December 2021 Edition of Natural Awakenings

Welcome to the December 2021 Edition of Natural Awakenings. Read about the Horton House Scone Company in Amenia, local shopping gift ideas for the Holidays, Persephone’s Pearl: A Place of Transformation and Transition in Peekskill and a whole lot more!

Publisher's Letter for December 2021

Hello, December. Goodbye, 2021. After the isolation most of us have experienced over the past two years, it’s clear that staying connected with friends and family is key Read More »

Horton House Scone Company: How an Amenia bakery went gluten-free and vegan– and survived a pandemic in the process

John and Cynthia Vergilii launched the Horton House Scone Company five years ago, making individually wrapped gluten-free, kosher, vegan scones and cookies. Read More »

Last Year’s ‘Shop Local’ Is Becoming Tradition

Unique gifts from Your CBD Store, Custom Candle Co, Sound Earth and Synergy by Shira Adler Read More »

Persephone’s Pearl: A Place of Transformation and Transition in Peekskill

John Omilana has created an eclectic space with Persephone’s Pearl, offering a variety of merchandise, local artisan-made products and holistic services for spiritual development. Read More »

Astrology for December 2021 – with Pamela Cucinell

The Sagittarius new moon / solar eclipse on December 4 offers the joy and potential of fortuitous fresh starts. Read More »

Sinterklaas is Returning to Rhinebeck December 4

Sinterklaas is coming back to the Village of Rhinebeck, a free daylong, nondenominational festival is back, on December 4. Read More »

The Health Vibes Only! Westchester Expo is Set for December 4 in Hartsdale

Westchester Health Expo is free, family-friendly event was created by Emily Eliseo, owner and founder of AntiGravity Tumbling. Read More »

The Center at Mariandale in Ossining is Hosting a Retreat for Advent, Opening to the Light, in December

Center at Mariandale Hosts Hybrid Advent Retreat so participants can take part either in person or virtually, via Zoom. Read More »

Pawling Yoga and Wellness will host a seasonal celebration, Solstice Spirit: An Afternoon of Ecstatic Chant and Dance, on December 19

Pawling Solstice Celebration Features Kirtan with Sita’s Light at 4 p.m., followed by ecstatic dance with Jessica Offerman Read More »

Spa-liday Gifting Boutique Is Back at Balance Day Spa in Westchester

Balance Day Spa, Westchester County’s only certified green spa, is back in full stride for the 2021 holiday season with its Spa-liday Gifting Boutique. Read More »

Chapel at Croton Falls Hosts Solstice, and Christmas Eve Services

The Chapel at Croton Falls is welcoming the public to its 2021 Winter Solstice Interfaith Service, Bringing the Light! on December 19 2021 Read More »

Toolkit Available for Grassroots River Restoration Projects

The Saw Mill River Coalition has created a Model Stewardship Toolkit for grassroots groups wanting to address specific problems along the river. Read More »

Silent Advent Retreat at the Garrison Institute with Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault will lead an in-person silent retreat, Integral Light Shining in the Dark: Journey to the Heart, from 3 p.m. Dec 10 through noon Dec 15 at the Garrison Institute. Read More »

2022 Natural Living Directory Coming in January

Natural Awakenings Magazine will present the 2022 Natural Living Directory next month with the January Issue. Read More »

Tribe TLC, a Holistic Wellness Group, Holds Monthly Networking Breakfast in Cross River

Tribe TLC will host its monthly networking breakfast on December 15, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., at O2 Living Sanctuary, in Cross River. Read More »

Meet with Advisor Now to Pay Less in Taxes Later

Felecia Sternbach, co-founder of Sternbach and Rose CPAs, is a full-service accounting firm located in Valhalla. Read More »

Let It Shine Runs Food Pantry and Thrift Boutique

Up the stairs from the Let It Shine Food Pantry in Verplanck is the Let It Shine Again Thrift Boutique, where beautiful and useful things for the home are sold at very low prices Read More »

In Balance Tai Chi Studio in Brewster Re-Opens

Now In Balance is back offering classes in person, says Sifu David Cunniff, who owns the Brewster studio. Read More »

Lightworker and Karttikeyan Yoga Nidra Training Begins in January

Samyama Flowering Tree, a spiritual astrologer, intuitive mentor-coach and teacher, will offer Beginner’s Lightworker and Karttikeyan Yoga Nidra Certification. Read More »

A healthy dark chocolate bark recipe with pistachios, cranberries and shredded coconut

A Dietician’s Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark

This festive dark chocolate bark recipe is holiday-themed with red, white and green toppings of dried cranberries, shredded coconut and pistachios. Read More »

Chart of adaptogen plants for immunity

Amp Up Immunity: Proven Boosters for Good Health

Enhance immunity with specific adaptogens and mushroom powders. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. Read More »

The word colon cancer spelled out with Scrabble pieces

Avoid Antibiotics to Lower Colon Cancer Risk

A clear link exists between taking antibiotics for six months and developing colorectal cancer in the next five to 10 years, report researchers. Read More »

Baked stuffed apples in casserole dish

Baked Apples

This sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan recipe for stuffed baked apples is a healthy holiday dessert, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Read More »

Baklava cookie cups sitting on cooling rack

Baklava Cookie Cups

A healthy recipe twist on baklava using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Read More »

Group of people sitting in circle holding hands

Circles of Healing: The Power of Gathering in Community

Small support groups, such as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, prayer circles and dialogue circles, are creating experiences of wholeness and belonging. Read More »

Clownfish swimming near coral reef

Coral Reefs May Soon Be Just a Memory

Half of the world's coral reefs have been lost since the 1950s, with 14 percent diminishing between 2009 and 2018 alone, due to climate change, overfishing and pollution. Read More »

Glass bottle full of water with h20 label on side

Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Researchers report that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Read More »

Avocado sliced in half sitting on counter

Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat

The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day. Read More »

An open jar of walnuts

Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study. Read More »

Chart showing different sources of PFAS found indoors

Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air

A new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air has found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and homes. Read More »

Eco-friendly toiletry gifts wrapped in sustainable holiday packaging

Greening the Holidays: How to Celebrate Sustainably

Sustainable modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics and green gift ideas to celebrate the season in ways that are less harmful to the planet. Read More »

Person sitting on rug on floor in front of Christmas tree meditating with holiday lights and decorations around

Holiday Zen: Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

Despite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves. These simple, self-care fitness tips can help to relieve holiday stress and break the cycle of seasonal overindulgence. Read More »

Honey lavender cookies on parchment paper

Honey Lavender Cookies

Skip the sugar cookies this holiday season and opt for healthier treats made with honey, lavender and whole wheat flour. Read More »

The backs of people in a circle with their arms around each other

Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle

No matter the purpose of gathering, here are tips on how to start and maintain a small group or circle of individuals supporting one another. Read More »

Solar panels in snow

Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets

A report finds a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. Read More »

Native American canoeing in water

Native Americans Win Historic Water Battle

The Indigenous Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have reached a historic $1.9 billion water rights settlement, resolving thousands of tribal claims to waterways in Montana. Read More »

Aerial view of rows of planted trees

Planting 500 Billion Trees

A UK tech company claims their drone can plant two trees per second using artificial intelligence for guidance, with a goal of planting 500 billion trees by 2060. Read More »

Graphic of person standing in snowy outdoors wearing a long feather coat and headcrown

Season of Light: Celebrating the Soul of Winter

Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention. Read More »

Glass jars of dried foods on wooden tray

Sustainable Kitchen: Advice for Buying and Storing Food

Sustainability can begin at home, starting in the kitchen. Here are some zero-waste lifestyle tips we can apply when shopping for and storing our food. Read More »

Parent reading book to baby

The Best Books for Kids: Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

Gifting kids books is a perfect way to encourage childhood reading. Here are tips for selecting the best children's books. Read More »

Christmas tree made out of sliced fruit

The Sweet Danger of Sugar: Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare

Low-sugar eating strategies and dessert recipes to protect our physical and mental health this holiday season. Read More »

Thomas Moore on the Art of Soulful Listening

Bestselling author and psychotherapist Thomas Moore explores deeper connections through soulful listening in his latest book, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations. Read More »

Small dog sitting on couch with dog toys

Tips for Selecting Safe Dog Toys

Recommendations to help in choosing toys that will keep a dog not only happy, but safe. Read More »

Collage of low- or no-sugar dishes and supplements

Tips to Eat Less Sugar

Expert advice from dietitians on ways to reduce our sugar intake including healthier food alternatives and supplements to help. Read More »

German Shepherd sitting in dog bed surrounded by stuffed toys

Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

Veterinary advice on what to consider when selecting toys for dogs that are safe, stimulating and long-lasting. Read More »

Damask rose extract

Try Damask Rose Extract to Boost Liver Function

A new study has found that Damask rose (Rosa damascene) extract can boosts liver function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Read More »

Cutting board on counter with two cloves of garlic on top

Try Garlic to Relieve Endometriosis Pain

For women suffering from pelvic and back pain associated with endometriosis (uterus growth), garlic may help. Read More »

Wind power turbines with sun setting in background

Wind Energy Can Be a Climate Change Hero

Research indicates that advanced wind energy strategies could reduce atmospheric average temperatures of about 32 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit by 2199. Read More »