"Christmas in My Soul" is one in a series of events being offered by the Lake House Health & Learning Center this month in a special effort to make the holiday season more meaningful. Each of the programs offers the opportunity to gather and make deeper connections with one's self and others during the season, according to Karen Carnabucci of Lake House.

"In my work as a psychotherapist, I hear many people stuggling with the desire to have a meaningful holiday. The reality is that there are often many difficulties at this time of year for many people," she said.

In addition to the stresses of holiday overloading - eating, drinking and spending too much - this time of year can bring feelings of lonliness and disconnection for some, Carnabucci said.

"The feeling of not belonging can be especially sharp when everyone else seems to be enjoying the season," she said.

Other events scheduled at the Lake House this month include:

Dec. 7, 4 p.m. - Holiday Open House. Meet practicioners, enjoy refreshments, learn about holistic health and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Dec. 14, 7 to 9:30 p.m. - "Talking with Angels," with Rick and Connie Veronis.

Dec. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. - "Blessing of the Gifts," an annual holiday project in cooperation with the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church. Volunteers gather to package and bless gifts for Southern Oaks Girls School, HALO shelter, Women's Resource Center, Bethany Apartments and SAFE Haven. Participants are asked to bring donations of toiletries and other small gifts.

Dec. 22, 10 a.m. - Native American Winter Solstice with David Granados (Eight Eagles).

For more information, visit http://www.lakehousecenter.com