Any Witches Here Part 5.

[speakout]

Or Wiccans. or Pagans? Or anyone who is interested in a magical path or feels some magical stirrings.

A place for support, learning, swapping ideas and magical inspiration

All welcome.

Queen that's a good way of looking at if and it's what I try to do. I find it easier now my DC are older, when they were young I put myself under so much pressure to make sure they had a good time. I'm going to a Christmas market tomorrow with a couple of friends which has become a bit of a Christmas tradition.

speakout I think that modern life and its demands are a crucial and somewhat negative influence on why so many people struggle at this time of year. I desperately want to sleep in later in the mornings, and stay inside by the fire and I have far less energy this time of year. Before my youngest arrived, and I was home educating my elder son and we definitely slowed down during winter and almost hibernated. We let our lives take a more natural flow.
I can't do that now I have one in school and it is definitely affecting my mood.

I think we are just removed from the natural order of things and for those prone to struggling in Winter months it is an extra burden.

That's an interesting way of putting it speakout. In the summer I can be up like a lark and have loads of energy. Come November/December and I struggle to get out bed in the mornings. I feel sleepy come midday and have even been known to take naps in the afternoon. I was told by a holistic therapist that she thought this was down to the approaching solstice and that it's common.

I'd quite like to hibernate to be honest but obviously that's not possible. I do like Christmas, but it drains me. My family are very clanlike and have huge gatherings over the festive period, and I find it really hard. I love them but they exhaust me! My dream Christmas/New Year would be a remote cottage or cabin the mountains, a lovely fire, sitting and reading and drinking hot chocolate and maybe the odd festive film.

I also find myself thinking of my grandparents who are all sadly gone now. But then maybe as you say that's normal.

I need a way to enjoy Christmas more

I face family challenges and other challenges and it just makes me feel a bit depressed

Speakout you have such a lovely way of looking at things. I try really hard to embrace every season, but I do struggle with winter. It's so hard getting up in the dark, driving to work and coming home again in the dark. And then there's the financial pressure of Christmas which is always a strain.

I'm doing my best to be positive though! I've lit my candles, my house is warm and cosy and I'm cooking a nice dinner. The teens are both out tonight so I think I'll get my tarot cards out later.

I understand that life gets in the way, that the festive period feels like just another burden.
I don't underestimate difficulties that we all have.

My difficulties in life have been huge, too many and severe to mention, but it is because of them that I need grasp the spark of life.

I want to feel the fire, despite and because of my hardships that I feel the intensity of the flame.

I hope those of you who don't enjoy the festive season will allow us and others to share the warmth a little.

Speakout I'm hoping that through the energy of this thread we can all help one another to enjoy the festive season.

I love hearing what others are doing and getting inspiration.

Perhaps we can post suggestions of the special things we like to do - crafts, traditions, baking, etc - and share the warmth?

Today has been a day of keeping warm and snuggling up.

This morning was hectic, worked hard for several hours to get everything post ready by lunchtime, I made a huge post of soup.
Daughter came home from her last day at placement, she has been unwell for a lot of the month, tonsilitis, a cold, sinus infection.
The travelling to her placement ( nursing student) has been gruelling, two hours each way, weather cruel, wet, cold and she is exhausted.
She came home at lunchtime, had two big bowls of soup and settled down with me on the sofa, while we watched a christmas movie.
She lay down with her head in my lap, covered in a soft blanket as I stroked her head.
She was asleep within 10 minutes.
She became a small child again within that transition- and was what she needed.
She is a strong capable young woman, but I could feel her being nourished by warmth, touch, security, goddess energy as she slept close to me.

A blissful two hours.

And now a few hours later I have been joined on the same sofa by my two cats, cold from a spree in the forest.

They have nicknames too- Baby Beezlebug and Belly Boy..
Both soaking up the goodness of a warm cuddle!

It's not often I have spent an afternoon on the sofa!

VioletCharlotte

Yes, that's exactly what I mean.

It's the simple things I enjoy, Scented candles, using cinnamon and cloves in cooking, bringing in evergreens- even at the start of the season, I love the smell of pine.

