Reflecting on the Season: A Psychotherapist’s Perspective

Addressing the (হাতি (hati): A Psychotherapist’s Approach. December edition

By Giuseppe Tagliarini BACP

It’s the Season to Be Jolly

Whether one celebrates Christmas or not, it’s a time when people worldwide recognize that something special took place over 2,000 years ago. A wise man called Isaiah wrote, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…” This foretold a moment of giving and new beginnings. Three Magi arrived bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, for a special child that entered this world from beyond eternity, creating the tradition of gift-giving, and from this event, we get the words Christ and mass, with mass meaning a gathering for celebration.

It’s a unique event, one that many ISD students may experience in their future travels to other countries and university settings. In this issue, we celebrate the year that has been 2024—a year that has brought life-changing moments for each of us in different ways. As we look toward this December, we can offer ourselves and others the gift of self-compassion and reflection, regardless of whether we observe Christmas. This season is a time to consider the themes of new beginnings, kindness, and the hope that shines through even the simplest of acts.

I hope that wherever you are, you’ll find rest and enjoy the company of family and friends, sharing in a time of thanksgiving. Personally, I love a meal with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy—just no Brussels sprouts! 

I plan to watch a couple of movies, plug in the PlayStation, play football with my brothers, and carry on my own holiday traditions.

This is a time to reflect, as another year has come and gone, on the beauty of life on this remarkable Earth. Just as we all took our first breaths here and were welcomed with love, may peace, blessings, health, and abundance be yours this season and beyond. See you in the New Year!

A lesson from the Magi 

The symbolism of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each gift represents something meaningful. Gold symbolizes kingship, frankincense points to spirituality or divinity, and myrrh, often used in ancient medicine, can represent healing or the human experience. A thoughtful angle on how acts of giving can carry a deeper message.

Kindness as a Gift:

Let us reflect on how acts of compassion and generosity during this time of year can be both meaningful and simple. A few small ways to show kindness: writing a heartfelt note, spending time with loved ones, or volunteering. 

Why the Season is Universal:

Regardless of beliefs, the end of the year is a time for reflection and coming together. Many cultures observe festivals of light, hope, or renewal during the winter months, making it a time to pause, reconnect, and reflect on both individual and collective experiences.

Setting Intentions for the New Year:

So with the spirit of new beginnings consider setting a small, meaningful intention or goal for the year ahead. This can be connected to the “gift of self-compassion”—a gentle reminder that growth can be personal and doesn’t have to be big or dramatic to be impactful.

A Brief Note on Gratitude:

Expanding the “table of thanksgiving” let us touch on gratitude as a form of celebration. Let us take a moment to appreciate the year’s highlights, whether big or small, and to remember the people and moments that brought them joy.

Much Love and peace.

Giuseppe Tagliarini

Social Emotional Counselor