((Most of us are facing a four day holiday weekend. This reading covers 12/24/15 (Christmas Eve), 12/25/15 (Christmas Day/Full Moon), 12/26/15, and 12/27/15. Please enjoy.))

((Cards are read left to right, bottom to top. Cards featured: The Steampunk Tarot by Moore and Fell.))

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Food! Family! Presents! Hope! Joy! Love!

Stress…Angst…Anger…Tears…

For the first time since 1977, we have a Cold Moon Christmas!!

The Full Moon in all of her radiant splendor, smiling on us all as we gather and celebrate. And she is in the nick of time, too!

A brilliant poet wrote, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” but he does not remark on how well it will work out for you. As the cards above remind us, this time of year is both joyous and fraught with peril.

No family is perfect and for many, the holidays are a minefield. We have the best intentions – perfect presents, complex recipes, beautiful decorations, spectacular lights, a Martha Stewart-worthy table – but our best intentions can end in disappointment, arguments and tears. In our thoughts, we believe we can make everything perfect; in our hearts, we know love should be enough, so why isn’t it? 

Again, as the cards remind us, no one exists in a vacuum. None of us is the same person we were yesterday, much less last year or when we were eight years old. We walk a path – to each their own and in their own stride – with no obligation to explain ourselves, no need for outside approval…although, we may rather long for it. Why? Because Christmas!

THE GOOD NEWS: YOU CAN HANDLE IT! There is no holiday event (or disaster) you cannot take in stride – you are ready with all of the appropriate tools at hand.

However, you may find some of the events (or battles) tiring to the point of exhaustion. Fortunately, energy is bolstered or replenished with some seasonal self care. The following suggestions are simple, accessible, and quite enjoyable:

Take a sip: So many lovely seasonal drinks! Specialty teas, mulled cider, hot chocolate, flavored coffees, EGG NOG!! These festive cups may be served simply (hot cider warmed with a cinnamon stick), slightly dressed (spiced tea with an orange rind, cinnamon stick and honey), or completely over the top (hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles and candy cane). No matter what you choose, take a moment to savor the season in peace and quiet.  

Light the candles: Candles brighten your space both inside and out; choose color, or texture, or fragrance, or container, or whatever appeals to you, and light them. LIGHT THEM! Candles are not made for show. Light them, enjoy them, and allow yourself the warmth of spirit they are eager to convey. 

No guests required: If you are “saving” anything beautiful, comfortable, luxurious, or meaningful for “company,” STOP IT!! Since you absolutely cannot take them with you, enjoy such things now. The wonderful items of your home are actually meant for you first; use the french-milled soap and fluffy towels for your own bath, have a glass of wine in your fine crystal.   

Soak your head (and all the rest of you!): Water is critical to rejuvenation both inside and out. Drink water as you must (consider adding mint or cilantro leaves, lime or cucumber slices, whatever you like); enjoy a bubble bath (add a bit of lavender gel or rose oil to soothe your senses as well as your skin) but if time is at issue, take a hot shower (add a few minutes of deep breathing at both the beginning and the end of your usual routine). Need to scrub off some bad energy? Add some salt (sea salt preferred but table salt will do)  to your regular shower gel, scrub away the negativity and release its stress right down the drain.  

Wear it with pride: Add some holiday whimsy to your wardrobe – silly socks, jingle bell bracelet, sparkly sweater, whatever – and wear it with all the festive joy of the season. If you like it, you wear it. Do not be concerned with anyone else’s “taste” in holiday adornments. Celebrate your own way. 

Enjoy the tree: The simplest of the self-care suggestions; enjoy the tree. It is a temporary art installation in your own home; sit beside it and enjoy it as much as you like, perhaps listening to holiday music and nursing a seasonal beverage of your own design. (REMINDER: Do not be distracted: no television, no computer, no phone. The real world can wait.)

A very Merry Christmas to you all!!

And a Happy New Year!!

((All images courtesy of Google Images.))