Outside and in, it's starting to look like Solstice around here.
Much to the delight of us all, snow began to fall yesterday. More will come today and tomorrow and we couldn't be happier. Our house - somehow - is decorated inside and out, and small handmade gifts are finding their way under our tree.
Oh how I love Solstice!
Solstice is our the big celebration at our home. We choose to spend Christmas with my parents, so Solstice is the family tradition we have created for just the four of us.
This year's holiday has been simplified. With our move and the flu and my head and heart tied up with events elsewhere in our world, we've focused in on what matters most.
Instead of knitting them each a vest (not a huge project, but too much this season) I made them each the ornament above. Sage's little gnome ornament holds a pouch at his side made from a bit of his baby sling, so my heart gets all gushy when I look at it.
I might make a tradition of crafting an ornament for each of them each year.
Pete also made them each something, and I'll give them each a "Love Coupon" for a special day with me, a homeschooling class, or some other adventure.
When I think back to the many gifts I got as a child I'm happy to provide my kids with a more simple version of Christmas. That it isn't about the stuff, but about the wonder and magic of it all. I'm really feeling that this year.
In the morning the "Solstice Elves" always leave a little something that the children share - this year they are receiving a gift certificate to the local feed store for chicks in the spring. Simple, magical stuff.
Our Solstice tradition involves a bonfire, a mid-night walk in the snow, and staying up "all night" (midnight or later). We make gingerbread houses (though interestingly this year the kids asked to make nativity scenes), dip or roll candles, laugh, and play.
I love it so.
And with that, I'll say goodbye for now. Our celebration will begin tomorrow so I'm going to take a few days to focus inward. Happy Solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas, and Winter to you all!
So much love,
Rachel
