Open Circle
Dr. Daniel Acuff presents “Uncovering your Purpose in Life” at the Open Circle meeting, Sunday, December 14, 10:15 a.m., at the Lake Chapala Society.
Dr. Acuff uses storytelling and fictional characters to deliver a lecture sure to take the Open Circle audience “beyond” The Celestine Prophecy to explore life’s meaning more fully.
Dr. Acuff is the primary author of “What Kids Buy and Why — The Psychology of Marketing to Kids,” published by Simon & Schuster’s Free Press, and the nonfiction self-help relationships book “Relationships Rx.” He has led seminars and workshops for more than 15 years.
Democrats Abroad
Don’t miss DA’s holiday party, Monday, December 15, at 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de septiembre 124 in Ajijic. Enjoy a full meal including two tamales, tres leches cake and more. For full details, type shorturl.at/OIEQr in your web browser.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The Lakeside Freethinkers will hold its annual Winter Solstice celebration at Yves’ restaurant on Thursday, December 18, at 4 p.m. We define a “freethinker” as a person who identifies himself or herself as an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist or skeptic. Freethinkers reject the belief in the supernatural and rely on science and reason to guide their lives.
With the bi-annual Solstice approaching on December 21, the group will hear about the history and meaning of this time-honored observance. The group members will then share their “freethinking” thoughts and wishes for the New Year with a toast!
A brief update by the group president will be given on the progress of the science student sponsored by the Lakeside Freethinkers organization.
Las Posadas
At Lakeside, a seasonal manifestation of Christian faith is the celebration of the novena between December 16 and 24, when folks, particularly children, roam the streets each evening to reenact the Holy Family’s troubled search for lodging in Bethlehem.
Known as La Posada (meaning inn or lodging), crowds of kids gather to follow the pair selected to impersonate Mary and Joseph, often with the Virgin Mother perched upon a live burro. The entourage may include a youngster outfitted as an angel, along with shepherds and shepherdesses carrying tinsel-wrapped walking staffs strung with tingling bells.
Traveling predetermined routes, the holy pilgrims halt at several addresses where they croon verses of a litany beseeching the “innkeepers” behind the door to take in María and José for the night. When voices from inside turn them away, they move on until a welcoming refuge is reached.
A fiesta ensues, complete with piñata smashing, handouts of bolos (goodie bags), and holiday refreshments.