Kadam John teaching a group in the Heruka KMC meditation hall, with a Christmas garland and fairy lights along the front of the shrine

How to Have a Happy Christmas

Home » Courses & Retreats » 2026-12-13 How to Have a Happy Christmas

Kadam John teaching a group in the Heruka KMC meditation hall, with a Christmas garland and fairy lights along the front of the shrine

Buddhist meditations for a joyful festive season, followed by Christmas lunch

with Kadam John McBretney

Sun 13 Dec | 11am–1pm (doors 10.30am)

Christmas lunch from 1pm

We all wish each other a happy Christmas, but it doesn’t always turn out that way. Good food, presents and time with family can add to our enjoyment, but they can’t guarantee it. Whether our Christmas is happy depends mainly on our own mind.

If we start the season with a positive, contented mind, and keep coming back to it whatever happens, we can enjoy Christmas much more. So can the people around us.

Learn how to:

  • Start the festive season with a happy, appreciative mind
  • Stay happy through busy days and difficult moments
  • Enjoy Christmas without needing everything to go to plan

The talk includes guided meditation, discussion and time for questions. Suitable for everyone, whether or not you have meditated before.

Christmas lunch

Stay on for a festive sit-down lunch at 1pm: £20, or £10 for children under 16. You can book the talk, the lunch, or both.

Price

Talk £15. Free for Silver, Gold and Platinum members; lunch is at full price for everyone

About the teacher

Kadam John McBretney has been studying, practising and teaching meditation for over 30 years. Appointed Resident Teacher of Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre by the renowned Buddhist master Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, he is known for his joyful and down-to-earth style, and for a rare ability to make even the deepest subjects feel clear and immediately useful, whether you are new to meditation or have been practising for years.

Schedule

  • 10.30am Doors open
  • 11am Talk begins: teaching, guided meditation, discussion and questions
  • 1pm Talk ends and Christmas lunch begins

Book your place

£15.00

£20.00

£10.00

You can book the talk, the lunch, or both. The talk is free for Silver, Gold and Platinum members. Lunch is at full price for everyone.

Members of Heruka KMC can attend the talk in person or join live via Zoom. 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