Sunday, December 22, 2013

Solstice, Friends & Winter Warmth

If you do something more than once, is that enough times to say, "It's our tradition?"

I'm doing it!

Celebrating the Winter Solstice is our tradition. Since 2012.

I gotta start somewhere, right?

We made loads of chile rellenos, fixed up a couple gallons of hot chocolate, hung lights, rounded up a few straw bales, built two roaring fires, covered the tables in butcher paper, brought out the crayons, put on some tunes, and opened our doors.

I just love what happens when you bring together friends for a potluck... everywhere we turned there was a hug, a smile, laughter, warmth, and loads and loads of great food.

The whole evening long I felt happy. I felt doubly blessed, because my intention was to celebrate another trip around the sun, to thank our friends and family for all of their kindnesses... and instead of simply giving back, I was receiving. Again.

Every guest came with something to share, like humor, stories, curiosity, creativity, helping hands, special dishes, good appetites, mistletoe! Every kind of gift imaginable, too... homemade, original, favorites, homegrown, growing.

Thank you, friends!

The house was full. Overflowing, really. It was awesome. I wish I had picked up the camera more often... but few pictures is a good sign that I found too many other things to do, to think about, and I don't regret that every minute I felt engaged and present in the moment.

Are your rellenos radioactive?

How about your beans?

I can't explain why we have a geiger counter. I can't explain why we have three geiger counters, but any party with lasers, geiger counters, homemade cake pops, and flashlight tag... that's for me!

And when at the end of the party, I look around at dishes, leftovers, cups, bottles... and think I wonder what day of the week next year's Solstice lands on? Well, I know I am really delighted, and certain that I want this to be a lasting tradition. Every bit, worthwhile and fun.

Last year my one regret was that the garden was pretty dark, except for the fire rings. This year my boys had the solution, and they really made the whole yard glow!

The lights went all the way around the yard, and up onto the porch! And in the barn, Alex and Geoff hung a bed sheet, then rear projected a movie... just for the mood and lighting. We played Planet Earth: Ice Worlds.

Alex and James were the lucky recipients of my major score at a Huge Frocking Sale.

Solstice Night nicely transitioned into movie night, because we simply had to watch The Life Aquatic.

Another year around the sun, where one nice thing can lead to another, and friends can gather, and share, and hold each other up, and laugh, too. I know, there's more to it than that, but I am thankful for this bit that feels so good.

4 comments:

judy in ky said...

Such wonderful times you create. There is always something to celebrate, with friends and family in your home. I love William's style, by the way…

Anonymous said...

Chile rellenos are some of roomie's favoritest foods one earth :-) Looks like you all really did celebrate each other and the season.

Jennifer said...

So enjoying catching up here this morning, reading about your holidays and holidays. We knew how much we wished to be at your solstice celebration, and indeed -- how magnificent! Merry everything, always!

Jennifer said...

So enjoying catching up here this morning, reading about your holidays and holidays. We knew how much we wished to be at your solstice celebration, and indeed -- how magnificent! Merry everything, always!