December 2024 Holiday Issue.cdr : simplebooklet.com

Learning & Living Magazine PUBLISHER / EDITORWindy FamaASSOCIATE EDITORMai TranCONTRIBUTING WRITERSSamantha CruzMichelle LopezJennifer YatesADVERTISING DIRECTORLori Carresseadvertising@iugo.worldIUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING MAGAZINE1968 S. Coast Hwy Ste. 2359Laguna Beach, CA 92651Tel: (888) 502-6795iugo.world/magazinecontact@iugo.worldPRODUCED BYIugo World LLCLiving well through educationIugo in Latin /pronounced you-go/ means to bind together, to connectIugo World Learning & Living Magazine (IWLL) is a multi-generational publication dedicated to empowering parents, students, homeschoolers, and seniors with educational tools and resources that support their journey toward growth and personal fulfillment. We are committed to delivering valuable, high-quality content that encourages genuine connection and transformation.By Windy FamaEditor and Co-founder, Iugo WorldPRIORITIZING CONNECTIONiugoworldIUGOWORLD Whether we’re ready or not, the full swing of the holiday season is upon us. Family gatherings are being planned, with all the trimmings and anticipation of having our loved ones under one roof. While this is a cherished thought, the pressure to orchestrate a ﬂawless celebration can be very real, especially after a year that's tested our resilience. This December, we are taking a more mindful approach to the season. Why not prioritize genuine connection, compassion, and focus on personal and collective growth instead of just on the food, gifts and parties? This issue is your guide to approaching the holidays with intention and grace. This month, we share insights on navigating the complexities of the season with expert advice from handling tricky family dynamics to thoughtful strategies for combating loneliness. In "Rebuilding Community Bridges with Moral Imagination," we issue a call to action, urging our readers to harness the transformative power of empathy and understanding to mend the divisions within our communities. Finally, what would the holidays be without the festivities? This year, why not infuse your holiday table with exciting new ﬂavors from global cuisines? This year, let's prioritize genuine connection and create a holiday season ﬁlled with meaning, joy, and compassion.From all of us at Iugo World Learning and Living, we wish you a joyous holiday season ﬁlled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. May the New Year bring you peace, prosperity, and an abundance of happiness.

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Who Is Santa, Anyway?By Samantha Cruz 05 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING hildren may wonder if Santa really Cexists, but as a more mature “believer” in the spirit of Christmas, the question may have popped into mind, “Who is Santa Clause”? Before he took on the shape of the jolly old fella in a white beard and red suit that we’ve come to know and love, he actually had roots in a real historical gure. Saint Nicholas was actually a 4th-century bishop in Myra (modern-day Turkey), renowned for his extraordinary generosity and deep compassion, particularly towards children. Stories about his good deeds, especially helping the needy spread across Europe. One legend tells how he secretly gave money to three poor sisters so they could get married. As his legend grew, like a centuries-long game of telephone, the stories evolved from ear to ear to adapt to different cultures. In the Netherlands, he became "Sinterklaas," arriving by boat with presents for children. This tradition journeyed to America with Dutch settlers, undergoing further transformations. The iconic image of Santa Claus today—with his red suit, white beard, and jovial demeanor—took shape in 19th-century America, thanks to writers and illustrators like Washington Irving and Thomas Nast. While the modern Santa Claus may travel by sleigh instead of boat, the core essence of Saint Nicholas endures as a symbol of generosity, gift-giving, and unwavering love for children and the needy. Could this explain why there is a Santa in each of us?

