Post Christmas "Pick Me Ups"

Happy Sunday!

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas.

While I don't really want to add to the thousands of blog posts about Christmas detoxing and dieting, (not sure either really work at this time of the year!)  I thought a few links to some healthy, yummy recipes might be nice for a little "pick me up" after Christmas.

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/health/best/25258/more.html

A few recipes from magazine Marie Claire.

http://blog.seasonwithspice.com/2011/11/christmas-holiday-spiced-tea-recipe.html

A spice tea recipe that looks lovely and will certainly be tried here!

http://www.easyliving.co.uk/recipes/main-courses/herby-couscous-with-roast-chicken

Cous Cous and Chicken recipe.

http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/25-delicious-and-clean-detox-dishes?s=1

A few lovely sounding dishes to mix it up a bit in the kitchen.

http://blog.allisonlehman.com/2013/01/wild-beauty-lemon-ginger-drink/

Lemon and ginger drink I can't wait to try.

Just a few suggestions for healthy treats as we head to the New Year.  Let us know if you try any of these!

Keeping Your Spirituality "Together" Over Christmas!

"Getting loads of loot is a very spiritual experience for me."

Calvin and Hobbes

Merry Christmas, Yule Blessings and/or Happy Holidays to all our readers! Nothing meant by the quote, just thought it funny!

Christmas can be a very odd time for a lot of people.  Consumerism and spirituality seem to be at odds and both can run amok over the next few days.

With less and less families attending a church, spirituality seems to have become a more fractured experience.  A lot of households will have various beliefs, some will have one spiritual family member and the rest of the family won't have any particular belief.  Families will also have lots of guests descending on them, throwing everyone a curve ball.  Homes get messy, noisy and thrown out of normal day-to-day routines. 

We've come up with a few little tips to keep yourself spiritually "together" and centered over the holidays without demanding "everyone be quiet and switch the telly off because I have to meditate now!"

Mini Breaks

A busy household means you can disappear for a few minutes on occassion!  Dig out a magazine or an inspirational book you can dip in and out of and you can hide away for a few minutes of reading.  Or pop outside for a few "mindful" minutes.

Attitude of Gratitude

Don't just be thankful for the jumper auntie Jean knitted, be thankful for time with auntie Jean as well.

Walking Meditation

Not everyone wants to meditate but most people love to go for a walk at Christmas, turn that into a walking meditation.

Little Rituals

Lighting candles for loved ones who are no longer with us, or serving food in a specific way.

Focus on Service

Not everyone has a great time at Christmas, check on people you know are alone over Christmas or donate any spare food to a foodbank.  Random acts of kindness.

Just a few light hearted prompts. How do you keep your spirituality "together" over Christmas?  Do you have any spiritual traditions for over Christmas?  We'd love to hear them!