Looking for a spiritual retreat to tide you over in quiet contemplation during the holy days leading up to Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's Day, and Epiphany? Here are many choices — some Christian and inclusive, others multifaith — from which you can find a perfect match for your needs.
On-Demand E-Courses
The following e-courses are in Spirituality & Practice's on-demand system, which means that you study independently. Also, you schedule the course yourself so the system knows when to send it to you. Once you subscribe, go to your account page and choose a start date and how often you want to receive the emails. Below you will see a recommended schedule for aligning the sessions with the holidays.
Advent of the Heart
By Contemplative Outreach
An exploration of the Path of Heartfulness, coming into a deep awareness of the love of God.
(12 sessions. Recommended schedule: MWF starting Friday, November 25.)
Child of the Light
By Sharon Conley and Beth Richardson
An Advent and Christmas retreat creating a quiet haven away from holiday busyness where you can reflect upon readings, prayers, and hymns.
(41 sessions. Recommended schedule: Daily starting Sunday, November 27.)
Everyday Mysticism
By the S&P Team
A holiday season array of quotes about contemplation, communion, and doing our part to mend the world.
(34 sessions. Recommended schedule: Daily starting Saturday, December 3.)
The Gospel of Thomas for Advent
By Cynthia Bourgeault
Wisdom sayings on themes of watchfulness, spiritual generativity, light, and the fullness of time.
(25 sessions. Recommended schedule: Daily starting Wednesday, November 30.)
Lumen Divinum: A Retreat for Advent
By Contemplative Outreach
A delving into the great themes of Advent including wisdom, light, unity, beauty, incarnation.
(13 sessions. Recommended schedule: MWF starting Friday, November 25.)
Lux Divina: An Advent Journey
by Contemplative Outreach
Reflections on the great themes of Advent to enrich the contemplative life.
(13 sessions. Recommended schedule: MWF starting Friday, November 25.)
Silence Night, Holy Night: A Retreat for Advent
By Contemplative Outreach
Scriptures and mystical writings delving into the great themes of Advent.
(13 sessions, MWF starting Friday, November 25.)
A Simple Immediacy: Desert Wisdom for Advent
By Cynthia Bourgeault
Teachings from the Desert Fathers and Mothers on classic Advent themes.
(28 sessions. Recommended schedule: Daily starting Monday, November 28.)
A Universal Christmas
By Thomas Moore
Embracing the wonder and magic of the Christmas spirit.
(11 sessions. Recommended schedule: MWF starting Wednesday, November 30.)
Wisdom for Advent and Christmas
By the S&P Team
Quotes to assure our hearts during the Christian holy days.
(40 sessions. Recommended schedule: Daily starting Sunday, November 27.)
