A world of magic exists if we believe

Believe in the magic and it will come true. We all need dreams, hopes and aspirations. We all have beliefs, wants and needs; sometimes these come true and sometimes they don’t. We must believe or otherwise what's the point. Dreams do come true; of course, we all have far away dreams and sometimes these are imaginary but our more realistic dreams can come true.

In life, we cross many obstacles. Some days the problems keep coming, sometimes the bad times keep rolling in, but we must get up, try to overcome and power through because if people depend on us, we have to, or else we bring everyone else around us down with us. Particularly, at this time of the year, it is not all about us. It’s about family, our neighbours and friends, our work colleagues, the people we meet at sport and everywhere we go. It’s not all about sparkle, glitter and money, it’s about thought, time and love. Our dreams don’t have to cost much, don’t have to be approved always by our friends, or by social media. It’s our wish, our magic and if we believe, it just may come true.

It's a time of year that brings many different emotions, feelings, traditions, memories and everything else for people. It could be sadness, happiness, loneliness or togetherness. Or maybe it’s shops or home. The choices go on.

Everyone has their own wishes, beliefs, traditions, wants and needs. We need to respect each other’s because everyone's dreams are individual and happiness is a treasured feeling. Many don’t celebrate Christmas but instead the holiday season and get to enjoy some holiday fun.

For me, this time of the year is about family, time off, relaxation, home cooked food and wonderful company in my happy home. It’s about enjoying the outdoors at my leisure, not being controlled by a clock, to reflect on the past, to look forward to what's ahead and the magic that comes with it all. In order for all this to happen one must believe. There is magic in all of us but it's how we share it with our loved ones and having the courage to share it, that makes it all come true.

After a year where one's life changes forever, unexpectedly, uncontrollably, in a shockingly short space of time, one can feel many emotions especially at this time of year. One must pull themselves together and pull on the strengths that one has because when you are needed by your loved ones you owe it to them to show your magic and so I try.

Every day I rise, I'm not sure how the body or head will feel, but it automatically moves into a routine that’s familiar and safe and it begins to feel alive again. Running ignites the magic inside me to feel alive, to feel joy, to feel happiness and even though there might be sadness, I know what that feelgood feeling, feels like and I want it every day.

There is a huge loss and a deep hurt inside me, the movement outdoors, the adrenaline, the beauty, the nature around me, the achievements, the experiences, all over power the demons, and one gradually moves from a tough world to a happy one. As one moves down the path the smile becomes alive, the eyes begin to dry up, I start to see the light clearer, as the miles pass by, the mind begins to focus on the positives, the plans for the day emerge; home chores, work chores, driving chores one now looks forward to, one remembers the past with fond memories because there were many and this is what one holds onto. In this zone, there is no point remembering sadness because this hurts, sometimes so bad and right now I'm feeling happy and want it to continue.

On returning back up the path one bounces in home, ready to face the magical world of life with my family. The joy every day in the eyes of the beloved keeps the magic and joy alive. To see a child's eyes light up on leaving the carrot and cookies beside the range, to hear a close family members laughter on hearing a funny story, to sit around sharing family time, enjoying my homecooked food, to receive a handmade gift, to visit a relative who tells wonderful stories, to remember with fond memories some not still with us, all keeps one alive.

To attend a small local event with friends, to trot around for fun, to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate a wonderful sporting year makes one look forward to more exciting times to come because we all need hope, we need to believe, because if we don't what's the point. We train hard all year, we will have good and bad days but just like in life the bad days make us stronger; our teams depend on us.

Our children wish for many things. As adults we have huge needs and wants but we don't have to have it all and, in a world where we can't have everything, we understand everything is not possible but if we are realistic in our wants, treat everyone and everything with respect, magic does happen. A higher power is created when everyone works together and the world becomes a better place.

The magic of Christmas for all of us symbolises a time of celebration, embodying decades of personal, cultural, historical beliefs and traditions. Over time these celebrations have greatly changed, us moving along with more modern trends, in modern times. The stories behind the meaning of Christmas sometimes gets lost in a world of glitter, glamor and grandeur. The crib, holly and mistletoe sometimes become distance memories. This year I am going to make an effort to revisit some of these older traditions, around for decades in my family, which have deep meaning.

Taking a moment to realise and appreciate the real meaning behind some of the customs, brings a different but wonderful kind of magic. One that creates memories, belonginess and love through the generations, where the youth can associate with times gone by and the elders can pass on stories and traditions. One is receiving and giving in a different way without wrapping paper but where we re rekindle a sense of enchantment that enriches our more modern experience.

Nothing can replace the joy of music, songs and carols. That feeling when singing wonderful, symbolic, festive, songs together with loved ones, wherever that maybe. Watching the children who have prepared so hard for weeks to perform their Christmas concert, the magic felt by all in the room, the meaning behind what they have created brings enormous and immeasurable joy to all around.

That’s the wonderful thing about this time of year. It is adaptable to our personal experiences, backgrounds and beliefs. What is meaning and joy for some varies from house to house and land to land.

After a month of changeable weather, lots of realities were realized. Many things are out of our control, if there is no television, phone or internet, we eventually cope. If we cannot have hot food; well, cold will have to do. We cannot control time, but we sure can make the most of it and I definitely don't plan on wasting it. This festive season I am going to ensure I ignite every bit of magic inside me in every way I can because my loved ones also have had a difficult year. I cannot control their emotions, feelings, or hard times but by sharing precious time and the simplicities of life, we will bring each other through. Knowing what loved ones like and enjoy makes the job easier and so the planning begins.

To give something beautiful doesn't need to cost much, it's the thought that goes into creating a gift that makes one smile and that’s what’s important. Sometimes we can get caught up in the activities, the madness and celebrations that we forget it's time, love and memories that create the magic. Nothing can replace that image, that laughter, that glint in the eye, those wonderful stories.

I look forward to stopping still, to watch and observe the magic, while fully enjoying the simplicities of joy, happiness and love where some sadness will occur and that's OK because the magic of another world will bring me to a happy place each and every day. I believe in this magic and so it comes true. Whatever your magic is believe in it, make it happen and your dreams will also come true.

Wishing you and yours the most wonderful time of year, whatever your beliefs are, wherever your thoughts are and whoever you decide to share it with.