Tag: traditions

Ways to Celebrate Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice officially occurs on December 21, 2019, at 11:19 pm EST. In the Northern Hemisphere, the astronomical event marks the first day of winter. Knowing as the longest night of the year, the day marks the return of the light. Slowly the days will grow longer and the night shorter.

How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

People around the globe celebrate the Winter Solstice in many ways. If you are looking for simple ways to celebrate the start of the winter season, consider the following:

Go for a Nature Walk

Even if the sun is starting to set, go outdoors.

  • Dress appropriately. Remember to wear layers to keep warm.
  • Carry your cell phone, but put the device on vibrate.
  • Use a flashlight if needed.
  • Remember to walk in a known location for safety. Walking on a familiar path is essential if the sun is setting.

Go to the Library

On your walk or car ride, go to your local library to check out books about the Winter Solstice. Some quick title suggestion includes:

Your local library, online shopping center, or bookstore has numerous books related to the Winter Solstice.

Eat 

Combine your Winter Solstice celebration with your dinner. Host a special family night, or invite friends over to join you. Some basic ideas include:

  • A hearty Winter Solstice Soup to help you stay warm.
  • Swedish Saffron Buns or create bread in the shape of the sun to welcome back the light-filled days.
  • Mulled Wine, Hot Tea, or Egg Nog
  • Winter Salad
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Butternut Squash
  • Bake a cake in the shape of a Yule Log
  • Use nature and winter-themed items to decorate a cake.

Feed the Birds 

Long winter nights mean less available food for birds. Add extra seeds to your bird feeder. Or decorate a tree with edible food for the birds to enjoy.

Make Nature Crafts

Use items from your nature walk for crafting. Pine cones, small twigs, or acorns are perfect materials for wreaths and other nature-inspired crafts.

The Winter Solstice is a once a year event. Even if you just decide to curl up under a comforter with a good book, take a moment out of your busy work, school, or holiday schedule to celebrate the longest night.

 

 

 

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2018: The Year to Make Memories

Do you want to start a new tradition for yourself, your family, or your furbabies? Consider creating a memory box. Living in a digital age, small moments often get lost in the technological universe. Keeping a record of memorable days does not require attending large social affairs or ultimate road trips. Even though, both would be an excellent addition. Taking time to record simple, daily events may be the most memorable moments of the year.

The Memory Box

The memory box can be an old shoe box, a popcorn tin from the holidays, or a plastic basket from your local dollar store. You just need to create a space to store your memories. Get creative, decorate the box. If you have young children, consider making the box an afternoon project.

Feel free to create a unique, one of kind memory box for you or your family to enjoy.

What to Put in the Memory Box?

Keep in mind, there is not a specific guideline on what to put in your memory box. Creating a tangible storage space away from your digital devices is one reason for creating a memory box. Having fun is another reason.

1. Every Day Moments

Every day should be a celebration. Your child takes his or her first steps. Your son finally mastered Algebra. Your daughter got the lead in the school play. Or you received recognition for a project at work. Small moments go by quickly. Use index cards, notecards or scraps of paper to write about the daily event. Encourage children to participate. Even if they just draw small pictures, the notecard can be part of the box.

2. Ask Questions

Asking questions is another way to encourage your children to participate. At the same times, you are opening lines of communication. Questions to ask may include:

  • What was your favorite part of school today?
  • What do you want to do when you grow up?
  • What did you eat at lunch?
  • Did anything funny happen in school or practice?

Just keep an open mind, when you find out your son laughed and milk came out of his nose. And, he instantly became a lunchtime sensation.

3. Postcards

 Going on day trips, field trips, family vacations or even a trip to your local grocery store, you will see postcards for sale. Postcards are an inexpensive resource for making memories. Picking up a few postcards or allowing your child select a favorite, allows you to record your visit with a picture. Ask your child to tell you the favorite part of the trip. Jotting down a couple lines on the back of postcard provides an instant keepsake.

4. Other Memorabilia

When you begin adding items to your memory box, you will soon learn in the world of technological devices, a paper trail still exists.

  • Movie tickets stubs
  • Concert tickets
  • Program brochures
  • Schedule of events guides
  • Menus
  • Fortune cookie inserts

The list is endless. By keeping the small items, you can jot notes in the margins. Or add a notecard later describing the experience.

What Next?

What do you do when the year comes to a close? Open the box, review your memories, place them in a scrapbook, or create time capsules to view down the road. The small effort you make to today to add little notes will leave a larger impact later when you read the memories.

 

 

 

 

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