I wanted to write a little message to wish you well. This time of year can be simple for some and complex for others. Some people do not celebrate Christmas, so it’s just a day; some may be working, some may have lost people or may have no place to go, some may enjoy being on their own, some may be going to family or friends with joy and some with stress.
Traditionally, in Europe, it’s the darkest time of year, so it has become a festival of lights. I do remember my neighbour Esther excitedly showing me her mini sparkly tree, which she put in her window each year, and many times when I was overjoyed at receiving presents like a mini drum kit!
But over the years, I felt that this time could be a pressure to overspend, be at occasions where I might not feel totally at home, and I started to feel stressed about it. I was anti-commercialism and the feeling that many people were missed out if they didn’t have a “family”.
At one point, I started to work at retreats over Christmas where people could go if they were on their own. That was lovely, and also, if in Brighton, I might go to an event on the day that was also there for those on their own. That felt special and connected, as if there were some way of feeling the potential of deep community love on that day.
I have even had the day on my own and taken time to slow down and think of others, which has been lovely- alongside other days I planned that perhaps didn’t work out as I might have wished.
I realised that, for me, Christmas Day often had a stress around it about what it should be or how I should be, and I found it tougher to relax about it.
Of course, I did not have children, and perhaps if I did, then it might be completely different and bring a whole new experience to the day. I have family and friends who connect in different ways, as do nephews and nieces. In my family, we all get together before the day to have our own Christmas days, which has been very harmonious and relaxing. But this year, something changed, or I may have changed.
A friend took me to London to see the Christmas lights and see how shops like Dior and Tiffany’s covered themselves in spectacular designs. I was mesmerised.
Then I was taken to Sketch London, where we had tea and cake surrounded by lights, a ballerina dancing around us, a room with trees in the ceiling and the toilets were eggs!
It was like stepping into a film, and something ignited in me, and I suddenly felt totally delighted! A part of me came alive, and I could join in with the childlike excitement of this time of year.
So this year, I feel more relaxed about the whole thing, and I am going to a friend’s for the day, allowing for more flow and spontaneity.
| So I am wishing you a happy time wherever you are and whether this is a time or a season that you join in with or not. I am hoping that you find peace in your heart and love around you. I thank you deeply and profoundly for joining in my journey with me, for reading my blog, writing to me with reflections, listening to my podcasts or coming to my workshops. Life is so much better together, and I certainly feel so supported by you. |
