WINTER SOLSTICE
Heart of the Holidays, Holidays, Winter Solstice| No Comments »
Reprinted from the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS book, by Sheryl L. Roush
WINTER SOLSTICE
by Reverend Uki MacIsaac, MA
Winter Solstice is the time when the “sun stands still,” the shortest day of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, days become shorter from June 21 on, until around December 21st, when the sun seems to rise and set in the same place for a while. Then slowly the sun begins its journey toward the south again, and the days grow longer until the peak of sunlight at the Summer Solstice.
The longest night of the year bears within itself the promise of the return of the light, the “rebirth” of the sun. Thus, the Winter Solstice is a time to celebrate the darkness of the womb from which creation arises. We honor the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, the dark night of the soul and the rebirth of new hope and vision. When we move deeper into the darkness instead of avoiding it, we find the gifts the darkness holds. To some, that may mean moving into the shadow aspect of self. What needs to be released, to be brought into the light of our awareness? Even in our darkest moments we can find the seeds of growth and healing within.
The darkness of the long winter nights that culminate in the Winter Solstice is also a time to honor and celebrate the world of the unseen, of dreams, and of intuition. When we cannot see with our physical eyes, we learn to trust the inner vision, the power of insight and inner knowingness. The journey into the darkness prepares the way for celebration: in gratitude we rejoice in the return of the light, the promise of the sun/son lighting our path, the promise of new beginnings.
A Winter Solstice Meditation
Begin by taking a deep breath in and then exhaling slowly.
Relax as you release the breath.
With each breath you take, you move deeper into the silent space
within, into your inner world.
Imagine yourself now walking through a desert landscape at night.
The moon is not visible to light your path, and at first your steps are
unsure and tentative. The more you attune yourself to the silent
world around you, the more your senses begin to perceive details
along your path.
The desert air is clear and cold, fragrant with the aroma of sage.
Now you move with confidence, you can “see” with your inner eyes.
You are comfortable with the darkness that reveals its gifts:
You can hear sounds of life around you—what do you hear?
You see things you have not seen before—what do you see?
You trust your inner senses, your intuition guides you on your path.
Answers reveal themselves as you surrender to the power of the unseen.
You feel safe and protected.
A warm feeling starts to bubble up in your solar plexus.
The warmth spreads to your arms and legs, to your whole body.
A pleasant tingling sensation accompanies the warm glow that now
seems to emanate from your body, creating a field of pleasant
vibrating energy throughout and around you. The source of light
and warmth is within, always accessible, your internal sun.
You are equally comfortable with the dark as with the light.
You are balanced, in harmony with Mother Earth and Father Sky.
As you turn your eyes toward the night sky above you, a blanket of
brilliant stars illuminate the sky.
Gratitude washes over you as you open your heart to the beauty
of this sacred time and space.
A granite boulder offers a place to rest and relax.
Hours seem like minutes, a sense of timelessness prevails.
Yet, almost imperceptibly at first, you notice a change on the horizon.
The light of the stars begins to fade, and toward the east, the first light
of dawn colors the sky with shades of purple, pink, and orange.
Slowly the landscape around you reveals a new face of beauty and
harmony.
Soon the radiant disk of the sun appears and bathes the desert in its
warm glow.
You are reborn to this new day, and you greet it with joy and
gratitude.
You can trust the sacred circles of nature that offer new beginnings.
Bless the return of the light as you have blessed the womb of
darkness that preceded it.
With your next deep breath begin to bring your awareness back to the
here and now. Feel yourself grounded, balanced, and in harmony.
When you are ready, you may open your eyes, fully back in the here
and now, bringing with you the gifts of this sacred journey.
And so it is.
Thank You God.
