As an American it’s my right, nay, my duty, to culturally appropriate any traditions that interest me. And in that spirit I’m celebrating the Winter Solstice. December 21 is the shortest day of the year, and the astronomical start of winter. There are sciencey reasons why but you already probably know them, if not, that’s what Wikipedia is for. So straight to the fun stuff – tonight let’s party likes it 299 BC.
After spending 15 minutes on the internet doing intense research, these are my solstice plans.
The Yule Log – burn an oak log decorated with red ribbons and holly. I was going to have a fire anyway. I don’t know what kind of wood it is and I don’t have any holly but it’s the best I can do.
Candlelight – Very 2017 The Little Book of Hygge, but I like candles so I’m in.
Read Folk Tales reclaiming the Santa Claus tale – http://jocelynmercado.com/blog/deer-mother-winter-solstice
Meditate – over the summer I’d gotten into a daily meditation routine. Somewhere around Halloween it all went to hell. Tonight is as good a night as any to start again.
Food and drink – simple and comforting, potato soup and a whiskey skin.
If you are a Pagan and this is a meaningful religious holiday, I mean you no disrespect. I wish you a very merry Winter Solstice!
I believe a lot of of things went to hell around Halloween. More specifically, our e-lives.
Is this an option?
You get to choose how you celebrate!
…not sure if it qualifies as re-claiming, but have you tried the Terry Pratchett/Discworld book “Hogfather”?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hogfather
I haven’t read any of the Discworld books. Can I read Hogfather by itself?
…you can – I’m not sure how much you’d “lose” in terms of groundwork but if you care about spoilers it’s arguably in the back half of the continuity?
…it certainly makes sense as a standalone – it’s really just the character/world-building stuff that imposes any real reading order on the books.
Thanks! I’ll see if my library has the e book. It would be appropriate reading this time of year.
if there are younger readers involved this one might be a bit more “frozen” & a little less “little red riding hood”?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wintersmith
No younger readers but I’m still interested in it, thanks. I’m always up for book recommendations.
…I’ll try not to read that as a challenge?