What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
Agnes M Pharo
For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been a time of beautiful sights, sounds, smells, a time that feels vibrant yet peaceful.
My parents never seemed to turn themselves inside out in order to cultivate the sense of magic I felt, yet it was there all the same. It was in the adventure of walking back into the trees on our farm to find our Christmas tree – always more Charlie Brown than full and spectacular. My father used this as an opportunity to care for the health of the woods rather than pick the best looking coniferous for our living room. Listening to our Roger Whittaker record as we put up decorations, drinking hot chocolate or hot apple cider. My mom’s sticky buns, freshly baked Christmas morning as we unwrapped presents. There are very clear sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that have a deep connection to what Christmas feels like.
And as I’ve grown up and started my own family, I’ve tried to be intentional in doing the same, incorporating traditions from my husband’s Italian family, like roasting chestnuts. Creating new memories just for our family.
What I’ve come to learn is that being intentional in how we want to experience Christmas; the traditions we want to cultivate, the simplicity we want to embrace; still requires mindfulness, reflection, and planning – being clear on what we value and letting that guide us through the season.
Here are five simple ways to be present and intentional, and create memories that last this Christmas:
- Share 3 things that you are grateful for with your family each day at meal times [this is a great practice all year long].
- Create a playlist together of your favourite Christmas songs and play it regularly.
- Skip the busy-ness of malls and shopping. Give the gift of experience + time together.
- Create a special Christmas-season meal or drink to enjoy often throughout the season.
- Scent is tied closely with memory + emotion, so anchor your special times together with an essential oil or simmer pot mix.
And if you’d like to dive a little deeper into creating intention for this time of year, here are a couple of journaling questions to spend some time reflecting on.
Take some time to get clear on your values + priorities this Christmas. Are you letting them lead and guide your actions through the season, or are you letting the fervour of the season direct you?
Consider traditions that touch your heart + home, family values, + priorities. Are you integrating them into this season as much as you’d like to?
Wishing you all the best this Christmas!
Over the years, my family has pulled together journaling pages, records, notes, and compiled binders to keep track of gifts, email addresses, recipes, budget of our Christmas experience. And now they’re available for you in two options! You can purchase your pdf printable or a paperback journal and planner from the links below, and enjoy creating a stress-free, intentional Christmas for you and your family! From mine to yours, with lots of love.