Yule Blessings
I am using this Newsletter to wish all of you a Joyful Yule, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. I am sure that some of you celebrate both Yule and Christmas. So Best Wishes for both Celebrations. You may note that this newsletter and the Halloween one are quite a bit longer than all the rest. That may have to do with the fact that there is so much more to celebrate this time of year as in the olden days this was a dreary and cold time so celebrating the return of the sun was really a big deal.
Yule/Winter Solstice The Winter Solstice or Yule is also the shortest day of the year, and hence - the longest night. This year it takes place on December 21st. various other names for the Winter Solstice include Midwinter, Yuletide (the Teutonic version), Alban Arthan (Caledonii Tradition, or the Druids), Feill Fionnain (Pecti-Wita Tradition, which falls on December 22nd). Yuletide lasts from December 20th through December 31st. It begins on "Mother Night" and ends twelve days later, on "Yule Night", hence the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tradition.
Some other names for this Sabbat that are used less commonly are: Sun Return, Pagan New Year, Saturnalia (Roman), Great Day of the Cauldron, and Festival of Sol.
Yule is a time of the Goddess of the Cold Darkness and the birth of the Divine Child, the reborn Sun God. It is a time of renewal and rebirth during Winter, and the turning of the Earth force tides. A time when the waxing Sun overcomes the waning Sun. In some traditions, this is symbolized by the struggle between the Oak King and the Holly King.
The Winter Solstice had been associated with the birth of a "Divine King" long before the rise of Christianity. Yule is about renewal, re-birth, returning hope and life. It has never truly changed its meaning, as many of the Pagan Gods and Heroes were born at this time: Apollo, Dionysus, Horus, Mithra, and so on. Jesus, Son of God/Sun God is not alone in this time of renewal. In this instance the Christian church decided to celebrate the birth of their savior at the time the pagans celebrated a festival that focused upon the rebirth of the "Sun God." Thus they have made it the birthday of their "Son of God". Yule and Christmas are not so very different in reality. Both celebrate the arrival of the sun/son or, as Christ has been called, the light of the world.
Emperor Aurelian established December 25 as the birthday of the "Invincible Sun" in the third century as part of the Roman Winter Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice
There are many theories as to how Christmas and the winter solstice/yule come to be celebrated so close together. One thing is definitely true and that is it is a season of light.
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Yule/Winter Solstice Customs and Practices
Many of the ancient traditions surrounding Yuletide are concerned with coping with the darkness and the evils it was thought to harbor, and helping the return of light and warmth.
Yule Log
The Pagan Saxons celebrated the feast of Yule with plenty of ale and blazing fires, of which our Yule log is the last relic. The Yule log is actually an indoor equivalent of the outdoor bonfire of Midwinter Eve.
It is said that the Yule log must never be bought but should be received as a gift, found or taken from you own property. during medieval times, the decorated log was ceremoniously carried into the home on Christmas Eve, and placed in the fireplace. Traditionally the Yule log was lit with the saved stump of last year's log, and then it was burnt over the twelve days of the winter celebration, and its ashes and stump were kept until the following year to sprinkle on the new log, so that the fortune would be passed on from year to year.
In France and Germany ashes from the Yule log were mixed with the cattle feed to ensure their health and in other regions the ash was sprinkled around fruit trees to increase their yield of fruit.
Yule wreaths were traditionally made of evergreens and holly and ivy. Holly represents the female and ivy the male and the wreath's circle symbolizes the wheel of the year. Both holly and ivy were used as protection in the home against bad spirits making a Yuletide wreath
Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle Pere Noel
Santa Claus is many things: jolly Jupiter, a smiling Saturn, and the Old God on his way to rebirth. Norse and Germanic peoples have for centuries told stories of the Yule Elf, who brings presents on the Solstice to those who leave offerings of porridge. Odin, the Norse god, is also often identified with the character of Santa. One of his titles was Jolnir, "Lord of the Yule", and the resemblance to the white-bearded Santa is quite striking. In the guise of St. Nicholas he is a pagan deity who was absorbed into the Christian tradition.
Holly
Holly was hung in honor of the Holly King in pagan traditions and still is today in may pagan homes. It symbolizes the old Solar Year; Waning Sun; Protection, Good Luck and was particularly prized to decorate doors, windows and fireplaces because of its prickliness -- to either ward off or snag and capture evil spirits before they could enter and harm a household.
