OK, this post is for you if you have been wanting to try mindfulness with your kids but just haven't gotten around to it yet because well, it's just too hard.

I think we make mindfulness way more difficult than it really is. You don't have to research how to do it and you don't have to spend hours sitting in uncomfortable positions- although, you can if you want.

Mindfulness is simply paying attention to something in the present moment. It can be an object, a feeling inside, or even a thought. When we are being mindful, we aren't caught up in the "should haves" of the past or the "what ifs" of the future. It's about focusing and being aware of the present moment, just noticing and not judging.

MAKE IT "SENSATIONAL"

Let me share the easy trick for practicing mindfulness with kids- make it sensational. And by sensational, I mean "of the senses". Simply choose something to focus on, and explore it with the five senses. (Also, a great activity to add to your fives senses theme.)

So, for example, right now you can focus on your foot.

• What does it look like? Does it have a color, shape, size? What do you notice about your toes, arches, and toe nails?
• Does it have a smell? Yeah, really!! Maybe it smells like soap or maybe it smells like sweat.
• What does it feel like when you touch it? Is it soft and smooth like you just had a pedicure or is it rough and scaly with dry skin? No judgement, just notice. And from another point of view, can you feel the floor with the bottom of your foot? How does your sock feel on the top of your foot?
• You might not want to actually taste your foot, (but you can if you want to, I guess). What do you imagine it would taste like if you licked it?
• How about a sound? Does your foot make a noise when it hits the ground walking? Do the bones crack when you wiggle your toes? What if you tap your foot to music?

I think you get the idea.

So, I think the holidays are the perfect time to give mindfulness a try with your class if you haven't already. Christmas and the Holidays are a sensory explosion that you can use to your advantage. The lights and decorations are a wonder for the eyes. The caroling and jingle bells delight the ears, while scented candles and baking cookies are both joy for the nose. All of the flavors of a perfectly prepared Christmas dinner bring a smile to the lips. And most important, the way Christmas makes us feel inside- the joy, the love, and the hope.

RELATED: MINDFUL CHRISTMAS MOMENTS

PLAY THE MINDFUL CHRISTMAS GAME

So, grab some paper bags or some shoe boxes and start filling them with secret holiday objects for your mindfulness at Christmas experience.

Give each child a bag containing a secret Christmas item. Have them sit quietly and instruct them to take three deep breaths to help them focus. Then, without talking or looking have them explore the item in the bag using smell, touch, and hearing.

After they explore with their noses, hands, and ears, let them remove the item from the bag and use their eyes to examine it closely, maybe use a magnifying glass to notice even the smallest things about it. And then, if it's edible, you can instruct them to take a bite.

Here are some ideas for secret items (keep in mind, they obviously won't be able to taste them all).

1. Gingerbread Cookies
2. Mini Marshmallows
3. Cranberries
4. Oranges
5. Peppermint Candy Canes
6. Evergreen/Pine branch
7. Snow
8. Pinecones
9. Mitten/Hat
10. Coal
11. Jingle Bells
12. Popcorn
13. Cinnamon Sticks
14. Candle Votives
15. Ribbon/Bows

I created a printable you can use along with this 'Mindfulness at Christmas' experience. Just click the button below, and I will send you the password for FREE access to ALL of the resources in the Mindfulness Library. If you already have a password, you can go straight to the Mindfulness Library.

RELATED: MINDFUL CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES