The autumn winds have come and gone and the leaves are off the trees. Nestled in our homes we find ourselves inside. Metaphorically, it is a good time of year to go inside yourself — to reflect upon the past and begin to make plans for the future. It is a time of year to stop and give thanks for where you are and to assess what, if anything, you would like to change or adjust in your life. In olden times of the past, it was a time of year to enjoy the harvest of what you had planted all year and prepare for the long winter ahead. It is a time of year to bring out the special qualities of love and joy — harvest and abundance. It is a time of year to share the wealth and give offerings to the "gods" for what your wishes may be for the new year to come. No matter what your religion may be, all of us in our own way can create the holiday to honor the spirit of life within and the gifts are those of love.

Some simple suggestions that you can try at home
to honor your inner spirit:
If you have a mirror in your home take some time to put some festive greens around it. See your reflection fresh and new — allow the scents of the laurels of holly and fir tree cuttings to refresh your mind and soul. See yourself happy and healthy. Give the gift of light in your eyes to yourself.

Find a quiet corner of your home. Cocoon up there. Take a blanket and wrap it around your shoulders. Sit quietly and comfortably there and allow your body to rock back and forth. Massage your inner rhythm — breath in and out comfortably. See yourself protected and nurtured. Give yourself a hug.

Bring your children or loved ones around and tell a story from the past — one of wonder and of a fond time you remember. Write it down in a journal that the family can keep and reread each year. Ask the children what they remember most and enjoy the most of holidays of the past — add the stories to the journal.

Buy a new set of dishes that you use only at this time of year. It will become a wonderful thing to look forward to each year. Set the table as if it is a prayer awaiting your offerings to yourself and your family. Remember, the table is a place where you feed your soul and your body!

Be daring and mindful as you clothe yourself for the colder days. Try not to have clothes that do not breath well, Allow your clothes to move freely on your body to allow movement. Clothes that constrict can constrict you in your dreams and your forward movement in life.

Purchase new sheets, blankets and towels for the season. Wrap yourself in the richness of a new color! Choose a color you love — it may be a color that you need as "food" for the soul.

When you light candles, try having the intention of burning up old thinking and bad habits. Then allow the fire energy to fire your dreams and wishes with new vigor and power. Spend a little time to just watch the flame. Remember to breathe comfortably this can calm your mind.

Go outside — to the park or on your property and sprinkle birdseed around. As you do this, see it as an offering to the nature spirits. Throw it wide and high — feel how good it is to give just for the giving. Many aches and pains will magically disappear.

Place some holiday lights down your hallway and in your bedroom — have fun — be spirited and jolly. Dance and play music.

Sip the juices of fruits and pure sparkling water — feel the freshness of each sip going into your body and feel it replenishing your body and soul.

Be mindful of what you eat, Before each meal pause and give thanks to the food. Even if it is a salad — it is giving its life force to you and you are taking the energy and it is becoming you.

There are many ways to honor the spirit within and without — these are just a few.

May your spirit be lifted to new heights. May you have happiness, love and joy in your life. May all those people in your life love you and may your smile light the world for others.
May you see your reflection wherever you go, for in reality wherever we go we Face Our Self. Blessings and hugs for this holiday season.