Growing up into an adult seems like the biggest trap especially when this time of year rolls round, all I find myself thinking of is how much fun I had as a child and how miserably broke I’ve become as an adult. I am sure many relate to this same mindset every year I mean its impossible not to send yourself broke with all the Christmas parties, presents and new years - all blurred lines in-between.

But as much as Christmas lights up our children and houses every year, what can us adults do for one another or for ourselves to feel some sort of spirit love?

Christmas is great for the soul, it brings us close to our families and reminds us we are all just humans with the same sort of needs. Although we may think we’re different we are actually very much the same.

All humans have basic needs such as a need for; assurance, variety, love, growth & fulfilment. Come this time of year all those boxes are being ticked without us even realising.

We are certain of our environment, seek variety from all the different events we attend, feel love from the families & friends we surround ourselves with and our personal growth comes with the fulfilment of switching ourselves from selfish to selfless.

The greatest level of achievement is giving an act of service or gift to someone who truly appreciates it, keeping the paragraph above and this line in mind let’s look at some differences in “giving” for a clearer understanding.

To give from the heart is far more complex than it seems.

Most people think they know someone enough to get the first thing that reminds them of that person. This sort of mind set is sure to deliver a lump of coal to that special somebody.

Did you give them what they wanted, or did you give them what you wanted to give them?

There is a very big difference in the delivery here, it’s easy to think of someone like John who likes race cars - just imagine how many race cars John will receive this Christmas. Let’s dig deeper, how do we really pick a present for someone like John who likes race cars? Well let’s start with asking “why” John likes race cars. He loves the fact that when he sits in the drivers seat, he thinks of nothing else besides that split second in front of him, he is at one with the car.

John likes to be in an environment where he controls the action, he loves Adrenalin.

To get more ideas on how to shop for others and understanding their wants/needs please view my blog “shopping for others this Christmas”.

For that extra bit of fulfilment this festive season, take the family to see the best Christmas light displays this year! Below is a list I have compiled of all the best Christmas lights in Sydney & Melbourne.

Sydney

Eastern Suburbs

North Bondi: Waratah Street

Bondi: Avoca Street

Clovelly: Arden Street

Bondi Junction: Denison Street

Mascot: Coward Street, Alfred Street and David Street

Randwick: Frederick Street

Matraville: Barwon Crescent, Larose Street, Gwydir Avenue, Knowles Street, Flanders Avenue and Franklin Street have some big, spectacularly lit-up homes.

Greater West

St Clair: Benaud Street

Glenmore Park: Troon Court

Greystanes: Camellia Street

Quakers Hill: 7 Mallee St

Guilford: Strickland Road

Erskine Park: 74 Warbler Street.

Inner West

Concord:  191 Burwood Rd

Birchgrove:  48 Cameron St

Ashbury: Second Street

North Shore

Hornsby: Sydney Street, more than 50 houses getting in the spirit.

Lane Cove: The Light Up Lane Cove Competition says it all- check out Sutherland Street and Barina Street.

West Pennant Hills: 77 Westmore Drive

Cremorne: Rangers Road

Willoughby: First, Second, Third and Fourth Avenues.

North West

Stanhope Gardens: Tilbury Avenue

Baulkham Hills: Marcel Place

Westleigh: Quarter Sessions Road

Kellyville: Down on 76 Arnold Avenue, 44 Mawarra Crescent, 6 Litchfield Avenue

Castle Hill: 136 Excelsior Avenue has over 7000 lights!

Thornleigh: Oakleigh Avenue & Paling Street.

Glenhaven: 24 Mills Road

North Ryde: Chauvel Street

Lindfield: 22 Bradfield Road

Northern Beaches

Davidson: 10 Cambage Court Davidson has it all going on including a street bbq for charity!

Beacon Hill: 12 Egan Place

Freshwater: Coles Road

South Sydney/St George

Narwee: 4 Podmore Avenue

Carlton: Jubilee Avenue

Kogarah: 3 Souter, Madrers Avenue

Barden Ridge: Dalrymple Place

Sutherland Shire

Engadine: 131 Ridge Road

Sutherland: 13/50 Glencoe st & 9 Aldgate Street

Menai: 42 The Woods Circuit

South West

Roselands:  124 Karne st

Mount Annan: The Cascades

Melbourne

Ivanhoe: The Boulevard.

Narre Warren: Hugo Court.

Mulgrave: Lebanon Crescent.

Camberwell: Hunter Road.

Parkdale: Vialls Avenue.

Mornington: Tennis Court.

Beaumaris: Dalgetty Road.

Hoppers Crossing: Crana Court