Jane Phillips’ Post

5 Things I’m Not Doing this December 1. Going to loads of Christmas events🎄 It’s easy to get sucked in when people talk about the Christmas things they're doing - Lapland, Kew Gardens, Winter Wonderland etc. but.. as beautiful as these activities are, I’ve also had some hairy experiences where the kids are cold and miserable and the grown ups are cold and extra miserable because the mulled wine is over-priced and under-alcoholled. We'll choose one Christmas event and really savour it. 2. Putting pressure on creating Christmas traditions 🤶 My family is happiest when we’re together. We'll do some fun activities and hang out and if Christmas traditions are born as a result, well, isn't that lovely. 3. Abandoning my health and wellness goals for December 🏃 I’ve done this so many times and I don’t fancy it this year. I've got health goals that I really want to stick to because they make me feel good and help me function well. I plan on sticking to these goals in December whilst making some tweaks so I can still enjoy the festive gatherings in the diary over the next few weeks. 4. Trying to cram things in before Christmas 🤶 Some things have to be done before Christmas - buying presents and closing out client work but other things do not - decluttering the spare room and making sure I see all my friends. Sometimes it feels like Christmas is this hard deadline and everything needs to happen beforehand but in reality, a lot of things can be scheduled into the new year. 5. Expecting everything to be perfect and for everyone to have a lovely time 😇 I've finally learned that Christmas is many things. Sometimes it hurts so much, painful memories are stirred up, it's cold and dark, you want things to be perfect, but life happens and sometimes there are arguments, things not going to plan, feeling disappoined. There are also beautiful, special moments, lovely food, laughter, bonding time, connection and love. I want to hold all of these feelings and accept some moments will really suck and some moments will be sublime (and everything in between).

🎄✨ Day 12: A Christmas Celebration to Remember! 🎁❤️ On the 12th day of Christmas, it’s time to come together for the grand finale—a Family Christmas Party filled with warmth, joy, and togetherness. This isn’t just about the decorations or the treats—it’s about creating moments where every generation feels included, especially our elderly loved ones. 🎶 How to Host a Heartwarming Holiday Gathering: 1️⃣ Create a Welcoming Space: Arrange cozy seating where grandparents and elderly family members can comfortably join conversations and watch the festivities. 2️⃣ Share the Holiday Spirit: Play classic holiday songs, sing carols together, or even have a little dance floor for those who want to move and groove. 3️⃣ Include Everyone in the Fun: Host a small gift exchange, like Secret Santa, ensuring grandparents are part of the surprise and excitement. 4️⃣ Savor Special Treats: Serve holiday favorites—think warm cider, cookies, and classic dishes your elderly loved ones grew up enjoying. 5️⃣ Make Time for Stories: Pause to share holiday memories, maybe even set aside a moment for a toast honoring family traditions. ✨ Why It’s Special: The magic of a family Christmas party lies in the connections made across generations. Whether it’s a grandparent dancing with a grandchild or everyone laughing over shared stories, these are the moments that become cherished family memories. 🎄 Share Your Holiday Tradition! Do you have a favorite Christmas party tradition with your elderly loved ones? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear! #12daysofchristmas #familychristmasparty #goldenyears #HolidayTogetherness 🎅🎶

The festive season is often portrayed as a time for big parties, endless mingling, and non-stop celebration. But for introverts, this can feel a little... overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to step far outside your comfort zone to embrace the spirit of Christmas. As an introvert who helps other introverts thrive, I know that celebrating in a way that feels authentic to you is the key to truly enjoying the season. Here’s how you can make Christmas cheerful without compromising your comfort: Curate Your Celebrations: Instead of attending every event, prioritise gatherings that align with your energy. Small, meaningful get-togethers often feel more rewarding than large parties. Bring the Festivities to You: Host a small gathering on your terms—think intimate dinners, game nights, or a movie marathon with a few close friends. Create ‘Comfort Corners’ at Events: If you’re at a larger gathering, find a quieter space to recharge. A kitchen chat or a moment outside can help balance the energy. Infuse the season with Solitude: Alone time doesn’t mean missing out—it’s a chance to reflect, recharge, and enjoy the magic of the season in your own way. Celebrate with Intentional Joy: Focus on what brings you happiness, whether that’s baking cookies, crafting heartfelt gifts, or enjoying a peaceful evening with Christmas music. The holidays aren’t about fitting into a mould—they’re about creating joy that feels true to you. Celebrate within your comfort zone, and you’ll find that your unique way of experiencing Christmas is more than enough. How do you embrace the season as an introvert? Let’s share tips and inspire each other to enjoy this time authentically! #IntrovertSuccess #ChristmasInComfort #HolidayJoy #IntrovertCelebration

𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 Christmas wishes bring joy. And they bring warmth. Recent studies show: → Most people feel happier during Christmas → Many say it's their favorite holiday → A large number feel closer to family Christmas wishes bring joy: • They spread happiness and cheer • They strengthen bonds with loved ones • They create lasting memories And Christmas wishes bring warmth: • They make people feel appreciated • They offer comfort and hope • They remind us of the good in the world All of this is heartwarming to say the least. So, what do we do about it? Send meaningful wishes. 4 ways to send heartfelt Christmas wishes: → Be sincere → Be personal → Be thoughtful → Be creative To be sincere: • Speak from the heart. • Avoid generic phrases. • Show genuine care. To be personal: • Mention shared memories. • Use their name. • Highlight their qualities. To be thoughtful: • Consider their situation. • Offer support and encouragement. • Reflect on what they mean to you. To be creative: • Write a poem or a song. • Create a handmade card. • Use festive and colorful language. Christmas wishes are not just words: → They spread joy, → And they spread warmth. Friends, it's time to make this Christmas special with your heartfelt wishes. ♻️ Share this message to remind others of the power of heartfelt wishes. Your words can brighten someone’s day and create lasting memories. Together, we can make this holiday season truly special! #Christmas2024 @MerryChristmas @ChristmasEve #HappyHolidays

Christmas Eve Reflections: Joy, Rest, and the Magic of Expectations As Christmas Eve dawns, there’s a unique energy in the air, a blend of joy, festivity, and quiet reflection. It’s a moment when the world collectively exhales, stepping away from the demands of work to embrace the warmth of the season. For many of us, this break is more than just time off. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and ourselves. It’s a time to slow down, savor the little moments, and remember what truly matters. The joy of Christmas lies in its simplicity: The sparkle of lights reminding us of hope. The giving and receiving of thoughtful gestures. The shared meals and laughter that draw us closer. Yet, it’s also about rest. Rest from the deadlines, the routines, and the noise of daily life. Rest that allows us to recharge, dream, and prepare for the year ahead with renewed energy and purpose. As we embrace this festive day, let’s hold onto the magic of expectations, the excitement of what tomorrow holds, the belief in possibilities, and the gratitude for how far we’ve come. Here’s wishing you a joyful Christmas Eve filled with love, peace, and well-deserved rest. #ChristmasEve #FestiveSeason #WorkLifeBalance #Gratitude #Joy #2024

🫸 Let’s STOP assuming everyone celebrates the same way. For some, Christmas is a joyful time with family and traditions. But for others, it can be tough, lonely or a reminder of what’s missing. And let’s not forget that there’s plenty of people who don’t celebrate Christmas at all. So, when we talk about “the Christmas holidays” let’s be mindful and inclusive, especially in our events and conversations. I’m all for spreading holiday cheer and whacking on a bit of Mariah Carey (in small doses…) but let’s also remember to make space for those who can feel a little left out. Whether it’s due to being a different faith, having a tough year or just not having the same festive vibe, we can create spaces that consider everyone. And it’s not about being worried to not offend anyone or stopping celebrating the holidays in the way we usually do, - it’s just about being more inclusive So, this Christmas, instead of assuming, Let’s ask Let’s make sure everyone feels included Whether you are celebrating or just getting through it - kindness, understanding and respect are the best gifts we can give this season. 🙌 #EventInclusion #DiversityInEvents #HolidayCheer #MindfulCelebration #InclusionMatters

Happy Sunday! Warm Sunday Wishes in the Spirit of Christmas..... Merry Christmas in Advance. 🎄 🤶 🌲 🧑🎄 🎄✨ As Christmas draws closer, I hope this message lights up your heart like a holiday candle. Let’s celebrate the magic of the season with kindness, gratitude, and good wishes. ❤️ The true magic of Christmas is not in the gifts or the decorations but in the joy of sending heartfelt wishes to those who mattered most. As the joyous day draws near, start spreading good wishes to your family, loved ones, linkedln-family etc. 📌 Imagine entering the New Year without showing appreciation or sharing good wishes. You’d miss the chance to uplift someone’s spirit and deepen your connections during this festive season. 🌟 Picture this: 👇 A simple “Merry Christmas in advance” message can brighten someone’s entire week. Sending warm wishes builds bridges, strengthens bonds, and spreads holiday cheer that lasts. ✅ Here’s what good wishes can bring: - A stronger sense of connection with your community. - Joy and positivity in your personal and professional life. - The satisfaction of knowing you’ve made someone’s day special. 👉 Start spreading the spirit of Christmas today: 1. Write down the names of five people to send heartfelt good wishes to this week. 2. Craft a thoughtful message that reflects the joy of the season. 3. Share your cheer with a smile, a post, or a call. ✨ Let’s make this season magical by spreading love, kindness, and joy in advance. Wishing you all a warm, cheerful, and peaceful Christmas season! 💬 Who are you sending good wishes to this week? Let’s light up the comments with the spirit of Christmas! #ChristmasInAdvance #GoodWishes #HolidayCheer

