Feng Shui and the Holiday Season  
by Valerie Samson CGA, FSAC, REIKI MASTER, CT/CRA, Feng Shui Consultant

Smiling faces; expressions of cheer; generous hospitality; warm fires; and the magical wonder of twinkling lights in a white, winter landscape.  The world transforms itself in many ways for the holiday season, all with an eye to creating a loving, supportive ambience full of celebration.   

How often have we reflected on the holidays from the deep cold of February and expressed the desire that this magical transformation could last the year through?  

Did you know the subtle effects of some of our favorite Christmas emotions can be achieved throughout the year by applying the ancient theories of Feng Shui?   

How you ask?..... 

1. Is there a dark corner in your home?  Small white twinkling lights being hidden inside a large indoor plant or tree make a wonderful soft light which adds and inviting feeling to an otherwise “dead” corner. 

2. Smell is a strong motivator.  We don’t always have the time to bake and create those tantalizing aromas that create comforting memories of warm intimate dinners.  Small scented candles with your favorite baking smells like cinnamon, apples or orange are an effective way of quickly creating a new atmosphere in the home and making everyone feel relaxed and welcome. 

3. Many homes experience a temporary reorganization of furniture to accommodate the traditional Christmas tree with all the trimmings.  Take notice of how the home feels with this slightly new arrangement of furnishings.  Have you created a new “pathway” in the house which lets people move through more comfortably?  If there are improvements in traffic flow, you may want to consider leaving the furniture in the new arrangement, once the tree comes down. 

4. Some people experience a sense of “sparseness” in their surroundings once all the decorations are removed at the end of the holidays.  This “cleaner” look gives many people the feeling that they can now focus on the New Years goals they set for themselves without a lot of distractions.  I always think of this example when explaining what the benefits are of getting rid of clutter in the home or office.  When you clear away the things you do not use, or no longer need, you create space for something new and exciting to take its place.  Sometimes this comes in the form of opportunities, increased focus in your life, or sometimes it is quite literally a bit of extra “breathing room” in your surroundings--so don’t be afraid to clean up and clear out those unwanted, unused items. 

As you get ready to hang red velvet bows and wrap shiny red presents you may be interested to know the meaning of the colour in Chinese culture.   Red is the gown color of choice by traditional Chinese brides.  It is believed to represent good luck, happiness and positive chi (energy) in life.  This explains why the color is widely used in many areas of Asian culture and why many gifts and symbolic ornaments are lavishly decorated in red ribbons and ties.  (It certainly makes the color of Santa’s outfit seem very appropriate!) 

As you enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this coming holiday season try to notice the specific changes you can capture and re-create throughout the year, thanks to the “magic” of Feng Shui. 

This article is Copyright 2004 by Valerie Samson.