ORDER THE BOOK:
Bask in the glow of winter’s warmth. Celebrate the most blessed time of year with lighthearted tales, original stories and poems, and quotations… Chapters include: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Yuletide Around the Globe, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Ringing in the New Year…
ORDER COPIES of the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS book here. KINDLE version
ORDER THE MUSIC CD:
Touching the heart with music, Heart of the Holidays is a celebration of the season. Included are creative new interpretations of the traditional Chanukah songs "Mo’oz Tsur" and "Sivivon." Two original numbers written and performed by Laurie Z., "Heart of the Holidays" and "Warmth From Within" easily hold their own next to the traditional songs we all know by heart. Playful touches are included, like special guest, late actor Jack Palance singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," topping it all off with Jack Palance’s delightful reading of "The Night Before Christmas."
ORDER COPIES of the HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS Music CD here.
VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother … Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)
Corazon de Mujer (printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)
THANKSGIVING POEM: I’m Thankful
Heart of the Holidays, Poems, Thanksgiving| No Comments »I’m thankful for my eyes—
that I might see spectacular sunsets, lovely flowers of spring, the sweet face of a child.
I’m thankful for my ears—
that I might hear the birds’ sweet songs, children’s infectious laughter, glorious music that uplifts the soul.
I’m thankful for my lips—
that I might help kiss away a child’s tears, whisper words of love, share encouragement and praise.
I’m thankful for my hands—
that I might help a neighbor in need, hold hands with loved ones, give a warm hug or pat on the back.
Most of all, I’m thankful for my mind—that holds all these
memories—so that, when I feel sad or discouraged, I can once again
recall all these wonderful gifts with which I’ve been blessed.
– Connie Jameson
Published in Heart of the Holidays; Yuletide Treasures & Traditions, by Sheryl L. Roush
VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother … Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)
Corazon de Mujer (printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)
POEM: Happy Thanksgiving
Heart of the Holidays, Holidays, Poems, Thanksgiving| No Comments »Happy Thanksgiving
The turkey is cooking; we’ve all been to church,
Our grandparents soon will arrive.
The table is set; the best linen is used,
What a grand day to be alive!
There’s a nip in the air; we’re planning on snow,
We kids have new scarves and new muffs.
The cat, a new bell—the dog, a new bow,
And the phone is ringing for us.
“Hurry up, kids! Talk to great Uncle Joe,”
Who lives a long ways away.
Then we’ll call Cousin Jo and dear Auntie Flo,
And wish them joy today.”
Oh, something special there is in the air,
And not just good smells from the oven.
The holiday feeling is felt everywhere,
“Come on, darlin,’ give Mama some huggin.’”
The kitchen door opens; the food is brought in,
We kids all race to the table.
Napkins are snugly tucked ‘neath our chins,
We are hungry, willing and able.
Dad starts to carve, right after grace,
Then my brother shouts, “Dibs on a leg!”
Mom has a special smile on her face,
Our dog sits at Dad’s knee and begs.
“Please pass the beans.” “Where are the yams?”
“Does anyone want a roll?”
“That turkey is almost as big as I am.”
“Who emptied the gravy bowl?”
So the feast moves on straight to the pie,
I rub my tummy; it’s so full.
But I’m no piker—oh no—not I,
“Whipped cream, if you please, a big spoonful.”
So, with warmth and laughter and much good cheer,
For this day, we send thanks above.
We’re grateful we’ve all been together this year,
“Thank You, Dear Lord for such love.”
~ Virginia "Ginny" Ellis
© 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007
www.poetrybyginny.com
Published in Heart of the Holidays, by Sheryl Roush
Order here!
Thanksgiving Thoughts: Over The Years
Heart of the Holidays, Holidays, Thanksgiving| No Comments »THANKSGIVING: THEN AND NOW
Then:
Dad carving the hard-crusted turkey with electric knife, nibbling
as he goes.
Now:
Dad carving the moist, baked-in-the bag turkey, without the
electric knife, still nibbling as he goes.
Then:
Mom cooked up real cranberries (too lumpy for me).
Now:
Sheryl brings jellied cranberry sauce with pickled beets.
