Pause. Absorb yourself in the present moment. Engage fully with the festivities. It’s easy for mindfulness practice to be forgotten about during the busy time of Christmas, but it’s a useful way to remind yourself what it is you are truly celebrating, whilst looking after your well-being.

Here are ten of my favourite ways to practise mindfulness during the Christmas period –

1. Notice different decorations on the tree; their colours, textures, shapes and any memories or feelings they evoke.
2. Focus on the flickering flame of a candle.
3. Make a hot drink with warm, festive spices and notice the taste and aroma.
4. Spend time creatively, making cards, presents and decorations.
5. Notice the smell of a clementine as you peel it and its zesty juice on your tongue.
6. Feel the pull of a cracker and the surprise of the bang.
7. Express gratitude to the people around you.
8. Take quiet moments to reflect as the year winds down.
9. Feel the softness of a cosy blanket wrapped around you as you watch a Christmas film.
10. Feel the warmth of a fire or the chilly nip of a frosty morning.

This post brings me to the end of my first year of blogging. I love having the space to share my ideas and experiences; it makes them more meaningful to me and I hope it also helps you. Thank you so much for your continued support and interest, and for each and every post you’ve read. I am off on a pre-Christmas meditation retreat weekend before spending time with my family. I wish you a very merry Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and connected 2017. I’ll be back in the New Year having had time to reflect and get scribbling in my new journal.