December Notes: Gratitude, Cosy Plans and What’s Ahead

As the year settles into its final days and we drift towards Christmas, I wanted to take a moment to reflect, breathe, and say a genuine thank you. This year has been full — full of women arriving with stories, tension, joy, exhaustion, curiosity and the kind of honesty that makes this work feel like a privilege.

Every conversation, every quiet breath at the start of a treatment, every moment of trust you’ve given me has shaped óm Holistic in ways I’ll never take for granted.

You’ve shown up for yourselves in ways that are brave and beautiful, and in doing so, you’ve allowed me to show up for you.

Thank you for choosing me, for returning, for recommending me, and for giving óm Holistic the space to grow into something deeper than treatments alone.

It really has become a sanctuary where women put things down, reconnect with themselves, and feel held — because you’ve allowed it to be that.

Life lately… a little snapshot

Because I always try to keep things real and perhaps im slightly addicted to working when i think others are resting: I don’t magically “switch off” at Christmas like a serene retreat leader. I take rest in pockets, little pauses that feel grounding and realistic for my life.

This month has been full in the best ways. We took our Daughter to London and Liverpool to see family. We’ve done pantomimes, Christmas jumper day, school festivities, and just wrapped up another year of school chaos.

My mum is away this year, so Christmas at home will be quieter — our first with Bruno (the puppy), who will absolutely make sure it’s anything but peaceful, but in the sweetest way.

Elf on the Shelf has happened… in a loose, “I’ll think of something before I go to bed” kind of way. I’m not staying up until midnight sprinkling flour across the kitchen. We keep it simple. Bea loves it. That’s the win.

Our favourite tradition: simple, slow, meaningful

For over a decade, we’ve followed the Icelandic tradition of gifting books and chocolate on Christmas Eve — Jólabókaflóð. It’s such a gentle ritual: a cosy night with something lovely to read, something sweet to enjoy, and permission to do nothing but nest. No pressure, no noise, just warmth, blankets, stories and chocolate. It’s one of my favourite parts of the whole season.

A soft, quiet Christmas — but I’ll still be here for you

Even though this Christmas at home will be slow and simple, óm Holistic will still be open. I’ll be offering treatments between Christmas and New Year for anyone who needs grounding, rest or space to exhale after the rush. And I’ll be open from the first week of January for those of you who receive vouchers and want to start the year with intention.

If your body is craving stillness or your mind feels full, you’re welcome to step into the calm here — in the hush between Christmas and January, or at the beginning of the new year.

A little gratitude, without a goodbye

Thank you for being part of óm Holistic in 2025 — not as a closing of the year, just as a moment of appreciation in the middle of the season. There’s still more to come, more to say, and more to share before the year turns, but I didn’t want to let this moment pass without acknowledging how much your presence shapes this space.

I hope your Christmas feels gentle in all the right ways — whether it’s quiet or busy, cosy or chaotic, joyful or tender. I hope you find a few minutes of stillness, a warm drink you actually get to finish, a story to disappear into, and a moment where your shoulders soften without effort.

Happy Christmas

Alaine

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