Thanks for sharing your ideas and photos! So much inspiration and also wisdom putting a perspective on this time of year! I especially appreciate ideas on evolving traditions as time passes and lifestyles change.
I like to get started December 1 and amp things up - just a little - through to mid January. Instead of oatmeal, chocolate chip, or peanut butter cookies, it’s Holiday Spice Cookies, decorated sugar cookies, gingerbread, etc, etc. (More on that later @ indigoprint!)
Change up the seasonal vignettes. Fresh greenery. Candles on the dinner table at night. Dig out all the seasonally appropriate literature (books and saved magazines). A new tradition of spiced ‘cider’ (really just apple juice with peppercorns, cloves, a stick of cinnamon, and a slice or two of whatever citrus is on hand) simmering on the back element of the stove!
I’ve taken to referring to the season as the Solstice Holiday. As a born and bred Catholic, I subject (agnostic) DH to a review of the traditions of advent through Epiphany, and set up a small crèche that once belonged to my maternal grandma. On the other hand we have family and friends who celebrate other traditions - and I enjoy adding diversity to the holiday season - adopting, editing, evolving
We have the extended family thing going on too, and our two adult children are a part of our household. Youngest DS was a December baby, so the 27th is always a celebration. DH is a first generation Canadian of Scottish descent, so Hogmanay (New Years) calls for another party - even if it’s just an evening of games with the family and a toast at midnight!
December and January are the darkest months of the year up here on the 44th parallel - so any little thing that brightens a day is welcomed!.
(Pic below - 4pm!)
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