Feng Shui is known as the ancient Chinese art of decorating the home for luck and good fortune. But it is much more than that. It is a way of life that gives us the possibility to be aware of the influence of our environment on our well-being and shape it in a way that benefits us.

During the days around Christmas and New Year we tend to give our house a lot of attention. The ancient Chinese say that your house is a mirror of who you are.

If you translate this to the decorations we bring into the house around this time of the year, you could say that we dare to be a bit more bold than usual. We shape the house be a place for a festive gathering with loved ones.

We bring in a Christmas tree which we decorate to the max. The whole house gets a Christmas make-over. We invite friends and family to celebrate with us, which implies a lot of organizing like shopping and cooking. Thus making life not easier for ourselves. For many of us all this gives a high level of stress to get it all picture perfect.

Feng Shui helps to stay zen even during the hectic times of the Holidays. Here are some easy tips for you:

• The Christmas tree is a symbol of light and green in the dark Winter time. Give it the space it deserves. Look for an appropriate place where it does not stand in the way. Even take out some other furniture for it. If it stands in a walkway it will create stress and that is what we want to avoid.
• Do not overdo it. Too much decoration gives a sense of clutter and makes restless.
• Give a lot of attention to decorating the table the way you like it. A beautiful table makes one happy and proud and it emits a positive energy. It also makes the food taste better.
• Make sure you can stow away the extra groceries. Try to put as much as possible in cupboards or cellars. Drinks and other sustainable goods can be put outside for a while. The less you can see, the more peace it brings.
• Open the windows regularly for fresh air and new energy.
• Do not be too hard on yourself. It does not have to be perfect. It is much more fun for everyone when you are relaxed and not sweating around, than to have a perfect picture.
• Remember, it is only temporary. After New Year you can take out the tree and all the decoration and make your house all yours again.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU.