We are in the pre-Christmas period, the time of reflection and enjoyment. Words that in all likelihood do not match reality, because most of the time it looks quite different. In addition to the normal everyday life, the Christmas to-do list comes on top of it and thus the illusion, a Christmas full of energy, moves into the far distance. It feels more like a marathon through twinkling lights, gingerbread and wrapping paper, which has most likely the consequence on Christmas Eve to fall asleep exhausted. How should it be possible to follow the tips to enjoy the pre-Christmas season after all? The good news is - it's possible.

How, we now do together step by step. This begins with looking at the Christmas list and asking yourself, what of it is fun for me and what of it is pure fulfillment of external expectations? For now, just let this realization set, because the thought alone to shorten the list afterwards is not enough to change anything. The inner manager working off the Christmas list is focused on a perfect Christmas, and the mere idea of shortening it will not dissuade him. It's like telling a fireman who is putting out a fire that he only needs to put out half of it. That sounds just as absurd to him.

What we need to make the time and list efficient and satisfied is a feeling. Because feelings are impulses and thus signals or the motor for change. I only change something when the driving force in the whole is a feeling.

Therefore, the Christmas season is a good choice to enjoy consciously, because it offers so much pleasure, cookies, mulled wine, Christmas shopping, to the cozy Christmas coffee with the girlfriend. However, and this is the challenge, the usual everyday life is still at the same time. This means that those who know how to enjoy themselves during this time are also equipped to create structure and space for the rest of the year.

How do I reach the point that my feeling causes a change?

Step 1: It starts, in your own world, with the question, "what is good for me, what do I need"? Not what is hip or what is good for your friend? It is only about what is good for you. Start on a small scale with the 5 senses. What do I like to smell, see, taste, feel and hear and consciously integrate this into your day, like small islands, small rituals. This gives you distance and pulls you out of the speed rush of everyday life.

Step 2: Once you know who and what is good for you, you know what and who you want to create space for. It is equally important to know what is not good for you? Because that costs a lot of energy and is far too often translated into the belief of "having to meet expectations." Certainly there are unavoidable, but avoidable should have no reason to be repeated.

Step 3: Now you know what is good for you, but you don't implement it yet? Why is that? Then you are still in your head and have not yet internalized the desire. You can do this with the following question: "Do I allow myself to do good"? What thoughts come up? Common answers are: "There is no time for that, it is unnecessary". Now it is important to just give this thought appreciation, nothing has to follow, no answer and no conviction to the contrary.

Last and crucial question on the way to internalize is, "how does time feel to me?" Let beautiful moments and memories flare up and consciously feel the good feeling. Do this several times a day. With this repetition you activate your inner driving force to do good for yourself and in doing so it can grow and unfold - and thus it is internalized.

When this driving force is activated, over time you automatically do yourself a lot of good in small and big ways, your body, mind and soul strive in unison.

Which results in items automatically falling off the to-do list that aren't necessary, and without them Christmas will feel fulfilling too. We have changed the to-do list in this way from the inside out, which means the manager has less to work through and more to enjoy. We arrive at Christmas Eve much more satisfied, with beautiful pre-Christmas experiences and batteries that are not empty. Have fun enjoying, it's worth it.

Have a peaceful and healthy holiday season.

Yours Birgit,