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THE LEARNING CHECK-UP:IT’S TIME TO ASSESS YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL EXPERIENCE or most parents now-a-days, when we talk about school, the familiar image of students on laptops in a classroom with rows of desks and a teacher at the whiteboard comes instantly to mind. This image, deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, represents the educational experience for the vast majority of American families, and has been since the late 19th century. It's no wonder that there is a persistent lack of funding and policy support for alternative models like homeschooling and hybrid learning. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 93% of school-aged children in the US were enrolled in either public or private schools. But in a world where knowledge is at our fingertips and innovation is a driving force in how we live, learn and interact, 7% of parents are not convinced the traditional school model still serves our children best.FEducation & EnrichmentBy Windy Fama06 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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While progress reports, portfolios and parent-teacher conferences offer glimpses of your child's academic progress, they don't always paint a complete picture. In today's diverse educational landscape, it's crucial to go beyond traditional measures and truly assess whether your child is thriving in their current learning environment. A comprehensive learning checklist can be your guide, helping you understand your child's individual needs and make informed decisions about their education. Think of the checklist as a personalized roadmap for your child's educational journey. It can provide you with a holistic view by goingbeyond objective measures in understanding your child's engagement, motivation, and social-emotional well-being. It helps you identify hidden challenges such as learning difficulties, social anxieties, or a lack of challenge that might be masked by seemingly adequate academic performance. With a checklist, you can track growth and development over time identifying patterns and areas where they need additional support or enrichment. This information can also be used to advocate for your child by gathering evidence to support your conversations with teachers and school administrators about your child's unique needs. And finally, if your child isn't thriving in their current setting, a checklist can help you determine if homeschooling, alternative schools, or supplemental learning opportunities might be a better fit. In a world of constant change, education must adapt to empower our children. By embracing innovation and looking beyond the traditional classroom, we can nurture their curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion, equipping them not just for academic success, but for a fulfilling life in the 21st century and beyond. A learning checklist is the first step in understanding their unique needs and ensuring they receive an education that truly allows them to thrive. (Checklist download pg. 9) iugoworld 07 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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Ask us how(888) 502-6795contact@iugo.worldwww.iugo.world/ pi-labDownload our brochureMeet our program directoriwπLL = Inﬁnite PossibilitiesImagine your 6-12th grader thriving in a personalized learning environment, where they receive dedicated attention and support tailored to their unique needs and goals. They'll gain a competitive edge with one-on-one tutoring in core subjects and AP courses from experienced teachers, while developing essential social skills through collaborative projects with like-minded peers. Students have the opportunity to explore their passions and future career paths with guidance from caring academic and career counselors. They'll even have the option to gain invaluable real-world experience through our internship and volunteer programs in their eld of interest.Would you like to host our Iugo World Pi Learning LabIn-person Learning Lab for Ages 12 - 18 iugo.worldlearning lab in your area?

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iwπLL = Inﬁnite PossibilitiesImagine your 6-12th grader thriving in a personalized learning environment, where they receive dedicated attention and support tailored to their unique needs and goals. They'll gain a competitive edge with one-on-one tutoring in core subjects and AP courses from experienced teachers, while developing essential social skills through collaborative projects with like-minded peers. Students have the opportunity to explore their passions and future career paths with guidance from caring academic and career counselors. They'll even have the option to gain invaluable real-world experience through our internship and volunteer programs in their eld of interest.Iugo World Pi Learning LabIn-person Learning Lab for Ages 12 - 18 iugo.worldAsk us how(888) 502-6795contact@iugo.worldwww.iugo.world/ pi-labDownload our brochureMeet our program directorWould you like to host our learning lab in your area?

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16 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 2024Health & WellnessDREADING CONFLICT DURING THE HOLIDAYS?!OG TI T GIT O, ETLLEET , ITO GLaway for college. Coming home for the holidays forces them to engage with what they do not want to do and have successfully avoided for months. For the ill-equipped person, this sets the stage for disaster. For tunately, we can prepare ourselves for these encounters, go into them with open eyes, and perhaps manage them better.The Power of Acceptance Tr y i n g t o c o n t r o l another person's drinking is impossible. I work with people who often say things like, "If only my dad didn't drink too much," "I wish my mom would accept how I choose to live my life," or "I need my brother to stop teasing me all the time." While these statements reflect deeply held desires, and such changes would bring drastic amounts of relief, there is also a reason these events have not occurred, or changes have not been made. I call this t h e " r e j e c t i n g r e a l i t y " standpoint, and all humans get held back by it. We spend years longing for a reality that is not true: a mom who doesn't care about our weight, a dad who will express affection toward us, or a sibling who doesn't take their own issues out on us. Under the rejecting reality mindset, we enter our homes for the holidays full of hope that this time will be d i f f e r e n t , o n l y t o b e disappointed again. And what happens when we are hurt? We withdraw or lash out, causing more conflict. Such a cycle may exist in your family dynamics for years if you star t to examine it closely. The alternative is to cultivate what I term the "acceptance mindset." This involves dealing with exactly what is true, factual, and realistic, rather than all the things we wish could be. It involves opening ourselves to the pain of fully realizing our less-than-ideal lives. It means I will go to holiday dinner knowing full well my brother is going to tease me or my mom is going to comment on my appearance. Entering with this reality makes us less reactive and more capable of choosing what, if anything, we want to do about this dynamic. To Change or Let Go I teach my clients a life skill called the "letting go process." It involves three steps:1. Notice and allow an experience to be there.2. Decide if the experience is useful or not.3. If useful, do something about it. If not, let it go. This process must be utilized continually during the holidays when we are of t e n c o n f r o n t e d w i t h dynamics and personalities we try to escape in our day-to-day lives. So what does this look like in practice? Jane is going home for a week to be with her family for the holidays. She is already dreading the trip, particularly interacting with her mother, who Jane knows will comment on her weight gain and criticize her for being single. So, using the letting go system, when Jane arrives and Mom asks her why she looks fatter than the last time they saw each other, Jane notices her hurt and frustration with Mom after the comment and adopts the attitude of being okay having these feelings in the moment. She considers the usefulness of the feelings and decides whether to go a "change" route or a "let go" route. T h e c h a n g e r o u t e would involve engaging in E v e r y h o l i d a y s e a s o n , f a m i l i e s a n d friends convene to s h a r e a f f e c t i o n , kindness, and experiences. I n t h e i d e a l h o l i d a y atmosphere, often depicted in commercials and media, such get-togethers are places of warmth, appreciation, and general happiness. If you find yourself in such a family, count yourself lucky and blessed. If your holiday is marked with stress and difficulty, you may be part of the rest of America, where the holiday season brings real issues to light in addition to the positive experiences of the season. In my day-to-day work as a psych-ologist specializing in mental health therapy with young adults, the holidays always bring deep-seated issues to bear. For many, family is some-thing they have a v o i d e d b y m o v i n g 13 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING12 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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Health & WellnessDREADING CONFLICT DURING THE HOLIDAYS?!OG TI T GIT O, ETLLEET , ITO GLaway for college. Coming home for the holidays forces them to engage with what they do not want to do and have successfully avoided for months. For the ill-equipped person, this sets the stage for disaster. For tunately, we can prepare ourselves for these encounters, go into them with open eyes, and perhaps manage them better.The Power of Acceptance Tr y i n g t o c o n t r o l another person's drinking is impossible. I work with people who often say things like, "If only my dad didn't drink too much," "I wish my mom would accept how I choose to live my life," or "I need my brother to stop teasing me all the time." While these statements reflect deeply held desires, and such changes would bring drastic amounts of relief, there is also a reason these events have not occurred, or changes have not been made. I call this t h e " r e j e c t i n g r e a l i t y " standpoint, and all humans get held back by it. We spend years longing for a reality that is not true: a mom who doesn't care about our weight, a dad who will express affection toward us, or a sibling who doesn't take their own issues out on us. Under the rejecting reality mindset, we enter our homes for the holidays full of hope that this time will be d i f f e r e n t , o n l y t o b e disappointed again. And what happens when we are hurt? We withdraw or lash out, causing more conflict. Such a cycle may exist in your family dynamics for years if you star t to examine it closely. The alternative is to cultivate what I term the "acceptance mindset." This involves dealing with exactly what is true, factual, and realistic, rather than all the things we wish could be. It involves opening ourselves to the pain of fully realizing our less-than-ideal lives. It means I will go to holiday dinner knowing full well my brother is going to tease me or my mom is going to comment on my appearance. Entering with this reality makes us less reactive and more capable of choosing what, if anything, we want to do about this dynamic. To Change or Let Go I teach my clients a life skill called the "letting go process." It involves three steps:1. Notice and allow an experience to be there.2. Decide if the experience is useful or not.3. If useful, do something about it. If not, let it go. This process must be utilized continually during the holidays when we are of t e n c o n f r o n t e d w i t h dynamics and personalities we try to escape in our day-to-day lives. So what does this look like in practice? Jane is going home for a week to be with her family for the holidays. She is already dreading the trip, particularly interacting with her mother, who Jane knows will comment on her weight gain and criticize her for being single. So, using the letting go system, when Jane arrives and Mom asks her why she looks fatter than the last time they saw each other, Jane notices her hurt and frustration with Mom after the comment and adopts the attitude of being okay having these feelings in the moment. She considers the usefulness of the feelings and decides whether to go a "change" route or a "let go" route. T h e c h a n g e r o u t e would involve engaging in E v e r y h o l i d a y s e a s o n , f a m i l i e s a n d friends convene to s h a r e a f f e c t i o n , kindness, and experiences. I n t h e i d e a l h o l i d a y atmosphere, often depicted in commercials and media, such get-togethers are places of warmth, appreciation, and general happiness. If you find yourself in such a family, count yourself lucky and blessed. If your holiday is marked with stress and difficulty, you may be part of the rest of America, where the holiday season brings real issues to light in addition to the positive experiences of the season. In my day-to-day work as a psych-ologist specializing in mental health therapy with young adults, the holidays always bring deep-seated issues to bear. For many, family is some-thing they have a v o i d e d b y m o v i n g 13 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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prevent her reaction from further escalating the potential conflict. This may seem overly simplistic, but with practice, we can better let go of things that used to catch us and trap us into acting in unproductive ways.Putting It into Practice As you head into your holiday events, take a minute to notice what thoughts, feelings, and urges come up for you. This is just information, and all of it can help us prepare a plan. We have choices in life about which path to take. With this information available to you ahead of time, consider which route you want to go. Do you need to take a "change route" and address an issue, or do you need to "let it go" as something out of your control? You will now be more fully able to accomplish whichever route you choose. Just because something did not go well the first time does not mean it cannot go well the next time. So even if Mom didn't respect your wishes last time, it may be worth trying again, even if the reward is just that you can feel good about being assertive.This article was originally published in The Conversation.iugoworld14 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING behavior to address her experience —namely, Mom's comments toward her. Jane could take an assertive stance and respond with an "I statement" such as, "I feel really upset when you comment on my weight, and I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing so for the rest of the time I am home." At this point, we do not know how Mom will respond, but we focus less on that outcome and instead on the process of what Jane can control. The process here is Jane's own behavior in response to Mom. Mom may get defensive or angry, but Jane can feel good that she is standing up for herself. Alternatively, Jane could also choose the "letting go" route. By noticing her hurt and frustration in the moment, Jane becomes less reactive and better able to avoid engaging with Mom in an argument, as has happened in the past. Jane can Have an exit strategy prepared to neutrally excuse yourself from moments when you feel a sense of conﬂict arise.Set boundaries by reminding those that need it, ahead of time, on the purpose of the gathering.Keep expectations real by focusing on moments of connection and not perfection.Practice empathy by recognizing that everyone carries their own burdens and may be dealing with unseen stressorPolitely but ﬁrmly say “no” to situations that you're not comfortable with for your own well-being.

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has been ﬁlled with social challenges that have created divisions and sparked heated debates, not just across the country, but in our own homes. From wars overseas to seismic shifts in our elections, it often feels like media and social movements are designed to continually drive us apart. As we navigate the aftermath of a divisive election and look towards a new year, ﬁnding common ground to rebuild our unity is more crucial than ever. We need this unity not just to survive these times, but to truly thrive as individuals, families, and communities. A powerful strategy for reconnecting with others is moral imagination, a term coined by philosopher John Dewey. It describes the capacity to step outside our own experiences and envision the lives of others. Acclaimed author D. Watkins and Nia Johnson, an assistant professor of social work at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, revisit this concept. They believe it can help ustranscend our political divides and tap into our ability to empathize, therefore opening the channels for connecting with others.. In a recent podcast hosted by OpenMind co-editor Corey S. Powell and supported by the Pulitzer Center, Johnson and Watkins discuss how our life circumstances impact our moral choices. They emphasize that moral imagination isn't just a lofty philosophical ideal; it's a practical necessity for healing, growth, and building a better future together. Putting ourselves in others' shoes – truly understanding their experiences and perspectives – is the essence of moral imagination. It’s a skill we can cultivate to create a more compassionate and connected community.14 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING OCT 20242024Rebuilding Community Bridges with Moral ImaginationMoral imagination is creatively imagining the full range of options while you're making moral decisions, s o i t r e q u i r e s u s t o c o n s i d e r somebody's social context. ~Nia Johnson Before you can walk a mile in someone else's shoes, You ﬁrst have to put them on.”~Timothy W. Tron, AuthorKey characteristics of moral imagination is empathy. The ability to u n dersta nd a nd share the feelings of others, is what lies at the h e a r t o f m o r a l imagination. While this concept isn't new, it's easy to forget when diﬀerences lead to division. Taking a moment to recognize that e a c h p e r s o n 's u n i q u e experiences have shaped who they are allows us to move beyond the danger of judgm e n t a nd the s t e r e o t y p i n g t h a t perpet u a t e b i a s a n d discrimination and cause us to act on assumptions rather than reality. Empathy requires that we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of others and allows us to acknowledge the complexity and richness of human experience. This awareness is more conducive to moral growth and better ethical choices.J o h n s o n ex p l a i n s t h a t mo r a l i m a g i n a t i o n i s n o t j u s t a b o u t understanding others; it's also about understanding ourselves. It requires self-awareness so we can understand our own biases, prejudices, and limitations. We all carry within us a set of assumptions and beliefs shaped by our upbringing, and personal experiences. These assumptions can color our perceptions of others, leadingto misunder-standings and mis-interpretations. By becoming more self-aware, we can begin to identify and challenge these biases. This includes r e c o g n i z i n g o u r o w n privileges and how they may have shaped our worldview. It's about acknowledging that not everyone has had the same opportunities or advantages, and that our experiences may not be representative of the b r o a d e r h u m a n e x p e r i e n c e . F u r t h e r m o r e , t h e process requires us to recognize that we are all capable of both good and bad, which sometimes painfully involves engaging in critical self-reﬂection and examining our own motivations and behaviors. We don't always make choices that align with our values, but moral imagination is also about accepting that we are all works in progress, constantly evolving and striving to learn from our mistakes. D evelopin g mora l imagination requires us to challenge our comfort zones 17 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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and confront uncomfortable truths. It means questioning our assumptions, seeking out diverse perspectives, and engaging in open and honest dialogue with those who hold diﬀerent views. For that to work though, we must also be willing to actively listen and learn, even when it's challenging or uncomfortable. This process can be particularly diﬃcult in today's world with algorithms constantly feeding us information and opinions that reinforce our existing beliefs. It requires a conscious eﬀort to seek out alternative perspectives, to challenge our own biases, and to engage in critical thinking.18 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING Additionally, Johnson explains that moral imagination is not a passive endeavor; it's an active process that requires us to engage with the world around us. It can be emotionally taxing to confront the suﬀering and injustice in the world, and it can be diﬃcult to reconcile conﬂicting perspectives and values. However, it is precisely in these moments of discomfort that we have the greatest opportunity for connection. By embracing the challenges, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, Listen to the Podcast: Moral Imagination; Open Mind, Corey S. Powelld e v e l o p i n g a m o r e n u a n c e d a n d compassionate worldview.If we've learned anything from this past year, it is that our country is increasingly characterized by diﬀerences and polarization, which is not necessarily a bad thing. This is why moral imagination is more important than ever. It's a powerful antidote to prejudice, intolerance, and indiﬀerence. By cultivating empathy, socially engaging with others can be an opportunity to ﬁnd common ground and connect through a sense of shared humanity. It's essential for building strong communities and healthy relationships that are crucial if we are to create a more equitable and sustainable future. It's a journey that requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to challenge ourselves. Afterall, we are all deserving of being seen, heard, and valuedCommunityiugoworld

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Traditional German Christmas Stollen is a fruit bread rich with candied citrus peel, nuts, spices, and often marzipan, covered in powdered sugar, evoking a snowy Christmas landscape.Add International Flare to Your Holiday TableThe holidays in Mexico are fragrant with steaming earthen pots of this seasonal cider known as ponche. Seasonal fruits like GermanyMexicoLahanodolmades, a Greek comfort food, features delicate cabbage leaves encasing a savory blend of minced meat, rice, and aromatic herbs like dill, mint, and parsley. Enhanced with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and pine nuts, these ﬂavorful bundles offer a delightful culinary experience.Greece Latkes are a Hanukkah staple to commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting for 8 days. These crispy potato pancakes are a true symbol of the holiday. No Hanukkah celebration feels complete without them!Jewish Cuisine Given that Christmas falls during Australia's summer, the festive spread often reﬂects the warm weather. Among many dishes, the quintessential dish to expect is seafood: Prawns, oysters, and other shellﬁsh are incredibly popular, often served cold with dips and salads. Australia tejocotes, guavas, apples, along with sugarcane, cloves, cinnamon sticks and pilloncillo stew in a ruby red liquid, colored by hibiscus ﬂower. A Kwanzaa feast always includes hearty and ﬂavorful stew such as chicken simmered in a rich, savory sauce with vibrant vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds a comforting touch.Kwanzaa Tradition 19 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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20 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING Generational Living The holidays are a time for twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and heartwarming traditions. Yet, for many of us, this season can be a painful reminder of loss, isolation, and a profound sense of loneliness. While the world around celebrates the season, some of us may ﬁnd ourselves facing a silent internal struggle that is only heightened in stark contrast to the outward cheer. Loneliness is considered a global public health issue. The U.S. surgeon general released an advisory report in 2023 documenting an epidemic of loneliness and a pressing need to increase social connection. By acknowledging and prioritizing the emotional challenges that can arise during the holiday season, we can begin to shift our focus towards what truly matters. It's important to remember that the idealized images of holiday cheer projected by the media and shopping centers are often carefully constructed narratives designed to entice us to consume and buy into a particular ideology. These portrayals, historically perpetuated by movies, books, and advertisements, mostly create unrealistic expectations and leave us feeling inadequate or disconnected if our own experiences don’t align with these manufactured ideals. Far beyond material gifts and ﬂeeting festivities, what truly nourishes us is a deeper sense of connection and meaning. By identifying our core needs, or even what holidays with intention. This self-awareness empowers us to prioritize genuine experiences over the pursuit of a picture-perfect holiday, a lesson that serves us well beyond the season itself, whenever loneliness may arise.Genuine Connection This transcends mere physical proximity. It's about cultivating meaningful interactions that invoke the feeling of connecting and belonging that nurtures bonds that truly matter. Look for opportunities to engage with others through shared activities. This might involve volunteering at a local By Michelle LopezTackling Loneliness This Holiday Season

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fulﬁllment, enriching your own life while brightening the lives of others.Be Mindful of the Here and Now The whirlwind of activities, the expectations, and the memories of holidays past can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, particularly if family and friends are no longer by our side. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions during the holidays. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up, whether it's sadness, nostalgia, or even a bit of joy. Just don't judge your emotions; simply acknowledge them with kindness and remember that true peace resides not in what we lack, but in our ability to embrace the present moment with gratitude. Consciously choose to ﬁnd contentment in the here and now, by appreciating the gifts and blessings that surround us, rather than dwelling on what is missing. This might mean embracing the quiet moments that the season offers and ﬁnd joy in the simple things – a walk in the park, a holiday movie marathon, or start a new book or revisit a favorite. These quiet moments, free from expectation and pressure while nurturing your spirit can be a source of deep comfort and renewal.Planning Ahead Planning ahead is a powerful tool for creating a life rich in purpose and anticipation, especially as we age. By proactively ﬁlling our calendars with meaningful activities, we take control of our time and ensure that our days are ﬁlled with what truly matters. This is especially important during the holidays, when it's easy to get swept up in (or under) the festivities. Instead of letting the holidays just "happen," take charge of your experience. charity, attending community events, participating in religious or spiritual gatherings, joining a senior center, or pursuing hobbies with like-minded individuals. Reach out to those in your community who may be experiencing loneliness, such as elderly neighbors, those who have recently lost loved ones, or individuals who are isolated due to health or mobility challenges. A simple phone call, visit, or invitation can make a world of difference, not only to them but also to you. Offering support and companionship can encourage a sense of purpose and 21IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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Gift A Symbol of HopeHandmade & Personalized to OrderContzashop at Etsy.comiugoworldCurating a personal holiday calendar can be an act of self-care, allowing us to intentionally choose experiences that bring us comfort and meaning during the holidays, while keeping in mind our own pace and preferences. Think about what gatherings will you attend. Will you be cooking or bringing a dish for a potluck? Does a movie night with a close friend, or online sound appealing? When do you have time to schedule video calls to connect with family and friends that are far away? Is there a community gathering that is important to you to attend?Remember, this is your calendar, and you have the power to ﬁll it with activities that bring you joy. Don't be afraid to say no to things that feel overwhelming or don't align with your needs. And why stop with the holidays? Make planning ahead a habit for the year ahead. By proactively ﬁlling your calendar with meaningful activities, you can create a life that is rich with connection, purpose, and joy, no matter your age or mobility.Remember, loneliness isn't merely about being physically alone; it's a feeling of not belonging or lacking purpose. Actively taking steps to combat these feelings can help us experience joy and meaning in our lives. When loneliness is overwhelming, it’s important to reach out for support, either to a loved one, a local senior organization or mental health professional who can offer guidance and resources. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available. By taking proactive steps and embracing the spirit of the season in a way that feels authentic, you can cultivate a holiday season ﬁlled with genuine warmth and meaning.22 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

December 2024 Holiday Issue.cdr

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