After all these long, uncertain months, we have made it to December. So, with 2020 almost in our rearview, it’s time to celebrate another holiday season! While our festivities this year might look and feel different than what many of us are used to, we can still embrace tradition, connection and timeless holiday cheer. This month’s issue of Natural Awakenings is sure to bring you that seasonal warmth and inspiration, so join me for a peek inside.  

Our feature article for this issue is “Creating Community: A New Story for the World,” and it’s just the kind of ethos we need to reclaim unity in these polarizing times. This article explores how certain environmental, religious, economic, political, scientific, medical and racial justice movements can band us together in a shared mission to regenerate the future of this natural world and reinforce our essential interconnected humanity.   

Before we can invest in our connection with others though, we need to make our own self-care a priority too including both mental and physical wellness. This month’s “Mind-Body Fitness” article dives into how breathing consciously and tuning into body sensations can turn a workout into a deeper and more joyous experience. This mindful approach can increase your commitment to exercise, decrease the risk of injuries, bolster immune function and enhance your overall mood. While conscious, breath-focused workouts are often associated with yoga, the same mindfulness can be used for cardio or resistance training as well.   

Finally, with the pandemic’s effect on the size and scope of holiday celebrations, this is an ideal time for parents or grandparents to focus on values-based gifts for the children in their lives. Rather than overspending on “trendy” material items, surprise your kids with creative, memorable experiences that will have a longer-term sustainable impact than a shiny wrapped box under the tree. Not to mention, these ideas are also cost-effective for families on a budget this year. Kids can participate in this form of giving too with handwritten notes to friends or relatives, a homemade batch of cookies for the neighbors, or craft and service projects to benefit those in need throughout the community.  

This is just a taste of all the festive delights we packed inside this issue. As always, I hope our content leaves you feeling inspired, refreshed, encouraged and uplifted. Do not hesitate to share your feedback on this issue by emailing [email protected], and please don’t forget to support local businesses as you tackle that holiday shopping list. These establishments do so much to sustain our community, so now is the perfect time to give back and shop local. Well, that’s a wrap for me—on behalf of the team here at Natural Awakenings, have a beautiful holiday season, and we’ll meet again in 2021!