Welcome to this sleep meditation called Christmas Celebration.
Let's begin.
Please jump onto bed.
Prepare your pillow.
Squeeze it into a wonderful dream to begin.
Then get comfortable and cosy.
Blankets up to the chin.
Curl your toes and fingers in,
Snug and warm.
Then put a smile on your face and close your eyes.
Let the eyes inside go round and round.
Looking at this big world at Christmas time.
And different ways all around the world to celebrate.
Each unique,
Full of Christmas love,
Christmas joy and lots of fun.
Now relax deeply.
Curl into a snowball if you wish.
How many Christmas trees will there be in this world?
For we love to decorate trees,
Lithe and artificial.
With ornaments,
Garland and a star or an angel on top.
And how many decorations too?
With houses and yards,
Gardens,
Decorated with lights,
Reefs and figures of Santas,
Snowmen and reindeers.
And how many Christmas stockings in this world?
Stockings are hung often by the fireplace to be filled with small gifts and treats by Santa.
And how many children will write letters to Santa?
And leave out cookies and milk for him on Christmas Eve?
And carrots for his reindeers?
And how many parties and social gatherings in this world?
All at the same time.
Christmas sweater jumper parties and secret Santa gift exchange.
Holiday Christmas movies and big festive music to listen to and to sing to.
Lots of Christmas carols.
Breathe into Christmas time and magical moments are happening to different people,
Different children in their own unique birthplace.
And wishing good luck to Santa who's flying over all their rooftops.
Think about the scenery must be lovely up there.
Can you imagine just how beautiful the world is?
All sharing one big celebration.
Possibly the biggest celebration ever together.
Even the animals join in.
Lots of reindeers and a very proud red robin singing a beautiful song in the winter air.
Now for the interesting facts.
What people are doing each and every Christmas.
Breathing into Christmas in South Africa.
While due to the summer weather,
Many people celebrated outdoors with a barbecue.
Then breathe into Christmas in England.
Here families enjoy a traditional turkey dinner and a hot delicious pudding.
Which is often lit with brandy and puts it on fire for a second.
Just like a birthday cake with candles.
And a time to exchange gifts to one another.
Breathe into Christmas in America.
Lots of exchanging gifts,
Attending church services and sharing large meals with family.
Plus playing games like Secret Santa and driving to see holiday lights.
For Christians this includes special church services and events that celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Breathe into Christmas in Iceland.
Where the children place shoes in windows,
Hoping the 13 mischievous yule lads will leave them gifts.
Breathe into Christmas in Norway.
On December the 23rd,
Known as Little Christmas,
Is a tradition to hide all brooms to prevent witches from stealing them.
Breathe into Christmas in Sweden.
Where a traditional yule goat made of straw is a popular Christmas symbol.
Breathe into Christmas in Austria.
On December the 6th includes celebrations with Saint Nicholas and the less than naughty Krampus.
Breathe into Christmas in Poland.
On Christmas Eve,
Families share the alopita wafer.
And wait for the first star to appear before eating their feast.
Breathe into Christmas in Japan.
Which is a holiday focused on couples or friends.
And just about everyone is eating out fast food style with their favourite bean fried chicken happy meals.
Breathe into Christmas in China.
The holiday is often seen as a time for couples and friends.
Similar to a romantic or carnival style celebration.
Breathe into Christmas in Brazil.
Where Christmas Eve is the main event.
Featuring midnight mass,
Gift exchanges and large family gatherings.
Breathe into Christmas in Mexico.
Celebrations run from December the 12th to January the 6th.
Including processions,
Nativity scenes and piñatas filled with treats.
Breathe into Christmas in Venezuela.
Many people go roller skating early in the morning.
Then church services on Christmas Eve.
Breathe into Christmas in the Philippines.
Where the giant lantern festival of San Fernando is a unique tradition.
With elaborate lit lanterns.
Symbolising the star of Beverly Hill.
And back to you now.
For it is time to truly snuggle deep into your pillow.
And does your bed feel very Christmassy now?
Let your heart show the way into a festive dream.
Of a world big celebration.
Of very special Christmas holidays.
And remember to dream big.
