Hello
By: Jodie Myintoo Counsellor
Tags: Self Improvement, Divorce, Christmas, Selfcare Tips, Family

Hello

Well 2020 has been a HUGE year, I am sure you will agree.

Especially here in Victoria, which saw us in a position of lockdown for 6 months.

It’s taken quite a bit of adjustment in last 2 months. Many feeling they are trying to squash the previous 6 months into the 2 months.

So, Christmas for many is feeling a just tad too soon.

So no wonder there is confusement!

Christmas, well is it not meant to be a great, positive time of year, for everybody?

When I chatter within my whanau , it is this excitement, embracing the memory making that will occur.

But what I am also aware of is, how many people are unhappy and stressed to see Christmas at our doorstep.

So I would like to reflect...

Christmas means different things for different people.

Our family and friends I call them WHANAU, are the ultimate feature as a common focus, which is to me what the spirit of Christmas is.

But I am also very conscious that this time of year brings a lot of loneliness, heartbreak and sadness for many who aren’t with the people they love.

Many in 2020 said goodbye to loved ones, and in difficult positions with limits of how many could attend a funeral.

Many, will not see their children due to animosity, anger, volitility, and cruleness towards the other parent.

Many families are estranged for different reasons.

Many are vulnerable, alone without family or friends.

So Christmas does make it quite confusing, overwhelming and tedious to many.

THIS is where I would like to focus.

This time of year is just as precious, and important as say the middle of the year.

The 25th December is just as much a day as the 25th of March , or 25th of July...

I understand the concept of Christmas it's a celebration of Jesus being born.. but really it has turned about hyper consumerism.

So here is the profound truth...

If you love your family, your friends and let’s not forget our furbabies, then, Christmas shouldn’t just be this time, that we express these feelings, or kinship…

It should be all the time, we can be grateful, all the time of the year.

2020, certainly has had us reflect this in times we couldn’t see people we adore, where the unknown each day embraced our lives.

What I truly would like to express though, if you are missing someone, they can’t be here 25th December.

The 25th December, is a day.. as any other was 3 months ago…

You still love them, and they remain a precious, intriguet part of your life.

Their place in your heart remains the same, and that there is priceless.

So, PLEASE don't place the pressure on yourself and be reminded that 25th December is as any day in the year, we can be thankful, grateful, kind, thoughtful, generous, empathetic, appreciative, delighted in every day of the year.

Please, don’t feel the need to break the bank account, truly it is about presence, we don’t need this to be about the presents... but more about presence with yourself and those around you.

THIS tinsel, mistletoe, dreaming of that white Christmas, candy cane confusion is but a day...

A day yes, that we may celebrate, but everyday should be a celebration to life...

Having said that, let’s look out for those within the community you may know t hat don’t have family, may not celebrate this Christian festivity, but we can show this is about acceptance, kindness, empathy, a celebration that life is precious.

So, to single patents, PLEASE be mindful with this in your heart and mind. Differences need to be put aside for the LOVE of your child/children.

They are the ones excited about this tinsel, candy cane, the big fella in the red and white suit.

They are the ones who deserve the peaceful transition from one home to another, to see grandparents, auntie, uncles, cousion, and of course the other parent.

It is the season to put some well thought reason into attitude, focus, and what matters...

Look out for those you love, every day. And look out for yourself, every day..

Here’s to you all, as this year 2020 begins to close.