Wishing you and yours a blessed and happy New Year!
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
The Beauty and Wisdom of Winter
❅
HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE, FRIENDS!
When we look to nature as our teacher, we see that she’s reflecting back to us a prolonged opportunity to hibernate and renew. Arriving with the shortest day of the year on the winter solstice, December 21 (June 21 in the southern hemisphere), winter slowly grows brighter from this day on as the sun’s presence gradually beams stronger and stronger until its apex on the next summer solstice.
Hanukkah, Advent, Christmas, and Kwanza, along with many other holidays and rituals, celebrate the return of this light. We’re reminded to connect with the sun within us, which is the bright potential of our souls, even amid the darkness and the holiday frenzy. We also celebrate New Year’s, a call to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and dream about our future.
This truly is the time of year to go inside and ripen in our womanly wisdom before stepping out into the world again. Use the darkness all around you to explore your inner world. There you will find that flame inside of you that can never be extinguished. You can only make this descent when you commit to stillness, solitude, and deep soul-searching. You must become quiet, less social, more introverted, and–despite the negative connotations in most cultures–lazy. Just as fields need to remain fallow at times for their soil to stay fertile, we need to leave our innermost beings barren of new projects, adventures, and activities.”
If we don’t take time each year for deep rest, then authentic healing, rejuvenation, wisdom, and softening are not possible. It takes so much energy to burst forth into the world and to birth something new. This winter, treat yourself like a pregnant mama. Rest, nurture yourself, rebuild your vital life force, and prepare for the coming of new life. And if you don’t live in an area with a pronounced winter season, you need to be more disciplined about getting quiet. This is also an opportunity to listen to the subtler rhythms of nature. Yet while nature’s saying one thing, society’s saying another.“
- Sara Avant Stover
The Way of the Happy Woman
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Celebrating The Winter Solstice - 2022
"Early nightfall. Crisp mornings. The sharp silhouette of leaf-bare branches. Orion marching across the evening sky. These are some familiar signs of winter. We often speak of turning inward during these darker months, becoming quiet and introspective, staying home more often, sleeping longer. Yet there’s another side to winter that contrasts with our natural inclination to rest and contemplate—a side that insists we shop til we drop, eat and drink more than we care to, and rush around busy airports. Regardless of our spiritual or cultural heritage, if we live in North America today there’s a good chance we find ourselves caught up, perhaps involuntarily or out of habit, in a commercial swirl known as “the holidays” that leaves us depleted in more ways than one."
- SUSAN WASINGER, Mother Earth Living
UPDATED FOR 2022!
A compilation of several of posts from previous years.
WARNING: This post is LONG!
We have observed this day over the years with various, simple celebrations, but as the girls have grown up, my celebrations have become much more personal in nature. Building upon the traditions of the past and adding a few new, "just for me" touches, I have made the observance and celebration of this day, for the most part, very much my own. And so today, I thought I would take some time to share some of these traditions, both past and present, in the hopes that you might be inspired to indulge in your own celebrations. I will warn you now, this post is LONG, a repost and compilation of two previous posts from a few years back. I mentioned before that this is one of my favorite days of the year, so I've collected a number of ideas for celebrating, but all of these are just suggestions. There is really no way you could do it all, even we don't, but I think it's nice to have a variety of ideas to choose from. So now, before I get into how to celebrate, lets first begin with why.
The winter solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year, meaning there are less hours of daylight and more hours of darkness on this day than on any other. This is in contrast, of course, with the summer solstice when there are more hours of daylight and less hours of darkness, the longest day of the year. The world solstice comes from two Latin words: sol meaning "sun" and sistere meaning "to stand still" because it appeared as though the sun and moon had stopped moving across the sky.
"This longest night of the year, followed by a renewal of the sun, demonstrates the cyclical order of the cosmos. In this way, celebrating the solstice can be a beautiful remembrance that our lives are part of a larger order, always changing, always renewing."
- RICHARD HEINBERG
Celebrating the Solstice: Honoring the Earth’s Seasonal Rhythms through Festival and Ceremony
Many years ago, for fear that the days might be becoming darker and that the the sun might never return, our ancestors began observing a number of customs that were designed to hopefully entice the sun from departing. And while there are some in christian circles (my circle) that would warn that such customs stem from pagan beliefs, I would argue that life itself has been washed in the bath of such beliefs (sin), since Eve first tasted the apple at Eden. Any ritual or tradition is made whole/holy simply by means of its focus and intent. My goal, based upon my personal belief in and relationship with Christ, is in a sense to "redeem" these customs by making Christ the ever present focus of my rituals and celebrations. But this is simply what seems right for me, you may, based upon your own personal beliefs adapt or omit any of these ideas as you see fit. My intent is neither to condone what some may seem as sinful, or to force my personal beliefs upon anyone. I would simply admonish (in love) that we each "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling before God." Mine is not to judge, and I would request that same grace be extended. Ours is simply . . . to love.
And now, on to the celebrations!
❅ THE BATTLE OF THE HOLLY KING AND THE OAK KING
One story tells of the battle of the Holly King (The King of Winter/Darkness) and The Oak King (The King of Summer/Light). This battle takes place twice a year, on the summer and winter solstice, At the summer solstice (around June 21—the longest day and the shortest night) the days begin to shorten and the Holly King defeats the Oak King and reigns supreme in the dark times (or days getting shorter). But in December, following the winter solstice, the days begin to lengthen and the Oak King conquers the Holly King and reigns during the light times. As odd as this may sound, and you may, perhaps think they have it backwards, but the truth is that the winter solstice actually welcomes summer, as with each successive day the light gradually increases and the days become longer. And then in the summer the opposite happens, and the days following the summer solstice gradually become shorter. So as you can see, our ancestors needn't have feared that the sun would not return! Though I have never done so, I've always thought it might be sweet to make a couple of peg dolls in the form of the Holly King and the Oak King a have them displayed somewhere on a shelf, perhaps. You can then share the story of the battle of the two kings with your children or grandchildren, and then the reigning king could be replaced on the shelf and the other tucked away until it is time to battle once again.
"The winter solstice has always been special to me as a barren darkness that gives birth to a verdant future beyond imagination, a time of pain and withdrawal that produces something joyfully inconceivable, like a monarch butterfly masterfully extracting itself from the confines of its cocoon,
bursting forth into unexpected glory."
- GARY ZUKAV
❅ A SOLSTICE HOUSE BLESSING
Blessing the house is a traditional winter practice, filling the house and its inhabitants with spiritual light at the time of greatest darkness. I have adapted to the following blessing, originally recorded by Scottish folklorist Alexander Carmichael in 1900), to suit my personal beliefs and faith. Such blessings were used in the Scottish Highlands and Islands until the last century. Usually at the Winter Solstice.
All hail, King Jesus, blessed is He,
The light of the world, who comes to dispel the darkness!
We ask for prosperity upon this dwelling,
On all that you have heard and seen.
Bless this house and all that it contains,
from rafter and stone and beam;
Deliver us to God from pall to cover,
Be the healing of men therein,
Be you in lasting possession of this house,
Bless us with health about this hearth,
And fill our hearts with joy!
Many traditions include a bonfire, and this is one that we observed a few times over the years. The idea is that the offering of warmth and light might appeal to the sun to warm the earth once again. One custom suggests that each person write down one habit they want to rid themselves of in the coming year and throw it into the bonfire. If you decide to build a bonfire, it might be fun to make up some of the these spicy fire starters in the days before your celebration. It might make your start up a little easier, and the fire starters themselves are quite lovely!
The solstice spiral is one my favorite observances for this most special day, and is a celebration of the return of the light! Solstice Spirals are popular in Waldorf schools, and you can read about that, here for context.
I do a much smaller table top version for my observance, using apples with white birthday candles, and in a pinch, I have also used tea lights and the presentation was just as lovely. I typically set it out on the kitchen table the night before so that it serves as a sweet reminder that we are cycling into a new season. This helps to build the anticipation, especially for young children. Then when the sun sets, I light the candles and allow them burn for awhile, our own little celebration of the return of the sun.
❅ CALLING IN THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
This is a tradition that I just discovered this year. It is designed to help you feel a connection to the landscape around you, by taking time to look to the horizon at each of the four cardinal points: north, east, south and west. If you make a solstice spiral (above) and make it large enough, you could mark the cardinal points with the apple candles. For some, the four directions are associated with the four elements, north - earth, east - air, south - fire, and west - water. Taken as a whole, along with the fifth unseen element of spirit, you have all the ingredients of creation held in balance and in harmony. Though I have not taken the time to do so yet, my goal is to choose four verses from scripture that seem appropriate, and to speak them aloud as I face each cardinal point, followed by a simple prayer asking God for His blessing upon creation. These songs are now compiled together in a single playlist, linked below.
