Niki's Articles

Christmas - a time for joy or despair?

‘When, therefore, one wishes “A Happy Christmas” without the meaning behind it, it becomes nothing more than an empty formula. And unless one wishes for peace for all life, one cannot wish for peace for oneself.’   - Mahatma Gandhi                                                                                                                                 
'Once upon a time...' is how all good bedtime stories used to begin, so that’s how I’m going to start this piece….

Once upon a time, people in Britain enjoyed the Christian festival that had come to be known as Christmas.  Coming at the coldest and darkest time of year, it was a short but welcome break in their hard-working lives.  They celebrated the birth of Christ, gave simple, mostly hand-crafted, gifts to their families and came together to share lovingly prepared home-cooked food and to sing and play games.  This was, for most people, a time for joy.

Fast-forward to the 21^st Century.  Christmas gifts, decorations and food are now displayed in shops in October. By the start of November, Christmas songs and carols are being played in many stores, quickly followed by lights, decorations and window displays appearing around the country.  We are bombarded by supermarket TV commercials designed to make us to feel anxious about missing out or not being ready, so we stock our cupboards, fridges and freezers with every kind of food and drink we might need (and lots that we don’t), and we start spending money we can ill-afford on buying gifts.  

Some people, usually those with children, will spend vast sums on electronic goods, using credit cards and even payday loans.  By the time Christmas arrives, many of those who come together to celebrate are exhausted, stressed and depressed, and what was intended as a celebration becomes a battle ground.  Little wonder that divorce rates double at Christmas!

Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way, and we each have the choice to say no to the hype and revert to a simple Christmas festivity.  But we all know how hard it is to have the courage to be the one who stands up and shouts ‘Enough!’  Not wanting to disappoint our family and friends, we grit our teeth and determinedly resolve to make it the happiest time that we can, whilst knowing in our heart of hearts that by early January, we will be anxiously checking our credit card and bank statements and wishing that we hadn’t got sucked in – yet again.

If you recognise yourself as one of those who finds it hard to stand up and ask for what you want, or are facing emotional issues of any kind, then I will be more than happy to have a chat with you and explain how the particular system of hypnotherapy that I use can help you to change your mind, and in doing so, to change your life. 

Wishing each and every one of you a peaceful and joyful Christmas, however you choose to celebrate it. 

 

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