Say goodbye to Christmas ghosts

I love Christmas. I love to see the excitement in people's faces at Christmas time. I even like all the hustle and bustle. But, it wasn't always like that for me.

I have memories of many sad Christmases, missing people who are no longer with me, or memories of family breakups, and errors in my judgment that I have made at Christmas time that's impacted others.

I so get how difficult this time of year can be, and this year more than ever it's going to be tough for so many of us. But it doesn't have to be that way. We all get to choose how we experience life; it's one of the greatest gifts we as humans have; it's what sets us apart and sets us free.

The past is a ghost, and it only comes to life if we choose to bring it into our experience, yet we cannot go back no matter how much we may want to change things. All we can do is find a way to move forward.

Whether that's about letting go with love or forgiving ourselves and others.

You get to choose in every moment whether or not you will let the ghost of Christmases past steal your joy, and wreck havoc on the peace and love you so rightly deserve to experience at this time, or at any time for that matter.

Sometimes you need to allow yourself to let go of the old ghosts, let yourself off the hook and let go of thoughts that keep you stuck in thinking that doesn't serve you and allow your inner child to awaken inside and bring the magic of Christmas back into your heart again.

Here are some things that can help you to take your focus from the past and look forward to experiencing the magic of Christmas. 

Say goodbye once and for all to all your Christmas ghosts, send them off with love and kindness and allow your heart to make the meaning of this Christmas deeper, it's friendships stronger, and it's hopes brighter. 

Allow yourself to enjoy seeing the transformation from the mundane to the magical. Bring that magic to life, fill your environment with lights and decorations and find ways to bring the aroma of Christmas into your home. Give yourself permission to get caught up in the magic of Christmas all over again.

Use this Christmas season to help you to realise how important it is for you to celebrate life. Sometimes, it's too easy to get caught up in the day-to day-activities of regular routines. Pull yourself out of the 'doing' and give yourself permission to be a little kid for a moment.

Take a walk around your neighbourhood and look at all the lovely decorations that all these creative people have hung in their windows or outside their homes. Enjoy seeing all the houses lit up, let your inner child have some fun and allow yourself to look at everything through the eyes of your inner child.

I don't know about you, but I love to see the costumes, crazy hats, and tee shirts people wear during this time of the year. I find it totally healthy to laugh at myself for some of my outfits. This time of year is one time we can stop taking ourselves so seriously and wear that silly hat or hideous jumper, so give yourself permission to wear whatever you want.

Here's a little mantra/intention you can use to help you feel that magic of Christmas.

• Today, I feel the Christmas Magic within. I allow myself to be transformed by the magic of Christmas as I take time to enjoy the holidays thoroughly. 

And if you are struggling to get into the mood, take some time out, go inside and ask your inner wisdom to help you put those ghosts to rest and a find a little more joy at this time of year.

1. What can the Christmas season teach me about celebrating life?
2. How can I immerse myself in Christmas magic?
3. What can I do to enjoy the holiday season?

Love 

Avril x