MARY GIUFFRE: The holiday season is upon us and for some that means a warm and joyful time! Unfortunately for others all the cooking, baking, shopping, gift giving, partying and expectation that goes with this time of year becomes just too much!

To take the stress out the upcoming weeks, I recommend applying a little Feng Shui wisdom. As Feng Shui is about balancing the energies in your environment, the first thing you can do to calm down this potentially turbulent time by modifying your holiday home decor.

The Christmas colours of Gold, Red and Green are a wonderfully warm tradition, but if we take a closer look at the elements and symbology that go with that colour scheme though Feng Shui eyes, here is what we find.

Red represents the Element of Fire. Warming and invigorating yes, but when used in excess, the energy in your environment will be over stimulated.

Green represents the Element of Wood . As Wood adds fuel to any fire, you now have a hot bed of activity!

Add some vibrant Gold to that mix and you are truly on Fire!

Instead bring the Water Element into your home by choosing a colour scheme with deep dark tones like Midnight Blue, the Deepest Dark Burgundy or an Earth Element tone like yummy hot Chocolate Brown. You'll feel an immediate calm, rather like the stillness of the ocean depths. Now, add your Reds, Greens and Golds as luscious jewelled accents and you'll notice a sparkle of energy like sunlight dancing on the water's surface. Decorating with less traditional colours like Pastel Blue, White and Silver will also relax your environment.

We know that the excitement of the holidays is what kids wait for every year! In order to keep them from spinning out of control use the same technique. A Red and Green outfit is certainly adorable for your family photo, but do the kids and favour and dress them in darker tones then add a fancy Gold Christmas pin, a Red and Green scarf or shoelaces and you'll both enjoy the festivities without going mad!

Most importantly, if you want them to sleep well on Christmas Eve or any other night of the year for that matter, put away the Santa jammies and the Red or brightly coloured sheets. There's just too much energy in them for a good night's sleep!

Sending Everyone Blessings for the Holidays ~

Merry Christmas and an Energized New Year!

Dec 7, 2010 - 7:45 PM

Donna Therrien -

Thank you Mary! Great ideas and so true!