At last the Solstice! In a few days the nights will be shorter, and the light will start to grow. How glad I am. For now I shall revel in the darkness of the longest night and the pause between here and the return of light.
Heaving a sigh of relief, for it feels like the journey to this point has been a long one, I will be spending the next two weeks 'hibernating'. Such bliss. A pause before the next growth cycle, a time for renewal, regeneration, rebirth, recuperation. A space to just 'be' and a time to spend relaxing amidst family, friends, community.
Not everything is done yet, there are still gifts to create and deliver, but I have stayed away from the secular high street frenzy that is Christmas and will continue to do so.
Tonight our tree was decorated and lit, marking the start of seasonal festivities in the House of Marmalade.
Happy Solstice everybody!
Happy Solstice! Also, I love the little newspaper carrier!
ReplyDeleteHappy solstice x
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Solstice!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas Julia!
I love this turning point in the seasons...There is something wonderful about thinking the days are getting longer again even when it is still cold.
ReplyDeleteThat is really very nice collection form India market and I appreciate it for their good work and preparation for Christmas alike of the Diwali.
ReplyDeletedsi r4
I too have found staying away from the shopping madness suprisingly easy this year... we went in to Oxford more out of habit than necessity... we walked around, looked at stuff and came home having bought nothing. The interesting bit will be watching 'some' family members' disappointment when they realise that I meant it when I said I was making all their presents this year!!
ReplyDeletehoorah for longer days!
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Enjoy your "hibernation" Julia. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHappy happy solstice Julia, and christmas wishes to you too. Thank you for all those lovely messages you left me the other day. I too am pausing shortly - as you say, time to 'just be'. I have to drive 300 miles first, before the first pause!
ReplyDeletexxx
Happy Solstice to you and yours Julia. A particularly cold and icy one round here. I can't wait for the light to return.
ReplyDeleteWish you and yours a lovely Christmas time, and a very happy new year.
xxx
Right back at you lady. Have a brilliant Christmas and a very Happy New year.
ReplyDeleteTwiggy x
blessings this solstice~i so love this dark, standing still~its like taking a breath
ReplyDeleteI love this turning point - I feel that everything is about to start again, but fresh and anew. Enjoy your hibernation.
ReplyDeletehappy Solstice, and all festive times in the weeks ahead xxx
ReplyDeleteOn Woman's Hour this week I heard this time of year referred to as the armpit of the year! I could see her point! Can't wait for the return of the light. Have a happy time!
ReplyDeletePomona x
Thanks so much for reminding me that now the new year begins, nights will get lighter and new growth will start too.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a fabulous time over the coming days Julia.
Emma xxxxxx
Hope you had a wonderful festive period.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to wish you and yours a wonderful and happy new year!
MBBx