Eilis Olson’s Post

It's 'officially' Christmas season. (How did that come round so fast?!) 🤚 Who else has great intentions every year; to put the Christmas lights up outside, bake dozens of biscuits & give them away as gifts, to spend a relaxed evening wrapping your carefully curated presents, to have a festive evening drinks party where you mix amazing drinks & cook everything from scratch.. Only for reality to hit, and you realise it's 10.00pm on Christmas eve: you haven't wrapped a thing yet, it's too late to have anyone round and the decorations are barely up. 😅 I find Christmas comes with so many expectations. And even though it's a set date every year, it seems to arrive sneakily, in a flash, here before you know it! I want to share with you my three top tips to navigate this time of year so you can stay festive & joyful instead of frustrated & tearful. Here's No. 1: ✨Practice personal responsibility ✨ Only you know how you're feeling & what you need. Tune in and then communicate what you need to those around you, or better still, give yourself what you need. A night or two watching cheesy Christmas movies under your blanket? Do it & ditch the guilt.

It’s Christmas season, and the household decided that my “secret recipe” Christmas cake had matured long enough… so, we sliced it, air fried it, sugared it (etc) and ate it! How long had it matured, I virtually hear you asking? Much longer than you think. So, Christmas quiz time: What’s your guess? And, yes, it was delicious - if, probably, very difficult to ever repeat. But, such is the way with all things: they are transient. We preserve and sustain and scrimp and save but, despite many an archaic belief, you can’t take it with you. Hence, we ate a cake that will never likely be replicated. And? We enjoyed it! Save and be ready for emergencies. But don’t not do what you want to do for fear of tomorrow. Rather fear no tomorrows and be alive today. Yeah, yeah. I turned Christmas cake into a podium for morosely moralistic philosophising! Somewhat expected as year end approaches and we each begin our fervent annual navel gazing, our perennial period of reflexive introspection and retrospective analysis… “What did I do wrong last year?” “What can I do to make next year better?” “What is ‘better’?” Deep Thought sought the dolphins and the mice for such profundities…and that poor whale spent its short, sudden, plummeting existence futilely pondering much the same… 🐳 My advice? Spend less time on such subjective enquiry and simply enjoy the holidays… and some Christmas cake, if you can get it!

Christmas and I don’t want to just wish you a Happy Christmas - everyone does that! Instead, I’m going to stay on brand and wish you an ALIGNED Christmas. Which basically means one that feels just right for you. For some, an aligned Christmas might mean a house full of laughter and loved ones. For others, it could mean quiet moments, a good book, and a chance to recharge. If you’re not sure what alignment might look like for you, pay attention this holiday season. Consciously tune into what feels good, where you feel connected and peaceful. You can make a concerted effort then to do more of the things that bring you joy. Of course this process isn’t just for Christmas. All year round we can pay attention to our thoughts and feelings, all year round we can make choices that make us feel connected, all year round we can be in alignment. But perhaps let’s start with Christmas. Have a good one. See you on the other side.

CHRISTMAS STRESS: The pressure of Christmas can be overwhelming to many people. With all the expectations surrounding the holiday season … shopping, cooking, socialising, and meeting the perfect ideal of what the season should look like, stress often runs high. While Christmas cards may paint a picture of happiness, peace, and joy, the reality for many is far from this ideal. For some, the holiday season triggers grief, loneliness, and a range of painful emotions. Anger, frustration, sadness, resentment, and regret can resurface, as if reopening old wounds. Family conflicts intensify, broken families struggle, and on top of it all, there are personal expectations about what Christmas should be, expectations that vary widely from person to person. Christmas places heavy demands on us, and many of us simply go along with it without considering that we likely have the power to change things, should we choose to. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the stress of Christmas this year, here's a few tips for you to help you make the holiday more enjoyable, or at the very least, more manageable. From the archives …

