So you’ve got a tree with all the trimmings, strands of lights around your shrubs and windows, and enough tinsel to choke your cat — yes they love tinsel. Isn’t it fun decking the halls with boughs of holly? So the world knows you’re festive, but how will they know you’re yogic?
If you're like me, yoga is a lot like your religion, so you want to be the very best advocate and let the world know yoga is your jam. Here are 5 ways to make Christmas decor a bit more yogic.
1. For the Tree
This is so simple, because we already have a tree full of dangling Disney characters, dogs of various breeds we adore, and bulbs of all shapes and sizes. So why not add some yogic ornaments, too?
Find something soulful (the Tree of Life), or something comical (Santa in lotus pose). Lotus flowers are symbolic, representing our ability to remain pure amid the murky waters of the world.
The ohm symbol reminds us of the universe itself, and our ability to calm the chaos with the vibrations of that sacred sound.
See how many awesome yoga ornaments you can collect this year!
2. From Your Kitchen
If you’re especially crafty, you can make you own yoga ornaments using this simple recipe. Don't worry, there are really no culinary skills required for this…
Salt Dough Yoga Ornament Recipe
You'll need 1 cup of salt, 2 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 cup lukewarm water.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- Combine flour, salt, and water in a bowl.
- Mix well and knead for approximately 10 minutes.
- Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into desired shapes and make holes for hanging. You can also use your fingers to make designs/patterns.
- Bake for 30 minutes and let cool.
- Decorate with poster paints.
3. Around Your Home and on Your Body
If you’ve been into yoga long enough, or have hung out with your share of yogis, you’ve probably seen a few strands of Mala beads, which are traditionally used for meditation and prayer. When it comes to making your Christmas decor more yogic, why settle for the traditional beaded garland when you can adorn your tree with Mala beads?
Here’s how to make your own:
- Cut a long piece of string.
- Knot a small loop in the center.
- Create any pattern of beads on both sides of your knot, keeping in mind that a full Mala has 108 beads, and a half Mala has 54 beads.
- Once you’ve strung all your beads, string both ends through a larger bead of some kind — red and green are festive!
- Cut several short pieces (separate from your original strands) of string and then use your two initial string ends to tie a knot around them. You’ll end up with lots of strings that will form the tassel, and your goal is to thread all the ends through a final big bead. Alternately, you can buy a pre-made tassel at a craft store and use that.
- Lastly, tie a knot against the final bead.
Make several stands of Mala beads to decorate your tree, and hand out as gifts and stocking stuffers. Don't forget to save some for yourself!
4. Cards and Art
Who says you have to use that Christmas tree card holder to display Christmas cards? Purchase some blank cards and make your own mandala designs, or yogic images to display on your tree stand.
You might also pull images off the Web and cut them out to create your own yogic collage.
5. Create a Christmas Home Altar
Scented candles and aromatherapy help some yogis set the mood for meditation and a restorative practice. Candles create a warm ambiance, and give your yoga space a soothing feel.
When you’re arranging your seasonal decor this year, use Christmas scented candles such as pine, cinnamon apple, and winter wonderland, to illuminate your space and help bring a festive influence to your home altar.
Which of these yogic Christmas decorations are you excited to try? What are you doing this year to bring yoga into your Christmas decor? Leave a comment below!