Speakout your poor DD, I hope she's feeling a bit better after a good sleep. Nurse placements are tough, then you factor in travel, being away from home for the first time l, it's no wonder she's feeling absolutely exhausted. Sounds like you're taking good care of her 😊

My DS decided last week that he wasn't enjoying his course and has left now uni. His plan is to take a year out and return next year to do a differing course. It's not easy being that age!

VioletCharlotte

That is a brave decision your son has taken. No it's not easy being that age. My son is that age too and still drifting a little.

So much push to go to university from schools- it's not always the best option nor the right time.
They are still so young.

He will turn sunny side up in his own time, sometimes we just need to step back, support and love and allow them to steer.
It''s not easy, but the best we can do, for them, and our sanity!!

speakout I love the way you talk about your children. The deep love you have for them is so very clear.
I am trying to keep that little thread alive with my 13 year old, he is open with me verbally and has come to me about some very difficult personal feelings over the last couple of years but physically he doesn't like contact and I am respecting that. I am hoping that as he grows through this teen phase that hugging mum will become acceptable again!

I am thankful for my youngest son who is still very much loving close contact. He is a different child to his brother though, far more sentimental. He takes after his dad I think, where my eldest is more emotionally reserved and definitely his father's son.

I have candles lit, incense burning and am about to settle under a blanket to watch some TV.

Sounds like a lovely afternoon speakout

I find November a hard month. But that is because I suffer with vit d deficiency so find this month and the run up to the solistic hard with the lack of daylight hours to get out and about in. That said I have been enjoying the fact that on a sunny day my desk at work is by a window and it is a lovely little sun trap. So between that and the fact they are finally getting my vit suppliment dosage right mean it has not been so hard in that respect. Still looking forwards to the lightening nights. although it could snow and brighten everything up that way and I would not be upset

Christmas is hard. Tradition here is that you clean the house down properly ready for the festive season. Which means every book gets taken off the shelf to be hoovered, every piece of furniture is moved and cleaned behind, every window, door and carpet is also cleaned to within an inch of its life. This also makes November exhausting. But it is lovely to sit and enjoy in December. and shhhh corners are being cut this year to be as realistic as possible with what energy I don't have Just right now I feel permanently exhausted and done with people.

The other day I bought my advent candle. It is a tradition my parents tried to form when I was a child. Never quite stuck. But it is one that I try to stick to. I know I already had an advent candle but it is in a safe place too safe so it was easier this year when I am soo tired already to just pick one up when I saw it. I am looking forwards to it.

We used to drive to a local village and look at the Christmas lights. I have not done that for years so it is on my festive bucket list. That and to go sit in a dark car park in the middle of now where and have a look at the stars away from the light pollution.

It's funny I was looking up Christmas holiday/winter "bucket list/activity lists" earlier this evening. And here you are all discussing a similar thing. There were some really nice cheap but calming activities on there, shame things like snow shoeing are not so realistic here but a girl can dream. Seriously send snow. lots of snow

Didn't mean to be away for so long but one near miss with A&E, and just general bat shit craziness of life here, it all colluded against me.

Good evening all,

It’s good to settle down for the evening, candles lit, oil burner going and checking in with the discussion here. I too would rather be hibernating at this time of year! I’m making a point of savouring the times that feel more in line with the season. I love reading everyone’s contributions here as part of that.

Like queenrollo I deliberately re-framed Christmas a few years ago. It’s made it so much better for me. I think we’re told such a strong story of how it should be that it’s actually very empowering to reclaim it as what we’d like it to be and revel in enjoying that.

speakout it’s lovely to hear of that special time with your daughter and then the cats today. These moments make life magical don’t they.

Lovely to have you back Hills

Sending love to those with medical issues and those who are finding the winter tough. I agree with speakout and Violet that we can help each other through and hopefully inspire each other to find ways to enjoy the season even when it feels tough

queenrollo

It can be hard to maintain things as children grow, and often they themselves have a need for physical distance - which is hard for mothers who have spent years having them so attached.

Like the rainbow episode I find horse whispering works wonders, the best conversations and true meetings happen side by side, when distractions are present and we meet in the haze surrounding other things.