Picture is exactly what I plan for Christmas. We listen, we don't judge. (🥱) But Christmas isn’t just about the big things. We both know how easy it is to get caught up in the grand nature of Christmas. Or feel tempted to sell your house so you can buy someone a G Wagon (if you buy me one, who am I to say no?) or perfectly wrapped gifts and plans. But then, what if the magic of Christmas lives in the tiny, overlooked moments? For me, this Christmas is about the little things. The small joys that weave the spirit of the season into something truly meaningful. Here’s my short list of tiny Christmas moments: - stuffing myself with food (so necessary). - texting or calling people who touched my life this year. - watching twinkling lights flicker while the world feels quieter. - watching a cheesy Hallmark movie. This season, I’m leaning into the simple joys, the subtle warmth of connection, and the beauty of slowing down. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season. What's a 'tiny' Christmas thing you plan to do today?

🎅The festive season is a time for cheer, but it’s also important to stay safe and sensible if you’re enjoying a few drinks. Here are some practical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this Christmas🎄 1. Know Your Limits Don’t let “Sure, I’ll have just one more” turn into a session you’ll regret. Pace yourself and listen to your body. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks—there’s no shame in an aul’ MiWadi between rounds. 💯😇 2. Eat Before You Drink Line your stomach before you hit the pints. A decent feed of spuds,or a full Irish will set you up for the evening.🥔🍳 3. Plan Your Way Home Book your taxi or arrange a designated driver in advance. Don’t assume there’ll be a free lift when the pubs close.🚕 4. Watch Your Measures Home measures during Christmas can be very generous. Stick to standard pours to avoid accidentally overdoing it.👌 5. Keep an Eye on Your Drink Whether you’re in the local or at a Christmas house party, never leave your drink unattended. Look out for your friends, too.🧐 6. Avoid Mixing Drinks Guinness followed by tequila shots rarely ends well. Stick to what you know to avoid a nasty hangover (or worse).🤢 7. Stay Hydrated For every pint, have a glass of water. It’ll slow you down and save you from the dreaded Christmas hangover. Keep a pint of water by your bed before you hit the sack. Future you will be grateful.🚰 8. Don’t Drink and Drive Absolutely no exceptions. It’s not worth risking lives or dealing with the Gardaí for the sake of a few pints. If you’ve been drinking heavily, remember you could still be over the limit the next morning.🚗🛑🚓 9. Look Out for Each Other Keep tabs on your friends and make sure everyone gets home safely. If someone’s had too much, help them out. Christmas kindness costs nothing.🫂 10. Enjoy the Craic- Avoid the Chaos You don’t need to get steamboats to have a great time. Enjoy the banter, the music, and the festive craic without going overboard. Have a holly jolly Christmas, tis the best time of the year 💯🎅😁🎄

This one thing will 💯X your Christmas this year. 🎄   Stop thinking of Christmas as a season to eat lots, drinks lots, spend lots of money on presents, and lots of time going to gatherings you’d rather pass on.   Because Christmas is A FEELING, a chance to pause, reflect, and soak in the magic you so often rush past.   This time of year has a way of uniting us. It wraps you in warmth if you let it, even when life feels anything but merry and bright.   And I hope you’ll find:   🌟 Fun in the little things, from the local choir carolling around the public tree to pulling the wishbone and letting one of the kids win so they can make a wish. 🌟 Festivities that lift your spirits, no matter how small or understated your versions are. 🌟 Feasts that nourish your body and soul, (let’s agree even cheeseboards count for one month only!). 🌟 Peace that soothes even the messiest corners of your mind.   So, let’s lean into slowing down, even if it’s just for a day or two.   Let’s be open to the glimmers this season offers - moments of harmony, little doses of hope, and unexpected signs of joy.   Christmas represents reconciliation – Reconnecting with yourself. Accepting others. Finding beauty in life’s imperfections   Moreover, it’s vital to take this energy into the new year. Let it fuel your hope, anchor your dreams, and propel you forward with fresh purpose.   From my home to yours, this is a heartfelt Christmas wish to all my clients, colleagues, suppliers, and connections here on LinkedIn. 🕯

