One can’t help but reminisce about past Christmases this time of year. Being a kid at Christmas was the best! I always believed in the magic of Christmas. It wasn’t all about getting presents (although getting a new toy was pretty sweet); it was a feeling that made it special.

I found peace on my own, listening to Christmas music on my ladybug radio, staring out the front window at the snow falling at night, knowing people were out there celebrating the holiday with music, pleasant conversations, or going to a store in town amidst the Christmas lights (those big bulbs) and decorations.

 

I felt it—the magic of Christmas. It was all around me. As I got older and became a mother, I wanted to give my daughter that same feeling at Christmas.

The gift of our authentic self.

The one thing I always wanted to give was my authentic self. I couldn’t for a long time. I was afraid of being rejected. Thank goodness, I no longer think that way.

If we reflect on our interactions with people, the times when we were our authentic selves were the moments we felt good about ourselves. I know they do for me and continue to do so. Being our authentic selves is like opening our home’s door, feeling grateful for the company, and saying, “Come on in!” There’s no anxiety or pressure. We feel comfortable taking off the masks and just being who we are.

It took me a long time to get here, and I know that from now on, Christmases will be the happy, joyful times I’ve always wanted—all because I’m my authentic self.

Giving our authentic selves this Christmas or any day will yield better conversations because we’re speaking from a place of peace, not in a headspace of worry about being judged. When we believe in ourselves and celebrate who we are, we engage with people who see us, and we’re more likely to be respected for it. As a result, others can feel secure in being their authentic selves without feeling judged or uncomfortable. It’s a win-win.

When you give the gift of yourself, you give the ultimate gift.

Could you imagine the conversations when people are living their authentic lives? We would learn new things because people wouldn’t be afraid to share their passions, hobbies, dreams, goals, and truths. Such conversations would inspire us all to become better versions of ourselves.

Let’s live without fear of judgment and be ourselves, thereby eradicating jealousy, envy, and the need to compare ourselves with others.

Every person on our Christmas list deserves to receive the real us. We need to take down the walls of protection and let ourselves be free. That’s the best gift we can give ourselves, too.

Let’s just be ourselves without the weight of worry or fear that someone might judge us. People are going to judge anyway. It might as well be for who you really are!

Thank you for reading this. I wish everyone a thoughtful, happy, and joyful holiday season.

To the best gift,

Francesca