You can start by finding a nice place to sit or lay down,
Whatever feels most comfortable to you.
Take a deep,
Slow breath in through your nose.
Hold it gently for a moment and exhale,
Letting your body soften.
Let yourself settle into stillness.
Notice the weight of your body,
Supported fully by the ground beneath you.
Allow your shoulders to release,
Your jaw to relax and your heart to open to this moment.
Now begin to imagine yourself walking into a winter forest.
It is December and the woods are wrapped in snow.
The air is cool,
Crisp and refreshing,
Filling your lungs with clarity.
Each step you take makes a soft crunch against the earth and the sound seems to echo gently through the trees.
Above you,
Snowflakes drift lazily down,
Glimmering as they fall,
Catching the faint light of the moon.
Everything around you feels hushed,
Calm and magical.
The world has slowed,
As though nature itself is pausing to honour you.
As you continue walking,
Notice how peaceful the forest feels.
The tall trees are dressed in white,
Their branches heavy with snow.
Tiny crystals sparkle wherever your eyes land.
This is a sacred place,
A secret winter clearing prepared just for you.
Up ahead you see a warm golden glow.
You follow the light until you step into a beautiful opening in the woods.
In the very centre of the clearing stands a long wooden table,
Covered in a soft cloth,
Sprinkled with glitter,
Confetti and shimmering snow.
On the table,
Dozens of candles flicker.
The flames dance gently,
Casting halos of golden light into the dark winter night.
The glow wraps around you like a warm embrace.
You notice a beautiful birthday cake,
Perfectly decorated,
Waiting just for you.
Beside it are mugs filled with warm drinks,
Hot chocolate,
Tea,
Cider,
Whatever feels most comforting to you.
The gentle steam rises in curls,
Carrying it with the scents of cinnamon,
Vanilla and spice.
As you take in the scene,
You realise you are not alone.
A deer steps gracefully into the clearing,
Pausing to look at you with calm,
Knowing eyes.
Small birds flit between branches,
Their tiny songs adding sweetness to the silence.
You feel welcomed,
Cherished,
Surrounded by nature's gentle presence.
This table is your sanctuary,
A place of joy,
A place of celebration,
A place of reflection.
Take a seat at the table,
Rest your hands in your lap,
Let yourself feel at home here.
Close your eyes for a moment and turn inward.
This year has been a journey.
Some moments have been light and joyful,
And others heavy and difficult.
Allow yourself to reflect on it all,
The challenges that shaped you,
The lessons you learned,
The moments that brought you laughter,
Connection or peace.
Take a deep breath and with your exhale release any heaviness from the year.
Imagine the snow around you absorbing it,
Purifying it,
Carrying it gently away.
With your next inhale,
Breathe in gratitude.
Gratitude for the strength you found,
The love you received,
The small and beautiful moments that nourished you.
Now open your eyes and look at the glowing candles.
Each flame is a symbol of possibility,
Of light within darkness,
Or warmth even in the cold of winter.
As you gaze at them,
Let yourself begin to form a wish for the year to come.
It could be something simple,
Peace,
Joy,
Balance,
Or it could be something specific.
An intention,
A dream of a new beginning,
Whatever comes to your heart,
Honor it.
See it glowing brightly within you.
When you are ready,
Lean forward in your imagination and gently blow out the candles.
Watch as the smoke curves upward,
Carrying your wish into the still winter air,
Out into the universe.
Trust that it will return to you in perfect time,
In perfect form.
Now place your hands on your heart and whisper to yourself these affirmations.
Repeat them silently or out loud.
I honor the year that has passed and welcome the year ahead with an open heart.
I am worthy of joy,
Love and abundance.
I release what no longer serves me and step forward with peace.
I celebrate my growth,
My resilience and my unique journey.
I am happy,
I am loved,
I am enough.
Feel these words settle deeply within you,
Becoming a truth you carry forward Now take a sip of the warm drink in front of you.
Feel it soothe you from the inside out,
Spreading warm through your body.
Imagine cutting yourself a slice of cake,
Sweet and rich,
A symbol of celebration and delight.
Allow yourself to fully receive this moment,
To be nourished,
Comforted and cherished.
Look around the clearing one last time,
The deer nods gently,
As if offering its blessings.
The little bird sings softly,
Like tiny birthday songs.
The forest itself seems to hold you in stillness and love.
Take one last deep breath of the cool December air.
Feel your wish alive within you,
Your gratitude for the past and your hope for the future.
And when you are ready,
Begin to return.
Wiggle your fingers and toes,
Gently move your body and bring yourself back to the present moment.
Carry this feeling of happiness,
Contentment and peace with you.
Know that this birthday is a threshold,
A turning point where you step into another year of your beautiful journey.
Happy birthday,
December's child.
May your year be filled with warmth,
Wonder and joy.
