Skip to main content

December 2024

Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki
Publisher’s Letter

Dec 01, 2024 ● By Peggy Malecki

As the year ends, I heard the bugle of sandhill cranes migrating early, a reminder of seasonal beauty. This month, embrace self-care, thoughtful gifts, and nature’s wonders to inspire peace and joy.

Read More »
image of a cute bookstore
Explore These Local Bookstores for Nature-Inspired Reads

Dec 01, 2024

Discover some Chicago area bookstores offering nature-inspired reads. Find unique selections of environmental books, adventure stories and eco-literature perfect for nature enthusiasts. Support local, independent small businesses and fuel your passion for the outdoors.

Read More »
Must-Read Books for Nature Lovers This Holiday Season

Dec 01, 2024 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Discover a curated collection of must-read books perfect for nature lovers this holiday season. From Camille T. Dungy’s *Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden*, exploring rewilding and the Black American land experience, to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s latest work, *The Serviceberry*, these recommendations blend lyrical prose with environmental wisdom. Dive into selections like Sy Montgomery’s *Of Time and Turtles* or Zoe Schlanger’s *The Light Eaters*, which reframe our understanding of the natural world. Local bookstore owners share their insights, offering thoughtful gift ideas to inspire, educate, and deepen connections to nature.

Read More »
Herbal Care: A Self-Care Primer

Dec 01, 2024 ● By Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP

Herbs promote health, soothe nerves, and heal common ailments. This holiday season, boost self-care with herbs for nourishment, relaxation, and a touch of festive fun.

Read More »
Flex and Flow Through the Holidays with 12 Days of Yoga

Dec 01, 2024 ● By Julie Mackey

Celebrate the holiday season with a 12 Days of Christmas yoga theme! Try poses for each "day" in the song. Singing while stretching adds extra health benefits—fun and festive!

Read More »
Yoga Pose Julie Mackey Uttanasana
Yoga Pose: Uttanasana

Dec 01, 2024

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) is a popular yoga pose with physical and mental benefits. From Mountain Pose, hinge at the hips, folding forward, and reach for the floor or legs. Go easy!

Read More »
1224 CE parsnip soup
Parsnip, Leek and Cider Soup

Dec 01, 2024 ● By Dale Hazlewood, Board Member, Illinois Farmers Market Association

Warm up this season with a comforting recipe from the Illinois Farmers Market Association for Parsnip, Leek, and Cider Soup with Spiced Apples, featuring fresh, local ingredients from Illinois winter farmers markets. As temperatures drop, explore markets offering autumn fruits and vegetables that store well and are perfect for hearty soups and stews. Celebrate local flavors while staying cozy this winter.

Read More »
1224 Eco Brief Abies fraseri - Frasers fir
Expert Tips for Recycling Christmas Trees After the Holidays

Dec 01, 2024

Properly dispose of live Christmas trees after the holidays, recommends The Morton Arboretum. Recycle bare trees at local facilities or use branches to protect plants or shelter wildlife in your yard.

Read More »
New Insights on Gender and Sexual Desire Variability

Dec 01, 2024 ● By Jerry Garcia, PA-C, and Raymond Wohl, BA, MA

Recent research in Archives of Sexual Behavior (May 2023) reveals women’s sexual desire shows more long-term variability than men’s, but day-to-day fluctuations are similar across genders.

Read More »
Dive into the Legacy of Gabe Spataro with Diveheart’s New Documentary

Dec 01, 2024

Diveheart's new documentary, The Legend of the Statue, now on YouTube, shares the inspiring story of Gabe Spataro, a Korean War veteran and adaptive diver, and his connection to the Christ of the Abyss statue.

Read More »
Go Beyond Goal Setting with Total Life Alignment Coaching

Dec 01, 2024

Russell Needham, founder of Total Life Alignment in Chicago, offers life coaching to help clients connect with their purpose. Natural Awakenings readers get a free intro session and $25 follow-ups.

Read More »
NBinner_haven_logo
Embrace Holiday Joy and Reflection at Inner Haven’s December Events

Dec 01, 2024

Inner Haven Art Gallery in Grayslake offers December events blending creativity and mindfulness. Join the free Cider & Spice Open House Dec. 7 or the $44 Winter Solstice Celebration Dec. 20.

Read More »
1224 NB SRF
Discover the Spirit of Christmas Through Meditation

Dec 01, 2024

The Chicago Center of Self-Realization Fellowship invites all to weekly Sunday yoga meditations at 9:30 a.m., culminating in an all-day Christmas meditation on Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Read More »
Shop Local at Highland Park’s New Indoor Winter Farmers Market

Dec 01, 2024

The Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters launch the indoor Winter Ravinia Farmers Market in Highland Park, open Dec. 14-15, Dec. 21-22, and Sat., Jan. 11-Apr. 26, 10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.

Read More »
1224 NB Heart Flower Meditation
Shop, Support and Soothe at Northshore Healing Centre's Holiday Expo and Meditation

Dec 01, 2024

Northshore Healing Centre invites the community to a Christmas Craft and Vendor Show on December 1, from 2 to 7 p.m., featuring local artisans and unique holiday gifts.

Read More »

March 2025 Issue

Read It Now

Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine April cover monarch butterfly and milkweed
Click Here to Read Past Issues
Subscribe to our Email Newletter Here!