Romans were quite fond of holly during their Solstice celebration, known as the Saturnalia. Gifts of holly were exchanged during this time, as holly was believed to ward off lightning and evil spirits. Holly was also seen as a symbol of the feminine aspect, the red berries signifying the blood of the female. Ivy was seen to represent the masculine, and the ancient custom of decorating the doorway with the two plants intertwined was a symbolic union of the two halves of divinity.
Mistletoe
Once called Allheal this sacred plant symbolizes peace, prosperity, healing, wellness, fertility, rest, and protection. Celts believed this parasitic plant held the soul of the host tree.
It was at Alban Arthan (actually 5 days after the new moon following the winter solstice) that the Chief Druid cut the mistletoe from the sacred Oak with a golden sickle. The branches had to be caught before they touched the ground. Celts believed this parasitic plant held the soul of the host tree. The priest then divided the branches into many sprigs and distributed them to the people, who hung them over doorways as protection against thunder, lightning and other evils. The folklore, and the magical powers of this plant, blossomed over the centuries A sprig placed in a baby's cradle would protect the child from faeries. Giving a sprig to the first cow calving after New Year would protect the entire herd.
Norse peoples also saw the plant as sacred. Warriors who met under the plant would not fight, but maintained a truce until the next day. Other European cultures viewed mistletoe as an aphrodisiac, explaining the custom of 'kissing under the mistletoe'. Mistletoe was not just for kissing under, but also for conceiving under, as well. And its magickal power was felt to make it a wonderful fertility amulet.
Yule or Christmas Tree
Continuity of Life, Protection, Prosperity are all symbolic of the evergreen and associated with Green Goddesses & Gods; Hertha; Cybele, Attis, Dionysius (Pine); Woodland Spirits traditions: Roman, Celtic, Teutonic.
The tradition decorating with evergreen trees and boughs, however, originates from the ancient pagan cultures. Many cultures saw the evergreen, one of few plants to remain green even in winter, as a symbol of life even during the season of death. To decorate with the trees and branches of the evergreen was a way of celebrating this eternal life.
Just a few of the traditions still celebrated today in homes both pagan and other wise.
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Correspondence of Yule~Winter Solstice 
The Plants and Herbs of Yule~Winter Solstice
Bayberry,holly, mistletoe, rosemary, oak, spruce, frankincense, ivy, fir, pine , poinsettia, "Christmas" flowering cactus, laurel
Colors associated with Yule~Winter Solstice
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.
Stones associated with Yule~Winter Solstice
Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds, turquoise, serpentine, jacinth, peridot
Incense and oils you can use any of the following scents, either blended together or alone
bayberry, pine, cedar, rosemary, juniper, frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh, cinnamon, ginger, and valerian
Animals and mythical beasts Yule~Winter Solstice
reindeer, stags, squirrels, wrens, robin, mouse, deer, horse, and bear. Phoenix, and trolls
Gods and Goddess Associated with Yule~Winter Solstice
Goddesses-Brighid, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother. Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, The Oak King, The Horned One, The Green Man, The Divine Child.
Symbols for Yule~Winter Solstice
Yule log, mistletoe (for protection throughout the
year, best burned at Samhain the following year), wreaths, fire, garlands of dried flowers, popcorn, cinnamon sticks etc., apples, oranges, Yule tree. candles, holly, ivy, fir or pine boughs.
Foods of Yule~Winter Solstice
nuts, fruits such as apples and pears, cookies and cakes of caraway soaked in cider, and (for non-vegetarians) pork are all traditional fare. Fine drinks for the Yule celebration or meals include Wassail (a hot drink made from wine, beer or cider, spices, sugar, and usually baked apples---served in a large bowl), lamb's wool (ale mixed with sugar, nutmeg and the pulp of roasted apples), hibiscus or ginger tea, and apple cider.
Activities of Yule~Winter Solstice
Caroling, wassailing the trees, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe,
Spell Work of Yule~Winter Solstice
Peace, harmony, love, and increased happiness.
