by Donna Ashworth
THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU DON’T NEED THIS CHRISTMAS
(but if you want them, you do you)…
You don’t need matching pyjamas
You don’t need a perfect winter wonderland house
You don’t need a sofa full of gifts
You don’t need a Michelin star Christmas dinner
You don’t need to be the perfect hostess
You don’t need to be ‘party dress ready’
You don’t need to go onto debt to prove your worth, your love, your friendship or your parental abilities.
Here are some things you do need…
You do need to give yourself a break
You do need to remember it’s a ‘holiday’ – for you too
You do need to stop social-media comparing (it’s all vastly exaggerated)
You do need to realise your time is worth more than a gift bought from a shop
You do need to breathe through the madness and repeat to yourself ‘peace, love, goodwill.’
And lastly, you do need to know that your kids, your family or your friends will not remember the perfection or the money spent.
It’s a fact.
When they look back, they will recall the terrible jokes from the bad crackers, the time the turkey burned and you all ate cheese sandwiches and the feelings of warmth, happiness, love and togetherness you gave them, with your open heart and your open home.
And none of that will come from you rushing around the shops with impossible lists and a very bad headache.
So, as the month unfurls make this list the one you stick to and let the rest flow.
Spend time, be present and open up your heart to the season of goodwill.
Just as you are.
Donna Ashworth
I, Capricious 