There are a lot of emotional responses to Christmas: some people love it and look forward to it returning every year.  Some people, however, have many memories of family arguments, experiencing feelings of deficit (lacking money, energy, time, etc.,) being lonely, and feeling some sense of despair.

Christmas and Hannukah, among other holidays are all very near Winter Solstice: the darkest days of the year. Most include candles- that warm glow that brings a bit of cheer to each of us.  In terms of feng shui, because it’s dark, cold and damp weather in the U.S., it’s considered the most Yin time.  (Yin exists only with its opposite: Yang. Yang is summer- long, warm days of barbecues, beach parties, and baseball games.)  Then we combine the Yin time of winter with bright colors, celebration, and soccer or football games.  No surprise that for some, it’s a contradiction, and for others it’s a welcome relief.

The traditional colors used in the Christmas season are a combination of red and green.  Both are more Yang colors: green being more springtime and wood element color, and red being an active and fire element color.  For some, it may bring up feelings of anger and frustration, or even depression.  Let’s think about using some alternatives to the “traditional” colors, because in 2020, you can celebrate using colors that better match your temperament, or the nature of those with whom you’ll celebrate these days.

Using Color in Your Decorations

You could bring in white and metallics if you wish to bring a bit of calm and decorum to a gathering.  It feels a bit more formal one might say, and is beautiful with the use of candles and white lights.  These are the colors of the metal element in feng shui, and you just might find there is more harmony and less arguments when you sit down at dinner.

Traditional colors for the celebration of Hannukah are a royal blue (which represents knowledge and wisdom in Feng Shui) and silver, which adds a spiritual feeling yet maintains a decorum in your events.

Pink is a hue that we don’t often think of as a holiday color, but using it can improve the relationship between you and your partner. Adding white to the mix with an evergreen tree can bring a sense of formality combined with the energy that green brings us. 

You could bring in aqua and turquoise to lighten the feeling of water, cold temperatures and the moisture of winter.  Add a bit of the metal element (white and silver, for instance) with these colors for a spiritual yet calming influence.  

Christians use purple (or blue) and pink in their Advent candles, symbolizing wealth,(or knowledge and wisdom for blue) and harmony for partnerships in feng shui.

If you love green, then consider a lime green combined with the metallic combinations to create an energetic yet sophisticated affect.  Using pears, limes and green apples amongst your decorations can help to calm it down a bit with an earth element.  The earth element helps us achieve harmony by serving others. You can add purple for a nice combination and more abundance in your life.

If you can’t live without red at Christmas, then you can ground it with black or grey and add some white, silver or gold to give it sparkle.  You may find it causes a higher level of energy for everyone at your gatherings, however, so be prepared.

Bringing Ch’i (Energy) to Your Property

1. Put up outdoor decorations will bring more energy to your house- so have the intention for what you want to see happen in your life due to the lighting.  
2. Consider placing your Christmas tree in the center back of your house: the Fame/Reputation gua.  This gua is represented by the element of fire, and its basic shape is pyramid or triangle, which matches the shape of a Christmas tree. 
3. Make certain that the decorations you use are ones that you love and bring good memories. 

4. Put a wreath on your door.  The circular shape represents eternity and wholeness.  If it’s made of Christmas tree boughs, whether live or artificial it represents vitality, growth and health. 

Put candles in your windows.  You can utilize the battery operated ones that come on and go off automatically, making it effortless to enjoy the glow of the season.  Because the windows of your home represent your eyes in feng shui, these can bring enlightenment to you and all who enter.

In conclusion:

If you love the next two months, then by all means enjoy the social gatherings and fun that the season brings.  If you don’t, then pare down your “gotta do” list and concentrate on the positive.  The holidays, which are upon us, can be a bit calmer and restful if that’s the way you’d like them to be.  One way or another, may the days ahead help you remember that those you love are just as unique as you.

Happy holidays, one and all!