Hiking 1.25 miles to visit with Santa: rattle snakes and 5 lessons on achieving goals/resolutions

With 222 family members signed up, and over 400 visitors arriving by 11 AM, this year's Jingle Hike, at Pinnacle Peak Park, in Scottsdale Arizona was a big hit. The annual event took place on Saturday, December 12 and included crafts, plenty of healthy exercise for the whole family, and of course, a visit with Santa.

The round trip hike to Santa was over 1.25 miles, however some families extended their hike to cover the entire 3.5 mile trail, enjoying the temperatures in the low 50s (deg. F). Many of the children outpaced their parents to reach their goal - a visit with Santa - but, with a little encouragement from the children, parents were able to keep pace. Many children were just as enthusiastic to return for the crafts - with a few hitching a ride on the shoulders of adults.

There were plenty of rattle snakes this year - card stock and pipe cleaner ones that is - made by the children (and some adults).

For some children, this was their first hike. At "Highpoint", elevation 2889 feet, 6 year old Claire, her 5 year old sister Sarah, and Aunt Laura were returning form an extended hike. When asked to describe the best thing about the hike, Claire said, "I could touch the rocks and read the signs about the plants. “It made me feel warm and good and I had to take my jacket off, and I wanted to go farther". Sarah, energized by Claire’s excitement, added "the hike and Santa too".

5 Lessons learned on achieve goals and New Year's resolutions:

1. You increase your chances of success (ex.; hiking 1.5 miles) if you have a compelling motivator (ex: visit with Santa and making rattle snakes)
2. Getting support from others (ex: children encouragement parents to keep going) will increase your chances of reaching your goal (ex.; parents made it to Santa)
3. To reach the ultimate goal (ex.; 1.5 mile hike), take one step at a time (ex. first visit Santa then make some snakes) - plan out smaller incremental goals
4. Succeeding at smaller goals (ex.: 1.5 miles) will increase your self-efficacy to believe you will succeed in the future or can go further (ex: entire 3.5 mile trail or return again in the future)
5. Consider any possible barriers that may get in the way (ex: children might get tired), and plan strategies for possible barriers (ie: if the children get tired, we can carry them)

For additional information: Make you own rattlesnake! Click here for some different options. See video  and slidshow below.