Christmas in Heaven

A Heartfelt Journey

The holiday season always brings a bittersweet mix of emotions. “Christmas in Heaven” is a beautiful song that took on a whole new meaning for me that first Christmas without my mother. I remember listening to it over and over, the melody wrapping around my grief like a comforting blanket. The coloured lights and festive gatherings seemed to mock my sorrow, making it even harder to find joy in the season.

Amidst the overwhelming tide of grief, I was searching for something, anything, that could provide a glimmer of peace. That’s when I turned to Reiki. My mother had experienced profound self-care through Reiki sessions at Princess Margaret Hospital, and it seemed only fitting that I follow in her footsteps. She had often spoken of the relief and solace she found in the hands of her Reiki practitioner, a beautiful and supportive hospice nurse.

I decided to study Reiki myself, hoping to find the same comfort. The journey was transformative. Under the gentle guidance of my mentor, the same compassionate hospice nurse who had cared for my mother, I began to understand the depths of Reiki’s healing power. Each session became a sacred space where I could release my sorrow, even if just for a moment, and reconnect with a sense of inner peace.

Reiki provided me with moments of profound self-care. It allowed me to process my grief in a way that felt safe and nurturing. As I learned to channel healing energy, I also learned to forgive myself for my sadness and to embrace the love and joy that still surrounded me. The act of giving and receiving Reiki became a bridge, linking me to my mother’s memory and to the strength she had shown in her own healing journey.

The holidays, once a source of pain, gradually became a time for reflection and gratitude. I found joy in the coloured lights again, not because they masked my grief, but because they reminded me of the light my mother had brought into my life. Reiki taught me that all feelings are valid—sadness, joy, and everything in between. It helped me honour my emotions and provided a pathway to healing.

This Christmas, as I listen to “Christmas in Heaven” and remember my mother, I feel a deep sense of peace. Reiki has become a cornerstone of my self-care, a gift from my mother that continues to nurture me. And in sharing this journey, I hope others can find solace and strength in their own paths to healing. With love, Calah xo