You should avoid these things a day before Christmas… I remember last Christmas Eve vividly. I was running around like a headless chicken, wrapping gifts, prepping food, cleaning every corner of the house, and making sure everything was “perfect.” By the end of the day, I was so exhausted that I barely had the energy to enjoy Christmas Day. Looking back, I realized I was missing the point. Christmas isn’t about perfection, it’s about joy, connection, and making memories. So, this year, I’m doing things differently. And if you’re like me, here are a few things you should *avoid* doing on Christmas Eve: ⭐Don’t Overwork Yourself It’s tempting to try and do everything, but remember: the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not survived. Take a step back, delegate tasks, and let go of perfection. ⭐ Don’t Forget to Rest Staying up all night wrapping gifts or prepping food sounds productive, but it’ll leave you drained. Rest tonight so you can wake up refreshed and ready to celebrate. ⭐ Don’t Forget to Be Merry Turn on the Christmas music, watch your favorite holiday movie, or sip some hot chocolate. Let yourself soak in the magic of the season, it’s what makes Christmas special. Remember: Christmas is about connection, love, and joy, not stress and exhaustion. So today, rest, eat, and let yourself be merry. You’ve done enough, and tomorrow will be beautiful simply because you’ll be there to enjoy it. What’s your favorite way to unwind on Christmas Eve?

Don’t shoot your eye out! Fist of all- Merry Christmas. Second- don’t shoot your eye out. This Christmas don’t take yourself out. Watch out for the self-sabotage that lurks just under the surface. Be aware of the ways you may take yourself out and embarrass yourself or others, and potentially ruin some relationships. We get limited time with our loved ones and friends. How can we show up in those moments so that we don’t ✅ say something we will regret ✅ hurt someone else ✅ be on our phones when someone is trying to talk with us ✅ take a commercial break in the big moments So how do we do this? 👉 rest properly. Sleep is important and the more we are rested the less likely we are to say something stupid 👉 boundary your phone time. Keep it out of sight when you are around others. If you need to check something, go check it and come back 👉 watch the alcohol. Have a drink if you want but the more you have the more likely regrets will come with your actions or words 👉 listen more than you speak 👉 avoid hot button topics. You know what they are. Choose to stay away. 👉 show up fully present mind and body. Get up early to work out if you need to or get a project done so you can be fully present. That is the best gift you can give. Christmas gatherings can be an amazing time to build community and relationships. They can also be a time when all that work is wrecked. It’s your choice. Choose wisely. What are your go-to strategies for Christmas gatherings?

🎄 The Most Important Things for Christmas 🎄 As the festive season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the rush of buying gifts and planning events. But at its core, Christmas is about more than just presents under the tree – it’s about connection, warmth, and spreading joy. Let’s take a moment to remember the things that truly make this time of year special. ✨ 1. Family & Friends – The heart of the holidays is spending quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s gathering around the table or sharing stories by the fireplace, these moments create lifelong memories. 🎁 2. Giving & Sharing – It’s not about the price tag, but the thought and love behind every gift. Small gestures often leave the biggest impact. 🔥 3. Warm Atmosphere – Lights, candles, and decorations bring magic and coziness to every home, transforming even the simplest spaces. 🍪 4. Delicious Food – Holiday treats, homemade cookies, and shared meals are more than just food – they bring people together. 💌 5. Gratitude – Christmas is the perfect time to reflect, appreciate the little things, and cherish the experiences of the past year. 🎶 6. Joy & Music – The sound of Christmas carols and festive tunes fills the air with happiness and nostalgia. ❄️ 7. Traditions – From decorating the tree to watching holiday movies, traditions ground us and make the season memorable. 🌟 8. Kindness – A simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and remind us all of the true spirit of the holidays. What’s your favorite part of the holiday season? 😊