As the snow falls this Advent season, anticipation grows for the Love that is to coming to birth among us. While it is cold outside, it is warm in spirit. Villagers engaged in reflection and discernment during Staff Community Formation Week and are enjoying snowshoeing, skiing, and gliding on sleds down Chalet Hill. Days are full selecting Christmas trees with chalet mates, decorating the Dining Hall, rehearsing holiday music, stomping snow paths, and preparing to welcome guests for Christmas & New Year’s and college students for J-term.

Wishing you peace, love, joy, and hospitality this Christmas and in the New Year!

Listen to insights from teaching faculty on the Holden Village Podcast!

Anjuli Shah-Johnson

Anjuli Shah-Johnson is a somatic therapist who integrates teachings from the worlds of clinical social work and bodywork in hopes of walking alongside others in finding the paths that connect their body, mind and heart. After close to 20 years as a social worker, Anjuli has more recently begun to teach and mentor graduate level and pre-licensed therapists at a local university and agency with a special interest in supporting up and coming BIPOC and LGBTQ therapists.

Created by the Holden Village community, this service honors night and darkness as times of blessing and renewal in our lives. Themes of creation, embodiment, and justice highlight evening's blessings.

There are two upcoming opportunities to experience this new setting!

On December 13th we processed through the village by candle light and learned about Santa Lucia, an Italian saint "adopted" by the Swedes.

Saint Lucia was an Italian saint martyred during the Diocletian Persecution for bringing provisions to Christians hiding in the catacombs. She is remembered by the wreath of candles she wore to light the way in the dark of the catacombs while her hands were full of provisions for the persecuted.

Village children read a pageant and re-enacted Santa Lucia's courageous journeys in the dark to feed hungry Christians hiding from Roman rulers.

On December 16th, Villagers celebrated Las Posadas, a Mexican tradition of re-enacting Mary and Joseph's frustrated search for lodging. We processed around the village in a procession singing petitions for entrance only

to be denied, and then, finally, welcomed in... for a

festive piñata party!

Reserve your space for Women’s Retreat! Bring your friends for a weekend of rest, release, and healing with amazing retreat leader The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton and Northwest poet Michele Bombardier.

February 2-5, 2024

You will build new friendships, rejuvenate relationships, reconnect with yourself, and join other women in conversation and recreation. Holden Village uses an inclusive definition of women and welcomes trans women and non-binary folks. Attendees only need to identify as a woman in a way that is significant to them.

New this year: You can arrive or depart on any transport day: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Check out the Holden Village Calendar to plan your visit during special events and retreats.

Register early for the best selection of summer options! We'll see you in the Village this summer!

Holden Village offers financial assistance to offset the cost of registration for people with financial need.

Recognizing that the oppression of people based on race, ethnicity, income level, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical abilities creates barriers that make the cost of visiting difficult, the Holden Village Access Fund expands welcome to the wilderness. People of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and families who have not yet been to Holden are especially encouraged to apply. Spread the word about this opportunity!

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