IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT

LOLADE OLU-OJEGBEJE

Just this morning, my friend woke up to tell me this is the first time Christmas actually smells’ in the air. This ‘smell’ is one that very many people refer to when they mean the usual harmattan that comes before the festive period of Christmas. However, whether you can smell Christmas or not, Christmas is here! Naturally, the period of Christmas comes with joy and a lot of bonding with friends and families. As a result of the significance of Christmas, here are some things you should know about the season.
Be Prudent: It is often said that January is about a hundred days. This is largely because people are so involved in so many things at the beginning of the year, while many others complain of lack of funds. Why is this common in January? This is because so many people have spent so much beyond their means during the festive period. Christmas comes with a lot of responsibility as well as spending. It is therefore important to preach prudence during this period. Cut cost as much as you can. You do not want to spend the entire year’s savings on Christmas and then go broke in the New Year. Spend wisely.
Spread love: The reason for Christmas is love therefore, the season naturally comes with loads of love. However, as much as love is in the air, some people somewhere cannot even perceive it. You may be surprised that some people do not have the hope of feeding, not to talk of putting on new clothes for Christmas. It is that bad. Therefore, rather than waste money on things you do not necessarily need, you can use those funds to buy gifts for those in need. You have experienced love, share it too.
Eat well and Rest well: Christmas comes with a lot of responsibilities. You will therefore have a lot of ‘to-do’ lists. However, do not deprive yourself of enjoying the goodness that comes with the season. Eat well and make sure to rest as well. You may want to eat out if you feel cooking will be too stressful for you. You may also choose to eat dinner with friends. Whichever works for you, make sure to eat well and create time to rest too.
Reflect on your mistakes: As much as you are planning ahead for Christmas, plan for the coming year also. Surely, you may have had plans for the present year which may have failed. This season is an opportunity to reflect on your mistakes and make corrections. Do not wait till the New Year before you begin to do the needful.
Plan towards the New Year. As you reflect on your mistakes, plan ahead for New Year. Do not wait until the New Year before you start making your resolutions. Make them now. The reason many resolutions fail is because most people feel pressured to adapt to new habits during the New Year that they give up all together. You can start making those resolutions now. That way, adapting to your new habits will be very easy.
Enjoy the Period: Finally, Christmas comes with a lot of memories so don’t get lost in activities. Take time to take deep breaths, enjoy every sweet smell, savour every taste, enjoy every meal and relax in the comfort of family and friends. Take a lot of pictures also, you will need them later. Enjoy every moment. Merry Christmas in advance!