Sleeve Notes
Do you love Christmas and find others close to you don't?
What can you do to find compromise?
After all, Christmas is the time for giving...isn't it?
The Christmas Lovers Coaching Gift List (to help those who don't)
Find out...What does Christmas mean to those closest to you?
Tell them...What it means to you.
Consider...What impact (if any) this may have on your Christmas celebrations with them?
Find out...What you can do (no matter how small) to help them through this time?
Get creative...What can you do differently this year to help everyone feel included?
Be kind...What will you do to make sure no one is singled out for their dislike of Christmas. I call this 'The Scrooge Syndrome'.
Self Care...Who is supporting you? Especially if you are 'expected' to be 'Head of Christmas' this year!
Gifting...Alcohol and Food can be an easier option for a gift at Christmas. Have you considered if the recipient drinks alcohol or has any allergies for example.
What can you do to find out if your gift is appropriate and not being wasted?
Things you could stop yourself saying or doing...
Making assumptions about why others don't like Christmas. (If you've asked what's important to them a while a go, you won't be making any assumptions).
Making others explain why they don't like Christmas. (Making 'an example' of them is likely to drive them further away).
Forcing people to be cheerful because it's Christmas. (For every person that finds Christmas joyous, there is another who feels very isolated, even in a crowd of people).
Forcing people to join in everything you have planned. (Don't take it personally. Maybe they need a break. You are probably going to want one too!).
Playing the same old Christmas music. (Try something calming and maybe instrumental to reduce the saccharine and predictability a bit!).
Avoid monitoring others eating. (Again, don't take it personally. It's not your cooking (typically!). Remember, they are a guest (even if they are family), so treat them as such.
Here is a thought from mind.org.uk
"I would like Christmas to be a time of giving, care, love and attention, to really listen to someone who needs to be heard.
To empathise and try to understand that we are unique and our basic needs are met through understanding, showing compassion for someone who is hurting."
The Download
For you Christmas lovers out there, to pick up on the words above...
Giving
Care
Love
Attention
What do these words actually mean for the people who don't like or find Christmas difficult?
Spending a little time & thought on your Christmas guests will hopefully provide a memorable Christmas for all of you.
Part 2 next week - The Christmas Opposers Story.
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