Festive Fun

Every year, in December I bring out my Santa suit. This has been a time-honoured tradition since my student nurse days. I used to like wearing it on the wards and when I went out for Christmas parties.

What I have found is that you can give people a gift by bringing a smile to their face. It worked well for those who were hospitalised around the festive period and for those who were working. Seeing people smile and aim their festive comments my way also made me feel good.

Last night I went to a very dear friend's house for our annual Christmas party. Apart from sparking up some very funny conversations about who was getting what for Christmas and meeting a host of wonderful friends - I also went out to the shop.

In the few hundred yards that I walked down the road I passed a father with his young lad. "Wow, it's Santa! Look dad. Hello Santa," shouted the smiling young man. "Hello," I smiled and waved as the excitement on his face brought a smile to mine.

In the shop I only had to walk in to bring a smile to the shop-keeper's face and the chap being served. They laughed and so did I. I immediately started feeling good and beaming a smile.

Smiling is good for you. It causes the release of seratonin (the body's natural, feel-good stimulant). It's free, it's fun and it's Christmas (almost).

I will be bringing out my Santa suit next week and having some more of the same.

For anyone who is looking to feel better I would highly recommend the donning of a Santa suit and a walk down the road. I challenge anyone to give it a go and not feel better as a result. It's one of the best investments I've ever made.

May you all have a very Happy Christmas.