Childlike Wonder During the Holidays

As we come into the holiday season, I bask in the anticipation of magic, wonder, and new beginnings. I think of the silver glow of the moon cascading over the enchantment of the snowy pine trees, and families stoking the last burning embers before a long night. The holidays are a time when we tame cold nights gathering around the fireplace, drinking mugs of hot chocolate, and cuddling closely with our loved ones as soft throws bundle us together. Do you remember the first time you experienced snow? The way it created a tender blank sheet over the cement, inviting limitless possibilities? This time always marks the enchantment and beauty of wonder, as our imagination becomes the fire that warms our spirit in winter wonderland.

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the Universe exist. Be curious.” – Stephen Hawking

Wonder will never leave you. You’re born with it – and it’s important that we continue to access it! Our wonder affects how we grow ourselves and how we contribute to the growth around us. It’s the place where we discover a new faith in ourselves. Having a sense of wonder is like having the best cheerleader on your side, celebrating every marvel, every surprise, and every new beginning with you… and for you. Your wonder chooses its friends with the heart, not with the mind. What mystifies you could be something completely mundane to others. Wonder is unique, individualized, and extraordinary. To understand it, and be vulnerable to it, is an exciting, epic adventure. Wonder is a door that once opened, can never be closed – a hole that could never be filled.

Much like The Fool in the Tarot, wonder always instills in us a clean slate – a blank page ready to receive all the magic we encounter. Every day we are encouraged to enjoy the blessings it has to offer, with light-hearted and refreshed energy. We are encouraged to be fools in the realm of wonder. In the Druid Craft Tarot deck, The Fool is even carrying a mistletoe, which symbolizes vivacity – since it remains green during winter, while other plants are bare.

If you’re into astrology, think of Neptune. A planet that represents our boundless imagination. Neptune represents everything that is out there, and the interconnectedness of it all. This is why we associate Neptune with imagination, dreams, visions, angels, and other dimensions, Neptune energy is hard to contain and define – its very nature is contrary to definition and separation. If Alice in Wonderland took place on any planet, it would be Neptune. 

Five ways to reconnect with your sense of wonder ✨

If I had one wish, it would be to indefinitely retain the imagination I had as a child. I wish to constantly create that wonder and innocence about the world – to view everything as if it were the first time. To always be amazed at the simplest pleasures. When I want to reconnect with my childlike sense of wonder, I take a trip down memory lane and remember what it was like to be a child. And then do what excited me most. What can you do to ignite your sense of wonder? What if, this holiday season, you also helped others remember? Here are some ideas to get you started:

1) Hide a present

I love surprises, but I love surprising others more. Create or buy a present and hide it in your house for your loved one(s) to find. You can also hide them in your partner’s bag, pocket, or anywhere they can access it throughout their day. It will excite you, as your anticipation grows with every hour, and it will make them feel warm and fuzzy. Extra points: Put a little note in there, asking them to pass the baton. Instruct them to surprise someone else. Need some ideas? Shop for magical gifts here!

2) Create your own wonderland 

The holidays are a great excuse to glam up your living room and create a magical world of your own. String twinkling lights and crystal snowflakes around your walls, place crystals and candles about the room, fill your table with colorful cupcakes and champagne, light a fire if you have a fireplace, place battery operated fairy lights in glass bottles and candles on silver candle holders, and cuddle with your loved ones on soft throws and shimmery pillows. Use narcissus, helichrysum, and jasmine oils to infuse your room with the scents of winter wonderland. This is your space filled with infinite possibility. What will you fill it with?

3) Ice-skating

Nothing says winter wonderland more than ice-skating. Drinking hot chocolate from vending machines, wearing mittens and scarves, feeling the cool breeze of ice on your cheeks. Ice-skating makes everything seem magical as you glide delicately through the ice. If you live in the city, you know how enchanting it can be to skate in the cool, open air while surrounded by tall buildings. And the best thing about ice-skating? You can do it anywhere. Even in California where our winters don’t dip below 50 degrees.

4) Become Cupcake Santa

You know winter is coming when every kitchen smells like gingerbread houses, cupcakes, or apple pies. Creating desserts allows you to be as colorful and creative as you want. What are your favorite ingredients? Surprise your neighbors with cupcake creations. Place them beautifully in a basket with an anonymous note, and allow them to wonder about their sender. This will excite them and inspire them to do the same for others.

5) Go stargazing

Nothing makes me feel as weightless as looking up at the stars at night, feeling embraced by its vast expanse. Stargazing allows my mind to wonder about the Universe – what’s out there? How small are we really? How different do aliens really look? Think about the world from a child’s perspective and really take in the beauty of our infinite Universe. Grab your loved ones and have a picnic! Lay on your back and get lost in the stars. It will really do wonders.

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Curious about the spirituality and ritual practices of ancient civilizations? Join my Magical Sabbatical course, and see how you can weave their ancient traditions with your own spiritual practices.

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