As I sit to write the Christmas Cards trying not to think of all the other jobs I would rather be or should be doing, I do try to relax and enjoy the effort as best I can. Everyone has differing views on whether Christmas cards are worth it or not, with most of us agreeing it is a thankless job. Though we like to hang them around our house for the tradition and the comfort of what they represent; a good will greeting.
It’s no good I’m agitated and stressed; as being dyslexic I find it hard enough to remember names without then trying to remember how to spell them. I mix some sweet almond oil (this stops the pure essential oils from burning the skin) and put three drops of lavender and three of Frankincense then decide I need a forth drop of that very Christmassy oil.
Aromatherapy has been around as a healing art for over two thousand years. It is the use of fragrant parts of aromatic plants to improve your health and general well being. As most of today’s medicines have derived from nature and perfumes galore around us, with high prices paid for the most exotic. With trained noses that mix the combinations held in high regard by perfume houses. Lots of research goes into the advertising and manufacture of these aromas that make us feel better and fill our houses to make us feel good. So I defy anyone to argue it is not important to us.
The aroma of Satsuma, orange with cloves (my kids hate this one but I love it), ginger, mulled wine, egg nog and brandy that I soak my Christmas cake in (did I say in? I meant with). These smells will take me through my history; giving a sense of occasion and sheer indulgence. These fragrances will take their part in getting me ready and carry me through the furore of the festive season.
Tradition goes a long way in making us feel continuity and stability in our ever changing lifestyles. Our senses take a battering this time of year; the touch of the wicked cold wind that we are experiencing in most parts of England this year, makes our eyes and skin smart, our ears tune into the Christmas chimes of the latest old release but its our sense of smell that is awakened the most, at this time of year.
So what is Frankincense? Well it comes from a small tree called Boswellia that can be found in Yemen , Oman but the highest quality comes from North Africa . They slash the tree bark and the resin is steam distilled into oil of a pale yellow colour. Frankincense has a soft aroma, with a hint of balsamic, essence of lemon and a camphorous waft at the end. Burned as an offering to the gods for many cultures, it is believed to heighten spirituality and still is an essential part of many religions today. As I take another lung full (I kid you not) I can see why this is.
Though it has more to offer than its luxurious relaxing aroma, as it is used in expensive perfumes to give a uplifting background note, can be mixed as a antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, astringent, a sedative, clears lung congestion, decreases gas and helps with indigestion. It has been observed that this timeless fragrance does deepen breathing, aids relaxation causing the lungs to expand, science backs this up as molecules of trahydrocannabinole, a psychoactive compound are present within the oil.
So I find it difficult to understand why there is so much controversy and the reluctance to embrace these old and trusted ways. But without proper research that’s all they are ‘trusted ways’. In the past it has been more important for doctors to give medical care (treat the body) we now know that the mind controls the body’s ability to recover. More and more hospitals are researching into holistic therapies and finding surprising results when used in conjunction with the more orthodox medical treatments. Why should one way be the only way to cure us? We are made up of many components, compounds and emotions after all. This complexity makes it hard to determine with any certainty, what effect medicine or oils have on us. I fear the research will be endless as there is always a cause and effect in everything we do.
Though one thing is sure, as I breathe in this combination of Frankincense and Lavender it makes me smile and I face the pile of cards not with dread any longer but with the Christmas sprit that is my tradition. That tradition is one of hope, that as humans we will find the ability to walk on this earth in harmony and peace. Until then, what ever you believe or tradition you have, I hope you have love in your heart and a smile or two each day x
P.S
Finished the cards and was just about to give them to my husband to post ,when some fell into the sink of oily water so will have to write out some more. Now off to find the Frankincense and Lavender. It’s the Season to be Jolly la la la , Ella off school with the flu and has a strong aroma of Frankincense that is so strong it made her eyes water. Give me Some Figgy Pudding. Angus was in his school play as a fox, though I could not see much, he looked soo cute and so did the rest of the cast, it made me cry (no surprise there!). The Holly and the Ivy and the family are getting fed up with my renditions of all the Christmas songs that I only know a few words to and sing badly out of tune. The Rodwells are in for a good time, I think he he he
Have fun
