Isn't it funny what kids remember about the holidays?  Despite a lot of effort to make each child happy with the latest toy or electronic gadget, I don't hear much about the "Potty Dotty" doll (yes, there was such a thing) or the Tickle Me Elmo's from years gone by.  Trust me, I've been relieved to see the look of sheer joy and excitement when that much sought after gift is opened - but when we start our holiday decorating each year, it isn't the gift(s) that we reminisce about, but rather the events and moments of Christmases past that connect us as a family.

In the spirit of the call to "enjoy the journey", I thought I'd share a route that we took as a family to bring new energy and excitement into gift giving.  This was a way for the kids to get involved and participate in the "giving" process even at a young age.  Now, years later, as I continue to train and work with families on the Nurtured Heart Approach to parenting, I recognize this as a great opportunity to acknowledge each other's very presence, identify moments to build positive energy and to gain a collective sense of accomplishment and success.

Our journey called for us to gather and identify all of the people we'd like to thank and acknowledge over the holidays.  All the kids participated - offering a nomination, and a little story as to why they wanted to give a gift to that individual/family.  I had already prepared a short list of our favorite snacks or treats that could be easily (relatively speaking) made and packaged.  The task for the kids was to come up with the names of the snacks to reflect a little bit of their personality, or their own special "branding".  Here are some examples of what they came up with:  Audrey's Awesome Applesauce, Katherine's Krazy Karmel Korn, Gail's Groovy Granola, Zeke's Zesty Zalsa (ok, some improvising was required).  And by the way, applesauce is not "relatively" easy but it was worth it!

Each of the treats was prepared with the much needed one-on-one time.  We prepared the recipe, made labels and packaged the treats for the entire list of family and friends.  The kids were excited to have their names on the labels and to later see the smiles that each gift inspired. 

If this is sounding a little bit too much like a made for TV movie, it wasn't exactly that way.  My daughter's attention for peeling apples was shorter than I imagined (go figure), granola can roll into a lot of places when spilled and the smell of burnt popcorn can take awhile to clear the house - but, we did get our projects finished, had more than a few laughs, and spent a lot of good, quality time together.  And all these years later, we still talk about the rewards and the mishaps of this journey through the holiday season.

Sandra

• You will need four pillows and four blankets
• Find a quiet, comfortable, safe room to relax
• Place a firm pillow under your knees - let your knees drift out to the sides bringing your heels toward eachother
• Wrap a blanket around your feet
• Let your hips sit on the floor
• Place one pillow lengthwise underneath you and another pillow under your head
• Prop your head higher than your chest and your chest higher than your belly so you are on a slight diagonal slant
• Place evenly folded blankets or pillows under each arm, be sure your whole arm, from shoulder to finger tip is supported so there is no feeling of stretch across the chest
• Place a blanket across your belly
• Place an eye pillow across your eyes
   

Supta Baddha Konasana opens the whole front body: pelvis, belly, heart and throat.  These are areas we instinctively protect, therefore, let the breath lead the way.  Create a rythm to the breath, repeat a word on the inhale and exhale if you find it comforting.  Any distractions that find their way in, gently acknowledge and let them pass by bringing your attention back to your breath.  Stay in the pose for 5 - 15 minutes.  Begin to visualize the body moving first, then slowly begin to actually move the body.  Take just a moment to sit upright and breathe before moving onto the rest of your day. 

Visit www.hagoyoga.com for a complete schedule of yoga classes at CUP. 

Congratulations!

Congratulations friend of CUP, Mary Cantu, for winning the grand prize in a Louise Hay contest!  Mary, a talented graphic designer who lives in West Michigan, submitted artwork to an Affirmation Card Contest and won the grand prize.  Mary and her companion will soon enjoy being a guest on a private charter in the Caribbean for the I Can Do It! At Sea Cruise.  Mary and her guest will have the opportunity to attend a conference that features noted authors and speakers such as Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Caroline Myss, Gregg Braden, Sonia Choquette, Brian L. Weiss, M.D., and others.  We are so happy for you Mary...enjoy the cruise!

To see the artwork created by Mary and others, click here:
http://promos.hayhouse.com/experienceyourgoodnow/winners.php