From the beginning of the month, we've been counting down the days to Solstice with the simple ritual of lighting an additional candle each night. The first night, with one lonely flame, it seemed like it would be forever before the whole bowl would be lit, but now we've just a handful of days left and we're all feeling the excitement! Even though we're entering the coldest time of the season, it's cheering to know we'll be getting a few minutes more sunlight a day. In our area, there's a marked difference in the length of sunshine between the summer and winter solstice. At the height of summer we get over 15 1/2 hours of sun compared to just under 9 hours right now. For someone who's always looking for a sunny spot to sit in, it's a BIG difference! If you'd like to figure out the exact length of the days and nights in your area for any time of year, go here.
HI! I used this picture on my post today..
http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/
Posted by: emily | December 01, 2010 at 10:00 PM
I came from Crafty Crow; I liked your blog very much.
Just lovely! I'll write it down, so next year We will start this beautiful tradition.
Have a nice day!
Posted by: Fernanda | November 27, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I love this idea! I'd love to use it in my classroom with my kindergartners to count down the days until winter break while incorporating traditional stories (about light, holidays, traditions) from around the world.
Do you have any particular books/stories you share with your kids about solstice?
Posted by: handmadeducation | November 26, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I came from Crafty Cow. I love this idea. My husband has a large piece sawn from a tree. We were going to use it with 4 candles, but now i'm thinking about an advent spiral using candles and moss.
Posted by: Sarah | November 26, 2008 at 04:24 AM
admiring your beautiful tradition. happy new year, karri
Posted by: karri | December 30, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Thanks for all the kind comments everyone! Wendy, at first we let them burn for a while each evening, but soon realized we'd need to replace them a few times before Solstice. We are on our second round of candles, but now light them for a short time and then blow them out. Next year, I want to find some long burning candles because I'd love to have them stay lit all evening.
Posted by: Cami | December 19, 2007 at 06:06 PM
what a lovely ritual!
Posted by: zoe | December 18, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Very pretty. Love the birds!
Posted by: kate | December 18, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Very nice. That arrangement is lovely.
Now I have a question that I've always meant to ask about this daily lighting of candles tradition. Do you replace the candles every day or just let them burn for like 10 minutes?
Posted by: Wendy | December 18, 2007 at 08:23 AM
What a beautiful tradition. Lights really do incorporate many traditions this time of year don't they?
Posted by: Tonya | December 17, 2007 at 11:26 PM
how neat, i am definitely stealing that idea for next year!
we are eagerly planning our solstice day festivities, what do you guys do on that day?
Posted by: brianna | December 17, 2007 at 10:22 PM