As the Winter Solstice approaches, and the days are feeling very short, it’s the perfect time to make a little light to shine out into the darkness. There is something comforting and warming in those flickering flames, for in spite of all we know to be true, sometimes we need reassurance deep down that the sun will return and it won’t stay dark forever. This is the time of year when cultures everywhere are holding festivals of light and celebrating the light in all of us. I wrote a post about some of the different winter light festivals a few years ago: This Little Light of Mine, and though they are all unique, light is the unifying element.
Basically, everywhere you look in my house, there is some sort of candle arrangement going on right now. Our dining table has a centerpiece of candles we light for meals.
The kitchen island has a wreath I made of greens from our woods, with the Advent apples the kids brought home from the Advent Spiral walk at our Waldorf school.
Some of our Martinmas Lanters made in past years are illuminating windowsills in place of the sunlight streaming through.
A friend gave me the crafty idea to make baby food jars into little ice luminaries by decorating the outside with white tissue paper, glue and glitter. They’re just the right size for a tea light, and keep the flame contained and safe.
I thought Queen Winter could us a little light.
And the Christmas elves in the kitchen windowsill.
Let’s also not forget one of the biggest sources of light in the house, our Solstice tree. There is a long history behind these trees of light, and it’s no wonder it has remained such a widespread tradition. Here is a great link to The Christmas Tree Network’s history of the Christmas tree by David Robson, Horticulture Extension Agent:
May all of you light your own lights in your own unique ways, and let it shine!
Love all your candles shining. The last weeks round Christmas really are so very dark and the candles and tree lights are so lovely and comforting. In Norway we bring in our tree on the 23rd and have it up until just after New Year. Seeing your tree really makes me look forward to next weekend when we go into the woods to get it. The tree has always been magical to me. Blessings, Pam in Norway
Thank you for sharing your tree tradition Pam! I hope you enjoy your adventure to go find it in the woods and having it light your home through the holidays!
Thank you for sharing your traditions! We are doing our spiral walk here at home next weekend, close to the Solstice. I had never thought to turn the apples over like that!
The spiral walk is such a wonderful tradition, and I hope you enjoy yours next weekend!