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
Oh look, there’s that floppy felt ornament I made for you last year! Maybe we should starch them? ; ) Your ornaments are perhaps the sweetest thing I’ve seen in a looooong time. I was describing them to TJ last night and he suggested that they might be a great project to include in your book : )
I love your ideas! We, too, have simplified – only three small gifts in their stockings, sometimes a gift to share under the tree. I usually get them an ornament each year since their birthdays are close to Christmas (in November, two days apart). We do advent activities all throughout the month, which also makes things special.
I love handmade things, but sometimes I’m worn out from a project – like the Princess and the Pea set I made for my daughter’s birthday – and don’t feel like starting another! I love the idea of the handmade ornaments, though. I always have so many projects in mind, like some little gnomes with felt leaf sleeping bags – my daughter loves that kind of stuff – and I Spy bags for the boys in the family (they have six cousins, all boys – yikes!).
Thank you for this. Just yesterday, amidst a day of running around the city (mpls), getting my little guy in and out of the truck, picking up, dropping off, spending money…. Ugh… I thought, this is NOT how I want to spend these days in the years to come. With the new addition to our life, in the form of a sweet 10 month old boy, our days and ways are becoming more focused. The consumerism of Christmas is overwhealming and I don’t want him to get wrapped up in it. But what about grandparents and the well meaning traditions of those around us? What you describe in this post strikes me as a great solution – celebrate the solstice at our house – focus on homemade / activities together / making and eating food together / time spent in nature … together … I love it. THANK YOU.
Happy Solstice to you and your family 🙂 The ornaments are adorable. We are planning on making ginger bread houses this year too… Do you have a recipe you would recommend?
Thanks 🙂
I love how you are focusing on what really matters – something that your children will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Happy Solstice to you and your family!
it sounds peaceful and wonderful! happy solstice to you all there in your new home.
Same to you, Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your wonderful inspiring blog, get plenty of rest and enjoy your dear family:-)