Christmas is full of nosalgia ....

Christmas touches every sense we have doesn't it?

The sound of carols drifting through the air transports us back to cherished memories, the sounds of people wishing each other a 'Merry Christmas', The sight of twinkly lights being turned on for the first time when dusk invites itself into your home, the smell of the turkey or the gingerbread as it first comes out of the oven, the feel of the new Christmas jumper or new cosy pajama's as you climb into a freshly laundered bed, so many, many different things evoke times gone by.

I think back to my childhood memories, one in particular, when a great aunt visited my grandparents with a suitcase, when it was opened it was full of Christmas gifts, something I'll never forget as it's etched in my thoughts forever. The adults laughing as they discussed the bus journey from one side of the town to the other dragging the case along with them (long before the invention of wheels on a case). But for me it was the awe of all of the gifts and the different coloured wrapping, just plain old printed festive wrapping, not the fancy ribbons and bows we have now, it was a much simpler time.

As a parent myself I remember waking very early one Christmas morning and being so excited for my own two so much so I wanted to wake them, much to the dismay of Mr H., eventually after noisily closing the bathroom door and a rustle of their stockings they did begin to wake and we all enjoyed a bit of time in our bed watching the children open the first installment of a magical morning together with smiles and happiness. It's such an evocative time isn't it? I hope this helps you revisit some of your happy memories, sit for a moment and enjoy wandering down your own memory lane.

I also realise that this time of year can be a very difficult time, for this reason I don't decorate my therapy space, I want it to be a space offering some sanctuary even if for only 60 minutes, its a space where we talk of worries, concerns and sadness, of pressure and family tensions, of missing loved ones and loneliness, ALL very difficult during the festive period. When I started my holistic practice I never thought that December and January would be busy months but they are my busiest months! As I write this my diary is already booked until the 14th January, so if you take one thing away from this blog please know you're not alone if you're struggling!

And now I'm sharing some tips to help you navigate the festivities and hoping you'll find some inner warmth and joy..

Practice Self care - It's okay to say no! It's okay to say you're feeling low in your mood, It's okay to share your feelings, we really don't have to keep the mask in place. Don't feel pressurised into something you don't want to do because its tradition, new traditions can be created.

Pause for positivity - As much as it's okay to feel sadness, there has to be space for positivity too, what went well this year, what have you enjoyed, where have you been? Have there been new experiences you'd like to repeat in the new year? There will be something and it may be very small, but don't overlook it.

Focus on something that creates a feeling of warmth and comfort - is it a movie,

a gingerbread latte, or maybe something like a cosy scarf?

Be sure to treat yourself! How about creating a stocking for yourself?

A lovely bottle of bubble bath, a gorgeous journal or notebook,

a delicious box of chocolates, and don't open everything all at once

but choose something each time you need a 'pick me up.'

In fact I'm going to do this during the new year and put things away for December.

Plan ahead - make a date with yourself during the post Christmas days, get your nails done, meet a friend for coffee or book a reflexology treatment or a facial to chase away the drab January days and most importantly enjoy some fresh air, it helps to release endorphins, which ease feelings of pain and encourages feelings of pleasure.

And finally, make time for rest! We can cope with so much more if we have a good night's sleep.

Breathe, relax and take care,

Rachel x