I've got my sparkly jumper on today to see Clients, as we're now in the festive season and glitter seems to be all around. (For those that know me I do love a sequin, sparkle and glitter!)✨ Plus it is "Christmas Jumper Day!" However, there are many of us feeling anxious and stressed about the next few weeks. So, I have been asking my Clients these questions to help calm their mind and focus their thoughts: 1. Take a few minutes just to think about what you want your Christmas Day to look like. 2. Think about how you want the day to feel, and more importantly, how YOU want to feel. 3. Ask yourself what you simply MUST have on the day otherwise it will be ruined forever? (Dramatic I know, but you'll see the reason in a bit!) 4. What are the jobs you need to do in order to achieve the above? 5. What are the days & times you can get the tasks done? 6. Ask for help! Who in the family can help you with the chores and Christmas preparations? 7. Ask yourself if something doesn't get done, what will ACTUALLY happen? 8. For example, what will actually happen if the ironing isn't done, or that particular part of the meal or decoration isn't on the table? By taking some time to think about what you REALLY want, what you can ACTUALLY achieve in time and what will HAPPEN if somethings aren't done or bought, will help you realise what is really important and that the world won't fall apart if everything isn't 100%. When my clients take the time to think and focus, they decide on what they will and won't do and feel much more relaxed about the weeks ahead. Let me know how you prioritise your Christmas to-do list...

🎄 Adam’s Festive Freebies: Day 1! 🎄 It’s December! The fairy lights are twinkling, the mince pies are multiplying, and Mariah Carey is officially defrosted. Christmas is here, and with it comes my Festive Wisdom Countdown! 🎅 For the next 24 days, I’m swapping out my usual posts to bring you a daily dose of inspiration, humour, and practical tips to brighten your run-up to the big day. Why? Because I absolutely love Christmas. It’s not just about the food, the presents, or the questionable decisions around Secret Santa (we’re all still wondering who thought a desk cactus was festive). For me, it’s the time of year when people try a little harder to be the best versions of themselves. It’s magical—everyone’s kinder, more patient, and oddly generous with chocolate. So, in the spirit of embracing the season, let’s kick things off with Day 1! Today’s quote comes from the wise and wonderfully moustached Ted Lasso: "The truth will set you free, but first it will p##s you off." And isn’t that just perfect for Christmas? Whether it’s hearing the cold, hard truth about your mulled wine recipe ("Bit heavy on the cloves, mate") or admitting you might have gone overboard with the novelty jumpers, truth stings before it sings. But hey, isn’t that how we grow? So, let’s embrace the festive spirit of honesty and self-improvement—because nothing says “growth” like surviving your in-laws’ third round of charades. What’s a truth you’ve had to face recently? Drop it in the comments! Unless it’s about not liking Christmas—then we’ll need a serious heart-to-heart. 🎁 #FestiveWisdom #ChristmasCountdown #TedLassoQuotes

This Christmas Day is a time for cozy evenings spent by the fire, the scent of freshly baked cookies, and the laughter of loved ones that fill our hearts and homes. 1. The Joy of Giving One of the most beautiful aspects of Christmas is the spirit of giving. Whether it's gifts, acts of kindness, or simply sharing moments with those we love, the joy we spread brightens not only our lives but also the lives of others. 2. Creating Family Traditions Christmas traditions are the threads that weave together the fabric of our holiday celebrations. From decorating the tree with cherished ornaments to gathering for a festive meal, these rituals strengthen our bonds and create lasting memories. 3. Celebrating Togetherness In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be easy to forget the importance of togetherness. Christmas reminds us to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the company of family and friends. Make time to share stories, share meals, and enjoy the presence of those who matter most. 4. Reflecting on the Year As we decorate our homes and prepare for celebrations, take a moment to reflect on the past year. What lessons have you learned? What goals have you achieved? Christmas is a wonderful time for gratitude and reflection, allowing us to enter the new year with a fresh perspective and renewed hope. 5. Spreading Christmas Cheer Lastly, don’t forget to spread cheer! Whether it's a handwritten card, a thoughtful gift, or simply a friendly smile, small gestures can have a big impact. Reach out to friends and family, near and far, and remind them they’re loved and appreciated. Let us embrace the beauty of this season. Merry Christmas! 🎄