Weekly Newsletter:

December 17, 2025

Light

Solstice Prayer

"Light descending

Light arising

Light illuminating

Light warning

Light transforming

Light, sweet light

that melts the icy barrier of doubt, fear, and anger

and warms the heart within…"

Everyone has a piece a poem, prayer, article, or meditation that brings peace or tugs at the soul, especially in December. In a recent Caregivers Support Group meeting, this piece (author unknown) deeply moved all who reflected on the Solstice Prayer.

The solstice is the time when the sun reaches its most northerly or southerly point relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere. This year, we expect the solstice around December 21, 2025.

December is also a time of celebration, preparation, and family gatherings. For some caregivers the holidays can present an extra challenges. The challenge may be around diet and nutrition. Dr. C. Everett Koop noted in the Surgeon General’s Report:

“Food sustains us; it can be a source of considerable pleasure; it is a reflection of our rich social fabric and cultural heritage. It adds value and dimension to our lives. Yet what we eat may affect our risk for the leading causes of ill health among Americans.”

Ingesting healthy foods from organically grown sources whenever possible is one of the primary keys to a successful nutrition plan. At that same December Caregivers Support Group meeting, Stacy Glock, Geriatric Surgery Coordinator at Kaiser Permanente, presented a robust talk on Nutrition for Older Adults: Care Instructions. Nurse Glock shared key facts on the importance of good nutrition for older adults. Eating healthy foods helps keep the body strong and can lower the risk of disease. As we age, our bodies especially need vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D.

Talk with your doctor if you need help developing a nutrition plan. They may have you work with a dietitian to help with your specific needs. And if you enjoy sweets like pie or cake—don’t despair. You don’t have to give them up completely. Sugar raises blood sugar levels quickly, so keep portions small and enjoy them occasionally.

Part of the Kaiser presentation included guidance on healthy eating and how you can care for yourself at home.

Tips for Staying Healthy

• Eat a variety of foods. The more variety you include, the more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you get.
• Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen options are healthy choices. Choose canned vegetables with no added salt and fruits canned in their own juice or light syrup.
• Try to eat protein packed foods every day. Good options include lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese. Other good options are cooked beans, peanut butter, nuts, and seeds.
• Choose whole grains for half the grains you eat. Look for 100% whole wheat bread, whole-grain cereals, brown rice, and other whole grains.

To learn more, visit kp.org/health and enter L643 in the search box to find Nutrition for Older Adults: Care Instructions.

Spirituality is also an important key to good health. Each human being is on a quest for purpose and meaning in life. Connecting with the Divine can provide true purpose in our lives. In closing, we offer the final verse of the Solstice Prayer:

"May the grace light

open my mind to the great mystery,

my heart to sweet surrender,

and my sentient body

to holy perceptions and expression.

May light fill me, purify me, and flow through me."

— Rev. Dr. Barbara Galloway-Lee

Community Family Caregiver Support Program Facilitator

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If you know an elder in need of our care and coordination services, or a caregiver seeking support, please encourage them to reach out to us at: 

510-834-8314