Christmas, for me, is a day of quiet reflection—a time to embrace the peace of nature, enjoy the joy of cooking great food, and ground myself in simple, intentional practices. The holidays often come with expectations of busyness and celebration, but I’ve learned to find comfort in stillness.
This season carries layers of emotion for many of us. As I reflect on the 45th anniversary of my mother’s passing a few days after Christmas, I find myself holding space for the complexity of the holidays. While there is joy in the lights, warmth, and togetherness, there can also be grief, heaviness, or bittersweet memories.
The Beauty of Holding Space for Both Joy and Grief
The holidays are often painted as a time of pure happiness, but the reality is more nuanced. It’s possible—and perfectly okay—to feel both joy and grief in the same breath. Grief doesn’t have to overshadow the light, and joy doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten our losses.
For me, creating space for both has been healing. I’ve learned to celebrate the beauty of the season while honoring the emotions that arise. This can look like:
Acknowledging Your Feelings: Letting yourself feel whatever arises, without judgment, is a powerful act of self-compassion. For me, my go-to pose for processing emotions and letting them flow is balasana (child’s pose). This inward, nurturing asana creates a safe space to turn within, offering comfort and grounding as I honor and release my feelings.
Embraced by Stillness, Connected to Self. Balasana, (Child’s Pose) calms the mind, gently stretches the back and hips, reduces stress, and creates a safe space for emotional release and introspection. Creating Quiet Moments: Stepping away from the noise to reflect, meditate, or simply breathe.
Focusing on Gratitude: Finding small things to be thankful for—warmth, food, a kind word.
Grief may never fully leave us, but we can learn to carry it with tenderness while still embracing moments of lightness.
Grounding Practices for the Holidays
During this season, I find grounding through small rituals and practices:
Nature and Stillness: A peaceful walk outside becomes a sensory symphony—the crunch of snow under my feet, the soft rustling of oak leaves still clinging to their branches, and the distant songs of winter birds echoing in the stillness. The crisp air carries the faint, grounding scent of earth, mingled with the freshness of the season. I feel the cold embrace of the wind on my skin, sharp yet invigorating, reminding me of my connection to the natural world.
Being with nature daily is my greatest way to find balance. Each moment spent immersed in its beauty brings a sense of grounding, renewal, and alignment, offering a profound reminder of the simplicity and harmony life can hold.
I invite you to step outside and be with nature, even for a few moments each day. Breathe deeply, notice the sights and sounds around you, and let the natural world ground and nurture you in its quiet wisdom.
Gentle & Restorative Yoga: Gentle poses, supported by props and blankets, help release tension and invite deep rest.
Nourishing Food: Cooking is my greatest passion and the truest way I share love. The creation of a recipe begins as a dance of inspiration—using what I have on hand, drawing from the season's bounty, and letting creativity guide me. The act of chopping vegetables, simmering spices, and crafting something warm is more than joy—it’s a deeply heartfelt expression of connection, healing, and care poured into every meal I create.
I've been on a sourdough bread and discard kick lately. Self-Care Routines: Simple, nourishing practices like Abhyanga (self-oil massage), sipping warm water with lemon and salt, or enjoying a comforting cup of bone broth are my go-to rituals for grounding and balance during the holidays. Right now, I’m sipping chicken bone broth infused with nettle, ginger, hingvastak, and astragalus.
Nettle: Rich in minerals and supports energy, immunity, and overall nourishment.
Ginger: Aids digestion, warms the body, and soothes inflammation.
Hingvastak: Balances vata, enhances digestion, and reduces bloating.
Astragalus: Boosts immunity, strengthens resilience, and supports overall vitality.
These ingredients not only make the broth delicious but also deeply healing and grounding for the body and mind.
A Recipe to Warm Your Heart
The kitchen is my haven during the holidays—a place where I feel most grounded. I’m excited to share one of the recipes we’ve been savoring in our home recently.
Offering Support
If you’re seeking ways to feel more at peace this season, I invite you to explore Reiki Restorative Yoga—an opportunity to release tension and find deep rest.
For a deeply nurturing experience, consider an Ayurvedic body treatment like Abhyanga. This warm oil massage nourishes the body, calms the mind, and grounds the spirit, offering comfort and renewal amidst the holiday bustle.
Both offerings are designed to hold space for you—whether you’re seeking rest, connection, or simply a moment to breathe.
If you’re in need of more personal support this season, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’m here to hold space for you through conversation or simply to listen. 💛
Honoring the Season
This Christmas, may you find moments of peace, gratitude, and grounding. Whether you’re celebrating with family, reflecting quietly, or navigating emotions, know that you’re not alone.
Wishing you warmth and light,
Jennifer
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