5 Things to Reflect on this Christmas

It is that time of year when many of us are winding down to take time out for the Christmas and New Year period. Spending time with family and loved ones, eating, drinking, and being merry, whilst depleting our bank accounts of significant sums of money.

Whilst we are partaking in all these festivities, it is worth taking some time out to pause and reflect on what it’s all about.  And whilst you are doing this, here are 5 things that are worth reflecting on.

1. Remember the reason for the season

The reason why we celebrate Christmas is fast becoming unknown to many. The message has become diluted and, in many cases, lost as it becomes more about consumerism. For many children, all they see Christmas as is a time to get things. They get lots of presents, many of which get used once, and then are forgotten about in the year ahead.

Even if you are not a Christian or don’t believe in Jesus, it is worth taking some time to reflect on some of the things the message behind the Christmas story signifies. Namely, love, hope, peace and joy. 

If we all lived these virtues and expressed them to each other, what a better world it would be. How do they show up in your life? How do you express them beyond your immediate family and friends? All it takes is a shift in our thinking for us to express love, peace, joy and hope to everyone. Imagine what it would be like if we did. There would be no need for DEI strategies and agendas.

2. A moment on the lips… a lifetime on the hips

It is said that the average person consumes an extra 6000 calories on Christmas Day. That’s three times the average daily amount for women. And it’s not just Christmas Day, for many of us, it’s the whole period between Christmas and New Year. We overindulge in unhealthy food and consume lots of alcohol, gaining a moment’s pleasure and paying the price for it in the New Year.

The health and fitness industry loves this time of year because they know that come January, their centres are going to be bursting at the seams and ringing in the money. With a 40% increase in gym membership at this time of year, is it any wonder why it’s the best time of year for the industry?

Unfortunately, many of us start the new year pumped up to work off that excess but don’t last beyond the first few weeks. So, before you pop another mince pie into your mouth on top of an already stuffed stomach, remind yourself that a moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying don’t indulge (I too will be indulging over the festive period), but be mindful of overindulging and having to face the consequences of doing so.

3. Spending what we don’t have

According to Nationwide Bank, over 60% of Gen Zs felt pressured to spend beyond their means to meet expectations, followed closely by 60% of Millennials. They reported that  33% of Britons planned to borrow money to buy Christmas presents. For many, spending what they don’t have and sinking further into debt is something they will bear the consequences of in the New Year.

In our quest for bigger… better… more… many people constantly strive for what they can’t afford.  Our possessions become more infused with our identities and who we are. But we are so much more than the things we possess.

4. Reach out to someone who is lonely

Loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health. Research suggests that lacking social connection can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Social networks and friendships not only have an impact on reducing the risk of mortality or developing certain diseases, but they also help individuals to recover when they do fall ill.

Whilst there are some who prefer to be on their own at Christmas, there are many who don’t. For them, the only reason why they spend it on their own is because they have no one to spend it with. If you know someone who is going to be on their own this Christmas, why not extend an invite and set another place at the table for them.

And don’t just make this something you do once a year, throughout the year, think about those who are on their own, lonely and feeling isolated, and what it is that you can do for them.

NB: Don’t mistake wanting to have alone time (e.g. when introverts want to be alone when needing to recharge) with loneliness.

5. Enjoy yourself

For some people, this time of year can be stressful. With busy, demanding jobs, organising Christmas and all it entails, can take the enjoyment out of it. The pressure some people put on themselves trying to please everyone can take its toll. Putting in place personal boundaries and taking that extra pressure off yourself will give you the freedom to have some fun and enjoy this time of year.

Over the next few days, spend some quality ‘me’ time, reflecting and reviewing the year that has gone and preparing yourself to embrace the year ahead.

To those of you who celebrate it, I wish you a Merry Christmas. To those of you who don’t, however you spend the next couple of weeks, I wish you all the best. And to all of you, I wish you peace, joy, love and hope throughout the Christmas season and the year ahead.

See you in the new year.

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On the podcast I was joined by my good friend Hira Ali to talk about all things allyship. We discussed the importance of allyship for introverts and how intersectionality shapes allyship, actionable tips for creating inclusive environments, and why owning your identity is key to fostering confidence and authenticity, and more. Click above to listen to our conversation.

About Me

I am an Executive, Career and Leadership Coach specialising in introverted women who are senior leaders. Through my work, I have helped 1000s of women across the globe to increase their confidence, influence and impact as leaders, and overcome imposter syndrome, increase their executive presence, improve speaking performance in meetings, get a promotion, and much more.

If you are an introverted woman and a senior leader and want to increase your confidence, influence and impact, take my free assessment and get a report identifying areas to develop. You can take the assessment here.

I speak in organisations on a variety of topics related to career, leadership, and personal development, as well as belonging, psychological safety, and inclusion. If you would like to enquire about me speaking at your organisation, contact me here.