Christmas – it can be the most wonderful day of the year for all ages. During the challenges we have all faced over the last two years, I can certainly recall how Christmas last year, and now this year, has put back a skip in everyone’s step and bolstered waning morale.
Christmas means different things for different people.
First and foremost, the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I often engage with my young daughters about Jesus and his journey to birth, whether through chat or through the singing of different carols I was brought up on, “Little Donkey”, “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manager” to name a few. Watching the nativity plays this year, unexpected as it was, brought so much joy and festivity for all those watching and, of course, the children were swept up in their own entertainment. A taste of normality despite covid.
Whilst younger children run to the living room to see what Santa has brought them, adults enjoy the family togetherness and joy that Christmas brings. I am now of the age that I look back at previous Christmases’ where I was running down the stairs with my brother, ripping through the wonderful presents my parents bought me but the material gifts fade away leaving the dominating memory of having my, now passed, grandparents around me, laughing, sitting on their knees and enjoying the food around the mahogany dining room table. The warm feeling those memories bring. My father’s parents on Christmas day, my mother’s parents on boxing day. What wonderful memories I have.
Whilst most of us are enjoying Christmas, we must also recognise that some people find this a very difficult day, for many, many reasons. Look around you and discover those people and take a moment to make their Christmas. I know it is very difficult due to covid but having this in mind, think about how you could make someone’s Christmas. A batch of cakes or cookies, a tap on the door for a chat, a present or a homemade card from the children – little things to you could make the world to another person.
I can’t write this article without writing about the magic that Santa brings to millions of children all over the world! Santa Clause, Father Christmas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle – so many names! With his twinkling eyes, his dimples so merry, his bright pink cheeks, a nose like a cherry and not forgetting his little round belly! Surrounded by little elves busying their selves in creating all these wonderful toys for the children of the world. Watching the delight that Santa brings to so many children sweeps those around him into a world full of magic. The eyes of my daughters light up with stories of him riding the sky with his reindeer shouting “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”. Discussions on how he will get into our house: “Through the chimney or through the door with his magical key, mummy?” Spreading the magic oats in the garden for the reindeer and leaving Santa’s favourite tipple of Sherry and mince pie on Christmas Eve creates the excitement and magic for young and for old.
Christmas 2021 is moving closer. Take the time to have a well-deserved break from work, put your IPhones to the side and be in the moment. Enjoy any children opening their presents, absorb the happiness Christmas can bring, reminisce with others, think of those who brought us much happiness but who are not with us, reflect on Jesus and think of others in a time of need.
Let me leave you with some thoughts for the New Year and self-reflection.
Do not compare your life to others. There’s no comparison between the Sun and the Moon. They shine when it’s their time to shine.
Life is a circle of happiness, sadness, hard times and good times. If you are going through hard times, have faith that good times are on the way.
Have a wonderful Christmas. Live in the moment. Enjoy.
Alexandra Milton
Partner – Private Wealth
