The Season of Comfort and Joy

The last few months have been really tough, trying to find my way out of burnout. But I am taking heart in the run up to Christmas and throwing myself into the season of ‘Comfort and Joy’. 

A lot of this, I think, stems from the need to go gently with myself. Previously over the last few years it has been bonkers busy in the run up to Christmas. So much so that I barely had enough time to throw the tree up a few days before the big day and all my shopping was done online. 

This year I am taking my time slowly sinking into the festivities and welcoming the Christmas spirit instead of railing against it. 

We have just spent a wonderful weekend with my oldest and best friend in my home town of Tunbridge Wells.  I have to say it certainly puts on a good show. If you know Tunbridge Wells I am sure you are familiar with The Pantiles. Much of my misspent youth was in the Duke of York pub. Thank goodness that was before mobile phones!  The promenade looked beautiful and it had a wonderful Christmassy buzz as we strolled along. 

It really helped to sit back and almost become an outsider looking in, watching Charlie, and my friends chatting, laughing and enjoying themselves. Not in a disconnected way, just trying to take mental pictures that I can hold onto and enjoy again later. Like an old polaroid, when I need a bit of a warm and fuzzy moment. 

So I am putting up my tree tonight and making a few lists of things I want to make for others and myself. I have already made my Grandmother’s Christmas cake. And I’m enjoying feeding it generously with some local rum, knowing Charlie will be the one to enjoy this the most well into the new year with a very strong cup of tea. 

Some of the things I want to make:

• Handmade, stitched, painted Christmas cards 
• Zimtsterne biscuits - delicious cinnamon star cookies made with ground almonds, egg whites and spices.
• New cushions for my sofa
• Air dry clay Christmas decorations
• A new curtain to hide my dresser shelves
• Sweet chilli jam - but it does make your home smell of vinegar!
• Hot spiced apple cider

I have been reading a lot more books recently, one in particular I like is "Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It’s been incredibly helpful to me and one of the things he goes into is your environment and how key this is to creating good habits. Having the right positive environment makes such a difference. So when I am writing my lists I shall have the fire lit, the candles alight and a lovely new note book to write in while I sip some spiced cider. 

The wonderful thing is that in just thinking about and preparing for my list writing session, I am building up the sense of comfort and joy I will be creating for myself already. The Danes have the delightful concept of Hygge which is all about comfort and being cosy. I am beginning to realise that looking after and being kind to yourself is not a self indulgence but a necessary part of your own survival kit.  One I am really going to enjoy this Chrstmas. 

I hope you are able to go gently with yourself too this festive season. 

Jules x