- North
- East
- South
- West
❅ A WINTER SOLSTICE WALK
This is a new tradition that I began last year and I plan to make it a regular part of my observance, made all the more delightful this year, as we moved into our new home this past summer which is completely surrounded by woods, and will make for a lovely setting. Last year I went early in afternoon to soak in the last rays of sunshine before the early darkness set in. But this year I am considering taking it about thirty or forty five minutes before sunset. I like the idea of returning to the warmth and shelter of home, lighting the candles on my solstice spiral, and then enjoying a festive meal, which I'll share more about below! If you do decideto make your own solstice spiral, large or small, going on a walk might also serve the purpose of collecting some greenery. And now, about my meal plans!
In years past, I always made a big pot of Grammy's Cabbage Soup, but for the past two years I've opted for another of my favorite recipes, Santa Fe Chicken Tortilla Soup. It's a special recipe because it came from my mom's collection, and the bright yellow broth that it creates is perfect for the solstice. Last year I cut flour tortillas with a snowflake cookie cutter and crisped them in the oven to top off our soup and it was lovely!
But regardless of the main course, it wouldn't be the winter solstice without gingerbread and lemon sauce. Gingerbread conjures memories from my childhood, when my grandmother would make it for me every time we visited! I especially enjoy it during the long winter months, and traditionally make it for the time each season for the winter solstice. You can find the recipe, here.
❅ GINGERBREAD WITH LEMON SAUCE
Ginger is a favorite solstice and holiday spice, and gingerbread is a favorite from my childhood. My grandmother made it for me often, and I always think of her when I make it today. And though I enjoy gingerbread throughout the year, I traditionally always make a loaf on the winter solstice. Here's the recipe I have used for years.
Gingerbread
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup hot water
Lemon Sauce
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Dash salt
Dash nutmeg
1 cup half-and-half cream
2 large egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Preheat oven to 350°.
Beat shortening, sugar, molasses and eggs until well blended. Combine next five ingredients; add to molasses mixture alternately with hot water.
Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, for lemon sauce, combine first five ingredients in a small saucepan until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. Gently stir in butter, lemon juice and zest, increasing juice if needed to thin sauce. Serve with warm cake. Refrigerate leftover sauce.
And while spiced cider has been our traditional beverage of choice, this year I'm giving serious consideration to this recipe for winter lemonade! I may do dual service and enjoy a cup of cider over tea earlier in the day.
Another observance I began last year is eating dinner by candlelight. In todays world, illuminated by gadgets and technology, and faces aglow with constant media all hours of the day and night, the winter solstice is an opportunity to pause and give tribute to the natural rhythms of life.
❅ WINTER SOLSTICE AND FOUR CARDINALS PLAYLISTS
Last year, as part of our solstice celebration, I compiled two lovely playlists. You'll find them here and here, if you're interested.
❅ SOLSTICE CRAFTS
lovely craft, and they look so pretty when you place several in a basket along with a few little springs of greenery. One little trick I'll share with you that makes studding them with cloves a little easier, is to mark your design with an ice pick or perhaps a wooden skewer, and then insert the cloves into the holes. These are great fun to make, and they smell absolutely wonderful! I usually dust mine with a bit of ground cloves as well, and the fragrance is just divine. They look equally as pretty tied up with a length of red velvet ribbon and hung in just the right spot. I plan to set out a few in a little basket, as well as tie up one or two in some black and white checked fabric strips for a little primitive touch.
SOLSTICE LANTERNS
This year I plan to make a solstice lantern, and **maybe** I can even entice Kate to join in the fun! I came across this idea several years ago, and since then have come across so many lovely ideas. There are several feast days in the Liturgical that feature "light", and lanterns are prominent in those celebrations. So it seems only fitting that making a lantern for the return of the light is fitting.
ORANGE CLOVE POMANDERS
One of my favorite crafts to enjoy on this day is making orange clove pomanders. This is such a
SOLSTICE LANTERNS
This year I plan to make a solstice lantern, and **maybe** I can even entice Kate to join in the fun! I came across this idea several years ago, and since then have come across so many lovely ideas. There are several feast days in the Liturgical that feature "light", and lanterns are prominent in those celebrations. So it seems only fitting that making a lantern for the return of the light is fitting.
Sophie makes several variations of beautiful lanterns, and has an entire section with tutorials in her stories.
This link is actually for the saltdough snowmen, but I love the idea of cutting out simple paper snowflakes and adhering them to a glass jar. Perfect for the solstice!
But this is the lantern that is drawing me in this year, I plan to make it this weekend! I also love this idea for a winter solstice hiking stick, perfect for the solstice walk I mentioned yesterday.
WISHING CONES
This is a new-to-me craft that I've seen come up several times recently, wishing cones. The idea is to write out your wishes, goals and intentions for the coming year, roll them up and then carefully secure them in a pinecone. The cone can then be tossed into the fire, perfect for a solstice bonfire, and released. Some do this for New Years, but I've seen it come up in several posts on solstice celebrations. As a Christian I will pray over my intentions, and since we live in an apartment, I'm not sure about the ability to place mine into a fire, so I'm unsure what I will do.
And now onto the books!
❅ BOOKS FOR CHILDREN (AND ADULTS, TOO!) (All links to Amazon are non-affiliate)
by Jean Craighead George
This little book is my absolute all time favorite for sharing with children on this day. But who am I kidding? I read it again on the winter solstice every year, and probably will again and again!
I am going to share two passages from this book with you that illustrate why I love this particular one so much! Among other things is that it is presented as a letter between a grandmother and her granddaughter, a sweet sentiment that makes the read all the more lovely!
"Dear Rebecca, I turned on the lights to eat breakfast this morning and put on my coat to go outside. Winter is here. It was brought by by little hands of darkness. Each little hand is a few minutes long. In summer they began bringing winter. They pulled the night over the edges of the dawn and dusk and made the days shorter. On June 21, while you were cooling under the house, winter began."
and towards the end, is this lovely passage;
"I light the fire in my fireplace. You sing jolly songs with your friends. And while you are singing, summer begins. On the 22nd of December, little hands of light begin to push back the edges of the darkness minute by minute. Before very long, you will take off your shoes and and jump over bluebells. I will eat my breakfast outdoors in the sunshine. The birds will return as the days grow longer. The frogs and turtles will come out of the warm mud, and the next thing you know, I'll be writing. Dear Rebecca, summer is here!"
Oh my! I don't know if these words move you as they move me, but they just thrill me! Perhaps it is grounded in my love of the changing of the seasons, or memories of my own grandmother, though I don't recall her ever writing me a single letter! But I think at the heart of it, it is the kind of grandmother I hope to be. Sharing snippets of my day, things I observed in nature, quotes and passages from books, with my own grandchildren, even in letters! They may find it fun when they are young, or leave the letters unopened in their teens, perhaps. But I do hope they will keep them, and that one day, when they are older, they will be able to return to those sweet sentiments and meet with me again, even after I am gone. I don't mean to sound glum, I really think the idea is lovely. I know I love having things that once belonged my grandmother, and if I had personal letters, that would be all the sweeter!
But now, before I forget, here are a few other books we've enjoyed over the years, all of which are lovely to share with the littles in your life, or even for yourself! I know for me, I will never grow too old to enjoy a beautifully illustrated picture book!
Also available at the Archives
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales From Around The World For The Winter Solstice
by De Capo Press
The following titles do not focus on the solstice, but make lovely reads on this day.
The Story of the Snow Children
by Sibylle von Olfers
The Tomten
by Astrid Lindgren
by Dorothy
by Richard Heinberg
❅ LOVELY VIDEOS ON YOU TUBE
Little Bear: Snowball Fight / Winter Solstice / Snowbound - I own this on digital and I still watch it every year!
The Snowman - another annual watch!
Guess How Much I Love You - So many memories from this book, and now a lovely cartoon!
❅ A MOVIE PERFECT FOR VIEWING ON THE SOLSTICE
- The Christmas Oranges - if you've never seen this movie, you owe it to yourself to see if you can find a copy from your library or purchase it to add to your collection. A movie the whole family can and will enjoy. It doesn't have anything to do with the solstice, but I like it because oranges are prominent in the story and also associated with the solstice.
And now, my friends, I will close. Today I hope to finally get around to baking some cookies! I pray that your day is blessed and that you have been inspired to indulge in your own celebrations! And if you have your own traditions for celebrating the solstice, please leave a comment and share them with us!
Until then, my friends! I pray your day is blessed!
"All blessings be upon you,
And all those you hold dear.
As the Yule log burns,
And friends gather near."
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