What I want for Christmas this year

This week has been odd.

I’ve suffered with anxiety, comparisonitis and self-doubt, but, I have also had a week where I’ve been showering myself with love, reassuring myself and having moments of unbelievable clarity and gratitude. It’s been a whirlwind.

It’s possible to feel it all at once and that’s okay! It’s still safe.

This is part of the reason I’ve been later and later with my blog posts- the self-doubt especially!

However, this is not what I came to talk about. What I want to talk about today is what I want for Christmas.

Any family and friends not sure what to give me (assuming you want to give me anything, you don’t have to by the way) read on.

I’d love;

🎁 A long FaceTime/ phone call catch up if you’re distant.

🎁 A long actual catch up if you’re near.

🎁 A cuddle.

🎁 An offer to just listen when I am sad, or just sit with me.

🎁 A celebration when I am happy.

🎁 A mutual song and dance around the tree.

Do you notice a trend?

These are some of the most important things in the world to me and none of them cost a penny. I’ve spent too many years worrying myself sick about how I’d be able to buy certain people certain things, about how other people are able to give more and all that jazz. I’ve even avoided people before because I’ve felt like a failure that I couldn’t buy them anything.

If only I had valued myself highly enough to realise that, for my loved ones, my time, love and attention is the gift.

Wow!

What a revelation to me that has been! – I am a gift! 🎁

I mean buying presents is great and all, when you can afford to, but have you ever heard of just being there at Christmas regardless of giving or receiving presents? Have you ever realised your presence is more than enough for those who love you?

Imagine a Christmas where you just enjoy the company of loved ones in what ever form it comes… That is my type of Christmas.

As Cindy Lou Who reminded us in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas is not only about the presents. Her dad even says “I’m glad he took our presents. You can’t hurt Christmas, Mr. Mayor, because it isn’t about the… the gifts or the contest or the fancy lights. That’s what Cindy’s been trying to tell everyone… and me. I don’t need anything more for Christmas than this right here: my family.”

Goodness, the Grinch literally stole all the presents and trees and his heart STILL grew three sizes because he let love and Christmas spirit into his heart! (disclaimer: this is not an invite to steal presents or trees, rather to not worry if you can’t afford them)

So this year, rather than making yourself penniless with all the extra last-minute presents, how about giving someone some of your time instead?

I know that I am going to be FaceTiming my family, smooching G and cuddling my friends this year, how about you?