Then:
Never decorated the house for the fall holiday.
Now:
Decorate with autumn leaves, real pumpkins, and golden garlands.
Then:
Showed up in time to eat, everything was fixed by mom, departed
early with leftovers in Tupperware and plastic baggies.
Now:
Arrive early, set the table, bring healthy food choices to add to the
menu, clear the table after the meal, and wash the fine china, stay
late just to hang around and have meaningful conversations.
From Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasures and Traditions, by inspirational speaker Sheryl Roush, which features 67 original short stories, 36 poems, and 193 quotations and scriptures from 71 contributors.
ORDER HERE
VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother … Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)
Corazon de Mujer (printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)
POEM: Vegan Thanksgiving
Heart of the Holidays, Holidays, Thanksgiving| No Comments »
Vegan Thanksgiving
It’s sacred Thanksgivin’, and all through the house,
Nothing’s overnight baking, not Lamb and not Grouse.
Making plans for the morning, health-conscious are we,
Jotting it down, while sipping White Green Tea.
We’ll start with Wheatgrass – a 2-ounce shot,
Toasting healthy bodies with no meat in the pot.
Most thankful are we as we pause to say grace,
Not getting caught up in the commercial rat race.
Sparkling Pomegranate Juice in a wine glass,
Light up the stove – we’re cookin’ with gas!
Pita chips and hummus are starter pre-meal,
Carrots, Jicama, Bell Peppers – the natural deal.
Fresh garden salad, sunflower seeds and sprouts,
There’s enough for everyone – so no one pouts.
Simmer a pot of Cous Cous, or Basmati Rice,
Baked Butternut Squash would surely be nice.
Raw Sugar Snap Peas, and baked Yummy Yam,
Doing well avoiding Duck, Turkey and Ham.
Brown Rice Bread, Lentil Veggie soup, too.
Wow – without meat and dairy – there’s so much you can do!
Chocolate Tofu Mousse Cake – well-chilled,
With graham cracker crust, I’m not that strong-willed!
Organic Pumpkin Pie – served piping hot.
Maybe Turkey next year? I think NOT!
By Sheryl Roush
Inspirational Speaker
Author of Heart of the Holidays
www.SherylRoush.com
VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother … Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)
Corazon de Mujer (printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)
25 Ways To Say Thanks
Thanksgiving, Tips & Trivia| No Comments »25 Ways To Say Thanks
As I look back through the archives of "Living Wisely," I see that gratitude has been the theme of several of my articles around the holiday season. The old words seem to drum home the importance of being grateful for what
we have. This year, in the face of financial crises and the loss of veritable institutions that we’ve relied on for employment it may be more important than ever to find a silver lining in order to endure. In a time when our feelings probably outweigh our ability to express them, I thought it might be helpful to explore some ways to say thanks and experience feeling grateful.
1. Say Thank-You with your eyes
Make more eye contact with people. Really connect with the gratitude for being alive by connecting with another human through their eyes.
2. Write a Thank-You note
Write a note that thanks someone for being in your life without them having done anything or given you anything recently.
3. Tell people what they mean to you
Do not let an opportunity go by to tell someone what they mean to you personally and/or professionally. Let people know how they make a difference in your life.
4. Perform a Random-Act-of-Kindness
Anonymously, do something outrageously kind or generous for someone else. Never tell.
5. Create a daily ritual that expresses gratitude
List five things a day you are grateful for, light a candle, say a prayer, tell someone you love them, send out a daily email to your closest buds. Come up with something that will daily put you in contact with gratitude.
6. Volunteer
Hold a hand or lend a hand. Just help someone who needs help more than you do. It will give you amazing perspective on your life.
7. Pick up a treasure
When you see something that reminds you of someone you care about, pick it up for them and give it to them ‘just because’.
8. Make a Donation (even if you think you can’t afford to)
Sharing your money, expecting nothing in return, is a powerful way to show you are grateful for what you have.
