Embracing the Presence of Christmas: Love as Healing Medicine and An Aromatic Blend to Ignite the Holiday Spirit

The Cusp of Christmas

We are on the cusp of Christmas and many holy and seasonal celebrations. The busyness of the holiday rush is starting to wrap up, and many are now looking forward to taking a well-deserved pause.

For the past several weeks, I’ve been highlighting resources using essential oils to decrease the stressful parts of the season and gain more serenity.

Now, as we approach this sacred and secular day, in this video post I wanted to take a pause with you and offer my reflections about Christmas. It is a day that encompasses one of most universal and important healing concepts of them all. I also highlight an aromatic scent to help you kindle the holiday spirit as you and your loved ones are cozied up at home.

Topics include:

• A brief history of Christmas
• Secular Christmas and its meaning
• How the love of an innocent child and unselfish man is a form of medicine on this blessed day
• An aromatic blend of Christmas spirit

As always, all the links to the articles, research, and references will be posted at the end of this accompanying blog.

So, let’s get started.

 

A Brief History of Christmas in the United States

Christmas wasn’t always celebrated in the United States. In fact, it was outlawed in some colonies. Yet, in the 19th century, Christmas was reborn through literature and popular culture.

Today it is one of the most revered day around the world. In 2017, Pew Research reported that Christmas is observed by nine out of ten Americans and 96% of Christians. Furthermore, 81% of those who are not Christian pay homage to Christmas as a cultural holiday.

According to history.com:

Christmas as we know it today is a Victorian invention of the 1860s. Probably the most celebrated holiday in the world, our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe.

 

Secular Christmas

People of all faiths and beliefs can sometimes take a not so-friendly interpretation of Christmas. They may feel that it represents relentless consumerism that can breed alienation, turn acts of giving into transactions, and sharpens the realities of poverty and inequality.

Yet, within these contradictions, secular Christmas finds its meaning. In its imperfection, its beauty is revealed. Christmas is a tribute to overcoming our human flaws and conquering them to find the merits of its deeper meaning. As stated in Letters From Tomis, “ In its messy, contradictory way, Christmas reminds us that we are capable of kindness, even in a world that often seems indifferent to such virtues.

 

Christmas as Love

Although some Christians do not appreciate the secular interpretation of Christmas, holidays, regardless of personal belief, bring communities together and foster contemplation. December 25th, widely commemorated, offers all people a chance to ponder the core tenant of Christianity, love.

Love acts as medicine, it literally changes our brain and neurobiology. This love is celebrated through the birth of Christ that many are devoted to. This is sacred.

Although the spirit of Santa Claus may seem more like a gift-giving ploy, the legendary figure was, in fact, a traditional patron of Christmas in various countries. Saint Nicholas was known for bringing gifts to children and was a 4th-century Christian saint, often depicted in red bishop’s robes.

Santa Claus’s image is based on this man’s altruistic tradition and is a representation of his kindness and generosity. These noble qualities are something that can unite us all.

 

The Scent of Christmas: A Holiday Essential Oils Blend

As we cozy up to Christmas and find time to meditate on its various meanings, I would like to share with you my favorite holiday essential oil blend. It will help you to feel an aromatic physical, emotional, and spiritual boost to kindle a sense of joy.

This “Christmasy” scent is a comforting combination of cinnamon, orange, and black spruce oils. The blended aroma of these essential oils is reminiscent of winter holidays and can evoke memories of happiness, comfort, and security.

Diffusing this mixture can ignite the Christmas Spirit for you and your loved ones to enjoy during this special time. It also multitasks to shield you and your guests from infectious, unwelcome “buggy” winter visitors.

Since Christmas is love, having this scent emanate through your home is a generous gift from Mother Nature for all of us to receive.

 

Wrapping Up the Seasonal Gifts and Blessings

The holidays are a beautiful time of year, especially if we allow ourselves to pause and bask in what they represent. By taking time to connect with those we care about and re-connect with our inner truths and values, we can embrace the higher qualities of being human and harness the healing power of love.

This is one of the most powerful healing forces of them all.

Nature can help us to come into a state of receiving the goodness it offers by calming our minds and bodies and uplifting our soul with her aromatic scents. We can enhance these blessings with essential oils.

I am so grateful and honored to have you in my community and I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy Love Day.

Dr. Sarah

Note: Next year, I’ll be starting a regular series for my essential oils community members. Make sure you subscribe to my newsletter to stay in-the-know about this and other up-coming offers, promotions, and educational opportunities.