It is our responsibility as a society to help the many families and children who will be struggling this Christmas.
Christmas is a magical time of year when families gather to celebrate the joys of the season; however, amid the hustle and bustle it’s easy to forget those who are finding it difficult making ends meet. Here are some ways to both give back to your community and inspire hope in those individuals in our society who need help this Christmas.
Donate Your Time
One of the most significant ways to help those in need is to donate your time. Even a few hours spent helping at a homeless shelter or food bank can have a substantial impact. Make it a yearly family tradition. It is also a great way to teach your children the value of sharing.
Visit Your Local Nursing Home
The elderly are especially vulnerable and in need of attention at Christmas. Dropping in and just listening can help brighten a senior’s day. For an added special touch, ask your kids to help you attach inspirational messages to candy canes and then drop them off at your local nursing home for distribution Christmas morning.
Cook Meals
If you are an avid cook, donate homemade meals to shelters, churches or community organizations. This is a great way to utilize your skills while donating to a worthwhile cause.
Hospitals
Share your creative skills. For example, if you enjoy knitting, your local hospital is always looking for booties, mittens and handcrafted hats for newborn babies who will be spending Christmas in the neonatal intensive care unit. Also consider donating a box of chocolates or a cookie tray to extend appreciation to the nursing staff who will be working through the holidays.
Help Cancer Patients
Volunteer to drive cancer patients to their life-saving treatments. If you have a good driving record and a vehicle that is in good condition you are probably a good candidate for the job. If you enjoy driving, this is a great way to help those who are in critical need of transportation to their appointments.
Your Neighborhood
Take a look around your neighborhood. Offer to shovel driveways for those who may be ill or elderly. This is a particularly great way to involve your teenagers.
Organize and host a neighborhood “Christmas Open House”. It’s a great way to share some Christmas cheer with your neighbors while also doing something good for your community. Each year rotate hosting throughout your neighborhood. In lieu of hostess gifts, ask your guests to bring non-perishable food items or an new unwrapped toy to benefit your local food bank and/or toy drive.
At Home
Look through your home and donate as many items as you can. Jackets and mittens that aren’t being used are especially helpful during the cold winter months. You will be donating to a good cause and also removing clutter.
While Christmas shopping, pick up an extra gift and drop it off at your local charity. Also pick up a few canned goods each time you shop. Most grocery stores have special bins set up at the entrance that are later delivered directly to your local food bank.
Go the Extra Mile
If you know someone who is suffering through loss or who is alone invite them over for Christmas dinner.
Donate some of your Christmas decorations to a family in need. You may also consider purchasing an extra tree and donating it to a family who doesn’t have one.
Sponsor a family this Christmas. Provide the necessities such as a turkey, potatoes and vegetables to help them with their Christmas dinner.
Finally, giving is something that we as a community should do throughout the year. Even a small contribution can make a difference so it’s important to give in whatever way we can.
Don’t be Lonely at Christmas or Thanksgiving
The holidays can be lonely for those with no family or plans or for those looking for something different. There are yoga centered opportunities in all skill and income levels for finding new friends or enjoying peaceful solitude. Begin the New Year with a new lease on life as well as a new fit body and mind set.
Yoga Retreats During the Holiday Season
Ongoing retreats can be found in Canada, US, Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia, but some organizations have special events over the holiday season. Most attendees enjoy the break in routine or are searching for change. These are more accessible at this time of year than the yoga cruises. Although different types of yoga are offered, Hatha Flow yoga can be considered a baseline.
Yoga Traveler offers 2-7 day yoga retreat in November and December through the holidays. Their retreats are found in Ireland, Morocco, France, Bali, Thailand, and the Alps. Some weeks are tied to other activities such as surfing or skiing.
Belize, an Eco-Adventure Retreat offers yoga plus a spiritual adventure over Thanksgiving.
Costa Rica is rife with yoga retreats. La Escuela del Sol combines yoga with Spanish and scuba certification if desired.
Mind-Body-Spirit specials through Christmas can be found at Puravida Wellness Retreat and Spa.
Free Spirit Travel specifies vegetarian yoga holidays at Christmas extending an invitation to those who travel alone.
Ulpotha in Sri Lanka describes itself as the best yoga retreat in the world.
Southern Sweden at Haa offers a two week Christmas retreat.
Yoga Cruises can Best be Planned After the Holidays
Christmas cruises fill up rapidly, so finding a theme filled cruise exactly on the holiday is difficult. Aiming for one after the holiday or as a personal gift for later may be preferrable. Caribbean Cruise lines offer several 4-7 day trips from different ports to yoga aficionados. The classes are geared to all levels and allow other cruise passengers to participate if there is room. There may be several classes in the morning with a break if the afternoon for excursions or other ship activities and a few classes before dinner. There may be several teachers and different styles offered. Classes may be held on deck, in a conference room or on the beach as part of an excursion. Sharing an activity and interest helps meet new friends for later dinner companions and sharing.
Carnival and Costa Cruise lines, Holland America and Norwegian cruise lines also offer yoga cruises. There are transatlantic cruises combining yoga and wellness. The more elegant and expensive cruises combine healthy eating and lectures, along with the yoga practice. Many include Pilates and have a full gym with equipment for aerobics and weights. At times a particular teacher will invite students to sign on a cruise and the tour starts there or a group may have formed and request a teacher join them.
Workshops for Yoga or Pilates over the Holidays
Many schools traditionally offer a free Thanksgiving Pilates or yoga class. Check locally.
Bryan Kest, power yoga master, offers workshops on Thanksgiving and throughout the month of November at multiple locations in Florida.
Kripula in Massachusetts has events planned November through New Year’s day.
Baron Baptiste has all day Immersions available in Texas in November, and in Mexico during December.
Iyengar teacher training courses the month of November are held in GAO India.
Many local schools offer workshops, if not on the holiday, then around this time. Call area schools or research the style of yoga desired for times and dates.
Loneliness is a state of mind. If unable to travel over the holidays, pull the shades, light scented candles and engage in a private at-home practice. Give a gift to the self.