9. Write or create something and donate the proceeds
Create something that can be sold to support a cause.
10. Give of yourself
The gift of your time and attention makes a great statement about how much someone means to you
11. Make a kid’s day
Giving a child a special day that will forever be a happy memory will be a win-win you won’t soon forget
12. Write a letter to the editor
If someone in your town (a teacher, a neighbor, a service provider) did something really great, write to the editor of your town newspaper to give that person a little extra acknowledgement. Tell people how this person went out of their way to help. You’ll warm some hearts and maybe cause of positive ripple effect for the person you thanked publicly.
13. Bring a friend along for the ride
If you get an opportunity of a lifetime or get ushered up your career ladder by a helping hand, bring someone you know with you. Do what you can to bring them along. Be that helping hand to the next person.
14. Share a meal
‘Breaking bread’ with somebody or a group a people is a great way to express your thanks for them. Serve them as if they were kings.
15. Park yourself in an awesome spot in nature
A majestic view helps to humble your ego and help you appreciate the richness of your world.
16. Finger paint
Get dirty finger-painting and feel the energy going through your fingers as you press through the paint on to the paper. Feel the privilege of having a body that works.
17. Plant a tree or some flowers (depending on region!)
There is a sanctity to putting living things in the earth to encourage their growth. You don’t have to be a ‘tree hugger’ to appreciate what the earth has given you by giving something back to it.
18. Dedicate something to someone significant to you
Say thank you by honoring someone with a dedication. Whether it’s something you have written or a performance or a book, or maybe even a project, dedicate it as an acknowledgment.
19. List the people that make your life easier
Write down a list of people that are in your life that do things with you or for you that make your life a little easier. Imagine if they were not there and how much would be on your plate.
20. Give away all you no longer need
Taking stock of your stuff and seeing it go on to people that can use it, gives you an appreciation for all you have.
21. Make someone something
Engage your creativity, suspend judgment and express your thanks for someone by making them a gift. Whether you have a particular craft or talent is not necessary. Share your creation and tell the receiver what you did to create it.
22. Help someone feel important
Sing Happy Birthday at your own birthday party to someone whose birthday closely follows yours. Acknowledge someone else publicly while you hold the floor. Include someone at the ‘head table’ of an event who would not expect to be there. Do something for someone else’s self-esteem.
23. Document someone else’s life
Dust off your camcorder and record an oral history by a family member, friend or interesting acquaintance. You can even forget the camera and just get someone to talk about the stories of their life. Just when you think you’ve been through it all or you’ve hear it all, you’ll fill with the appreciation for the journey we are all on.
24. Kidnap a friend or loved one for a day devoted to them
Show up unexpectedly and steal someone away for a day of activities handpicked for your friend’s enjoyment. Take them to eat their favorite kind of food, take them to a movie they would love to see, take them to their favorite sporting event or shopping place. Plan a day that has nothing to do with you. Devote it to them.
25. Say Thank You and Mean It
‘Thank you’ can sometimes take on the same worn familiarity as your most comfy slippers and lose it’s true value. Pay more attention as you say it and really mean it.
Giddy, ecstatic, humbled, moved, awed—grateful.
However, the emotion registers for you, each of these actions can likely get you there. It is that intense feeling of being alive that we crave. Despite any troubles we may be dealing with, remember the feeling these 25 ways give you and recreate it every day. That is living. That is worth Thanksgiving.
by Laura Berman Fortgang, Speaker, Author, Coach
Copyright ©2007-2008 Laura Berman Fortgang.
Reprintable when full credit is given.
www.LauraBermanFortgang.com
Suggested Reading
Attitudes of Gratitude: How To Give and Receive Joy Everyday of Your Life
by M. J. Ryan
Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
by Robert Emmons
Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasures & Traditions. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Mother: A tribute to a mother’s love. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Woman: Insights on the strength and wisdom of women. Stories, poems and quotations, by Sheryl L. Roush
Heart of a Woman in Business: Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success, by Sheryl L. Roush
Photo: Thanksgiving Peace
Thanksgiving| 1 Comment »Thanksgiving Peace
This photo was taken during a silent retreat at Spirit Rock.
