Creating Good Energy in Your Home for the Holidays

Ahh, the holidays... Full of sparkle and promise of good times and wonderful foods, gifts, and tension? Yes, unfortunately, when you put a large group of people together and tie them up with a red ribbon of high expectations, you have the makings of prickly feelings, and sometimes, people get hurt or upset.

And even as much as we look forward to holidays, they are sometimes full of tension because friends and relatives who may not get a long or haven't seen each other in a while are placed together. Get togethers can also sometimes magnify behaviors that aren't always positive, too. So, while holidays can be wonderful and enchanting, they can also have the potential for disharmony.

This year there are afflictions in some very important sectors that can actually magnify the potential for disharmony and upset. These are the south sector of social interaction and friendly relations, the center sector (the heart of any space and that governs health, wealth, and relationships), and the southwest sector that rules relationships. That's why it's a good idea to be looking ahead and plan the holidays so they will be relaxed, harmonious, and successful.

Use these feng shui tips below to keep everyone mellow and at ease. The tips are designed specifically with the year's annual afflictions in mind. Much of the advice centers on lighting and noise. So, if you are hosting holiday meals or events, do follow this advice so that you will indeed have a very merry and memorable holiday season free of tension or conflict!

Six Tips for a Harmonious Holiday Season

1. Address the afflictions.

If you haven't done so yet, it's not too late. In the south sector, keep the area quiet and not too brightly lit. Avoid red colors. In the center sector, hang a metal 6-rod hollow windchime to lift the negative Five Yellow energy there. You will want to avoid red colors here, too. Instead, place round objects, black objects, and a small plant to keep the affliction at bay. Lastly, avoid bright lights and loud noises in the southwest sector as there is an affliction there that doesn't like noise.

2. Avoid naked flames.

As pretty as candles are, do try to keep them confined to the northeast or east sectors. Keep them out of the center, south, and southwest sectors of the house or your living room! This is vital as it can feed these afflictions and cause prickly feelings and ill will -- and this could cause arguments to break out -- and that's a real holiday downer.

3. Use lots of low lighting.

Can you say dimmer switch? Keep lighting low and romantic -- especially in the afflicted sectors. Bright lighting is like gas on a fire for these afflictions. And whatever you do, DO NOT use ceiling lights that are mounted in the center of the room or on ceiling fans. For one, they are harsh and glaring and these will cause tensions to rise by feeding the center sector affliction. Instead, use ambient lighting from lamps or the charming twinkle of Christmas lights. This will create a romantic holiday glow and won't fuel those nasty afflictions.

4. Play calm, relaxing music.

This year's afflictions are also made worse by loud music. So, put the rock-n-roll away and put on something calm, classical, or ethereal; (I've got great music suggestions on my Faves List!). Piano music is an especially good choice for holiday music as it has a "water" effect and this will keep help the afflictions, as well as keep everyone relaxed and mellow!

5. Serve alcohol in moderation.

Alcohol can loosen up the holidays, but sometimes it can cause people to get out of hand. With the afflictions this year, it would be a good idea to limit alcohol to one type of drink, such as wine or punch or eggnog. This should be out of an afflicted area and where it can be monitored.

Punch or eggnog is a good choice because the number of drinks served can be limited. Or, break out a serving or two of champagne. But, do avoid having an open bar at a party or gathering as this might invite trouble with the afflictions we have this year. Again, think "mellow" and "relaxed" for the holidays.

6. Plan quiet areas and activities.

If overwhelmed, some guests like to retreat to a quiet corner or they'll go sit in front of a TV or do some other kind of activity. For kids, create a nook with pillows and books, coloring books and colors, puzzles, or board games they can play. This is much better than having kids running and screaming around the house, as it might cause them to fight and it will grate on the nerves of adults. For the adults, have a quiet area where adults can retreat to talk quietly. Avoid having the TV on if it is in the center of the house or living area.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is dedicated to helping her readers develop successful, prosperous, and supportive environments with feng shui. To subscribe, logon to www.redlotusletter.com and receive this special report Fr*ee "16 Feng Shui Secrets for Greater Prosperity."

kweber@redlotusconsulting.com