A Christmas not to be missed
By MiNDFOOD Editor-in-Chief Michael McHugh
This is the first Christmas without my mum. It’s certainly not the first time I haven’t shared Christmas with her, as I lived away from where she lived for many years. It is, however, a strange feeling not to pick up the phone and talk with her about what we are making for Christmas lunch. And indeed, this year I won’t be heading into the shops and buying her a Christmas present, and making sure her present arrives in time. Mum’s birthday was soon after Christmas Day, hence her first name Noëlle, and so she would get two presents sent to her – one to open on Christmas Day, the other on her birthday.
It’s these little things I miss the most. Those small rituals and shared experiences that, as a son, I miss not having. Our ‘My Story’ this issue shares a family story that unfortunately is far more common than we may realise. Over the festive season, stress can reach a point within families that can compound shocking family violence – or perhaps it may be the build-up of repeated patterns of violence within the home across the year. Either way, I urge you to read this story, as it may help to start a conversation or guide someone you know who is in a similar situation.
‘The Dark Side of Perfectionism’ by Jo Hartley is a fascinating read, and I think many of our readers will identify with some of the case studies mentioned in the article. Trying to juggle everything and making sure everything is done at maximum 100 per cent at this time of year – or at any time of the year – is quite simply exhausting. Why do we put such pressure on ourselves? Expecting everyone around you to do exactly what you say and how you want things done also is unbearable, and a real sign of a perfectionist. Take the pressure off this season and really start to find the real you and not the overachieving perfectionist that needs to be constantly validated.
With Christmas just around the corner, what better time is there to think about things in a new light? Without my mum in my life any more, it’s made me rethink things and question what makes me happy, what I want to spend my time thinking about, and what I don’t want to give any more time to. It’s definitely a work in progress.
Also in MiNDFOOD Australia, December 2018:
Our bumper Christmas issue includes a bonus cookbook along with 80+ deliciously festive recipes and tips. On the cover is fiery British actor Emily Blunt who talks the new-look Mary Poppins and stepping into Julie Andrews’ elegantly heeled tap shoes. Digital detox – How to go a week without your phone. Plus: A bold approach to beauty, celebrate the 200th anniversary of ‘Silent Night’ in Salzburg and all the latest Smart Thinking on Community, Culture, Health, Beauty, Style, Décor, Travel, Food and Drink.
Don’t forget our 30 Days of Christmas Giveaways and regular puzzles.
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