In today's fast-paced and technologically advanced world, it is easy to feel disconnected from the magic that once surrounded us. The concept of magic itself may seem elusive and intangible, but in truth, it is all around us, waiting to be rediscovered. Magic can be found in the simple pleasures of life - in the warm embrace of a loved one, in the laughter of children, and in the beauty of nature. It is present in the small moments of everyday life, if we only take the time to notice. Unfortunately, as we grow older and burdened with responsibilities, we often lose sight of the enchantment that once filled our hearts. We become trapped in routines and obligations, leaving little room for the whimsical and extraordinary.
4. Swap stress for love and gratitude
Gifting free presents worked well because it felt good to really think about the person we were giving to and we also received some lovely thoughtful gifts ourselves too. With over 50 ideas to inspire your next thoughtful gesture it s sure to make you to feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing you re making somebody else s Christmas all the more special.
We become trapped in routines and obligations, leaving little room for the whimsical and extraordinary. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can bring back the magic into our lives.
Could it be magic? 6 ways to bring back the Christmas sparkle this year
Do you remember how wonderful Christmas felt when you were a child? I don’t know about you but come December, there was always a special kind of magic in the air: a feeling of wonder and anticipation. Every year I couldn’t wait for the Christmas decorations to come out of hibernation, to count down the days on my advent calendar and to play my (never-so-leading role!) in the nativity play. At school we’d gather unwanted gifts to give to patients at local hospitals and I’d go round nursing homes with my friends and sing Christmas carols to the old folks. Christmas was about giving, as well as enjoying precious time with family, laughing, playing games, eating far too much – and of course the joy of opening the goodies Santa had left in ours sacks and stockings.
As we get older, and the pressures of daily life take over, it’s not surprising that Christmas can lose its sparkle, especially if we find ourselves overwhelmed by to-do lists, exhausted by social obligations, and swept up in the commercial side of things. In fact according to the results of a survey*, Christmas is up there with divorce, moving house and changing jobs as the sixth most stressful life event. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here are our top tips for ensuring Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year!
1. Embrace the spirit of giving
Spread some love and joy by focusing on what you’re grateful for, and what you can give. If you look around, there are kindness opportunities every day and in any situation – writing a card, helping out a friend or carrying someone’s groceries. Here are some more great ideas for giving something back:
- donate a toy for underprivileged children
- take a bag of unwanted gifts or clothes to your local charity shop
- spend an hour in your local hospital talking to someone who doesn’t get any visitors
- help out a homeless shelter
- organise a charity Christmas collection
- volunteer your services at your local Christmas concert or Carol Service
- invite a neighbour who’s alone to join you for Christmas dinner
- start a “Pay-It-Forward” chain (for example by paying for a coffee for the person behind you in the queue at your local cafe) to spread some holiday cheer.
Need inspiration? Try out this ‘Acts of kindness generator’ created by Shari’s Berries. With over 50 ideas to inspire your next thoughtful gesture it’s sure to make you to feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing you’re making somebody else’s Christmas all the more special.
2. Keep it cheap – or free!
Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact you don’t necessarily have to spend any money at all! The Do What You Love team love the idea of a ‘free’ Christmas, and last year we only gave gifts which were:
- hand-made (like a scrapbook, a piece of furniture, or a wooden toy) although we were allowed to pay for materials/ingredients!
- second hand (like a vintage typewriter or sewing machine which we no longer used, or books which were gathering dust on our bookshelves or which were so brilliant we just had to pass on)
- items we had received and never used like a gift voucher, products that we got as part of a deal such as ‘buy one get one free’, or something we’d bought with a gift card we had previously received)
- we were available to give freely ourselves thanks to our personal skills/talents/businesses (i.e. a free e-course course, a healing or beauty treatment, a tarot card reading, a business mentoring session, or gardening/babysitting/DIY services)
- bought/acquired as a result of selling/trading online or at a car boot or mother and baby sale, for example.
Image credit: dotcomgiftshop
Gifting ‘free’ presents worked well because it felt good to really think about the person we were giving to and we also received some lovely thoughtful gifts ourselves too.
3. Bring back the traditions you loved
Remember those things you and your family did every Christmas without fail? Whether it was writing a letter to Santa, making snowflakes for the windows, baking gingerbread men, playing games after Christmas dinner, or leaving out a mince pie, carrot and glass of sherry on Christmas Eve… childhood traditions are precisely the things that make Christmas so special and unique. And it doesn’t matter if you don’t really have any traditions; it’s never too late to start new ones!
