Women: the secrets of surviving Christmas

The approach to Christmas can be a challenging time. Women are often the main organiser of school costumes for nativities, other social events, presents, and the food preparation for the day. Of course, this is on top of normal daily activities. It is not a wonder many women are tense over the pre-Christmas period.

Do you recognise the scenario?

Lovely as Christmas can be, it takes a lot of work to make it a success. Often all of those preparations are not recognised. Others may say

How hard can it be, its only one day! read more

Remaining calm through the festive season

The festive season is meant to be a time of joy – being with loved ones, a rest from work or studying, giving and receiving gifts.

The reality is often far removed from the intention. Experiences can range from too many people in the house with tensions between the generations or individuals, to someone on their own feeling left out and extremely lonely.

The preparations for gatherings and gifts can be onerous taking the joy from the occasion.

If you are experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed, financial stress or dread of the December festivities, it is time to take a step back and evaluate what you want this time to bring for you and your loved ones.

Gifts can come in many forms. They do not have to be lavish expensive ones. The key is to keep them simple. Gifts can be a treat, something you make yourself or a simple kindness.

As a widow my children did not have an adult that could help them with their presents, so they often made them.  My daughter loved to cook and often made we sweets and my son made me a card I could cash in for a chore. How imaginative, I valued these simple presents more than expensive presents provided by a partner on the child’s behalf. My children had thought about me and made an effort to provide me with a gift under the Christmas tree. I celebrated they had learnt to give as well as to receive.

Christmas Day Challenge – for those of you with a busy day, try to start it with a few calm moments for yourself, also think about giving a relative or friend a ring if you think they may be on their own.  For those of you having a quiet Christmas, be kind to yourself and love yourself.  Cook yourself some food you like and give yourself some treats.

Everybody’s Christmas is different. We make Christmas stressful for ourselves. Find calmness during the Christmas festival. Keep your gifts simple and find some quiet time during a hectic day. Remember those who may be on their own. If you have a quiet Christmas, love yourself and give yourself some treats.

Try to find a way that brings you some joy in the day. 

We would love to hear from you.  If you have a question or want to book an appointment with Alison Wem for healing, spiritual development guidance or course, psychic mediumship reading contact us here

Available face-to-face or via Zoom/WhatsApp depending on location.

Families: how to make them stronger so they stay together?

In the UK and I suspect many other countries too, the school half term is now over.

How did the holiday break go with you and your family?

This includes grandparents and anyone else who may have been involved with providing child care for younger children or ‘entertainment’ for older ones in half term week.

Hopefully you all had a wonderful time. But if my memory of being a working mum serves me right, this was not always the case. There is often so much expectation of the fun of being together, but without the ground work already in place, anticipation can turn to disappointment, frustration and fatigue.

So with Easter only 6 weeks away, it seems right to talk about families and how we can improve the time we spend together.

Do you regularly practice being together and listening to one another?

My observation is there are many benefits for families who regularly eat together. As they saying goes;

Families who eat together stay together.

In our busy 21st century lives, there is a trend towards families eating their meals from trays watching TV rather than sitting to a table and facing each other.  Likewise teenagers, if allowed, will take their food and eat in their bedrooms.

  • Eating a meal at a table together as a family strengthens the family bond. Over the meal conversation will flow backwards and forwards between parents, between parents and children.  By sharing their day’s news, family members are more involved with each other’s lives.  This gives opportunities to support one another and for parents to guide a child.
  • Listening to the conversation between parents is another opportunity for children to learn how to behave with another person and to love and support that person.  The simple act of eating a meal together provides many opportunities to learn for all involved.
  • Children may resist family dinners but as they become adults, they will come to value them. They may even repeat the process with their own children. Children can learn much at the family dinner table. This can include listening to and participating in parental discussions on economics, world issues, and what it means to be living a life. Children gain the opportunity to assess and form their own life values.
  • read more

    Women: Do Christmas with the minimum fuss

    The approach to Christmas can be a challenging time. Women are often the main organiser of school costumes for nativities, other social events, presents, and the food preparation for the day. Of course this is on top of normal daily activities. It is not a wonder many women are tense over the pre-Christmas period. Do you recognise the scenario?

    However there are things women can do to help themselves. Lets look at some tips for the woman of the house…..

    Tip #1  Stay calm – remember that the people coming on Christmas Day are friends and family. The day is not a test, they love you. Everything does not have to be perfect, only you want that.  Do not be afraid to delegate tasks. read more

    Rumi’s Reflections: Alison Wem’s Journal – Day 7

    My soul is from elsewhere, I’m sure of that,

    and I intend to end up there.

     

    Jalal al-Din Rumi

     

    I talked with my soul for many years before I realised who it was.

    Throughout a life threatening childhood illness, he was always there comforting and encouraging me. He held my hand through the dark of the night when I was in pain.

    In adulthood I was grateful to realise who he is, my best friend and my soul. He is the spark of divinity within me and brings me calmness, harmony and wisdom. We will always be together and I will go wherever he does. White Cloud, my light in the darkness shinning the way.