Written by Cynthia Martin, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Many facets of Feng Shui can be thought of as The Art of Intention: it’s the intended meaning or purpose behind what you do that gives your Feng Shui its power. Whether you believe it’s influence or not, here are some of the most common Feng Shui guidelines for the holidays or any time.
Decorating
Feng Shui practitioners will tell you to surround yourself with items and décor that you love. This is includes for the holidays as well. Even if an item has been in the family for years or it was given to you by someone special just follow this rule: If it doesn’t make you feel good, if it’s not beautiful to you, if it’s not in good condition… don’t keep it in your space.
The darker, yin, winter months call for more brightness. Using holiday lights around your main entrance doorway to illuminate it well is a lovely way to keep that yang energy flowing into your home.
Your foyer should always be inviting and open. This is said to welcome opportunities into your life.
Use nature! Your Christmas tree (real or fake) does symbolically bring in the wood element to your home, which energizes the space and encourages growth. A wreath on your door also helps to do the trick as well as colorful bowls of fruit.
Placement is key in Feng Shui thinking: Do not block doorways with your Christmas tree, particularly the main entrance to your home.
Don’t over-do it! Clutter is not thought to be a healthy state for anyone’s home or workplace.
Entertaining
Always have a large mirror in your dining room that reflects the table. This doubles your abundance and wealth.
Never keep clocks on the walls in a dining room. Clocks where you eat symbolize the passing of time to your death.
If you have a round or oval table, this is best. This rids the sharp corners and ensures that everyone faces each other.
Use the good china for your family on holidays. What are you saving it for?
If you can, try to have everyone seated boy girl boy girl etc… to keep the balance of yin and yang even.
Don’t have your lights too dim. Keep yang energy prominent with brighter lighting above your table.
Have fun! Sometimes having family together that you don’t usually spend time with could be awkward. Get out some board games or bingo and use something small like scratch-off lottery tickets as prizes. Games can really bring people together, and the fun you have creates wonderful positive energy in your home.
Start a gratitude journal: pass a small book around the table for everyone to write what they are most grateful for. Just a thing or two, no long pages of writing! Keep it for all of the years to come and add to it each time you are all together.
Have you ever noticed? The person sitting closest to the door often leaves first. Use this info however you see beneficial!
Do not overeat! Easier said than done, I know. Just keep the 80% rule in mind (Don’t make yourself feel more than 80% full).
Clocks in the dining room or kitchen, “shines a light” on the passage of time. It is also said to increase health risks. Try to avoid having a clock on the wall where you eat.
Animals – real, photos, paintings, statues, etc… – are not a welcome addition to a dining room. They are said to symbolically devour your food which cuts down on your abundance.
Gift-Giving
Keep in mind what other people have in their homes when exchanging gifts. If they have a lot of clutter, giving them more of it is not the best Feng Shui for them, or you. Be thoughtful in that respect.
“Regifting” is good Feng Shui IF: It is in great condition, and you believe the recipient will really love and use it. If you give a gift with the intention of unloading it onto someone else, if it is in disrepair or is just not of value to you or the person you are giving it to, don’t give it.
Feng Shui principles always imply to be considerate and thoughtful. If you give someone a new purse or wallet, don’t give it empty. Slip a few dollars in it. This brings the recipient future prosperity. If you get them shoes, add a shoe horn, pair of socks or shoe-shiner for them. This provides them comfort in their wear.
Gift cards really are fantastic. They may seem boring in the moment to some, but it is a thoughtful way to allow them to pick out what they want, which reduces the risk of unwanted gifting.
There’s a Feng Shui gift “naughty list” (gifting no-no’s): In addition to obviously inappropriate gifts, or items in condition of disrepair; all form of weapons or anything sharp is never a good idea for any occasion. Clocks and watches, while a popular gift, is said to magnify the time ticking away for the recipient. Sending flowers and plants around the holidays is a wonderful way to bring positive Chi to a loved one, just make sure they don’t have sharp thorns. This includes roses that have not been de-thorned and cacti.
No matter what you celebrate, who or what you worship or how you choose to do it, stay mindful of the true meaning of the holiday, of the light in the world, and try to keep it year-round. Kindness breeds more kindness, so why not pay it forward every chance you can?
When it comes to gift-giving, pass along whatever you believe would make a wonderful offering, and give with positive intentions. This is very good Feng Shui for you and for them.