I remember when my son was 13, we were trying together to grub up a large old diseased shrub to make way for new planting. the ground was hard, the day was hot, the roots were wya thicker and deeper than we expected.
It became frustrating, then silly, as we pulled out various tools- axes, shovels, saws in an effort to tackle the beast,, saw us with him- arms around my waist as we dug in our heels, pulling with all our strength, to try to pull on the roots. Collapsing in a heap of laughter in the lawn, covered in dirt and earth- and actually better than a cuddle.
A true meeting.
A sideways thing though- as sometimes happens with teenage boys.

YashmisCrone
THat is such a perfect picture- exactly how I feel about the darker months.

Me too speakout! I saw it and thought the same. It’s vibe I’m nurturing for the season.
Doing what has to done to get through the days and treasuring the cosy evenings right now..

Ah Yashmis I saw that picture on a Facebook post this week, it's beautiful isn't it? It reminds me of a book I had as a child.

Speakout thank you. DS will be fine sure. He's got his head screwed on and I'm glad he was able to make the decision to leave now, rather than doing something that wasn't making him happy.

Queen I get lots of hugs from both my teen DS (19 and 17). 13 year old boys are quite awkward sent they? Hugging is not cool! I'm sure he'll change as he gets older. Sounds like you have a great relationship.

Hills good to have you back

Violet yes that’s where I saw it too! Also this one on a similar vein.
Sounds like a lovely book you had

I definitely concur with the perspective here. Love staying in, hibernating. Shame the rest of the world doesn't agree. I'm feeling at cross purposes - work is relentless, life seems to want to be too but I like days when I don't have to get out and engage with it all. Although I did enjoy some Christmas craft market shopping with a long time friend which was nourishing. I think it was the company and the emphasis on small business creativity.

Well it’s the first of December and so it’s time for me to start on the little things for the festive season.

Today’s little thing is to sweep the porch tidy and put up a Christmas wreath on the front door. 10 mins work but it will cheer me up each night when I arrive home in the dark. I’ll probably also bring the outdoor herbs closer to the porch as it’s warmer for them.

Sunday’s little thing is a quiet afternoon listening to music while wrapping up some presents. I might add hot chocolate. 😊

I find that just one little thing each day adds up to a lot less pressure and a lot more fun than the days of endless cooking and shopping all in readiness all for one day.

I also have a kind of reverse advent calendar - it lists one act of kindness to be done each day. Simple things like smiling at a stranger but they make a difference.

😊😊😊 - there I just did it. 😉

Gee I like the idea of doing little things everyday.

I'm up early this morning as I'm going to a Christmas market. It's a couple of hours on the train so an early start. Looking forward to a glass of mulled wine and some stollen to get me in the Christmas mood!

Morning.

Gee- yes, I have the same approach to christmas, it's a drip approach rather than a tsunami! Eventually things get done.

Thinking about winter months. Yes we have a natural tenancy to dive for cover but society makes that impossible, doesn;t it.

Years a go I had a ( rather lovely) boyfriend who travelled to Northern Norway regularly on business.

He talked about the differences in how people lived between the winter and summer months,
In summer when days were very long, people would work a 12 hour day, sleep only 5 or 6 hours, Businesses and shops would be open for long periods, people were very active.
In the winter months it was very different. Shops and banks would be open for only 4 or 5 hours a day, people would work short working hours, many people would sleep for 10 or 12 hours a day.

Almost like a state of semi- hibernation. I remember thinking at the time how sensible that was.
Pity we can't do the same here in the UK!

Hi Speakout/never thought of that,

Perhaps I will try some little things each day too and the reverse advent kindness. It would be being kind to myself and other people. Might be a challenge in terms of the getting small tasks done angle. My life tends to be a blitz and bust arrangement. Job 1 - look up kindness ideas. I am generally kind and do things for others -would be good to do this consciously.

At work we're doing a few things to help others over Christmas, like bringing in items for the food bank and warm clothes we no longer need to go to the homeless. I've found that thinking of those less fortunate helps me to not get caught up in all the consumerism and just be really grateful for the things I've got.