As Christmas Approaches

I found last Christmas a little bit tough. It was all too close to my treatment, I was very much still feeling that, and my diagnosis was quite fresh, quite raw. 

My mortality was right there in my face. I was both grateful to be having a Christmas, and then wondering how many more I’d get. It was very much a Christmas of two halves in that way and mixed emotions. 

This year, I am all in. All In. 

I won’t be taking any of it for granted, and I’ll be grateful for that. 

For me, Christmas begins at the start of December, so I like to have everything organised before then so that I can relax and enjoy the season.

I’m looking forward to every moment, from trips out to decorations going up to writing cards to wrapping gifts. 

The kids are growing up and are no longer ‘believers’, but I’m all about still making everything fun and magical for them. 

We’ll keep those things going that we’ve done with them since they were little, so the elf will still arrive with their Advent calendars, there’ll be Christmas Eve stockings, there will be festive outings. 

I want to enjoy every moment, sing to All I Want For Christmas Is You every time I hear it (it’ll be loads of times, won’t it?) and watch Christmas film after Christmas film with the kids. My girl and I will laugh and cry over Love Actually, my son and I will watch his beloved Grinch and the Husband and I will continue our Christmas Eve tradition of watching It’s a Wonderful Life. There’ll be loads more Christmas films than this, we have so many that we love. 

I’ll read festive books, wear Christmas jumpers, play Christmas music and write Christmas letters. 

I’ll still be conscious of taking care of myself, body and mind, as that’s all ingrained now, but it’ll be less focused. I know I’ll eat stuff that’s not great for me, I know I’ll exercise a little less, though I do love a Christmas walk.

There are only a couple of non-negotiables for me that I just won’t eat or drink, but aside from that, I’ll just be eating whatever I want. I’m pretty good at eating intuitively now and being aware of what I need, and a mince pie can’t be refused at Christmas, can it?! 

I’ll be taking care of myself by slowing down, savouring the fun, playing games, sipping hot chocolates, reminiscing over years gone by and looking forward to many more. 

Bring on the mince pies, Wizzard and Clark Griswold, I am ready for you!

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