What do you most like about Christmas? The presents? Is it the joy and unexpected delight of unwrapping a beautifully bound box to discover that long-awaited special something or that carefully planned surprise?
And what is it that you dread most about Christmas? The presents? The burden of debt, the endless hours spent battling crowds, that incredibly awkward moment when Aunt Florence gives you another toaster for you to take to St. Vinnies after the holidays?
Sure, spending money on gifts and giving presents is a big part of the Christmas festivities, but so often it fails to live up to expectations (except of course for the kids who hang out for this day from 26 December the previous year).
Last year, a survey commissioned by eBay estimated almost AUD $1 billion was shelled out on unwanted Christmas gifts in Australia (Note to self: don’t buy scented candles, novelty neckties or foot spas for Christmas presents as these items top the list of most common unwanted gifts).
Psychologists tell us that the things we remember from childhood are those associated with high emotion
But what if, this year, we could shift the focus from Christmas presents, to Christmas presence?
Throughout our ‘Last Word’ columns this year, we’ve spoken of the benefits to your business of being in the now, seizing the moment – being ‘present’.
By consciously dealing with decisions as they arise, we take control rather than let life ‘just happen’. Taking the time to clarify and simplify business goals, moves the focus away from what the competition is doing and back to the development of our own potential. Deliberately harnessing our thoughts and countering the random, negative voices in our heads with positive ones, allows us to muster energy and stay on target, no matter what.
Living our personal lives and conducting our businesses ‘in the now’ or ‘in the present’ requires us to focus on the tasks and people immediately before us. It requires a commitment, for example, to take the time to explain the results of that eye exam to the person (i.e. the patient) standing in front of you, instead of mentally moving onto the next person.
In the same way, we owe it to ourselves and those around us to be ‘fully present’ with our friends and families at Christmas.
Psychologists tell us that the things we remember from childhood are those associated with high emotion. It is not so much the Christmas toy we remember, it is the emotion surrounding the experience that marked it as special. It’s the presence of people in our lives at this time of year, not the presents.
So, how can we be more present with people, instead of thinking about the Boxing Day Test at Christmas?
In conversation, listen to what is being said rather than thinking about your response. When someone speaks, pay attention.
If you’re with your family and friends, be fully involved, instead of letting your mind wander.
Being in the present, the now, living in the moment, makes you feel more alive and helps you enjoy that moment so much more.
When you are in the moment, you are giving the gift of your presence. That’s priceless. It’s a gift that won’t end up listed on eBay on Boxing Day.