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With my love of nature, comes a true respect of the changing of the seasons. I am so lucky to live in a place that has very distinct seasons and this goes well with my desire for change. My family has always celebrated the changing of each season, but I have been intimidated to start any traditions. So, we usually just talk about it, have a special meal, maybe do some crafts, but nothing concrete. My intimidation comes from the fact that since the majority of this country does not celebrate the changing of the seasons with much depth, I just didn't know what I was supposed to do. I hear of people doing this or that, and I have read some books, but I was still afraid I wasn't going to do things right. I guess I was searching for someone to guide me along...but that person never came along.
So, last year, I said to heck with it! I am going to start our own traditions, whether it is what others do or not. I wasn't interested in sitting in the dark all day or spending the entire day in silence like I had heard of others doing, so I came up with some things that suited our family.
This year we started a new tradition of waking up early, heading down to Red Rocks Amphitheater and drumming up the sun with a few hundred other folks. We awoke at 5 am, grabbed out Djembe, tambourine, and some warm clothes and headed out on the hour long drive to congregate with some seriously fun folks to watch the sun rise. After this amazing experience we headed home for a nice big breakfast and let the kids open 1 gift...a Solstice gift. Then for the rest of the day we had a pretty average day with the kids playing while Andy and I worked. Around 2:30 I dropped everything and we bundled up again to head outside to play for the rest of the afternoon. Then inside for some warm Chili and homemade bread and to bed early!
These traditions work well for our family and I am so excited to have a few things in place that my kids can look forward to each year. It is my intention to raise children who are aware of the universe and all it is capable of. To respect Mother Earth and understand all the cycles that she goes through in a year.
Does your family celebrate the Winter Solstice? What are some of your favorite traditions?
Oh so inspiring! I've also been inching my way toward figuring out Solstice traditions for our family, reluctant to actually try anything for fear of feeling "phoney" (we've been gradually disassociating with the Christian aspects of the season we grew up with).
ReplyDeleteYesterday though, I felt a great urge to do *something*, so I followed my gut, did a whirlwind kitchen cleanup, prepared a quick yet special supper with my son, and then the three of us enjoyed a nice meal by candlelight - a simple yet peaceful marking of the "return of the light". It felt so nice, and was a wonderful way for just the three of us to celebrate the season, without the hubbub of many voices. I think we'll gradually incorporate more things that fit with us as the years pass, I absolutely love your new "drumming up the sun" celebration!
I had no idea about the solstice drum celebration at Red Rocks...I'm so excited to check that out sometime! I used to go to Red Rocks when I was a kid with my dad to watch the sunrise and those are some of my fondest memories. Thanks for sharing Suzy!
ReplyDeleteEver since living in Alaska, where the changing light of the seasons REALLY made a huge difference in my life, I've enjoyed celebrating the solstice. This year, since all our December weekends are spent with family away from our own house, we decided that we would celebrate the season (with our own gifts, around our own tree) on the solstice. A living room picnic with chinese food takeout (a special treat for us), music, and gift-giving with just the three of us last night. Happy holidays to you and your beautiful family1
Great post. so peaceful. thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThis was a lovely post :). It must have been so special with the drumming at Red Rocks!!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you about your relationship with nature. It is for this reason that we are moving next year, leaving FL finally after dreaming about it for so long. We actually looked into CO, and this post was quite an endorsement!!
For me, the eclipse was such a special way to bring in the solstice. What a rare moment that was. The kids and I have been honoring nature and earth for our own version of Advent. That has been a really special tradition this year.
Thanks for sharing your celebration! Have a wonderful holiday!!
Oh I had this post typed out and then it disappeared. I love how you marked the solstice. Ours was really low key - due to my lack of planning and over extendedness. We lit our solstice candle and read books in the dim light.
ReplyDeleteAhh..I will be back to read the comments, but your post was lovely...and I too seem to struggle with traditions, and I too was waiting for someone to guide me, but realized it's time to just start doing things that feel good and fit us. Your day sounds lovely and being at Red Rocks sounded awesome!!
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