Much of Julia Tang’s professional career has revolved around meditation, specifically how it can be used to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

The San Mateo resident started meditation while volunteering with the Peace Corps in Poland and has worked at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Stanford University, teaching and researching the practice for 25 years. Her latest venture, however, incorporates meditation in a creative, not scientific, pursuit.

Published in October, “Christmas in the Himalayas,” is Tang’s first children’s book, following a little girl’s journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas, learning new traditions, traversing different landscapes and meeting interesting characters alon

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