©2003 Deborah Bier, M.Ed
 Softly falling snow drifting into enormous, pristine piles... huge stacks of wrapped boxes containing lavish, wonderful gifts... a beautifully-decorated dinner table brimming with china, silver and platter after platter of exquisite food.... the loving family gathered 'round the Christmas tree singing songs and drinking eggnog into the snowy night. Such are the images which readily come to mind for the December holidays.
And I hate it. I hate it. I SIMPLY HATE IT.
Here's how I translate the above: piles of icy snow to shovel, making roads and sidewalks a hazard. Huge piles of unnecessary stuff to further clog our all-too-materialistic lives, most of which will probably end up in a landfill somewhere. Gastric overwhelm and trying too hard to impress the relatives. A group of people related by blood who have lots of unfinished business and disappointments with each other which they're making believe don't exist, particularly by drinking too much.
A real pile of holiday fun, aren't I?
 I do my best to ignore all the folderol from December 1 to January 2. I avoid stores... don't even shop by catalog or online. I send maybe three holiday cards. I give no more than five presents. The only party I go to is a Yankee swap because the gifts and the swap are so darned funny. This year I'm giving my husband my traditional offering: several pairs of long underwear, an entirely practical gift for someone who works outdoors in New England's winter cold. I've asked for something utilitarian on the order of a toaster or somesuch. Or just skip a gift for me altogether if he wants.
Unrealistic Expectations Can Lead to Disappointment
It's not that I'm a Grinch.... I don't begrudge anyone's real happiness or good will toward men (or women, dogs, cats, or horses for that matter). It's just that the December holidays as they're practiced in the US are so darned idealistic, materialistic, fast-paced and stressful for body, mind and soul. They set us up for expectations which cannot be fulfilled, pressure us to act as though we have happy, loving feelings that we don't really experience, and overwhelm us with more chores than can be done. At least not without undue wear-and-tear at a time when our physical energy is seasonally low.
 In the Northern hemisphere, all of this hyperactivity around the December holidays doesn't make seasonal sense to me. In fact, the opposite seems more healthy: extra rest, turning inward, quiet reflection. After all, the need to honor the light comes at the time of year it is the darkest: the Winter Solstice. We have had a universal need throughout history to brighten our spirits with some kind of festival of lights during the season of darkness: Saturnalia, Druid feasts, Kwanzaa, Chanukah... not to mention all those little lights up on the Christmas tree.
Another need we have is to depart from our day-to-day lives and gather with others, particularly people we love. We acknowledge one another. We note the importance we hold in each other's lives. We give thanks. We pray. We give of ourselves to others. Having too much to do, too much food, too much drink, too many presents, and too many obligations cloud the deeper purposes of our holidays.
Creating Some Sanity
If you find that the holidays make you feel drained, sad, angry, or panicked, then join with me in starting on some sanity-inducing flower essences as soon as possible. I like to begin around November 1. Here are four of my favorite seasonal essence types -- use them one to four times a day... or more, depending upon your needs.
 Essence Generalists -- a Generalist is an essence blend which has a wide range of action and covers the slings and arrows of outrageous stress, trauma, tension and upset. They include Rescue Remedy, Five Flower, Master Harmonizing Mixture or Help is on the Way.
Perspective-Giving Essences -- Year 'round, we need help setting our priorities and learning not to sweat the small stuff; holidays make this need more urgent. Try Banana, Sauromatum or Foxglove.
Restful, Peaceful, Calming Essences -- Don't forget that "Peace on Earth" starts with each of us. Try Chamomile, Olive or Restedness.
Joy-Enhancing Essences -- What if you REALLY felt "ho, ho, ho!"? These essences are focused on uplift, joy and happiness. For example, try Gold, Zinnia or Peonies.
The articles in the section which follows are further explorations of essences for truly happy, meaningful, peaceful and warm holidays. Now, go forth and really enjoy the best of the season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Deborah Bier, M.Ed. is Co-Editor, a frequent contributor to Vibration Magazine, and maker of Whole Energy Essences. For more information about her and for more of her articles, see here.
ART CREDITS: Drawings -- Art Today;
Backgrounds --Word of Mouth Design.
The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.
  
Vibration Magazine/The World Wide Essence Society
PO Box 285
Concord, MA 01742
978 369-8454
Website: Hometown Websmith and Word of Mouth Web Design
|
