Beyond Xmas Tress and Tinsel
The desire for quiet amongst the festive hubbub
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Hmmm, so it’s nearly December, it’s that time of year again, isn’t it? Where the neon lights are festooned in the local town, Christmas trees line the streets hoping to be selected and delivered to a cosy festive home and I don’t feel festive at all.
This feeling of being rushed into December and forced into Christmas wonder actually makes me feel a little icky. I’m quite enjoying November to be honest, especially on days like today with bright blue skies, sparkling sunshine and a temperature just about crawling over one degree. These are my favourite days ever. Autumn at its best and the frost doing its best in keeping the flu bugs at bay.
Somehow, this year feels different to all the others - the usual yuletide spirit is strangely alive everywhere but not yet in my soul. The thought of decking the halls and bringing a Christmas tree home doesn’t quite spark the same joy it once did.
What is that all about?! It doesn’t help matters that Christmas seems to be forced upon us earlier each year. I think the first time I spotted mince pies was next to the halloween costumes, it’s ridiculous and I really do hate the rush, the pressure that builds and gross levels of commercial hype. This is why I need my remote beach cottage miles from anywhere!
How about you? Do you feel a little pressured to embrace the Christmas vibe?
It’s weird because I adore anything related to ‘hygge’ vibes, give me an excuse to light a candle, switch the fairy lights on and snuggle under a blanket with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate any day. Maybe it’s the realisation that my children have grown up, their excitement for festivities now a nostalgic memory. Or perhaps it’s the chaotic escapades of the ridgebacks around the tree, and not forgetting the cost of a 6ft tree, now costly almost £70!! Suddenly, I feel like I’m turning into Scrooge.
Maybe turning 49 this year brings with it a new perspective. The Christmas jingles that echo through retail stores seem louder, more grating in fact. Am I turning into someone who’s tired of the tinsel and commercialism of 'Black Friday' and correct me if I’m wrong, and now something called 'Digital Monday'?! Or is this simply the evolution of the Christmas spirit as I age?
Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas isn’t the usual list of stationery and bookish gifts; it’s a desire for peace, tranquility and a cosy sanctuary in my zen den by the sea. xx
Perhaps, this year, the greatest gift is the simple joy of the quietude - a new word for me - amid the chaos of the festive season. What say you?
Deep down I want to want to embrace the festive hubbub, in all its chaotic charm, I secretly crave its essence of togetherness, hope and family love. I guess it’s early days to be feeling enthusiastic about Christmas, maybe on the 23rd December I’ll be able to revel in its magic, savouring the moments that make this time of year truly special.
If todays ramblings resonate with you, please share your thoughts about how you feel about the looming Christmas mayhem. On another note, maybe you’d like to join me as I’ll be hosting a FREE Festive Therapeutic Journaling Workshop. And you’re all invited. It’s my way of offering you a little gift as a thank you for reading my Substack. I promise you 30 minutes of calm, surrounded by likeminded souls through a guided journaling workshop - on how we can use journaling to help us manage the 'Christmas Hubbub with ease’.
I dearly hope you can join me, more details below.
Until the next time
Take care & stay safe xxx
I agree that Christmas is coming too soon, and I just want a moment to breathe. I'm hoping the next three weeks include a nice dusting of snow that will slow down the hub bub here in Colorado.
Ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto............
I do confess, however, to having had my first mince pie of the season a couple of days ago. We have a farm shop and do home baking so someone has to do tasting - a tough task, lol. It was delicious, and I'll happily eat as many come my way 🙃
Will drop you an email as I'd love to do your journaling workshop!