School of Complementary Therapies -Articles

BE THE GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS

I have sat down on several occasions to write the end of year newsletter and looked at a blank screen with no ideas bopping through my brain. Then I was at the Breakfast with Friends listening to my good friend Mary Ford bring our breakfast group to a close for the year and she said "Be the gift this Christmas" and the light when on!

Now, I know it's not politically correct anymore to say "Christmas" so read "Holidays" or mentally insert whatever word is meaningful to you and forgive me and Mary for being old-fashioned gals. Anyway, Mary was talking about how when we are happy and with friends we "glitter" like the glitter we used to sprinkle on home-made Christmas Cards.

It is so easy to get caught up in the Holiday Season marketing hype and feel it's all about the shopping and the getting (see last year's Newsletter about Perfection as a reminder). But for many of us we can look back to times when Christmas was much simpler and for those who can't I'd like to help you get back to a more simple approach to this holiday season.

The original winter holiday was the Solstice, this year falling on December 22. It was time when we celebrated the end of the long dark days and the return of longer light during the days; the dark times were over and we celebrated the return of the light. The story of the birth of Christ is often interpreted as symbolic return of light to the planet and therefore a time to celebrate. There are other stories too, but I don't want this to be a history lesson or to begin a philosophical debate. I asked my group of Advanced Lightworkers what "return of the light" meant to them and they came up with "the return of energy, love and peace." I'm sure you get the idea. So, remember that first and foremost the Holiday Season is a time to celebrate whatever is spiritually meaningful to you and to celebrate "the return of the light". When we celebrate we rejoice, have fun, have a good time, party, enjoy ourselves and make merry. This brings out the "glitter" in us all. We sparkle when we are happy.

The way most of us like to celebrate is to get together to share meals. My friend and fellow board member of the Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario, Joan Riggs works on many occasions with our aboriginal people. Recently she reminded me that the tradition of sharing meals and eating with others creates community. Potluck is derived from the Native American custom of potlatch the sharing of dishes, each person contributing. There is an English derivation that indicates it means "food given away to guests". Either way it's a great way to celebrate and share your "glitter" with family and friends, old and new. So get together with friends and share meals in celebration of the season. You will be sharing the gift of you.

Another of our Christmas traditions is gift-giving. The marketing hype has us "searching for the perfect gift" and forgetting the sheer pleasure in the acts of both giving and receiving. I see giving and receiving as two sides of the same coin and I take as much pleasure in both! Remind yourself of how much fun gift-giving can be and forget about "perfection" and "return policies". This time of year I am inspired to random acts of kindness: put a quarter in a meter that's run out of time, wipe the snow off someone's car, pay for the coffees of those in the car behind you in the Tim Horton's drive-through - teehee! Have fun playing Santa. And don't forget those less fortunate than you: a gift to Toy Mountain, treats to the Foodbank, a donation to charity (don't forget ADAO) Set yourself a budget and stick to it. You'll feel so good you'll "glitter".

Think of yourself as the "gift" this Christmas. Turn up your light, choose to be happy and glitter and sparkle your way through the Season. You may find you enjoy yourself so much you'll decide it's a new way of life for you. And remember, just being you is great because those around you have manifested you in their lives-you are the gift!

Blessings of the Season to you and yours,

PS And I do have gift certificates available for purchase and the CDs Acceptance and Radiant Health also make great gifts.

xmas -Christmas Cheer- xmas

A little treat for over the holidays. Although we think of Lemonade in the summer, it always makes a lovely punch. Instead of the edible flowers I use in the summer, I serve this in the winter with some cranberries floating around in it. It's always nice with company to share your aromatherapy skills. Enjoy!

If you reprint this article, you must include this box of information:

Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to School ofCT or Jacqueline Fairbrass, call 613.232.4224 or contact us on-line.