Peace in this time: 10 tips for a mindful Christmas

As we all know, Christmas is not always the most peaceful time of the year, contrary to its actual meaning - but in contrast to the pressure of expectations, tradition and end-of-year panic, there is one factor that many people overlook: we can and should organize our celebrations the way we want. And that is different for everyone. To find orientation for your own, individualized celebration, here are a few mindfulness tools:

• Preparation is half the battle: Why not decorate the tree a few days before the holiday (contrary to tradition), the festive meal can also be prepared long before Christmas Day or you can simply have something special delivered.

• Less is more: It is worth not planning too many activities for the Christmas holidays, not scheduling all visits on these days and arranging particularly emotionally intense meetings at other times.

• Plan getaways: If possible, it is much more relaxing to travel and find inner reflection before the start of the new year.

• Use "Rauhnacht"-retreats: For the period between Christmas and New Year, which are also known as "Rauhnacht", there are wonderful retreats (online & in person) that help to find emotional closure of the past year, enter the new year with new energy and positive intentions and receive the personal annual vision for 2025.

• Take a walk on Christmas Eve: Nothing helps clear your head and find your inner center better than cold, fresh forest air, nature and sunlight.

• Plan a home spa day: Make yourself comfortable at home with candles and relaxing music, take a bath with aromatic oils, apply cosmetic treatments, plan partner massages, etc.

• Integrate mindfulness exercises into the celebration, e.g. mindfully enjoying the festive meal, performing a gratitude meditation for the past year, exchanging loving words in front of the Christmas tree, etc.

• Don't forget to breathe: do some breathing exercises every now and then to slow down.

• Smoking: Smoke out the house with incense or other Christmas scents and clear it for the new year.

• Christmas yoga for children: In addition to the sweet Christmas masses for children, there are additional exercises that shorten the wait for Christkind/Santa Claus, e.g. Christmas yoga (many videos can be found on YouTube).