Monday, December 23, 2013

Welcoming the Light












As a nature loving family celebrating the movement from one season to another is important to us, and while each shift is special, the Winter Solstice holds a very special place in our hearts. The darkest day of the year and the power of the returning light remind us to slow down, to reflect and to share our light with the world around us. 

We of course hit the woods for a hike in celebration of the beginning of winter, and brought with us all the fixings to make some treats for our feathered friends. We made up the treats, found the perfect tree and hung them on the branches, creating a giving tree for the birds. Reece took the leftover bag of seed, and as we walked through the woods, left little piles of seed here and there.

The trails were a little icy, and the trees and shrubs were coated in a shimmery layer of ice, the beginnings of a large ice storm that blew through here over the weekend. This left the woods pretty quiet, and perfect for a little reflection as we walked. It was nice to have a moment in the dizzying pace of this season to just be in nature, as a family, and listen to the peace.

After safely making our way back to the car, we stopped in for a cup of tea with some friends and then headed home. There were plans for friends to join us for a solstice fire and apple cider, but Mother Nature had other plans, and the ice storm hit full force. Our friends stayed home, but we still enjoyed a solstice fire, just the three of us. 

We sat on a wool blanket, in the snow, listening to the crackle of the fire and the ice settling on the trees above. We talked, we sipped hot apple cider and we celebrated the return of the light. There were moments of quiet and stillness and moments of laughter and playing. It wasn't the celebration we had planned, but it really couldn't have been any better. 

The freezing rain came down a little harder signalling the end to our night outside. We lit a candle from the fire and headed indoors, bringing the light from our solstice fire into our home. This light will guide us through the season and will be a source of hope, love and peace in the coming year.

16 comments:

  1. beautiful celebration. We have rain rain rain. Yesterday between the sprinkles my son and I took a walk with Frodo-it was just what I needed. I enjoy seeing your outdoor activities!!

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    1. Thanks Karen. I can just imagine how much you enjoyed that walk with you son :)

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  2. An ice storm sounds very cold! I'm happy your celebration was successful anyway. It was cold and windy here with very little sun!

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    1. Actually not cold at all. The temperatures were sitting around zero, and just slightly below, which means the rain comes down and freezes. It was actually quite nice out and very, very still. Although the ice on the trees is not fun right now, they are all hanging quite low and many will be lost, sadly.

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  3. Lovely photos and sentiments. Blessed Winter Solstice, and here's to the Return of The Light. <3

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  4. ice storm! i remember experiencing one of those shortly after i moved to montreal - scary and yet after, so beautiful.

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    1. Only scary if you have to drive in it, which we didn't. It was quite lovely coming down as we sat around the solstice fire, and today with the sun setting and all that ice sparkling...so beautiful!

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  5. What gorgeous pictures! The ice is just incredible!

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    1. Thank you! And that ice is nothing, you should see it now. It is crazy and won't be going anywhere soon as we are in a bit of a cold freeze.

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  6. Beautiful solstice pictures, Kim....also, love your cozy Christmas tree photo, above! Seasons Greetings to you and yours!

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    1. Thank you Kristen, all the best to your and yours!

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  7. Sounds like such a nice day. Merry Christmas!

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  8. Sounds like a beautiful way to spend your day. I love seeing the simple but fun activities you are always doing with Reece, like those treats for the birds. You're wonderful.

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