As we welcome the colder months and descend into the bleak, dull days of late autumn, many of us are looking towards the festive season with a mixture of delight and trepidation. In today’s modern world, it seems practically impossible to escape the media and consumerist hype that propels us towards Christmas, demanding that we have the “perfect family day” with all the presents, trimmings, food, drink and everything else that we are encouraged to buy to make the big day a success.

I love Christmas. For me it is not about religion. It is a time to take a break from work and the daily routine. It is a time to relax in the company of friends and family. We may dress up in pretty clothes and go out for a social party, if that’s what makes us happy. We might choose to stay at home, wrapped up in snuggly clothes and watching TV or reading. What I am determined not to do, is succumb to the media pressure. I am already seeing adverts on TV about Christmas shopping and getting everything organised. Well, it does come together eventually, so I won’t worry about it for now.

For now, I am taking time to embrace my reiki practise. When I return home from the school run on days when my younger daughter is at preschool, I am making sure that I use the precious free time to do some reiki meditation and to welcome the energy into my body. I will need it once the chaos of Christmas takes over, as it inevitably does when you have young children. I love the gatherings in town for the Christmas light switch-on, and the times when we visit Father Christmas and see his reindeer. My reiki will keep me (relatively) calm and composed, and give some much need “me-time.”

How do you handle the pressure of the festive season? Does it bother you, or do you simply let it all pass you by?

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