Retreat Recap: Mini Christmas Retreat
Mini Retreats are one of our favourite ways to introduce people to Wild Sanctuary Retreats— a yoga practice, a contemplative practice, connection with others, and a fun activity, in a short two-and-a-half-hour timeframe. It’s a little taste of everywhere we are all about, while being robust enough to allow participants to sink in and enjoy the spaciousness and retreat that Wild Sanctuary Retreats is all about.
Our recent Christmas Mini Retreat was the perfect way to enjoy a little Christmas cheer while engaging in service— the heart of the season. The morning felt like a welcome step away from the swirl of the season.
Guests arrived at our Wild Sanctuary Retreats home, St. Johns Lutheran Church, and were welcomed into a space prepared just for them. The air held the cozy sweetness of hot cocoa… and, yes, a hint of laundry detergent— a reminder of the service project that we would be engaging in!
We began with our classic gathering, slowing our breath and our hearts and becoming present together. After sharing our favourite Christmas traditions, we took time to check in and name for ourselves how we are arriving to the day. We took pause to express gratitude for God’s loving presence, the land beneath us, and the practice of yoga. From there, I shared about service as a spiritual discipline— a gentle but grounding reminder of what truly matters during the Christmas season.
Then came chair yoga with Kimee, who joyfully introduced the practice to those brand new to yoga. The movement carried us from seated to standing, unfolding into a playful, almost dance-like flow that challenged our minds and sparked laughter. It was lighthearted, embodied joy— a reminder of the fun of the season when we let go of the perfection and performance.
After movement, we gathered around a hot cocoa bar that felt delightfully extravagant. Kimee’s world’s-best hot cocoa—made with both regular and oat milk— was topped with anything their hearts desired! Vanilla and peppermint marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, sauces, chocolate chips, edible glitter, and candy canes. Pure festive delight.
Our morning closed with service. Together we assembled laundry kits and created colorful affirmation cards for Women of Worth, an organization that supports women leaving prison and overcoming addiction as they seek healing, sobriety, restored relationships, and a fresh start.
It was a morning of movement, warmth, laughter, and love-in-action—quiet proof that the Christmas spirit often shows up when we slow down, open our hands, and serve together.
