Christmas itself has become a hazy thing for me. I grew up in a Baptist Christian household, so in my early life, Christmas had an origin story and meaning. Now, at the ripe old age of 34 years, I've long since unsubscribed to the church. In my 20s it was about the pomp and glamour. I was in a very superficial relationship and materialistic things were held in high value. Christmas became about Instagram and the presents. That's the honest truth.
Entering into my 30s freshly divorced, I struggled to "get in the spirit" of Chirstmas. I couldn't figure out exactly what I was celebrating. Why was it such an expensive season? I was always exhausted by the end of it, feeling as though December was a social marathon of dinners, parties, shopping, and rushing around frantically trying to exchange or drop off gifts before the "big day". I played along with the season, but emotionally it held very little value.
This year I find myself with a 15 month daughter, who will be experiencing her (in my opinion) "first" Christmas. She wasn't aware enough at this time last year to know what was going on. This year she notices the glimmers, lights and colours of the season with unbridled glee, and I felt called to revisit what this time of year means for me. I want to share all it has to offer with her, but what was it going to "mean"?
The answers that I found for myself is the following:
It is the darkest time of the year, but we've made it the busiest. When we're supposed to be resting and nourishing, we're shopping or driving to countless relatives houses. I am and will from now on be slowing down entering December. This means intentionally putting less on my social and work calendar, and instead scheduling creative crafting or baking time.
Homemade gifts are my favourite to receive, and also my favourite to give. I got a lot of joy this year picking creation projects for the people I'm celebrating the season with. We also got a lot of enjoyment out of creating our own decorations for the house. Foraging is a wonderful way to gather supplies and give thanks for the season.
This is the season of lounging about and naps. We are called to rest and reflect, often closing the year astrologically with a Mercury retrograde. I've spent time reflecting on the past calendar year of my life, appreciating the lessons, challenges and victories that are valuable to carry forward mindfully into next year.
Indulging! Aside from rest and naps, enjoying the pleasures the season brings with it's hot chocolates, special foods, music, and overall general coziness, is fun! Do this without the guilt that's been programmed into us by society around these things.
Honour ancestors that are important to you. Put their photos up. The veil is actually thinnest are Winter Solstice, after progressively thinning after Samhain. It's a wonderful time to connect, seek guidance, and feel their warmth.
It's not about "Christmas Day". I don't subscribe to the idea that one day alone needs such pressure and intensity. Christmas is now a full season to me, not just a day. This is so much more enjoyable to me and lifts A LOT of the past feelings of being rushed and tired. I also feel this way about New Years Eve.
I always feel especially creative this time of year, which I think has to do with the many dark hours. I am now honouring this and allowing myself to pause and create whenever the inspiration strikes. There are no rules.
I hope this season brings you glad tidings of comfort and joy.
The light in me, honours the light in you.
Blessed Be,
Amber xx
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