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Notions Potions and Spells  Herb /Plant of the Season:Holly
The Holly tree (Ilex aquifolium) as a symbol of goodwill, peace, health and happiness is one of the sacred trees of Witchcraft, but its most common association is as a Christmas seasonal decoration. In England Holly is an important native evergreen, as it is to most parts of central and southern Europe, but it is also grown in America, China and Japan. In the barren whiteness of winter against the frost and snow, Holly forms one of the most striking objects in the woodlands. Its glossy green leaves and clusters of scarlet/red berries, add a flash of colour to trees without leaves cheering the hearts of weary wonderers. Many of the old Christmas Carols are full of allusions to Holly.
In folklore the Holly is associated with the spirit of vegetation and the waning forces of nature, which are represented through the mythical figure of the Holly King. The Holly King rules nature during its decline from mid-summer through to mid-winter, when at the winter solstice he is defeated in ritual combat by his brother the Oak King, who then claims and rules the following seasons. The Holly King is often depicted as an old man dressed in winter clothing wearing a wreath of Holly on his head and walking with the aid of a staff made from a Holly branch. Traditionally at Christmas time a man was dressed up and covered in Holly branches and leaves, and a woman was likewise dressed in Ivy (the female counterpart of Holly). Together they would be paraded through the streets hand in hand leading the old year into the new. This is symbolic of the fertile interaction of the goddess and god during natures decline and the darkest time of the year, from which the new light of the sun-god springs forth encouraging fresh growth and renewed vegetation during the coming new year. Today the Holly King has been stylized by the figure of Santa Claus
Medicinal Use
Holly leaves were formerly used as a diaphoretic and an infusion of them was given in catarrh, bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, pleurisy and smallpox. They have also been used in intermittent fevers and rheumatism for their tonic properties. The juice of the fresh leaves has been used to advantage in jaundice, and when sniffed was said to stop a runny nose. When soaked in vinegar and left for a day and a night, it was used to cure corns. An old remedy for chilblains was to thrash them with a branch of Holly to “chase the chills out”, but this could also be painful.
The berries possess totally different qualities to the leaves, being violently emetic and purgative, a very few can cause excessive vomiting soon after they are swallowed. They have been used in dropsy, also in a powder as an astringent to check bleeding. Culpepper say’s “the bark and leaves are good used as fomentations for broken bones and such members as are out of joint”. He also considered the berries to be curative of colic. Care needs to be taken though, for the berries can be poisonous to children
Magickal Use
Holly was revered for its protective qualities. The Holly guards against lightening, poisoning and mischievous spirits, and when planted around the home it protects the inhabitants from evil sorcerers. When confronted by wild animals throwing a stick of Holly at them would make them lie down and leave you alone. A piece of Holly carried on your person is said to promote good luck, particularly in men for the Holly is a male plant (the Ivy its corresponding female). Holly leaves wrapped in an appropriately coloured cloth to protect against its needles, placed under your pillow will make your dreams come true. Holly is used for magick associated with the element of fire and Holly incense is used to consecrate the magickal knife (athame).
In ritual uses, Holly is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism of winter. Holly also symbolizes holiness, consecration, material gain, physical revenge, beauty, and immortality, as well as peace, goodwill and health. It can be used ritually to aid and help with a person’s ability to cope with death, and to ease their sleep with peaceful dreams. The Holly has always been associated with mid winter festivals and was used in old Celtic traditions for celebrating the sun gods birth at the winter solstice
Its deity associations are Tannus, Taranis and Thor. Its gender type is Masculine. Its planetary ruler is Mars and its associated element is Fire. Holly is used to attract the powers needed for: Protection, Healing, Peace, Goodwill, Luck and anything to do with the element Fire.
Astrologically Holly people (i.e. those people born in the month of June) are often very religious. They come alive at winter and delight in the cold that most people dislike. Holly people are very balanced in a fight if the cause is just. They are bearers of truth and demand truth from their friends and associates. Holly people are honest, hardworking and very tolerant of situations. They tend to see both sides in an argument but will choose a side if they have to. They tend to be spiritually advanced and yet may be clueless to being that way. They can also be showy at times and seek attention
Stone of the Season
Bloodstone
Energy: Projective
Element: Fire
Planet(s): Mars
Bloodstone is opaque, green, spotted varieties of chalcedony. The dark green of bloodstone is spotted with red because of the presence of iron oxides. These distinctive spots seem to resemble blood, thus giving the stone its name.
