Shaun Thompson 🧠’s Post

🎄 Adam’s Festive Freebies: Day 1! 🎄 It’s December! The fairy lights are twinkling, the mince pies are multiplying, and Mariah Carey is officially defrosted. Christmas is here, and with it comes my Festive Wisdom Countdown! 🎅 For the next 24 days, I’m swapping out my usual posts to bring you a daily dose of inspiration, humour, and practical tips to brighten your run-up to the big day. Why? Because I absolutely love Christmas. It’s not just about the food, the presents, or the questionable decisions around Secret Santa (we’re all still wondering who thought a desk cactus was festive). For me, it’s the time of year when people try a little harder to be the best versions of themselves. It’s magical—everyone’s kinder, more patient, and oddly generous with chocolate. So, in the spirit of embracing the season, let’s kick things off with Day 1! Today’s quote comes from the wise and wonderfully moustached Ted Lasso: "The truth will set you free, but first it will p##s you off." And isn’t that just perfect for Christmas? Whether it’s hearing the cold, hard truth about your mulled wine recipe ("Bit heavy on the cloves, mate") or admitting you might have gone overboard with the novelty jumpers, truth stings before it sings. But hey, isn’t that how we grow? So, let’s embrace the festive spirit of honesty and self-improvement—because nothing says “growth” like surviving your in-laws’ third round of charades. What’s a truth you’ve had to face recently? Drop it in the comments! Unless it’s about not liking Christmas—then we’ll need a serious heart-to-heart. 🎁 #FestiveWisdom #ChristmasCountdown #TedLassoQuotes

I've got my sparkly jumper on today to see Clients, as we're now in the festive season and glitter seems to be all around. (For those that know me I do love a sequin, sparkle and glitter!)✨ Plus it is "Christmas Jumper Day!" However, there are many of us feeling anxious and stressed about the next few weeks. So, I have been asking my Clients these questions to help calm their mind and focus their thoughts: 1. Take a few minutes just to think about what you want your Christmas Day to look like. 2. Think about how you want the day to feel, and more importantly, how YOU want to feel. 3. Ask yourself what you simply MUST have on the day otherwise it will be ruined forever? (Dramatic I know, but you'll see the reason in a bit!) 4. What are the jobs you need to do in order to achieve the above? 5. What are the days & times you can get the tasks done? 6. Ask for help! Who in the family can help you with the chores and Christmas preparations? 7. Ask yourself if something doesn't get done, what will ACTUALLY happen? 8. For example, what will actually happen if the ironing isn't done, or that particular part of the meal or decoration isn't on the table? By taking some time to think about what you REALLY want, what you can ACTUALLY achieve in time and what will HAPPEN if somethings aren't done or bought, will help you realise what is really important and that the world won't fall apart if everything isn't 100%. When my clients take the time to think and focus, they decide on what they will and won't do and feel much more relaxed about the weeks ahead. Let me know how you prioritise your Christmas to-do list...

It’s Christmas season, and the household decided that my “secret recipe” Christmas cake had matured long enough… so, we sliced it, air fried it, sugared it (etc) and ate it! How long had it matured, I virtually hear you asking? Much longer than you think. So, Christmas quiz time: What’s your guess? And, yes, it was delicious - if, probably, very difficult to ever repeat. But, such is the way with all things: they are transient. We preserve and sustain and scrimp and save but, despite many an archaic belief, you can’t take it with you. Hence, we ate a cake that will never likely be replicated. And? We enjoyed it! Save and be ready for emergencies. But don’t not do what you want to do for fear of tomorrow. Rather fear no tomorrows and be alive today. Yeah, yeah. I turned Christmas cake into a podium for morosely moralistic philosophising! Somewhat expected as year end approaches and we each begin our fervent annual navel gazing, our perennial period of reflexive introspection and retrospective analysis… “What did I do wrong last year?” “What can I do to make next year better?” “What is ‘better’?” Deep Thought sought the dolphins and the mice for such profundities…and that poor whale spent its short, sudden, plummeting existence futilely pondering much the same… 🐳 My advice? Spend less time on such subjective enquiry and simply enjoy the holidays… and some Christmas cake, if you can get it!

This time of year can feel overwhelming. Not only is there so much to do to get ready for Christmas; presents, planning, visiting Santa, organising food. But the world keeps turning, and the work keeps piling on. It can be tempting to work later, push harder and sacrifice our own needs to deliver for others. I love a tryer, but there are no prizes for burning out by Christmas Eve and having to spend the day in bed… that was me a few years ago. Tonsillitis AND strep throat. Antibiotics and bed. Happy Christmas me. If you want to avoid holiday overwhelm, here’s my advice. 1. Be intentional about where you’ll spend your time and energy: set yourself a couple of outcomes you’re aiming for and be unapologetic about your priorities 2. Focus on how you want to show up by the time the kids are off school: if you want to be calm, present and excited about the big day rather than broken, what steps can you take to make that possible? 3. Put the time in for what matters: what do you need to create time blocks for to help you get everything done in a way that doesn’t leave you sick and tired of Christmas by 18th December? It could be to wrap the presents, to plan all the Christmas food shopping (and not cram it into an evening when you’re already tired) or simply some time to decompress at the end of each day. Plan for this stuff to avoid panic and exhaustion! What are your tips to get the big stuff done and not sweat the small stuff?