This proves even turkeys seek inner peace through prayer and meditation.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy!
Dr. Luann Linquist
…as seen on OPRAH
Business Relationships & Communication
www.DeleteStress.com
Thanksgiving Tips: Save Your Sanity with Sheryl Roush
Heart of the Holidays, Interviews, Thanksgiving| 3 Comments »Thanksgiving Tips: Save Your Sanity
Interview with Sheryl Roush
Lorri Allen, the Producer/Host of FamilyNet Television & Radio, interviewed Sheryl Roush, author of Heart of the Holidays today, on "Mornings with Lorri & Larry," broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia.
Sheryl shared tips to save your sanity over Thanksgiving, including these good reminders:
- Get plenty of SLEEP.
- Eat healthy, and drink wisely.
- Get outside for a short walk.
LISTEN TO THE LIVELY INTERVIEW HERE.
To enjoy the most of the holiday, she added these tips:
- Set positive intentions for the day/event.
- Be optimistic and stay flexible… plans change.
- You reserve the right to say NO to invitations.
- Schedule OPEN TIME on your calendar for YOU.
- Have your meal catered…. or potluck/buffet style….
- Have a "relief" staff to clear the table, and do the dishes.
- Plan the meal ahead of time, to avoid procrastination and stress.
- Serve dessert 1-2 hours after the meal, in another room.
- Focus on the “together-ness time” not the doing-ness tasks.
- Cherish the quality and sacred time.
- Bring fresh flowers to your hostess.
BONUS: Larry’s Sour Cream Pound Cake recipe (and his special secret), from Savannah Georgia
Sheryl read a couple of quotes by Erma Bombeck and Oprah Winfrey, and a short poem, “The Last Piece of Pie” by Lillian Berman published in from Heart of the Holidays.
Check out archived podcasts and forthcoming guests at www.FamilyNetRadio.com
"Mornings" airs from 6-9 am Eastern on Sirius Satellite 161, and from 7-9 am Eastern on FamilyNet Television.
LISTEN TO THE LIVELY INTERVIEW HERE.
Sheryl’s Heart Book Series are available at: Amazon.com, Borders.com, Borders stores,
Order personally autographed copies from Sheryl Roush at www.SparklePresentations.com
“Heart of the Holidays” Book Review by Angela England
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice| No Comments »“Heart of the Holidays”
Book Review
by Angela England
Type-A Mom Gift Guide – Gifts for Moms
Monday, 10 November 2008
Click here to see original post.
The perfect size for giving, a woman who enjoys reading could not get a better gift book for the Yuletide Holidays than this charming book, Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures and Traditions by Sheryl Roush.
This delightful book came at the perfect time for me as I begin to look forward to the holidays and felt the stress of Thanksgiving preparation creeping up on me. Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures & Traditions is written by Sheryl Roush and was published by Sparkle Press. As I curl up on the couch to feed my newborn, this holiday collection is easy to thumb through for a few minutes.
Not too heavy or bulky, the easy-to-read format of Heart of the Holidays, makes this book the perfect present to tuck into a stocking, present as a hostess gift for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, or give on one of the days of Hanukkah. It makes the perfect book for bedroom end table, bathroom magazine rack, or to read just in bits and pieces if you are as busy as I am.
What Readers Will See in Heart of the Holidays
Heart of the Holidays presents readers with over 225 pages of delightful poems, quotes, stories, excerpts, songs, and inspiring sayings in six categories: Thanksgiving; Christmas; Yuletide Around the Globe; Hanukkah; Winter Solstice; and Ringing in the New Year.
I appreciated the range of quotes that were included by Sheryl Roush, covering the range from proverbial sayings, to traditional historic figures, to humorous quips by modern celebrities. For example, in the Thanksgiving section she quotes Oprah Winfrey saying, "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."
Not just quotes and songs, Roush has brought together the best of the holiday stories and essays available and gathered them altogether in one place. One of my favorites of these was in the Yuletide Around the Globe chapter, an excerpt from Helena Steiner-Hornsteyn, who says in a portion of Christmas in Sweden, "Even if you happen to live in a huge country mansion with a large dining room, on Christmas Eve you always eat in the kitchen together with those who mean something to you. Even if you are very sick you should appear for this meal to show the spirit of Christmas. Because at Christmas there are no barrier and no separations."
These thoughtful and uplifting samples are only a taste of what Heart of the Holidays by Sheryl Roush has to offer as a charming gift for a book lover, or harried housewife alike.
Where to buy Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures & Traditions
JUST RELEASED: Heart of the Holidays the book plus the Heart of the Holidays BONUS MUSIC CD…. for only $19.95.
CLICK HERE
Emotional Survival Guide for the Holidays: 7 Tips
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Tips & Trivia| 1 Comment »Emotional Survival Guide for the Holidays: 7 Tips
Experts explain some simple methods for driving away the holiday blues.
‘Tis the season to be jolly? Not necessarily.
For many people the holiday season, which kicks off with Thanksgiving and spans through New Year’s, is anything but blissful. In fact, this time of year may trigger a bout of the blues or perhaps ignite a depression that has been smoldering under the surface for months. "Holiday blues are a pretty common problem despite the fact that as a society, we see the holidays as a joyous time," says Rakesh Jain, MD, director of psychiatric drug research at the R/D Clinical Research Center in Lake Jackson, Texas. "Many people feel depressed, which can be due to the increased stress that comes with the need to shop and the decreased time to exercise which gets put on the back burner during the holidays." While people with clinical depression should seek professional help, those with a touch of the holiday blues can try these strategies recommended by experts to assure a jolly Christmas and a happy new year.
Visiting Ghosts of Christmas Past
"See what it was in the past that led to trouble, whether drinking too much alcohol or not exercising enough or the decreased social contact that comes from going to parties with relative strangers, but forgetting to connect with friends and family," Jain suggests. "Every time depression visits, it leaves a fingerprint. Look for what in the past has been a repeat source of trouble and find ways to avoid it. If you plan, it’s very likely that you won’t be singing the blues this holiday season."
Sending a Holiday Card — to Yourself
"Writing about your holiday blues can actually change them," says Darlene Mininni, PhD, MPH, author of The Emotional Toolkit. "People who write about their deepest feelings when they’re upset are less depressed, less anxious, and more positive about life than people who write about mundane things," she tells WebMD. She suggests writing for 15 minutes a day for three or four days in a row and answering such questions as "Why does this upset me so much?" Or "What would I like to see happen?"
Avoiding Scrooges and Grinches
"Look at how to protect yourself from the energy vampires of the holiday season who deplete your holiday energy reserve," suggests Judith Orloff, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California at Los Angeles and the author of Positive Energy. They can include the drama queens, blamers, criticizers, and sob sisters, she explains. Instead, "try and be around positive people. If your Aunt Meg can suddenly start up and start blaming and criticizing you and make you feel like a wreck, don’t sit next to her. Stake out a seat early." "If you know sitting next to Uncle Jake at Christmas dinner will freak you out, assure that whoever does the seating arrangement moves you to another location," says Susan Newman, PhD. Newman is the author of The Book of NO: 250 Ways to Say It — and Mean It and Stop People-Pleasing Forever. "Don’t be wishy-washy about decisions. People can’t read your mind. If something upsets you they won’t know it unless you say so."
