As we enter the deeper part of Winter and the shorter days, I like to go out in the weak sunlight or crisp cold mornings and be active, breathing the cold fresh air. Then to come inside and sit watching the world outside from within the warmth of home or work.
It helps to honour this time of year with the light we are so often lacking due to cloud cover, and at the same time think of those friends and family who find this time so difficult.
I am very lucky to have such wonderful memories of this time of the year. If you know me, you will know that I aim to be as optimistic and joyful as possible, some might say that I am positively childish at times (which I see as a compliment). As December takes its turn leading to the crescendo that is the festive season, I would like to leave you with my own little “Box of Delights”.
December is a month that as a child I used to delight in the magic and intrigue, opening that 1st little door on the Advent calendar to find a picture of a star or a snowflake. Enjoying the warming tastes and smells of Cinnamon, Chocolate, Satsumas (Father Christmas’s fruit) or Gingerbread.
I also cherish the childhood memories of anticipation of seeing family and friends that we may not have seen in months, if not since last Decembers family gathering, when the natural pine needles last scented the air of our home. Hearing the retelling of old tales of Great Aunts and Uncles or other family legends, and adding more fabulous stories and memories to be told in years to come.
I Delight in recalling the expectation of what we might find in our stocking or under the tree. Wondering how the gifts that I have given will be received by their recipient, will they laugh at my cunning plan, will they smile at the joy of my thoughtful gesture, will they cheer for joy that I found the last piece of their unfinished collection, will they cry for the memory that my gifts brought them? Giving bring such joy, and I love this time of year where I can hatch thoughts into reality by gifting these accumulated ideas and presents.
As time went on, our lives developed and I got older, the magic of the season still lingered, but eventually we all fall into the trap of “adulting”. We brought a house, got married, and had children of our own, children are a catalyst of joy and rekindled our magic of Christmas. As parents Liz and I had so much fun and joy being the bringer of our own light hearted magic for our Children, Willow and TomTom. As Christmas re-emerged, it cast a spell of new life with our own imaginations and we went to town on new traditions. These traditions that we hope may be collected and repeated into the future with joy, and fond memories formed by the future generations.
What magic or traditions do you remember delighting in?
What Magic do you still delight in from generations past?
What Christmas flavour reignites a magical Christmas memory?
Wishing you a wonderful Festive time, and please don’t forget to feed your inner child this winter, remember and cherish the positive, Look forward to the future and enjoy the present(s)
Your Friend and Acupuncturist Dan Lloyd.
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Iwood Health, Wrington 