10 tips for Christmas Calm

1. Do less. Whenever people get together, it’s atmosphere that matters most, not that impressive menu.

2. Drink less. Alcohol can lift people’s spirits – but only in small amounts. Too much – and old resentments will come pouring out.

3. Check your expectations. Not just of other people. Also of yourself. Are they the slightest bit unreasonable? Sometimes we set ourselves up for disappointment by expecting the impossible. Be realistic. Yet always ready to be enchanted.

4. Focus on what’s going well right now. Or what’s most uplifting. Forget the rest.

5. Speak up. Let people know how much you appreciate them, even when their choice of gifts, or their habits or views, leaves much to be desired. “I really love the way you…” opens hearts and mends all kinds of bridges.

6. Give thanks. Be lavish in your gratitude that there are people in your life to care about. They are imperfect, of course. Isn’t everyone? Give thanks, too, that you and yours have somewhere safe to sleep at night and food and funds to share.

7. Re-value silence. This is not the time to be honest if that means being critical, undermining or telling anyone what they “need to hear”. Biting back any words that are less than encouraging is a lasting act of love.

8. Re-value forgiveness. Yourself, others, God, or life itself? Learning something from what went wrong, giving new value to the present moment, it becomes possible to move forward.

9. Re-value good humour. Become someone who’s easy to be around. And even easier to like. It’s the best gift you will ever give. And it’s certainly the best gift your dear ones will ever receive.

10. Give pleasure, great memories, generosity of spirit, laughter, music, silly hats and games, and little acts of constant kindness. ‘Tis the season of joy, indeed. And of peace.