Christmas is a time of magic and togetherness, but it can also bring a fair share of stress. From bustling shops to jam-packed calendars, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This year, why not focus on creating a calmer, more mindful festive season? Read our practical tips to help you enjoy Christmas with less pressure and more peace:  https://lnkd.in/g6qtsQb9

How many of these of have you checked off this season? We know how busy this time of year can be. Between hosting family dinners and buying gifts, it can be easy to forget about making time to have fun for yourself. That's why we’ve put together a Christmas checklist of fun activities that you can do during this festive time. Make this holiday season extra special for you and your loved ones by remembering to have fun even in the hustle and bustle of the season. Tell us the holiday traditions you do every year in the comments! #christmasbucketlist #christmasfun #christmaschecklist #actionmortgagemi #takeaction

🎄 Happy eating chocolate for breakfast month - but how do you count down to Christmas? 🍫 There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a sweet little treat, is there? Opening the cardboard doors is always a little exciting (even for a nearly-forty-year-old)…until you realise the days are flying by and the to-do list isn’t getting any shorter! December is a mix of wonderful and stressful, isn’t it? Wrapping presents, last-minute shopping, and trying to make everything just right for the big day (but not perfect...remember that isn't a thing!) But, it’s all part of the festive chaos and I love it. But let’s get back to the fun stuff. I’ve got my trusty chocolate calendar to count down the days, but I’ve heard of some quirky alternatives too: 🕯️ Burning a Christmas candle each day 🎁 Unwrapping small gifts leading up to Christmas 🎅 Doing daily festive challenges (both professionally and personally) So, let me know - how do YOU count down to Christmas? Are you a chocolate calendar traditionalist like me, or do you have a unique way to make the season even more special? Drop your countdown tradition below! I’d love to hear it in case I can steal it next year! #ChristmasCountdown #December #MondayFun #Chocolate 🅿🆂 I share the calendar with my husband but I get 5 and he gets 2 a week. That's fair right?

Christmas, Chaos, and Clarity – Redefining the Festive Season Post 1: The Christmas Compass – Finding Your True North Christmas often feels like being caught in a blizzard of expectations. Should you say yes to every invitation? Buy the latest must-have toys? Be the “perfect” host? The truth is, you can’t steer through the season without knowing your true north—what matters most to you. The festive season has a way of pulling us into other people’s priorities. It might be the in-laws insisting on traditions that don’t feel meaningful to you or the pressure to keep up with picture-perfect social media posts. Over time, we lose sight of what makes Christmas ours. Think of your values as a compass. They guide decisions that align with who you are. Is connection more important than gifts? Is simplicity what you crave? When you use these as your guide, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by others’ expectations. Coaching Activity: Define Your Festive Values Write down three things that make Christmas meaningful for you. Is it quality time with family? Acts of kindness? A sense of calm? Use these values to filter your decisions—say yes to what aligns, and gracefully decline the rest. #values #christmas #priorities #coaching

🎅 The final days before Christmas can be a whirlwind, but a little planning can make all the difference! Here are a few quick last-minute tips to help things run smoothly 👉 Don’t forget the essentials for Santa and Rudolph – drinks and treats are a must! 🎄🥛 👉 Stock up on batteries for any toys or gadgets you’ll be gifting, so they’re ready to go. 👉 Remember to pick up Christmas crackers for a bit of fun at dinner. 🎉 👉 Buy and prep fresh ingredients now; anything that can be frozen will save you valuable time later. 👉 Have stocking fillers ready and wrapped for easy gifting on the day. 🎁 And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you don’t have to do it alone! Arrange a virtual session with A Good Moment Company for last-minute organising support – I’ll help you find calm and keep things on track during this busy time. ✴️Tip: A little extra prep in the days before Christmas can save you time and keep things running smoothly so you can enjoy the big day stress-free. What’s your top tip for the last-minute Christmas dash? Share it with us below!

🎄 Christmas is about bringing everyone together, but for many older relatives, the season can feel isolating. A little thought and care can make all the difference. Whether it’s baking simple festive treats, sharing family stories, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, small gestures go a long way in helping older family members feel included. Here are some ideas to make Christmas truly special this year: ✨ Adapt traditions like games or cooking so everyone can take part. ✨ Plan a cosy, restful space for when things get too busy. ✨ Share a festive meal that works for everyone – even an afternoon tea can feel magical. ✨ Stay connected, even if you can’t be together, with video calls or care packages. It’s often the little moments that matter most ❤️ Read the full guide for more tips to make this Christmas one to remember – link in the comments! 👇