Found in India, Brazil, China, Australia, and the USA.
Healing PROPERTIES:
Eases emotional and physical stress, Invigorates and oxygenates blood stream. helps balance iron deficiency. Benefits adrenal gland, bladder problems, and intestinal worms.
Magickal PROPERTIES: The green, red-spotted bloodstone is also a prosperity stone; it ensures the wearer of monetary increase and abundant harvest Acts as a jinx remover. Attraction like qualities. Helps overcome anger, enables forgiveness. Sharpens perception, enhances telepathy. Promotes safe journey. Aids judicial matters.
OVERALL:
[Protection from disease, promotes energy, vitality, prosperity, victory, longevity, power, strength; mental vitality, friendship, wisdom, unification, harmony, adaptability, idealism, intuition; attracts wealth,Intense healing, courage, acceptance, grounding, love, creativity, mysticism, spirituality, enlightenment]
Color of the Season
RED
ELEMENT= Fire
DIRECTION = South
CHAKRA= First, Root Chakra
PLANET = Mars
DAY = Tuesday
Properties:Fertility rites, aphrodisiacs, sexual passion, love, health, phsyical strength, revenge anger, will power, courage, magnetism
Symbolic Meaning: Blood. Life. The "blood of life." Energy. Will power. Passion for life. Abundance. Maturity. Energy that is expressed quickly in communication. Inner warmth. Rebirth (on the various levels). (Blood) sacrifice. The red rose and what it expresses—namely, love and passion. The red traffic light (warning of direct danger or punishment). Red as a symbol of brotherly love. Unity. Bondedness, but at the same time, suppression. Extremism. Grounding. Protection (but different from the protection of blue. Blue allows helpful and supportive energies from the outside in while it protects. Red offers isolating protection, shuts off the outer world, which can, in certain cases, be helpful and appropriate).
Spiritual Meaning: Flame—the cleansing flame and the flame of the Divine Spirit. Objectivity. Regeneration. Sacrifice. Urge for spiritual rebirth. Spiritual energy and strength. Phoenix, that rises out of the ashes. Transformation. The potential for spiritual awakening.
Mental Meaning: Extraversion. Dominance. Authority. "Survival issues." Material side of life. Sacrifice. Energy for change (of oneself, of others, of things, situations, etc.). Stress. Chaos. Separateness (from oneself and others, from life).
Emotional Meaning: Passion. Temperament. Aggression. Heat. Fire. Anger. Resentment. Frustration. Violence. Embarrassment. Courage. Daring. Inconsistency.
Physical Associations: Sexuality (that has to do with conception and birth. more playful form of sexuality is associated with orange). Womb. menstruation cycle. Fertility, as compared to infertility. Potency, as compared to impotence. Blood and iron. Blood circulation. Cellular structure of the body. Fever. Swellings. Stimulation of the energy flow.
Incense
numbers = part= teaspoon, tablespoon or cup measure
Yule Incense
2 parts Pine,
1 part Cedar,
1 part Jupiter,
1/2 part Holly
Pine Oil few drops
Yule Incense #1
From Incense Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham
2 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Pine needles or resin
1 Part Cedar
1 Part Juniper Berries
Attract Love Incense
Cloves 1/2
Rose 1
Saw Palmetto 1/4
Juniper 1/2
Musk Oil few drops,
Rose Oil few drops,
Red Sandalwood 1/2
Yule Prosperity Potpourri
3 cups water
4 tablespoons cardamom seeds
2 tablespoons whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
3 nutmeg berries
1 teaspoon ginger
Simmer ingredients together on a stovetop or in a potpourri pot.
Drawing Prosperity to your Home
from Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life by Pauline Campanelli
Burn a pair of bayberry candles on Yule as a charm to insure growth and prosperity for the new year.
Yule season is about the welcoming of the sun/son back to earth why not help that by doing your own personal
Channeling of Light.
Here is How:
take a moment to focus
on your inner spiritual light. Imagine this light
being funneled through the crown of your head
to the center of the brain area - the pineal -
and as you do imagine the earth as aglobe in your tender,
caring hands, you will send this wonderful power of light
all around this globe, so beautiful, so wonderful, so perfect.
As your light flows around the globe, imagine the power
of your light beaming like a laser from your third eye
through the crust, the mantle, the magma,
the core of the Earth and out the other side.
