Every year, around the 1st of December, my family has our traditional Christmas tree trimming night. It’s a non-negotiable event - attendance by every member is mandatory, and I execute it with military precision. We assemble the tree, then choose and hang our Christmas ornaments while taking countless ‘Insta-worthy’ pictures and reminisce about Christmases gone by… it’s the most wonderful time of the year - or so the song goes.

I must admit, I truly love Christmas time, but sometimes I feel like I’m so busy trying to make it so twinkly and picture-perfect that I forget to relax and enjoy what the true spirit of Christmas should really be about. Weeks of preparations, constant fussing over gift ideas and the stress of putting together the perfect Christmas feast - whilst micromanaging my slightly unhinged family - can leave a girl feeling frazzled.

While there are many ways to celebrate Christmas (or even if you don’t celebrate Christmas), it really is the perfect time to reflect on the year that has passed and be grateful for the right here, right now. So, this year, I’m going to put into practice seven ways to slow down, let go and totally savour the moment of Christmas!

Here are seven ways to truly enjoy the meaning of Christmas:

• Don’t rush… slow down and enjoy the lead-up and preparations.

• Pause, take a deep breath in and really savour the special moments.

• Be mindful of each moment by finding small things to appreciate.

• Be grateful for what there is right here, right now.

• Sit idle with any issues bothering you; without fighting them or trying to push them away.

• Don’t allow yourself to be offended by the little things - refocus that energy on something enjoyable.

• Find the beauty of the moment and let it wash over you.

From our Believe in Beautiful hearts to yours, may this Christmas and the new year bring much love, joy and peace to you and your loved ones. And remember, one of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day… don’t clean it up too quickly!

Merry Christmas from all the team at Believe in Beautiful!