I was going to write a new Christmas newsletter but having re-read last years I think the sentiment is probably even more important this time around. Of all the news letters we produce our popular 'how to...' pieces get the best response so for our special Christmas edition we've asked Michael to write a how to get the best out of Christmas 2008. Here it is. Christmas! Some love it, others bare it, some just wish it to go away. I'm in the 'love it' category. A brilliant Christmas time won't happen by accident. It takes a bit of planning for the physical side but it's not the excess that makes Christmas brilliant its the mental preparation. 'Thoughts are things' is the classic quote from Napoleon Hill, the quality of your Christmas is going to be determined by the quality of your thinking. So here are my thoughts on what you may want to 'think' during this season. 1) Think about counting to ten more often. It's one of the oldest stress management techniques but also one of the most effective. To add a bit of festive fun why not add the word reindeer between each number? So before you scream, kick off or bite think about... One reindeer, two reindeer, three reindeer... 2) Think about brilliant presentation. Going the extra few inches with wrapping, table decoration, stocking fillers and surprises makes a massive difference. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression.
3) Think about what you are going to say when you call old relatives and friends. Make a list of five questions you'd like to ask them and five interesting pieces of news you'd like to share. You may be lucky and can pick up the phone and just chat, but why leave these lovely conversations to chance.
4) Think about making a contribution. There are more ways to give than ever, but here's a thought I used to share with people when I was a fundraiser. Making a donation should 'hurt' enough so you know you've made it but not enough so you wouldn't do it again.
5) Think about not drinking too much. Whooaa! Some of you may be shouting but there's an important reason which everyone should know most people enjoy a drink over the festive period, and why not? However, here’s a challenge for you. You will most likely want to change something, quit something or do more of something in the New Year. By making a decision to drink less (or it could be eat or something else) over the festive period you are starting to programme your mind for success in the new year. Think about it when it gets to January 1st and you are able to say, I know I can do this, after all I cut down on ‘x’ at Christmas.
6) Think about doing more stuff as a family. If you planned to have 4 meals together have five. If you were going to watch a couple of family movies cuddled up on the sofa then watch three. If you were going to go visiting people as a family once do it twice. It’s the most wonderful time to get together as a family – take it to next level of family fun.
7) Think about the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you are a Christian or not the reason for this celebration is the birth of Christ. Think about that for some time on 25th December, please. Wishing you a brilliant Christmas,
Michael
Edition 151 - 22nd December 2008 | 