As this light flows out faster than what you call
the speed of light, it moves out into space
and further and further it flows from Earth
as more and more power of light flows through The Earth.
Imagine all, starting with yourself, benefit from this.
As you visualize each specific person
you care to send light to,
always start with self.
As it flows through you,
let it flow throughout every cell,
every organ, every function of your body.
Let it be the beacon for the balance
between love and fear that keeps you in perfect balance here.
Let it flow to those who you would share
this joy in balancing their lives.
But not to tell or direct them what to do with their lives,
but merely to take this energy for their
greatest good and greatest creation,
the balance and the completion
of their venture in this particular incarnation.
And when you are finished, as you enjoy the light, you might,if you desire words, think this one simple little mantra:Joy! Joy! Joy!
I Celebrate The Balance That Light Brings
To All That Is Created With Light
[This is applicable everyday not just for Yule.]
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Foods of Yule~Winter Solstice  Wassail
Ingredients:
1 gallon cider (hard or non-alcoholic)
6 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons allspice, whole
1 teaspoon each clove and ground nutmeg
Tart apples ( 3 Granny Smith)
Instructions:
Put clove and allspice in a mesh bag or tea ball. Place all ingredients in a large pot and heat until the apples burst
The traditional, classic Yuletide hot mulled cider drink.
4 litres apple cider or juice (fresh milled organic is excellent!)
1 orange, chopped
1 lime, chopped
1 lemon, chopped
4 cinnamon sticks or 1 t. ground cinnamon
1 inch-square piece of fresh ginger or 1/4 t. ground ginger
1 t. cloves, allspice and/or star anise
Heat all and simmer in an enamel pot (aluminum can impart a metallic flavor) on low for an hour, then serve to cold, caroling folks.
Brandy or rum for adults, optional
Eggnog Sparkle Cookies
Ingredients:
Cookies:
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup eggnog
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Topping:
1/3 cup red sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
Beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy; I suggest using an electric mixer. Beat in the yolks. Add the eggnog--use store-bought or homemade! Whisk together the flour, powder, and nutmeg, then dump that into the batter and stir it in well. Wrap the dough in plastic--it will be very sticky--and put it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Preheat the oven to 400º F and butter two cookie sheets. Mix together the red sugar and the cinnamon to make the topping. Take 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in the topping, then place them on the sheets 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool them for 1 minute on their hot sheets and then remove them to a wire rack until cool.
Note:if you can't find red sugar available to buy, stirring food coloring into sugar makes a reddish sugar,
Yield: About 60 cookies
Source: Kristin Johnson and Mimi Cummings, Christmas Cookies Are For Giving
Sun Shine Sugar Cookies with Orange Frosting
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine milk with vinegar to make sour milk. Let stand for 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugars, shortening, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Stir in sour milk and mix well. NOTE: Dough will be very sticky and hard to handle so be sure to refrigerate either several hours or overnight. Roll on well floured board to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters to desired shapes-a sun shape or large round circles are best to signify the sun with large cutters working best. Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly brown on bottom. Frost with frosting (recipe below) and decorate.
Frosting
3 egg whites
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 Tablespoon of orange rind
1 Tablespoon of Orange Juice
Beat egg whites in clean, large bowl with mixer at high speed until very foamy Gradually add sugar, rind, orange juice and extract. Beat at high speed until thickened. Spread over cooled cookies or put in a pastry bag with a piping tip attached and pipe onto cookies.
magickal associations:
orange - love, purification
vanilla - love, sexuality
eggs - healing, protection, fertility
sugar - love
nutmeg - psychic awareness
Julekage
Ingredients:
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 package active dry yeast
1 egg
2 tablespoons softened butter
3 1/4 cups flour, divided in half
1/4 cup each of golden raisins, dried diced pineapple, and dried diced apricots
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients except the fruit and the second half of the flour. Beat well. Add the remaining flour and the fruit. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a buttered bowl, turning once to coat, and then cover and let rise in a warm place until double. Punch down and let rise until doubled again. Punch down and shape into a round loaf. Put it into a buttered, round cake pan. Cover and let it rise until double. (The original recipe warns that this "could take all day," but it didn't take that long for me.) Bake at 350º F until golden, about 50 minutes.
Yield: 1 large loaf
Source: Marina T. Stern, The Fairy Party Book
Pork Roast with Rosemary and Garlic
Ingredients:
4 lb pork roast
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Rosemary, dried
Olive oil
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 325F. Place the roast in a pan, then rub the meat first with olive oil and then the chopped garlic and rosemary. Pierce the pork with a knife and stick in some pieces of garlic and rosemary
Capon in Wine Sauce
1 Capon cut in pieces
butter for frying
1 cup of chicken stock/broth
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 tsp cinnamon and mace
pinch of ground clove
1/4 tsp salt
pinch of pepper
2 tsp of Vinegar
1/4 cup of soft bread crumbs
In a large saucepan, brown the capon pieces in butter. Ass the broth, wine and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes. Take a little of the broth and combine with the breadcrumbs and vinegar to form a paste. Return this to the pot and stir until thickened. Serve hot with Slice of Fresh Baked Bread.
Source Celtic Folklore Cooking
SWEET POTATOES AND CRANBERRIES
6 sweet potatoes
1 cup cranberry sauce
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon orange rind
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 cup cranberries
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Boil sweet potatoes in their skins until barely tender. Peel, slice thickly, and arrange in a buttered baking dish. In saucepan mix remaining ingredients. Simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Pour over sweet potatoes and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until glazed and hot.
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Crafts for Yule~Solstice  Pine Cone Decorations
This is easy, fun and is a great offering to the animals, especially the birds. All you do is collect pine cones that have already released their seeds. Then attach a hanger to the top (use cotton yarn or thread and just tie it to the top.) Make sure you leave enough room to tie the pine cone to a tree after. Now you are going to spread peanut butter all over the pine cone. Then you cover the peanut butter with bird seeds.
Candle Holders
Materials
One l2 inch red taper candle
8 regular size candy canes (leave wrappers on) - all same size
hot glue gun
Ribbon of your choice- about l-l/2" wide (long enough to tie around candle holder and to make a bow)
Procedure
Remove plastic wrap from candle
Position a candy cane on one side of candle (leave plastic on candy cane) and hot glue the long portion of the candy cane to the candle with the curve of the candy cane facing outwards on the bottom of the candle- leave about an inch extending below the bottom of the candle.
These handles will form the base of the holder.
Glue another candy cane on the opposite side of the first one.
To help position the rest of the candy canes, rest the holder on a paper plate and position the 3rd and 4th as if the lst and 2nd ones were north and south on the candle, make 3 and 4 on the east and west. Hot glue these on one at a time.
Fill in the 4 remaining spaces with the 4 remaining candy canes (they will be pretty much touching each other).
Tie the ribbon around the whole thing, make a bow, and secure with a dab of hot glue.
Options
Use the straight candy canes around a fat candle and tie ribbon in a similar fashion.
Use cinnamon sticks around a fat candle and tie with a piece of jute.
Kissing Ball
red velvet ribbon, 1/2 inch and 1 inch
6 or 8 inch embrodery hoop
mistletoe
florist wire
hot glue
Directions:
separate the two pieces of the embrodery hoops and fit them together, one inside the other, at a 90 degree angle. Secure in this position with florist wire or hot glue
Secure a piece of the 1/2 ribbon to the bottom of the hoop. Wind the ribbon around the edges of the hoop, wrapping each "arm" in a spiral motion until the wood is covered completely.Secure with hot glue.
Form two bows with the 1 inch ribbons, leaving the ends dangling. Secure one to the bottom of the joined hoops, the other to the top.
Gather the mistletoe into a ball, secure the ends with florist wire.Insert inside the globe and twist the florirst wire to the top of the ball.
Hang the ball somewhere you are sure to get kissed!
Potpourri Ornaments
You will need:
Potpourri
A clear plastic ornament with a hole at the top, that can be opened and filled
Glue
Ribbon of your choice
Decorative paint
Directons:
1. Fill the plastic ornament with potpourri.
2. Glue the plastic ornament together.
3. Glue the ribbon over the seam of the ornament.
4. Make a loop out of the ribbon.
5. Loop the ribbon through the top of the ornament.
6.design the ornament on the outside how you want.
7. Hang it on your tree.
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Children's World Cinnamon Ornaments
1 cup cinnamon
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons white glue
3/4 cup applesauce (Let drain in a strainer for several hour)
Mix cinnamon, cloves & nutmeg and add applesauce & glue. Work mixture with hands until smooth and well mixed. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness cut with cookies cutters. Use straw to make hole for hanging. Put on wire rack to dry at room temp for several days. Turn twice daily so they don't curl. Use ribbon or pipe cleaners to hang.
Glitter Ornaments
Pattern, White glue and Glitter
Make pattern by drawing or tracing simple designs on to paper (bell, star, tree, etc) Place a sheet of waxed paper of pattern. Trace pattern with white glue. Fill in design completely or partially with a dots, stripes, etc. Sprinkle on glitter, let set. Shake off extra glitter Let dry completely Cut off excess waxed paper. Decorate back same as front. After drying Punch hole and hang with ribbon, thread, or fishing line.
Pine Cone Ornaments:
Have your child find beautiful pine cones. Bring them home. Paint them with glue. Sprinkle glitter on them. Let them dry. Tie a ribbon or pretty yarn to hang on the tree
Cinnamon Stick Garland:
Thread some dental floss or embroider floss, or quilting thread onto a needle. String cinnamon sticks through the long hole in the middle of the stick onto the thread. You can add whatever else you want in between the cinnamon sticks (cranberries, popcorn, etc.)
Yule Wreaths
3 Tablespoons butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
4 cups crispy rice cereal
Melt butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring. Remove from heat and add vanilla and food coloring. Stir. Fold in rice crispies. On wax paper, with buttered hands, shape into wreaths. Add red hot candies, raisins, or chocolate chips to decorate. Let cool
Book Review
The Polar Express (Hardcover)
by Chris Van Allsburg (Author
The story is of a boy's journey on a mysterious train, the Polar Express, that takes children (adorned in their pajamas) to the North Pole to Santa's village. I won't spoil the story by telling any more...but it is beautifully done and works for children who believe and those who do not.
Polar Express |
Poetry & Story CornerWhile snow the window-panes bedim,
The fire curls up a sunny charm,
Where, creaming o'er the pitcher's rim,
The flowering ale is set to warm;
Mirth, full of joy as summer bees,
Sits there, its pleasures to impart,
And children, 'tween their parent's knees,
Sing scraps of carols o'er by heart.
- John Clare, December
Winter Morning Poem
by Ogden Nash
Winter is the king of showmen
Turning tree stumps into snow men
And houses into birthday cakes
And spreading sugar over lakes
Smooth and clean and frosty white
The world looks good enough to bite
That's the season to be young
Catching snowflakes on your tongue
Snow is snowy when it's snowing
I'm sorry it's slushy when it's going
poem by: Robert Herrick 1591-1674)
The Yule Log
Come, bring with a noise,
My merry, merry boys,
The Christmas log to the firing;
While my good dame, she
Bids ye all be free,
And drink to your heart's desiring.
With the last year's brand
Light the new block, and
For good success in his spending,
On your Psaltries play,
That sweet luck may
Come while the log is tending
poem by: Robert Herrick 1591-1674)
The Yule Faeries - A Winter Solstice Story
(author unknown)
A group of little Faeries huddled in their home deep under the roots of a giant oak tree. They were safe and snug in their tiny underground cave lined with dandelion fluff, bird feathers, and dried moss.
Outside, the wind blew cold and the snow fell softly down to cover the ground. "I saw the Sun King today," the faerie named Rose said as she pulled her mossy cloak tighter about her. "He looked so old and tired as he walked off through the forest. What is wrong with him? The great oak said he's dying" answered Daffodil. Dying? Oh, what will we do now?" Little Meadow Grass started to cry "If the sun King dies, our little plant friends will not grow. The Birds will not come and sing again. Everything will be winter
for ever!" Lilac, Dandelion and Elder Blossom tried to comfort their friend, but they were all very sad. As they huddled together, there was a knock on the tiny door.
"Open up, Faeries," called out a loud voice. "Why are you hiding instead of joining us in our Solstice celebration?" Rose opened the door and the little gnome Brown Knobby pushed inside, shaking the glistening snowflakes off his
brown coat and hat.
"We are too sad to celebrate," Daffodil said wiping her eyes, "the Sun King is dying, haven't you heard?"
"He is dead you silly Faeries." Brown Knobby's round dark eyes sparkled with laughter. "now hurry, or we'll be late for the celebration!"
"How can you be happy and laughing?!" Elder Blossom stamped her little foot and frowned at the gnome. "If the Sun King IS dead, it will be winter always. We will never see the Sun again!"
"Silly little child-Faeries." Brown Knobby grabbed Dandelion by the hand and pulled her to her feet. "There is a secret to the Winter Solstice. Don't you want to know what it is?"
The Faeries looked at him in surprise. "Secret?" they all said. "What secret? We are only new little Faeries, you silly gnome. We've never been to a Solstice celebration before."
"Come and see. Come and see. Get your capes and come with me." Brown Knobby danced and jigged around the room. "Hurry, Hurry, don't be slow! To the sacred oak grove through the snow!"
He danced out of the door and disappeared.
"What did that gnome mean?" Rose asked as she gathered up her cloak of dried rose petals held together with cobwebs and lined with goose down.
"I don't know, but the Lady lives in the sacred grove." Meadow Grass pulled on her hat.
"Perhaps if we go to see the Goddess, She can explain what Brown Knobby was talking about".
The Faeries left their snug little home and trudged off through the snow toward the sacred oak grove. The forest was dark with only the light of the Moon shining down through the thick fir branches and bare limbs of maple
and hawthorn. It was very difficult for them to get through the snow because they were very, very small. As they waded through the wet snow and shivered in the cold wind, they met a fox.
"Where are you going, Faeries?" the fox asked.
"To the sacred grove," they answered, they were cold and shivering.
"Climb on my back and I will take you there swiftly."
The fox knelt down so the Faeries could climb up. Then he raced off through the dark.
"Listen!" Lilac said as they neared the grove of sacred trees. "Someone is singing happy songs. A LOT of someones."
The beautiful music carried over the cold, still, moonlit air. It was the most beautiful music the Faeries had ever heard. The fox carried the Faeries right to the edge of the stone altar in the center of the grove, then knelt down.
"Look!" said Elder Blossom as they slid to the snow covered ground.
"There is the Maiden and the Mother and the OLD Wise One, And many other Little People."
"They are all smiling and happy," said Lilac as she looked around at all the creatures.
"All the animals are here too," whispered Dandelion. "why are they all looking at the Mother?"
The Faeries moved closer to the three Ladies seated on the altar stone.The Mother held a bundle close in Her arms, smiling down at it. The Maiden reached down and took the Faeries gently in her Hands. She held them close to the Mother so they could see what She held.
"A Baby!" the Faeries cried. " A new little Baby! Look how he glows!"
"He is the newborn Sun King," said the Maiden smiling.
"But Brown Knobby and the old oak tree said the Sun King was dead," the Faeries answered her. "How can this little baby be the Sun King?"
"That is the secret of the Winter Solstice." The Old Wise One touched the baby's cheek with her wrinkled hand. "Every year the Sun King must come to the sacred grove during the darkest days of winter where he dies. I take
his spirit to the Mother who gives him new life again. This is the way for all creatures, not just the Sun King."
"You mean everything lives and dies and lives again? The Faeries looked down in wonder at the baby Sun King, nestled in the arms of the Mother.
"Yes Little Ones," answered the Old Wise One. "There is never an end to ife. This is the great mystical secret of the Winter Solstice."
The Faeries laughed because they were so happy.
"I think the little Sun King should have gifts," said Rose. "I will show him where the wild roses bloom in the early summer."
"And, I will teach him to call the birds and listen to the songs of the wind," exclaimed Dandelion.
"When he is older and stronger, " said the Mother, "then the flowers will bloom at his touch, the birds will return to sing their songs, and the air will be warm from his breath, and winter will be gone for a time. Then the Sun King will run and play with you in the forest."
The little Faeries sang to the Baby Sun King, songs of the coming spring, the sweet smelling flowers, the bumbling bees, and all the secrets of the forest. And all the creatures within the sacred grove sang with them.
Then the fox took them back to their snug home under the roots of the giant oak tree where they dreamed wonderful dreams, waiting for the warmth of spring and the fun they would have with the little Sun King. |
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Love and Light
--The Team at (Ravenhawks')
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