Before we dive headfirst into a new year (and we all need one of those!) , there’s the small matter of the festive season to get through first. Yes, it's the time for glittering lights, family gatherings and fattening food… but it’s also the season of frayed nerves and family dynamics that could test a saint! Fear not—I’ve got tips to help you stay Zen through it all with my festive mindfulness tips!
Surviving the Festive Frenzy
Here’s how to keep your cool and your energy in check during the festive season:
1. Stay in the Present Moment for a Christmas to Remember 🕰️
Don't let your mind race ahead to January or dwell on what went wrong in 2024. Focus on the joy of the now—feel grateful for the nice food you are enjoying, admire the twinkling lights, and soak it all in. With family members, try and reflect on what is positive and not on what isn’t. Generosity of spirit is one of the greatest gifts you can give. If you have family members, lucky you! Some people have no family. Family can also be close friends, your cat or your dog, Recognise them for being so and appreciate every moment with them. Find the good in every moment, it is there if you look for it. And click on the following if you need to know how to stay in the present moment.
2. Patience: A Virtue for Festive Gatherings🧘♀️
Aunt Margie’s stories about her cats might feel endless, but patience is a virtue, my friend. It keeps your energy calm and collected. Especially with older people, be patient. You may be like that one day! Use consciousness to really look at Aunt Margie, to listen carefully to her voice, her words and connect with her. There is always something to learn. Both you and Auntie will leave feeling rewarded by the time you spent together.
3. Radiate Good Energy ✨
What you radiate, you attract. And positive energy breeds positive energy. Smile, be kind, and remember: a little positivity can go a long way.
4. Bad Behaviour- Don’t Entertain It!
Badly behaved child? Grumpy teenager with a hangover? Granny quietly farting under the table? Take it all as being moments of festive charm. Don’t let these goings on, silly comments at the dinner table or anything else get your goat. Give yourself as much time to prepare as you possibly can, so you feel right, and not run ragged. Purposefully do some deep breathing after you get ready, even if it is just for a couple of minutes and think ZEN. Take a deep breath and then enjoy your moments with others as much as you can.
5. Silence is Golden: Festive Mindfulness
You do not have to comment back, answer a question, participate in anything. But whatever you refuse to do, try doing it nicely, with a smile. One thing that people rarely do is to use their right to remain silent and just observe what is going on. Observe carefully: the body language, the tone of voice, the energy of the people speaking or who are simply present in the room. Watch any energy shifts. If people try and insist to drag you into a conversation that might be a potential catalyst to a hot discussion or worse, remember your opinions are your own and you do not have to share them. You can sit comfortably on the fence and say “ Oh, I don’t really have an opinion to share about that!” Or you can even remind everyone that all opinions are valid: I think everyone has a different viewpoint on this situation. I don’t think anyone is right and anyone is wrong.”
6. Root Chakra Awareness and Grounding
Your root chakra is your grounding center, but it also primarily deals with your history and your family, as well as your security. At any time you feel you need to feel stable and grounded, purposely feel your feet firmly planted on the floor, breathe deeply, and picture yourself connected to the earth. This will help you stay steady amidst the holiday chaos. If you need to clear your head, go and connect with nature as soon as you can. This can be simply admiring the details of a simple tree with bare branches, going out into the tiniest garden, taking a walk in a park, or even finding flowers in a vase or a pot plant to connect with! Read more about keeping your root chakra in balance here.
7. Enjoy Every Moment, as Though it is The Last
Yes indeed, you never know what will happen tomorrow, next month or indeed over the next year. This may be your last chance to properly connect with the people you are connecting with today. Or at least, it may be the last time that you connect with the same group of people in this setting. Even though you may have spent lots of Christmases doing the same thing, make this one different. Appreciate it, and the people in it, to the full.
8. Lonely this Christmas
For those of us on our own over the Festive period, the holidays can feel especially tough when you're alone. However, if you are on your own, try to do some positive things to maintain your morale. Treat yourself to something you enjoy eating. If you have a friend, even if they are far away, ask in advance if you can connect with them at a certain time by phone or via one of the social media platforms. If it is fine, make the effort to go out for a walk and appreciate winter. Light a candle and use some calming aromatherapy oils. As we are nearly at the year end, you can also use this time to motivate and feel positive about the coming New Year.
However, you spend this festive season, immerse yourself in its magic. Seek the beauty of every moment, cherish the connections you make, and step into the New Year with peace and joy, inside and out.
And if you need a Christmas treat, then come and have a wonderful Reiki healing session with me, or visit my Etsy shop for ready gifts, infused with amazing high vibrational energy!
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