Hands holding a white cup in front of a decorated Christmas tree with warm lights and red and gold baubles.

Calm in the Christmas Rush

Home » Courses & Retreats » 2026-12-05 Calm in the Christmas Rush

Hands holding a white cup in front of a decorated Christmas tree with warm lights and red and gold baubles.

A Buddhist approach to a peaceful December

Saturday 5 December 2026, 10am–1.15pm

With Kadam Ai Peng McBretney

As December begins, life often speeds up. Between parties, shopping and year-end deadlines, the festive season can easily leave us rushed, frazzled and drained.

From a Buddhist perspective, the peace we are looking for doesn’t depend on getting everything done. It depends on our mind. When our mind is calm, even a busy day feels manageable; when it is agitated, even a quiet day can feel overwhelming.

In this half-day course we step back from outside demands and reconnect with the peace already within us. Through guided meditation and practical advice, you’ll find that the secret to a happy Christmas isn’t a perfectly finished to-do list, but a mind that stays calm, present and spacious.

You will discover how to:

  • Stay grounded in the rush: use a simple breathing meditation to settle your mind, wherever you are
  • Let go of expectations: loosen our hopes for a perfect Christmas, which so often lead to stress and disappointment
  • Be a calm presence for others: keep your inner peace, and share it, even when those around you are stressed

By finding stillness within, we can enjoy this season more fully, and help others enjoy it too.

About the teacher

Kadam Ai Peng McBretney, meditation teacher

Kadam Ai Peng McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Duldzin Dragpa KBC and has trained in Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Drawing from her own experience of applying Buddha’s advice in daily life, she shares the teachings in a warm, practical way that helps people see how to bring peace, happiness, and meaning into their everyday activities.

 

Schedule

  • Arrive and relax: 9.30–10am
  • Session 1: 10–11.15am
  • Break: 11.15–11.45am
  • Session 2: 11.45am–1.15pm
  • Vegetarian lunch: 1.15pm

Book now

£25.00

£6.00

Free for Silver members and above. Lunch £6 for all.
Available live-streamed on Zoom for members. Become a member.

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"When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.” 

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso