The Spirit of Christmas

First Published in Sibyl Magazine December 2018

It doesn’t seem that long ago when I sat with my children on Christmas Eve. Together, we placed a bowl filled with water at the base of the Christmas tree for the reindeer, and not to forget they could be starving travelling so far from the North Pole carrying SO MANY PRESENTS. We then had to ensure there were plenty of carrots for them to eat to keep them healthy for their long journey.

Then Santa, oh Santa he had to be taken care of with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies out of the oven and a big glass of milk because that was his favourite.

As a parent, I loved Christmas. The excitement the decorations, the spirit of family coming together, and the smiles that seemed to light up with every Christmas decoration adorning each house in the street as night fell and lights sparkled.

My children, a son and daughter, were so excited Christmas Eve they had to sleep together in the same room. Surprisingly it became a tradition which lasted well into their teens. Laughing, I’m not sure to this day, whether they carried on that tradition for themselves or for me. You see they knew I loved Christmas and loved to create magic around that time of year.

Then, they grew up left home, and it didn’t quite seem so much fun, so much magic. There was no need to set up the treats for the reindeer and Santa on Christmas Eve. There was no need to creep around the house and place the presents carefully under the tree. Now, my home was quiet on Christmas morning. No children’s squeals of delight as they saw Santa had eaten his biscuits and drank his milk and the reindeers had munched on some of the carrots leaving a terrible mess.

No Christmas wrapping was strewn all over the place as they excitedly unwrapped each present and beamed with delight. That was the magic, not so much the Christmas presents for I never had money to spend extravagantly. It was their faces, their appreciation and gratitude which created the magic in the room that sparkled with love, happiness and laughter.

Then me baking waffles and pancakes in the kitchen for our breakfast was our special treat. Waffles covered with ice-cream, maple syrup and seasonal fruit, and pancakes with sugar and lemon. My mouth is watering, and my heart is glowing just remembering.

For some years, I sadly lost my Christmas spirit. There didn’t seem to be any purpose to it, until this year, something opened inside of me, and the magic was reborn. An outpouring of love and gratitude ignited within my heart, and the inner child began to dance. She inspired me to feel the magic and spirit of Christmas once again.

If you’re feeling saddened, remember you’re not alone. For the gift is in the magic, and the magic is within you. Give yourself permission and allow it to break through.

Merry Christmas,

Maria Lacey was born in Australia and has travelled extensively overseas being led by visions, dreams and spiritual guidance.

The author of a personal and spiritual memoir, One Path, Many Lights. Maria writes about life (the human and spiritual path), the adversity, learning, musings, and triumphs.

A successful entrepreneur with over 19 years in her own business, Maria humorously states, “I am my greatest case study.” Maria is a qualified Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Sound Healer, Channel, Author and Speaker.

Maria feels passionate about restoring hope into the hearts of many.

For further information about the author go to: http://www.marialacey.com.au/

Maria’s first book – https://www.amazon.com/One-Path-Many-Lights-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B00YOIOTIS