IT is a rare occasion that a weekly columnist has the opportunity to wish a whole country Happy Holidays on the actual day of the holiday. I hope that everyone who is celebrating is having the day they wanted to manifest and one which lived up to their desired expectations, one that I truly believe we all deserve.

While I’m aware we do not all celebrate this holiday, I feel it is still a special time when people are generally nicer and feel a little more relaxed.

Christmas Day has always been my second favourite day of the year (a close second to my birthday). Most importantly, how I feel about it and what I enjoy the most have evolved and grown as I have over the years. When I was a child, nothing made me happier than to see the gifts pile up under the tree, like most, I’m sure. Now, I get less than a quarter of the presents I once did, but the same excitement comes from the simplest of things. I feel genuinely happy when I hear my sister sing her favourite carols, I feel instant joy when I see Christmas decorations and I get almost too excited when I smell Pepperpot and Christmas cookies.

As we age, we start to realise what is truly important and it is almost always the little things and the people in our lives. For the lucky ones, family traditions come out at Christmas. Whether it is opening presents while eating breakfast together, watching ‘Home Alone’ or carolling together, family traditions unite all generations and create memories that strengthen the family unit. This tends to happen as most people are in a better mood during this holiday season. I am certain that I smile and laugh more at Christmas than at any other time of the year. This is great as my research shows that a good, hearty laugh lowers blood pressure and stress while increasing mood and general immune system functioning.

The season also encourages socialisation. We actually see most of our friends and family face to face rather than on a screen.

I also love Christmas as it keeps me in the now. Very often, when I’m out having a good time, I tend to think of what I have to do or what I could or should be doing. I notice that I do not feel that way during the holidays; I enjoy my time off, every conversation and the present moment- and you can too!

As importantly, Christmas encourages generosity, gratitude, kindness and forgiveness. You do not have to conduct scientific studies to derive the conclusion that giving and receiving gifts come with an emotional high. Even if we forget receiving for a second, the selfless act of giving strongly correlates with happiness and has overpowering benefits. We all know that feeling of giving someone special a gift that we know they will love. I believe that money cannot buy happiness unless you spend it on other people. Kindness and giving are contagious. When we give, we aren’t only giving to the immediate recipient, but we are creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity that may reach even hundreds of other people whom we have not yet met. I also love Christmas because I know charity increases during this period. Be a part of that chain!

I believe that we all want to feel happy, loved and at peace and what better time to push for that than now, when the feelings of joy and appreciation are almost everywhere we look – the decorations, the joyful words and the songs streaming through our radios and television. Do your best to remain positive and hopeful today as of all days, today is one to believe in miracles.

I would also like to acknowledge those suffering from mental health issues and are not in the ‘Christmas Spirit’ today. As much as I love the holidays, I am aware of the added stress, pressure and overindulgence that may negatively influence many.

If you feel this way, I want you to know that you’re not alone and I hope this piece can provide some sort of relief and maybe even joy.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Thanking you for reading.