Solstice

Celebrating Solstice is one of our family traditions. We used to go to an after-dark luminary lit walk, bonfire, and craft-making celebration at a nearby National park, but they changed how they were hosting the event, so that it ended before dark, and somehow, that made it lose a lot of its magic, even though the setting was still just as beautiful, set in the Redwoods. The luminary walk was one of the most special parts. I still feel so tightly bonded to that tradition that it feels odd to say that that change occurred three years ago! For the past two years, we have found other things to do and other ways to celebrate, including a family hike in the Redwoods. This year, we are going to a different National park for a campfire sing-along, which begins before sunset and ends after sunset. This park is closer to us and smaller, so we are hoping the feeling of intimacy and respect for nature will help us feel comfortable in shifting traditions.

There is one thing clear to me, as I reflect on our celebration of Solstice; we love to be outside, embraced by the trees, in the dark, surrounded by music and candle/firelight.

Return later to note:
Our revised plan to attend a celebration at a nearer National park didn't work out, due to weather. We spent the morning and early afternoon at a nature reserve, took a rain walk, and as part of a birthday celebration, had a visit with animals as part of a naturalist presentation. After that, we came home for a fire in the fireplace. It was lovely.