Have you ever imagined what it must be like to walk in a Winter Wonderland after a pristine snowfall? I recall awakening as a child in Massachusetts many times to scenes very similar and spectacular as this one:
Everywhere the eye could see was a blanket of fluffy white stuff. The snow sticking to everything and the ice forming on the smallest branches on the trees made everything magical. Oh,Look… I can see my own breath.
Winter Wonderland for Kids
As children of school age, my siblings and I would jump out of bed to listen to the ongoing radio announcements of school closures in excited anticipation. Did our school close for the day? Yes!!! It did!
Quickly jumping into warm clothes, we rushed out into the streets as soon as the snow stopped. It was time to get to as many people as we could and get their walks and driveways shoveled out.
Never mind Mom and Dad’s driveway. We could do that when we got back. We had to get to the paying customers before the other kids got there. After all, we needed the money for Christmas gifts!
Once all of the walks and driveways had been cleared, it was time for some Winter Wonderland Fun! We had so much to choose from. Ice Skating, Sledding, Skiing, or just building a snow fort and having a good old fashioned snowball fight.
Winter Wonderland Traditions
Welcome back to the time of Winter Solstice and Winter Wonderland Traditions. It is the darkest time of the year and one in which many of the world’s religions center their stories.
In the Northlands, we find a richness of traditions, rituals,and legends as we celebrate our own beliefs and seasonal rituals. Many of these legends have often kept our hearts and minds alert and warm. Differences are often set aside and brotherly and harmonious caring replaces them.
A Time of Lights and Celebration
A Festival of Lights begins with Diwali, the 5-Day celebration in India that includes food, colored sands, lamps,and lights. It celebrates Light over Darkness and Goodness over Evil. A Festival of Lights is also celebrated in the Hebrew tradition as the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.
In Nature, it is also the time of lights evidenced by the brightest of stars illuminated at this time of year. Many of us redouble our efforts to shine by elaborate decorating of our homes and businesses.
In the Swiss Alps another tradition lives on. During the 12 Days between the Solstice and the Feast of Epiphany, people remove hot coals from their wood stoves. They place them in a bucket along with aromatic tree resins as they are burned together. The smoke created is thought to protect the home and banish any potential mischief-makers.
More Folklore
In Central European folklore, their fictional character is “Krampus”. He is reputed to be Half Goat and Half Demon. As the story goes, he punishes children who have misbehaved. Of course, this contrasts with Santa Claus who rewards well behaving children with gifts.
Krampus is a horned Demon who appears during Solstice prowling the streets for food, animals,and children to eat. Parades are often led by a Krampus character, who is both exciting as well as frightening to children. Santa follows close behind. He is waving lights and evergreens to banish Krampus and put an end to his Evil Ways.
If you are like most people, you probably also celebrate a Holiday around the Winter Solstice. No matter what your beliefs or celebrations, we want to wish all of you Safe and Happy Holidays.
You have finished decorating. Relax with a cup of hot cocoa (this one also helps with keeping off those extra holiday pounds).
Personal Celebrations
Or maybe you prefer a glass of Fine Wine. Remember,they make perfect Holiday Gifts and are ideal for toasting in the New Year.
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Wishing Everyone Safe and Happy Holidays!
