Wrapping Up the Year with Joy, Wisdom, and a Dash of Holiday Magic 🎄✨

It’s time now to put away thoughts of schedules, deadlines, and work pressures and start moving into the joy of Christmas cheer and the New Year.

What has been your biggest highlight this year? I think for me it’s been that constant evolution of awareness of what I’ve been doing – how I’ve been thinking, feeling and dealing with life and what I do on a daily basis that is or isn’t taking me to the future I envision for myself.

And like most people, the moments of bravery, happiness, and confidence from the first half of the year have been forgotten. Yet, it’s important to carry those moments forward into 2025, ready to be brave, happy, and confident all over again!

As we wind down the year, I wanted to share some lighter, more whimsical ways to enjoy the festive season. Let’s take a look at how we can tread lightly and smile more this Christmas—as seen through the eyes of Buddy the Elf and Winnie the Pooh.

Whilst these two unlikely sages might come from different worlds, their wisdom is warm, comforting, and timeless. Buddy reminds us to embrace life with wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm, while Pooh teaches us to live in the moment and savour the simple things with a heart full of kindness.

Here are 10 tips for a magical Christmas and New Year, whether you’re celebrating alone or surrounded by loved ones:

1. Spread Cheer Wherever You Go: Buddy says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” You can also spread cheer where ever you go with a smile, a kind word, or a random act of kindness, all of these spread warmth and they go a long way in brightening someone’s day, including your own.

2. Take Time for Honey Moments: Pooh Bear knows things are always happier with honey, so whether it’s your favourite cuppa, a relaxing afternoon nap, a quiet stroll through the local park or just sitting and playing with the kids, whatever feels like honey to you, take time for it every day.

3. Believe in Magic: Buddy never doubts the magic of Christmas and Santa. Whether it’s the twinkle of fairy lights or the feeling that something wonderful is about to manifest, the reality is, there is something enchanting happening around you every minute of every day, you just have to remember to look for it.

4. Keep It Simple: Pooh reminds us that it’s often the simplest things—a flower, seeing your friend, or the soft fur of your beloved pet. Don’t overcomplicate things, it’s about time together, conversation, holding hands, hugging and being in the moment.

5. Enjoy the food that makes your happy heart sing: Buddy would never turn down any of the Elves basic 4 food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup), and Pooh would never pass up a pot of honey. I personally love all the fresh fruit of the season, cherries, watermelon, peaches, nectarines and passionfruit. Enjoy what makes your happy heart sing!

6. Hug Often: Buddy gives some of the best hugs, and Pooh treasures closeness. Did you know we need 5 hugs a day for basic wellbeing? Help out the ones you love (and mostly yourself) and make sure you give and allow yourself to receive, 5 big bear hugs every day.

7. Write Your Own Story: Buddy’s adventures are legendary because he chooses to live them fully and tell them colourfully: "I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, through the sea of Swirly Twirly Gumdrops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel". While Pooh simply lives his happy story every day in every way through everything he says and does. Take a leaf out of both their books and start telling your colourful, happy 2025 story now (remember to add in the sea of Swirly Twirly Gumdrops!).

8. Find the Joy in the Small Stuff: Whether it’s a butterfly landing on your nose or the quiet hum of a peaceful night, both Buddy and Pooh remind you to see the beauty in the small things.

9. Ask for Help if You Need It: Pooh often turns to his friends when he’s stuck in a tricky spot, and Buddy isn’t afraid to admit he doesn’t know something. This season, let people help you if you’re feeling overwhelmed or lonely. You can double the joy by paying for help in hugs.

10. Share Your Gratitude: Every day in every way, Buddy and Pooh Bear are grateful for everything and channel a little of their enthusiasm for the simple things in life into yours. Let everyone you spend time with know how much they mean to you—it’s one of the most magical gifts you can ever give.

 
Bonus 11th tip to create a magical Christmas and New Year from me to you ☺️

11. Remember to make your very own Nice List:

a. Where have you been brave, happy, and confident in 2024? Think of the moments where you stepped outside your comfort zone, made bold decisions, or simply let your joy shine through.

b. Where did you stumble, but then get your feet back under yourself and take another step…and another? Life isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about how you recover and keep moving forward. Acknowledge those times when you showed resilience and remember and how you pulled yourself up so you can do it again.

c. Where did you find humour and laughter? Remember the moments that made you laugh out loud or smile unexpectedly. These are the gems that lighten even the heaviest days.

d. Who were the friends you shared yourself with? Think about the people you trusted with your thoughts, dreams, or vulnerabilities. Those connections are gold.

e. What challenges did you face head-on, even when it was tough? Celebrate the moments you showed courage and didn’t give up, even when the odds were against you.

f. What new things did you try? Whether it was a skill, a hobby, or a bold decision, acknowledge your willingness to step out of your comfort zone.

g. When did you show kindness to someone else? Big or small, remember the times you were in your loving heart and you were there for someone - it all made a difference to them and you.

h. Where did you prioritize your well-being? Think of the moments you took care of your mental, emotional, or physical health. Those are worth duplicating.

i. What did you learn this year? Reflect on the new knowledge and skills you developed this year, either through the day to day challenges or professional education.

j. What brought you the most joy? Capture the big and small moments that made your happy heart sing - these are the memories to carry into 2025 and beyond.

k.  And lastly, start a diary now and write 5 bullet points in it every day to capture the story of your life. These could be highlights, small joys, observations, or challenges—it’s about creating a record of you. One day, you’ll look back and treasure these moments as a beautiful tapestry of your growth, resilience, and joy.

This “Nice List” isn’t about where you were perfect, quite the opposite really, it’s about celebrating your resilience, joy, and connections and where you really gave things a red hot go this year, whether it worked out for you or not!

Keep it somewhere special as a reminder of everything you’ve accomplished and who you’ve become this year.

There’s no right or wrong way to spend Christmas, as long as you can hear your happy heart is singing and you’re helping others to hear theirs’s, you’re exactly where you need to be!

Whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or enjoying the peace of your own company, what matters most is that you make it meaningful for you.

This is my last blog for the year, but I’ll be back in 2025 with more stories, ideas, and support to help you live your best life.

Until then, take care, stay safe, and remember to find joy in the little things.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

P.S. I’d love to hear what your favorite tip was—or if Buddy and Pooh have inspired you to create your own holiday wisdom! Hit reply and let me know. 😊