Not Going Home for the Holidays
"If you want to go to your partners’ family this year and you have always gone home, simply explain that this is what you want to do and don’t obsess about the consequences," Newman says. "Remember, people are really looking to get something done and they are not thinking about you as much you think they are. When you say no, they are on to the next person or task. When you say no to people, you put yourself first and during the holidays, we are always putting everybody else in front of us."
Dashing Through the Snow
"Get outside and exercise," says psychologist Joan Borysenko, PhD. Borysenko is the author of the soon-to-be-published book Saying Yes to Change. "This can be hard because if you live in certain parts of the country, it’s cold and snowing during the holiday season. But getting outside is great because you get sun, fresh air, and exercise," she says. Exercise has been shown to boost level of endorphins, the body’s natural antidepressants.
Remembering That It Really Is ‘A Wonderful Life’
"Be grateful for what you do have and all the positive things that have happened in your life," Orloff says. "Talk to supportive friends on the phone and find the kind of support to make you feel less lonely rather than dwelling on the loneliness." Jain agrees. "Thinking that the glass is half full, not half empty, is a simple but effective tool," he says. "Instead of thinking about what you can’t buy, think about the extra time and joy that you have to share with your friends and family."
Creating a Photo Opportunity
Many people actually love the holidays and feel let down only when the holiday season is over, Baron says. But making a plan to get together after New Year’s can help keep the holiday spirit alive longer. "Take lots of pictures over the holidays and plan a late-January get-together where everyone can share their pictures," he suggests. "It’s something to look forward to without waiting for the spring thaw."
CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE AND ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
RECIPE: Non-Dairy, Low-Fat Pumpkin Pie (Vegan)
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Recipes, Thanksgiving| 4 Comments » NON-DAIRY, LOW-FAT PUMPKIN PIE |
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| Servings: 8 | ||||||||||
| Nutrition Facts are for filling only. | ||||||||||
| Ingredients 1-1/2 packages Mori-Nu Silken Lite Firm Tofu* 2 cups canned or cooked pumpkin 2/3 cup honey 1 tsp. vanilla 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice or next 4 ingredients 1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 3/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1 unbaked 9" pastry crust * For firmer texture, use Mori-Nu Silken Extra Firm Tofu |
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| Method Drain tofu and blend in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add remaining ingredients; blend well. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for about 1 hour. Filling will be soft, but will firm as it chills. Chill and serve. |
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| Nutritional Notes Provides 2g of fiber per serving |
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RECIPE: Butternut Squash Soup
Christmas, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Recipes, Thanksgiving| 1 Comment »Butternut Squash Soup (serves 8)
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash-peel and cut into chunks
1 leek-wash and chop
2 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock, salt, pepper, nutmeg
(optional: 1 cup of heavy cream)
Melt butter in large pot; add leeks and sauté about 6-8 minutes; add squash and cover with chicken or vegetable stock; bring to a boil and cook until squash is very tender; remove squash with a slotted spoon and put in a blender with a little stock; puree until all soup is pureed; season with salt, pepper and a dash of nutmeg.
Add heavy cream (optional).
Authors Share Their Original Stories in New Holiday Book
Christmas, Hanukkah, Heart of the Holidays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice| 1 Comment »Authors Share Their Original Stories in New Holiday Book
Previously published authors sharing previously unpublished original stories and poems are featured in the November 1 release of Heart of the Holidays: Yuletide Treasury and Traditions. Readers embrace touching tributes celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Yuletide Around the Globe, Winter Solstice, and Ringing in the New Year.
Authors include: Lorri V. Allen, Lee A. Barron, Lillian Berman, Cynthia Brian, Marilyn Dalrymple, Lisa Delman, Virgina Ellis, Darlene Fahl-Brittian, Jerry Gitchel, Carolle Jean-Murat, Jan Mills, Selena Parker, Kay Presto, John Reddish, Marcia Reynolds, Karen Robertson, Sheryl Roush, Jennifer Rousseau Sedlock, Reta Taylor, Terri Marie, Joni Wilson and Judy Wright.
