Cracking Christmas

I absolutely love Christmas, it has always been a very special time in my family and it is such an privilege to be be able to help other children and their families celebrate through yoga and mindful movement.

As always I like to use props and visual aids to help my sessions accessible for all children. Visual aids help children who are learning English as an additional language follow the sessions. I lay my VA in the order in which we are practicing poses and it also keeps children's attention engaged.

For children who are neurodiverse this also helps with processing and ordering which can really help with accessibility. I can also provide a visual plan for my sessions to help children follow along.

As always props and books are used to help engage the children.

I love to include stories in my sessions and I brought in a wide range of children's books which we often read at the beginning or ends of the sessions. Often I lend the books to the teachers to take back to classes. As a former early years and KS1 teacher I weave other skills into the sessions including early phonics, speaking and listening and understanding of the world. The teachers often mention how "educational and inspiring" my sessions are.

My lovely large Elf on the shelf accompanied me during December ~ the children loved him!

I have also enjoyed leading sessions in amongst school's festive displays, turning the lights low the children and adults have loved the festive atmosphere. I have focused on winter themes, beautiful winter tunes and warm snuggly blankets to encourage everyone to relax and rest. Winter is a time when many animals hibernate and we should listen to our bodies and allow ourselves to rest and recuperate through the winter months.

Look at this beautiful festive hall at Selborne Primary in Perivale

In a school in Southall I was invited to run a festive session for years 3 and 4 which was absolutely beautiful. The children were delighted to wear Santa hats during their session and loved all the festive poses. Many of them were also wearing festive jumpers as it was also their Christmas lunch day!

Of course yoga and mindfulness is at the core of what we do and the children never cease to amaze me. The children really look forward to their regular sessions and are developing skills which help them regulate, relax and space in their busy lives. The children are developing strategies that they can carry through into their teenage and adult lives. These sessions also help with strength, coordination, balance and focus which as well as positively impacting their mental and physical health can also help with reading, writing and maths.

ASC children decided to "name" all the Christmas props using their name cards.

Finally on Saturday 13th December I held a fun and festive family yoga session. We stated the session decorating "xmas" tree decs and having a lovely catch-up. Next we engaged in a Christmas yoga flow including star pose, Santa, elf and sledge pose. These family sessions are so special to me ~ I absolutely love watching and hearing family members connecting and practicing together and sharing the joy of yoga.

My next family yoga session is on 25th January in Southall ~ get in touch for more details.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026! Hope to see you on the mat very soon. Emma x