HOLIDAY DECORATING WITH FENG SHUI
Early December for many signals the beginning of the shopping season, parties, rich food, and mandatory gift giving. It’s important to note, though, that the I Ching, which Feng Shui is based on, considers this a time to move inward and achieve stillness—especially after mid-December.
Even though the holidays fall during the time when the earth enters her dormant and quiet cycle, good Feng Shui helps us to harmonize our cultural bias toward parties and play with the natural cycle of peace. A way to do this is to simplify our traditions and activities and still keep the quality of connectedness and goodwill.
Ancient observances of this season’s religious holidays and the Winter Solstice were based upon rituals and ceremonies that integrated times of quietness, prayer, and blessing with an occasion for connecting to others in a deep and meaningful way.
Here are some Feng Shui guidelines to help
you simplify & bring more harmony to the season:
1. More is not always better. Don’t crowd your space. Leave plenty of room for everyone to move freely throughout your home. Put away knickknacks that aren’t related to the season. If you have a small home and lots of holiday decorations, rotate them from year to year rather than using them all at once. Even some furniture may need to be removed, if your home is small.
2. Consider limiting your decorations to a few items. For instance, a beautiful holiday wreath can attract luck and opportunity. You can also add lighting to create a festive atmosphere and at the same time activate positive chi and shifting the energy.
In Feng Shui, we especially love lighting because it activates stagnant energy and increases the chi. It also mobilizes the eyes and contributes to the fire element. (see #3 below)
3. Red is especially popular during the holidays. It represents the Fire element, which in colder climates generally needs to be increased during the Winter. However, you should use red sparingly if you or your family are likely to become overwhelmed with your “to do” list or if you anger easily.
4. To invite opportunity into your space, pay particular attention to the décor of both the inside and outside of your main entrance. Keep it simple, uncluttered, and welcoming. Pretend that you are "Opportunity" visiting your home for the first time. Then ask yourself if you would you stay.
5. Decorating your home for the holidays can give your home a whole new look and feel. It’s similar to when we get a new hairdo. Something shifts inside. Since your home is a reflection of who you are, when it changes, you change, too!
Have a blessed and joyous holiday season!
Suzanne