Chistmas time in the 21st century

Most beautiful time of the year comes in December. From the very first day of December, sometimes even earlier, Christmas decorations start popping out from place to place, beautiful Christmas lights sprinkle on the streets and Christmas trees demand their place. And yet, it seemed to me this year, the Christmas spirit was nowhere to be found. In the rush of the 21st century, even with all the decorations, Christmas magic seemed lost.

Everything seemed the same, same lack of time, same urgent issues to resolve, same lack of patience and a tieredness accumulated from what seemed like an year of struggle to joggle with all the areas of life. We have less and less time to meet up with friends and family, our working hours sometimes become almost like 24h and sometimes we don't even manage to synchronize to catch up with our friends and family over the phone or simple text. And that is because even in off-work hours our mind is still stuck in business-related stuff or just needs time to rest and not utter a word. You start neglecting a basic need to socialize and do simple things because you are just too tired and begin to feel unhuman and disconnected. And then they start saying Christmas time is coming and you are like.. 'Really? It is coming? I don't feel it.. Christmas time was not like this'. At least, this is how it was for me this year.

And so it was when one week before Christmas I decided to bring up the Christmas spirit. Instead of being upset because of lack of time I decided to focus and give my all in everything I do, be nice to everyone and also add a touch of Christmas magic and not get upset of the things that remain undone, sending them just a little bit of magic to know they are not forgotten. I realized that everyone around me felt the same way as I did, they felt the absence of Christmas magic and lack of time for the important things. But what was nice was seeing good responses from the people around me and the fact that my little small acts of kindness, bringing warmth and giving just a small help made people smile more and the whole energy started changing. It also reminded me that this is how things should be and we should always remember to be human first and most importantly, and we should be that way starting with us and then with everybody else.

Here is the list with the small things I did to bring out the Christmas magic:

1. I decided to feel and be opened to the Christmas magic.

2. I took things as they were, being slowness in work, or hustle bustle to get everything done.

3. When frustration accumulated and I felt my self losing patience, I took a step back and decided to be nice even if that meant to repeat sometimes what I already said or wait endlessly before my turn came.

4. I tried my best to listen more and speak less.

5. When I spoke I always tried to bring up something positive and always turn things in a positive way.

6. Almost always had beautiful Christmas songs playing in the background.

7. I took small breaks from time to time to text my friends and send them a little cheer.

8. I took time to capture small moments of joy and share them forward.

9. I smiled more and always tried to show more appreciation towards everyone.

10. Remembered to wish Happy Christmas to everyone and remind them Christmas is coming, Christmas time is here.

Love, joy, happiness, magic, peace - it all comes from within.

I think this is what Holidays are all about and things should be like this all year round.

Even if I am working this Christmas, I will keep all these with me and spread it further even after the holidays.

So listen to good songs, enjoy simple things, the presence of loved ones and don't forget to decorate your home!

Chirstmas time is here!