I had a conversation yesterday with a friend about this time of year and they expressed their hate for the season; the over indulgence, the expense, the busyness were in sharp focus to peoples’ sense of isolation, sadness and need that she saw and felt at this time of year.

In my inbox today was a blog titled “Seven ways to Boost your energy naturally.” There were some great reminders; drink enough water, get morning exercise, get the right amount of sleep, practice meditation and deep breathing, avoid refined sugars and processed foods and get out into nature etc. I needed these prompts but my mind also turned to how I could help my friend. How could I boost her Christmas Spirit naturally?

So I’ve come up with this list; Seven ways to boost our Christmas Spirit naturally. What would you add to this list? Hint - The best way to boost your Christmas Spirit is to give it away.

Visit the lonely in your community - Think of those who might not have family or friends to spend Christmas with.
Share some Christmas treats with someone - maybe you could make them yourself.
Take a moment at the beginning of your day to read or listen to something inspiring. Set an intention to be kinder, more grateful and more generous.
Make up a Christmas playlist that contains 10 songs you really love. Share your play list with friends and listen to it yourself.
Surprise someone - Can you do something for someone in secret?
Tidy your house - put a wreath on your front door or offer to help someone else with their housework.
Remember to be present for those around you. Who needs you today?

For me number seven is the most important; to put aside all the busyness of the season and be present in the moment. This means paying attention, giving appreciation and noticing. Over time, practicing presence makes us better listeners and learners, it contributes to our energy levels and motivation and boosts our self-awareness and empathy.

May you, this year, remember how important your presence is to each other and to the world. May you be a bearer of Christ’s light in all that you do.

How the Light Comes

I cannot tell you
how the light comes.

What I know
is that it is more ancient
than imagining.

That it travels
across an astounding expanse
to reach us.

That it loves
searching out
what is hidden,
what is lost,
what is forgotten
or in peril
or in pain.

That it has a fondness
for the body,
for finding its way
toward flesh,
for tracing the edges
of form,
for shining forth
through the eye,
the hand,
the heart.

I cannot tell you
how the light comes,
but that it does.
That it will.
That it works its way
into the deepest dark
that enfolds you,
though it may seem
long ages in coming
or arrive in a shape
you did not foresee.

And so
may we this day
turn ourselves toward it.
May we lift our faces
to let it find us.
May we bend our bodies
to follow the arc it makes.
May we open
and open more
and open still

to the blessed light
that comes.

“How the Light Comes” appears in Jan’s book Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons.