Sit in your favorite meditation spot on a chair or cushion; light your altar candle and burn some incense if you like. Take a deep breath to begin and then go on to breathe in an even rhythmic pattern, such as breathe in counts 1, 2, and breathe out counts 3, 4. Continue breathing evenly while meditating without actually saying the numbers either verbally or mentally.

Pick a saintly quality you'd like to emulate during the holidays, perhaps charity. Many saints are known for their charitable ways, and why? Because charity benefits other people, and it also benefits ourselves because we feel good when giving and caring. Our body feels energized and our mind becomes calm. We feel good about ourselves when being expansive in giving.

And, let's remember that charity does begin at home. Give your time and listening ear to members of your own family and then to others in your daily life. If you have the opportunity, spend some time with those shut in, seniors who may not have many visitors.

A listening ear may be just what an older person needs more of, especially in the holiday season. That is what charity is: giving unselfishly where there is need.

Finish your reflection by writing ideas in your journal about how to be charitable. Or, if you are picking another virtue, write out a plan for implementing it in the coming weeks.

Take a deep breath to finish your meditation and go forward with your strong resolves to be part of the plan that makes the world a nicer place to be!

Links to more holiday prayers and meditations

Thanksgiving Prayer and Meditation
Children's Prayers of Thanksgiving
Christmas Prayer
Interfaith Prayers and Meditations

Article by Susan Helene Kramer
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For offline reading

Meditation Lessons for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.