Christmas is almost here — can you feel it? Most of us are probably already busy finishing our Christmas shopping, attending pre-Christmas parties and gatherings, preparing our homes for family reunions and get-togethers with friends, and other things that are associated with the holiday season.
In the midst of everything though — all the stress, hustle and bustle of it all — many of us tend to forget to take time to slow down and really remember what the holidays are truly about.
In fact, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the word “holiday” is Middle English in origin, “from Old English hāligdæg, from hālig holy + dæg day.”
In addition, Wikipedia states: “The word originally referred only to special religious days. In modern use, it means any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school.”
Thus, this holiday season, let’s try to set aside some time, not just for “rest or relaxation,” but also to see what we can do to be better persons for the New Year ahead.
A wise Chinese proverb attributed to Lao Tzu states, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” To make the “journey to a better you” seem easier and more “do-able,” we’ve broken down the things you can do on a day-to-day basis. So take it easy, and focus on each day as it comes. By the time the New Year rolls around, you’ll be surprised at how “changed” you’ve become!
Day 1 (December 16)
“I will wake up early and attend the Misa de Gallo with my husband and/or kids (and continue doing so until Christmas).”
Bringing your kids would depend on your family situation — of course, it would be ideal to go to Mass as a complete family! (Tip: If you can’t bring yourself to wake up that early, there are usually anticipated Masses starting December 15 — check with your local parish office.)
If you’re not a Catholic, you can replace attending the Misa de Gallo with an allocated time spent in prayer or some form of meditation. It will help keep you “centered” for the hectic days ahead!
(Related story: 2012 Simbang Gabi Mass Schedules in Key Metro Cities)
[previous|page|next]
Day 2 (December 17)
“I will sincerely and wholeheartedly compliment at least three persons I meet today."
Being nice to others shouldn’t be something we do only during the Christmas season, but every day. Of course, the holidays are a great time to start doing so.
When you tell others what you appreciate about them, you will learn to see the good in people. That’s an admirable trait that will help steer you during difficult times in life.
Day 3 (December 18)
“I will call one person I have lost touch with over the years and ask how he/she is.”
The holidays are a great “excuse” to reconnect with people who’ve had a special place in your life, but whom you haven’t talked to in a long time. It could be an old high school classmate, your childhood best friend, your favorite teacher — or maybe even an estranged family member.
Tip: Before doing this, take time to prepare yourself for any scenario, as you never know how that person will react to your reaching out to him or her — it could be negatively or positively. Whatever happens though, believe that the step you took is a good thing for you to do.
Day 4 (December 19)
“I will tell my spouse how much I appreciate who he/she is and what he/she does for our family.”
During the crazy holiday season, we may get so wrapped up in preparations and activities that we end up being stressed and unappreciative of the people around us. More often than not, it’s our spouses who end up becoming our “punching bag” when things go out of control.
Instead of putting our partners down, let’s “lift them up” with the words we say. Of course, everything we say (and do!) should come from our hearts! This is an excellent habit to form, so why not start this Christmas season?
Day 5 (December 20)
“I will hug my children more and be less harsh on them.”
More than the presents we plan to give our kids this Christmas, let’s focus on giving them the gift of our touch.
According to an online document published by the University of Wisconsin, “Everyday touching—physical contact with others—is valuable and a critical component of healthy development for all children. Touch is important for building healthy attachments to parents and other caregivers. Healthy attachment is important for learning how to relate to others.”
So what are you waiting for? Reach out and touch your child today — hugs are a great way to start!
Tip: If you’re looking for more creative ways to spend time with your kids, you may want to check out the related article “12 Days to Christmas” for ideas.
[previous|page|next]
Day 6 (December 21)
“I will eat healthier by having more fruits and vegetables today.”
Let’s face it—whether we like it or not—eating healthy is part of living a better, richer life. A healthier diet means we may live longer and could be less prone to disease, which means we can do more for our families, especially our kids.
Don’t be overwhelmed though — just start by eating more healthy things today. Fruits and vegetables are your best bet. (If you’re not fond of veggies, try making a mixed fruit and vegetable shake — there are lots of recipes available online!)
Day 7 (December 22)
“I will go for a walk with my family today.”
A healthier lifestyle means getting more regular exercise. If you’re not used to intentionally burning calories, start by just taking a walk around your village or somewhere else that suits you.
Doing this with the people you love will make the “task” easier and more pleasurable to do — plus make for wonderful bonding opportunities and quality time!
Day 8 (December 23)
“I will slow down today and reflect on what Christmas means to me.”
December 23 falls on a Sunday this year and it would be a great time to think about what you think and feel about Christmas—the main reason behind all the holiday “hullabaloo.”
If you’re a Christian/Catholic, this would be the best time to remember that Jesus’ birthday is the “main event” of the holidays. Perhaps you could plan a simple birthday party for Jesus with your kids, or commit to attending the Christmas vigil mass or service on Christmas eve as an “offering” to Him (this is especially significant if you don’t usually do this in the first place).
Whatever you do this day, try your best to see the deeper meaning behind the holidays—it’s something that you will learn to treasure even way beyond December.
Day 9 (December 24)
“I will tell my parents that I love them.”
