December is the darkest month of the year for us in the northern hemisphere.  If you are cold and feeling weighed down by the lack of sunlight, remember that you can create your own warmth and light. We are mammals, our bodies are reactive to light.  We also have highly creative brains and opposable thumbs.  There are so many ways you can create sparkle, invite coziness, or turn up the temperature (without changing the thermostat). 

There is a reason we have so many holidays (holy days) this time of the year.  We come together to share the warmth – literal and figurative.  We light candles and hearths to create our own light while we wait for the sun to lengthen the days.  Strings of lights, candles, warm drinks and ugly sweaters are classic. 

How do you create light and warmth during the holidays and on into winter?  We have friends who put up multiple Christmas trees.  One granddaughter’s bedroom is strung with lights all year round.   A sister-in-law loves candles.  Others create warmth in the kitchen – cookies, soups, chili in a crock pot. 

There are so many ways to create light and warmth: 

• • A small battery-operated light can be placed behind a photo, a crystal, or a carving to create a beautiful look.   
  • One candle in the middle of the kitchen table can spread warmth and fragrance to the whole room. 
  • One stove burner is enough heat to make a pot of homemade soup using the simplest of ingredients. (Bouillon or other stock, small bits of fresh or frozen vegetables, a handful of noodles (or rice) = soup.) 
  • Sharing food and being present with people you care about.  
  • A message of encouragement or laughter to a friend lights up their phone. 
  • A dance party in the kitchen to warm up your body. 

• • Cleaning all the mirrors in the house to allow the light to bounce from space to space. 
  • Cozying up in the warmth of a blanket that just came out of the dryer.   

The key here is to realize that you can make your own light and your own warmth.  Let the above ideas inspire you to experiment and find what fits your heart and your life.  When you hit upon something that shines, share what you discover on our facebook page, and inspire others.  

Peace,

Laura