Need inspiration? Check out this article: 50 Christmas Traditions For Having Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (perfect for kids aged 1 to 92!)
4. Swap stress for love and gratitude
These days, whenever I start to feel anxious, overtired, or angry, that’s usually a trigger for me to slow down, take a breath and ask myself: “Am I thinking and acting out of fear and stress, or am I thinking and acting in a state of love and gratitude?” I challenge you to try it.
5. Keep it fun and festive
If you want to fully experience the Christmas magic, you have to embrace the festivities (yep, I’m wearing my Christmas jumper and reindeer socks as I type!). Whether it’s filling your playlist with Christmas songs, watching some Christmas classics, organising Secret Santa at the office, or hosting an intimate gathering with friends and family, there are loads of ways that you can spread good cheer and ignite the festive spark in everyone around you too.
Image credit Kelly Hoppen
6. Do something different
As children, part of the reason why Christmas is so magical is because everything is new and exciting. We get swept up in the mystery of Christmas – the sights, the sounds, the smells and the atmosphere. Recapture that sense of wonder this year by visiting somewhere you have never been before or doing something you have never done. Depending on your budget you could head off to Lapland for the ultimate festive experience, visit a Christmas market in a location you have never visited before, try a festive activity such as ice skating, carol singing, going to a local panto, or baking Christmas treats. Trying something new and exciting this Christmas and we guarantee it will be one to remember.
Image credit: Next
* Results from a survey of over 3,000 people conducted by MemoriseThis.com – the UK’s largest on-line gift giving company.
These days, whenever I start to feel anxious, overtired, or angry, that’s usually a trigger for me to slow down, take a breath and ask myself: “Am I thinking and acting out of fear and stress, or am I thinking and acting in a state of love and gratitude?” I challenge you to try it.
We can choose to believe in the extraordinary and embrace the wonder that surrounds us. We can foster a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness, allowing ourselves to be fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. One way to bring back the magic is to reconnect with our inner child. Children possess a natural ability to see the world through innocent and awe-filled eyes. We should strive to regain this perspective and approach each day with a sense of wonder and excitement. Further, we can seek out experiences that ignite our sense of wonder. Exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and engaging in creative pursuits can all reignite the spark of magic within us. By expanding our horizons and stepping out of our comfort zones, we expose ourselves to new possibilities and rediscover the enchantment that lies in the unknown. Lastly, it is important to surround ourselves with people who believe in magic. Our relationships have a profound impact on our outlook on life. By cultivating connections with individuals who share our sense of wonder and appreciation for the extraordinary, we create an environment that nurtures the magic within us. In conclusion, bringing back the magic is a personal choice that requires a shift in perspective and mindset. It involves reconnecting with our inner child, seeking out new experiences, and surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals. By doing so, we can once again embrace the enchantment and magic that is present in the world around us..
Reviews for "The Magic of Creativity: Sparking Inspiration and Imagination in Everyday Life"
1. John - 2/5 - "Bring Back the Magic" was underwhelming for me. I was expecting a more exciting and thrilling storyline, but it fell flat. The characters lacked depth and the plot felt predictable. Overall, it didn't captivate my attention and left me disappointed.
2. Emily - 3/5 - While "Bring Back the Magic" had its moments, I found it to be a bit cliché. The magic system in the book felt unoriginal and overused. The writing was decent, but I struggled to connect with the characters and their motivations. It had potential, but it ultimately didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2.5/5 - "Bring Back the Magic" left me unimpressed. The pacing was slow, and the plot dragged on at times. I found it difficult to stay engaged and became easily distracted while reading. The dialogue felt forced, and the overall story lacked excitement. It simply didn't resonate with me as much as I had hoped.
4. Michael - 2/5 - I was disappointed by "Bring Back the Magic." The world-building was weak, and the magic system was poorly explained. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't leave a lasting impact on me.
5. Emma - 2.5/5 - I had high hopes for "Bring Back the Magic," but it failed to meet my expectations. The story felt predictable, and I anticipated most of the twists and turns. The pacing was inconsistent, with moments of excitement followed by long lulls. The writing style was mediocre, and I struggled to connect with the characters. It fell short of being a truly magical and enchanting read.