December is one of my most favorite months of the year, with chalky skies, long shadows, and lots of festive celebrations. This year, we are incorporating more focus on the Winter Solstice as the primary foundation for many of the December traditions we celebrate, like decorating our holiday tree, hanging stockings, hosting parties, and exchanging gifts.
One of my favorite websites, Rhythm of the Home, just came out with their winter issue and they offer a fabulous list of children's stories about the winter solstice. We borrowed several from the library today, including the delightful story, The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice, by Wendy Pfeffer.
I'm really attracted to the Waldorf-inspired focus on seasonal festivals; and celebrating the Winter Solstice this year, along with Christmas and New Year's, just enhances the magic of the season.
This is also such a great time of the year for baking and crafting, while holiday songs surround us. Today we baked gingerbread men and have read the "Gingerbread Boy" story several times to go along with it. December is so rich with curriculum opportunities for homeschooling kids of all ages! Incorporating lessons in astronomy, history, geography, and world religions -- in addition to the fine and culinary arts -- are easy and fun during this festive time of the year. Happy Holidays!
