It is all too easy to truly miss enjoying the magic of Christmas. Everything leads up to that one special day, and within the blink of an eye, it is vanished until next year.
All the stress over shopping, cooking, receiving guests, card sending, fending off a seasonal cold, can propel us into a chaotic whirl wind of emotional stress.
Instead of really enjoying Christmas, we end up living outside of the moment, thinking about all the things the New Year will bring: will the economy get better, will my career be secure, will the kids make their grades, will I be able to lose this extra ”Christmas goodies” weight…and the list goes on.
It seems as though the older we get, the more difficult it becomes to rekindle that child-like magic that was so enjoyable many years ago. With “Silver Bells,” “White Christmas,” and “Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer” playing on the radio nearby, my grandmother and I would make her famous meat pies and delicious donuts. Do you remember your Christmas childhood experiences?
As we lead up to this festive time, I invite you to take time to rekindle that magic.
- Lose yourself in the smiles of children;
- Play and sing along to Christmas carols;
- Kiss your partner under the mistletoe; ( I really like this one!)
- Buy yourself something you’ve always wanted;
- Snuggle up with a warm drink by the fire. (try out the recipe below!)
Macaccino
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or your favourite milk alternative
- 2 Tbsp raw cocoa powder
- 1 tsp maca powder
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan, warm milk over medium heat.
- Add raw cocoa powder, maca and maple syrup.
- Whisk to combine and heat to desired temperature.
- Alternatively, steam milk with an espresso machine.
- Pour over cocoa, maca and maple syrup that has been whisked in a mug, using a spoon to hold back the foam.
- Spoon a dollop of foam on top.
This could be viewed as a selfish mindfulness exercise, yet it is one of huge awareness, because once you step back and get off that train that drags you through Christmas at 100 miles per hour with little control over your level of enjoyment, a snowball effect will happen and you will start to enjoy Christmas through love and laughter.
Christmas isn’t just the 25th of December, the day you assure everyone else’s happiness. It is a month’s worth of bringing the mind home from all the year’s stresses, ups and downs, fears, uncertainties and doubts.
Take a deep breath and enjoy Christmas to its fullest potential, and know this; everything will have a natural way of working itself out in the New Year, no matter how much you worry about it.
So let it all go, be in the moment and….
May all of your Christmases be white…
Julie
Photo credits: Julie Clouthier
Ahh… I love the tip “Lose yourself in the smiles of children’ So important as they grow up so fast!! 🙂
It’s true, enjoy your surroundings and family. What is Maca powder
Hi Chandra
Maca is a member of the cruciferous family of plants which includes such superstars as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and radishes. It’s grown for its root, which resembles that of the radish.
You can purchase maca root powder in any natural food stores.
I’ve not heard of a Macaccino before, it’s certainly interesting. Though I must admit that I’m a coffee girl at heart 🙂
I like the ‘take a deep breath and enjoy’. Just take the time for, the time, not the madness we sometimes make it to be.
I love the addition of maca powder in this!
I know…not only does it add a yummy nutty flavor to it, but it’s also packed with amazing nutritional benefits!
I agree it is important to live inside the moments during the holiday season.
Not much to say other than this is a great post!!
Thanks Lynda!
perfect drink for the cold days ahead
“Play and sing along to Christmas carols”
This is my favourite! We always knews Christmas was near when Mom got out her binder of Christmas music, sat down at the piano, and started playing. We all joined her in singing heartily!
Oh wow! What great memories!
Oh my goodness! I need to make that! Sounds delicious!
Love this – I can’t wait to try the Macaccino recipe – I could totally use some energy over the rest of this holiday break!!!!
Hi I never heard of this root thank you for this information sounds very healthy
You’re welcome 😄
Thanks for this recipe
You’re welcome. Hope you enjoy it.
This sounds like the perfect little,drink, could go for one today, it’s quite chilly here
I have never heard of Macaccino but I like your suggestions of how to rekindle the Christmas magic.
Thank you!
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Christmas.
I’m looking forward to trying the Macaccino recipe !