Solstice Blessings!

Wishing all those who observe it a joyous Winter Solstice, and Blessed Yule! Tonight at 10:08 pacific time (1:08 tomorrow morning for those of us here on the east coast} we mark the astronomical first day of winter; the longest night and shortest day of the year, and the re-emergence of the sun. :)

Rather than go on about the history and origin of Solstice observance, and the connection to Christmas (which anyone can google), I thought I'd share some ways to celebrate:

Light candles
Hang mistletoe in thresholds
Decorate with evergreen boughs and pinecones
Fill bird feeders and decorate outdoor trees with edible ornaments
Burn a yule log in your fireplace
Invite friends and family over for an impromptu Solstice celebration
Make donations of food and clothing to those less fortunate
Comtemplate peace and good will.

We'll be doing several of the above here tonight and into tomorrow; hanging the mistletoe and evergreens, lighting candles, and having a midwinter feast with our daughter Courtney, who's due to arrive from North Carolina this evening. I've just started a kettle of homemade cider-baked butternut squash soup, which we'll have with an onion and thyme tart this evening, as we catch up on the past year (far too long to go between visits with one's child!)

Right now I'm off to do a bit of housekeeping and decorating, and will try to post photos this weekend. In the meantime, I wish you all a warm and happy Midwinter's Eve!

~ Carolee