The Real Reason Why We Like to be Near the Christmas Tree

This is about rediscovering the magic of being in the moment – a lesson from a cherished memory.

What’s your best childhood memory?

During the Christmas season, one of my best childhood memories was lying under the Christmas tree with my brother and sister (all the youngest sibs). We laughed and sang Christmas songs as we looked at the lights above us.

I can’t remember what we talked about and why we were laughing. I just remembered the feeling.

That warmth in our chests.

That glimmer of joy in my sister’s eyes.

That smile on my brother’s lips that you rarely see.

That night, right at that moment, we were happy.

There was no worrying about what we’d have for dinner. Nor did we worry about what gifts to buy for this person or that person. We didn’t even care about the pending bills! There was none of that.

It was childhood.

As we lay there under the tree, we only cared that it was nearly Christmas. And we were enjoying the moment of seeing the Christmas lights from an entirely different perspective, lying down and looking up.

We were utterly present, wholly immersed in that moment.

Happiness.

Think about your childhood. When were you most happy?

Why can’t you do that again?

Remember the time when you learned how to ride a bike? That moment when you realized you were doing it on your own?

Happiness.

You didn’t even care how much you fell several times. You were riding, and that’s what matters!

Remember the sheer thrill of checking your stockings for presents?

And how about when you were unwrapping your gifts on Christmas Day for the first time?

You were in the moment. You were happy.

That Christmas morning, you didn’t care about anything except unwrapping your presents.

What’s the difference?

Your focus.

You were in the moment.

Here’s a thing…

Thinking about the future is exciting! Yet, it can be worrisome. Frustrating.

Reminiscing the past may make us feel good at first, as we reflect on our experiences, just as what we’re doing now. But lingering too much on that could lead to depression.

When you focus on the present, your senses awaken.

You feel.

Your emotions intensify.

You become aware.

And you genuinely perceive.

When you start to look within

You see.

You hear.

You calm down.

And ultimately find tranquility.

Pure joy comes when we are present. It comes naturally when we focus in the moment.

Consider this other perspective.

We place presents under the tree.

Why do children like to lie down under the tree?

Why do we like to be near the tree?

Here’s the truth.

You, too, are a gift.

You are a present.

Tell yourself now,

I am a present.

I am here.

I am present.

Now how do you feel?

Your neighbor,

Wam