Christmas at Ananda
Invite the sacred into your life. It’s tangible this time of year, as if angels were celebrating so joyfully that we, too, can feel it. The holidays at Ananda are lively and beautiful — and a gentle reminder that “the kingdom of God is within.” This holiday season, renew yourself from sacred waters of inspiration, inside and out. (Scroll down for all the event details)
Sun 12/7 • Christmas Concert, 12:15 pm
Sun 12/14 • Holiday Crafts Fair, 11:30 am
Sat 12/20 • All-Day Meditation, 10 am–6 pm
Sun 12/21 • Caroling Party, 6 pm
Wed 12/24 • Christmas Eve Celebration, 5 pm meditation, 7:30 live creche, music, dance
Thur 12/25 • Christmas Day Family Service, noon storytelling and theater, 1:30 banquet
Wed 12/31 • New Year’s Eve: 6 pm meditation, 7:30 program
(see below for all event details; all at Temple except caroling party, which meets in the Ananda Community)
The Holidays at Ananda — Celebrate!
Sunday, 12:15pm concert • light lunch provided beforehand
Let the joyous sounds of the holiday warm your spirit, bring a smile to your heart, and prepare us for the sacred season of Christ’s birth. Choir, small groups and soloists will perform a beautiful selection of Christmas favorites, including traditional carols, classical gems, and music by Swami Kriyananda.
Saturday, noon-3pm
We welcome friends and neighbors for a special Open House. December brings fewer demands on our growing and harvesting team, and we look forward to this relaxed time together. Tour the gardens, buildings, and grounds, and enjoy all the many improvements since last year.
Sunday, 11:30 am (after Sunday service)
Beautiful handmade arts and crafts, and homemade foods for the holidays are on display and for sale in the Yoga Center (right next to the Temple).
Saturday, 10am-6pm
This tradition was begun by Yogananda and has become the heart of Ananda’s Christmas season. It’s a profound opportunity for an inner experience of the Divine. Though it may seem intimidating, you may be surprised at how easily the soul welcomes long periods of deep quiet.
Sunday, 6pm • meet at Chela Bhavan, Ananda Community
Stroll the streets near the Ananda Community in Mountain View, singing to the neighbors who delight in this old-fashioned holiday tradition—a magical evening.
Wednesday, 5-7pm • Evening program, 7:30pm
Meditate with others this holy evening, welcoming the birth of Christ consciousness into the world, and into ourselves. This period of silent meditation is followed by a short break at 7pm. The evening service begins at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, 7:30pm
With music, storytelling, kings, and shepherds, celebrate the coming of Christ consciousness in this holy time of year. Everyone participates at the close in a beautiful devotional candlelight ceremony at the feet of the baby.
Wednesday, Family Service, 11am - 12pm • Banquet, 12:30pm
A cast of children and adults illustrates the story as Asha narrates, bringing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem magically to life. Many adults say this is one of their favorite events of the year.
Thursday, 12:30pm, after Family Service
You, family members, and friends are warmly invited to enjoy a vegetarian banquet. A chance to connect with friends, new and old, along with some musical entertainment — fun-loving and inspiring.
New Years Eve meditation, 5-7pm
Join us for a special 2 hour meditation to welcome the new year. For those interested in taking renunciate vows in the Nayaswami order, the ceremony will be held at 6pm.
Wednesday, 7:30pm
Bring in the New Year with a renewed heart. This special evening weaves together music, meditation, and moments of reflection, creating a space to let go of the old and welcome the new with fresh energy.
5pm Meditation; 7:30pm Program
The anniversaries of a teacher’s birth and passing are especially powerful times to feel their inspiration and guidance. Celebrate Yogananda’s birthday with music, chanting, meditation, and a talk about his life and universal teachings. All are invited to take part in a simple offering at the altar.
in lieu of our usual Sunday Service
Hear the story of Jesus in music, from his remarkable birth to his joy-filled resurrection, with a full choir, many beautiful solos, and instrumentalist pieces. Christ Lives: An Oratorio is winner of three music prizes in Europe, and has been sung for the Pope in Rome.
