This season is full of Spirit, so it thrills me to celebrate all the many reasons to do so. The darkness that is descending brings out our best human traits of striving for the light, connection and sharing. That is if we can successfully circumvent all the commercialism. The other day was the 50th anniversary of “Charlie Brown Christmas”. I thought wow, they thought it was commercial then, if they could see it now…

"Talismans for Chakras" beaded necklace by Kathleen O'Brien

“Talismans for Chakras” beaded necklace by Kathleen O’Brien

I start by bringing my inner Mrs. Claus into the studio to get busy making gifts. Honestly, if I could do nothing but make gifts, I would be so happy. (note to self; must come up with a plan for this in 2015). I made a chakra necklace with semiprecious stones for my daughter. No worries, she’s too busy with her darling youngster to read this.

With the help of my dear knitting genius neighbor was able to finish the wool hat for said youngster. Fellow Progress Lounger and grand knitter, Donna Druchunas, co-author of “Stories in Stitches”, had sent me a novice pattern. Starting the season, always on December 5, to celebrate Sinterklaas day, I sent grandson some cute cookie cutters, he loves to play in the kitchen.

Today celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the miracle of roses appearing. For this season, I am sharing more of the postcards from the 2006 series Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog. Click on the image to enlarge it so you can read some things about how humanity has celebrated this powerful time through the centuries, uniting us in our desire to deepen the experience of each moment. I hope it gets you thinking about how you can add your own traditions to the mix.

319 December 13, front

319 December 13, front

Yes, tomorrow is Santa Lucia Day. And time to clean house and decorate for the New Year.

We like to get our tree now, my favorite part of the season at the beginning of the Halcyon Days. These days are my favorite. It is a 2 week period from seven days before & after the Winter Solstice (this year December 21, 6:03 pm, ET)  It is a a mythological tradition. According to legend, it is associated with unusually calm seas; hence the common meanings of halcyon –  peaceful. I like to play along, eliminating excess business, and entering a quiet, contemplative retreat  mode.

322 December 16, front

322 December 16, front

This year Hanukkah is from December 16 – 24.

Saturnalia was a celebration from olden Roman times. We have some traditions based on this feast, like bringing a Pine tree into the home, symbolizing everlasting life and a time to go wild with gift giving and whooping it up. We have to do something to banish the darkness. What better way than sharing so much joy and feasting?

323 December 17, front

323 December 17, front

The light continues to wane, an ancient fear resides in us; will the sun return to warm us again? In a few days the sun will appear to stand still, the meaning of the word Solstice. It is the exact moment the sun progresses into the sign of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, hence the term Saturnalia. Hang on!