When we already have our own families, there can be a tendency to “forget” our elderly parents (and even those who have already passed on). Christmas is the best time to show our parents how much we love and appreciate them, regardless of any hitches that are normally present in parent-child relationships.
Remembering our parents is a way for us to also go back to our roots, to cherish our childhood, and to build connections between generations (our parents and our children).
Even if one or both of your parents are already deceased, you should take the time to honor their memories—visit their graves with your kids and say a special prayer for them. (Yes, we can do this even if it’s not All Souls’ Day.)
[previous|page|next]
Day 10 (December 25)
“I will celebrate the gift of life today.”
December 25 marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and even if you’re not a Christian, it is still a special day to spend with those whom you love the most.
Today, be grateful for the gift of life that you have been given—that of your own life and of the lives of your spouse, children and other loved ones.
If you’re a Catholic/Christian, be thankful, too, that God has given us a “second lease” on life—by sending Jesus, His only Son, into the world to save us from our sins.
Even if you’ll be busy this day with Christmas reunions and other activities, take time to attend Holy Mass or a worship service, and be connected with God and other people who share the same faith as you.
At home, after all the activities of the day, you could have a simple cake-blowing ceremony for the Baby Jesus (complete with the singing of the “Happy Birthday” song) before you exchange gifts. Say a family prayer together after the gift-giving, and encourage every family member to say what they are grateful for.
Taking the time to “celebrate the gift of life” is something we should do every day, not just at Christmas. It helps us see that life is precious and has meaning and purpose, even on days when it doesn’t seem so.
Day 11 (December 26)
“I will share my blessings with someone in need today.”
For Catholics, the Christmas season is actually 12 days long, all the way up to the Feast of the Three Kings. What better way to celebrate the second day of Christmas than by giving to those in need?
You could do something as simple as preparing sandwiches or snacks to give away to street children you may encounter during the day. Or perhaps you could visit an orphanage or children’s ward with simple gifts for the children there.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you involve your children, too, so that they will learn to be generous early on. Remember, cultivating a generous heart will help make you a kinder, more compassionate human being.
Day 12 (December 27)
“I will do something that’s good for the environment today.”
Being a better person means one should also be more environmentally conscious and earth-friendly. If you haven’t taken simple steps to be so (such as practicing the “3 R’s” - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), make a conscious effort to do so starting today.
When we are intentional about the things we do to help conserve the environment, it means we are taking the step to becoming better citizens of this planet.
[previous|page|next]
Day 13 (December 28)
“I will seek and grant forgiveness today.”
The New Year usually means “new beginnings” in our lives. Since it’s only a few days away, it may be the best time to think about the people whom we have hurt and those who have hurt us, and to forgive and be forgiven. After all, who would want to start the year with grudges and resentments weighing us down?
If asking for or seeking forgiveness in person is something that you find difficult to do, you could try writing a letter instead. At least, it’s a start.
Well-known Catholic lay preacher Bo Sanchez said it best: “Forgiveness is first of all a gift you give yourself… When you forgive, you bless your future. When you forgive someone, you also offer healing to that person. Whether he accepts it or not is not your concern. And by some magic, you don’t only heal yourself and the other person; you also heal all your loved ones. Forgiveness heals everyone in your life.”
So forgive and be forgiven today. It’s all part of the “better” you!
Day 14 (December 29)
“I will take charge of my financial future today — first, by educating myself.”
As the year ends, we need to look at another aspect of our lives that is very important but sometimes neglected — our finances. Start the New Year right and be an improved version of yourself by taking the first steps to becoming financially literate.
For starters, you may want to read the finance articles on smartparenting.com.ph:
Four Ways to Build Your Family’s Financial Foundation
Choosing the Best Financial Arrangement for Your Home
Managing Your Finances: Good Spending and Budgeting Habits
When Debt Becomes Too Much: Keeping Check of Your Finances
10 Money-Saving Strategies from Real Dads
Goal for It: Make Your First Investment
Credit Card 101
Day 15 (December 30)
“I will write down my goals for the next year, and include my family, too.”
Writing down our goals or “life dreams” will help us focus on what needs to be done during the coming year. Make sure that you break down your long-term goals into short-term ones (e.g. monthly goals) so that they seem more achievable. The article New and Improved Mom: 8 Resolutions for the New Year may help you in deciding on what your goals are.
For your family, you may want to consider crafting a family vision and mission statement.
(Related articles: Family Vision Statement: Why Do We Need One? and How to Map Out Your Family’s Mission Statement)
Day 16 (December 31)
“I will welcome the New Year with a joyful and grateful heart.”
This is it — the last day of your 16-day “journey” to a better you! But actually, when you think about it, it’s only the beginning.
If you’ve done all the sixteen steps mentioned in this article, today’s the day to look back and see the changes that have happened in your life. They may seem small to you, perhaps even insignificant, but if you keep at it, you’ll find that you have indeed grown as a person, and have become an improved version of yourself.
So as you welcome the New Year, do so with joy and gratitude in your heart, knowing that you have done your best to be a better person, spouse, parent, child and friend.
Sources:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holiday
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday
http://parenting.uwex.edu/parenting-the-preschooler/documents/Importance%20of%20Touch.pdf
http://bosanchez.ph/the-only-thing-that-can-heal-your-emotional-wounds/
Image from cecinsider.exbdblogs.com
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
