Merry Christmas everyone. It’s that time of year again when we are in amongst tinsel, trees and merry music. Santa is due very soon and speaking to friends, family and colleagues, it’s all go, go, go and will be to the final moments before the crazy on the 25th December begins.
The build up to the big day is incredible, whether you are a last minute shopper or have been organised for months, the gift wrapping will need to commence at some point. Before the madness of the unwrapping takes over.
Wrap the gifts
What kind of wrapper are you? Do you wrap everything in paper or do you prefer not to wrap and put all the gifts into a bag instead? Do you use a lot of Sellotape and ensure it is tricky to get into? Do you attach bows or ribbons? Or do you like to keep it simple? Or are you someone who really puts love and time into each gift you wrap?
When you are wrapping your gifts, are you aware of what you are doing? Do you notice each fold you make or each ribbon you tie or stick on? Really be mindful of all you do as you are doing it. Notice how you wrap, put love into it, is the paper you use thick or thin? Does it make you smile as you think of the individual unwrapping it? Take your time, go slowly as you tie the ribbons or write the gift labels.
Put love into your gift wrapping and be fully aware of what you are doing. Notice.
Unwrapping
On Christmas Day, as you unwrap your gifts and watch your partner or kids or other family members unwrap theirs, take your time and notice.
Usually, everyone is unwrapping or tearing open gifts, determined to get to what is inside. Then once opened, it’s onto the next one and so on. Only once all have been unwrapped do we pay attention to what we have been gifted.
To open your gifts mindfully or to watch others open theirs here is what you can do:
- Go slow – no need to rush. You will get to the gift. Pay attention to how the paper feels, notice the pattern, look at how it has been carefully folded with the Sellotape added to secure the folds in place. Enjoy each second of the anticipation.
- Watch others – notice how they unwrap the gift. Do they go slow, do they tear it open, do they admire the paper. You aren’t there to judge them, simply just to notice what they are doing and how they get to view their gift.
- Notice your emotions – as you unwrap the gifts, are you excited to see what lies beneath the paper? Do feel anxious to open it? Are you happy to tear the paper off? Does it bring a tear to your eye as you unwrap a gift from your child or relatives? Feel each emotion and enjoy it. It is lovely to unwrap gifts and see the thought that went into getting you a meaningful gift.
- Notice each of your senses – does the paper feel soft or rough? Are there ribbons? If so what colour are they? How does the carpet or flooring feel beneath you if you are sitting on the ground? Cold, hard, soft, warm? Or if on a sofa, is it soft or fluffy, or smooth? Are there any smells? Perhaps there is a reed diffuser? Is it a smell you associate with Christmas such as cinnamon? Are you eating or drinking anything as you unwrap the gifts? What do you see as you look around – your loved ones opening gifts, are they smiling? Laughing? Crying with happiness? What else do you notice in the room? Paper piling up as the gifts shed there outer layers. Finally, what about sound? Listen as the paper is ripped off, as people laugh and squeal with excitement as they unveil their gifts.
As you can see whether you are gift wrapping or unwrapping gifts, really pay attention and notice it all. This time of year goes so fast, so try and enjoy each and every moment. Take your time and saviour it. Before you know it, the time will be over and we will be heading into spring.
Have a wonderful Christmas whatever you are doing, enjoy it all and be mindful as you go about your gift wrapping and unwrapping. Feel the love of the gifts and all those around.
Take care, look after you and Merry Christimas.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 