Finding the magic between the mayhem – Dr Libby
While Christmas can bring so much joy, love and connection, it’s just as easy to lose sight of the small, simple pleasures that make the season special.
Instead of savouring the twinkling lights or enjoying the laughter around the dinner table, we can find ourselves obsessing over whether the house is spotless, the food is perfect or if everyone’s gifts are just right. Sound familiar?
The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t need to get caught up in the chaos or run yourself ragged to make the holidays meaningful. With a step back, a gentler mindset and a few small but powerful shifts, you can create a season filled with calm, clarity and joy. It’s not about doing less (although that helps!); it’s about being more intentional and focusing on what truly matters.
What if this year, instead of chasing perfection, you made space for connection? What if, instead of trying to meet every expectation, you prioritised what feels good for you and your loved ones? A calm and joyful Christmas isn’t about avoiding the busyness entirely; it’s about choosing how you move through it. And with a little care, you can enjoy the magic without losing yourself in the madness.
One small shift is to widen your view. If someone handed you a white sheet of paper with a tiny black dot, your eyes would probably go straight to the dot. Most of us do the same in life, zeroing in on imperfections and overlooking the vast expanse of good surrounding them. This Christmas, practise redirecting your attention. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, take a breath and appreciate the bigger picture: the love, laughter and connection that make the season meaningful.
Happiness is also more available than we often realise. We get in our own way, letting overthinking or perfectionism dampen our ability to feel joy. This year, allow yourself to be present. Soak in the warmth of a shared joke, the glow of the lights, the simple pleasure of a festive meal.
If your to-do list leaves you feeling constantly urgent, explore what’s fuelling that pressure. Is everything truly time-critical, or are old beliefs whispering that you must meet impossible standards? Pausing to reassess can help you release what isn’t essential. And when you catch yourself saying, “I have to”, try shifting it to “I get to”. It’s a small linguistic tweak that gently tilts obligation toward gratitude.
Most importantly, remember that you are loved for who you are, not for how flawlessly you perform Christmas. Give yourself permission to slow down, to question your assumptions and to stay curious before jumping to conclusions. When you meet the season with intention rather than expectation, its magic becomes far easier to feel.
Dr Libby is one of Australasia’s leading nutritional biochemists, author and founder of Bio Blends.
For more information go to www.drlibby.com.
