.
It saddens me that people are made to feel awkward when they don’t get the same as others… it’s not a competition. That’s when you know people have lost the meaning of Christmas. I think the best financial advice is set a budget and if you can plan presents well before as possible. I tend to look for bargains and wait for sales, the person getting the gift should be thankful you have bought them anything at all, as I know some people who don’t buy any! Enjoy the markets too as they sell some unique gifts and the atmosphere is amazing.
We tend to have just one Christmas-themed day out though and meet the random fella in the red suit which is always entertaining. Then of course it’s the big dinner with lots of dessert choices. I think this year we will spend time having a Christmas helping bring the joy to those who don’t have anyone to share it with.
My only challenge is to go and ENJOY it; don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy what’s left of 2018 and see you next year…. Ah, did I really just say next year?! Where did the time go?!
With that I wish you the most magical Christmas ever and all the health and happiness life has to offer.
Keep living your best life.
Love and Christmas cheer,
Abigail x
Abigail Tennant
Abigail is a co-parenting mum of two small children who are 4 and 6. She is an
undergraduate in Psychology. Abigail is a positive coach and motivational speaker with the aim to empower as many people as possible to live their best life.
