I love this picture. To me, in this time of consumer led madness, it resonated, in the way it shows how nature invites us to embrace simplicity at this time of year. I had been meaning to share it for over a year now, but Life took over and here we are, coming up to another Christmas time. Another Winter Solstice.

In past times the Winter Solstice was celebrated in a way to give thanks for the year past, with everything it brought with it – happiness and sadness. For without sadness there can be no happiness. Everything in life teaches us a lesson whether we want it or not. God knows we have learnt that again these past three years.

Winter is a time when we should take our cues from nature – to go into ourselves and reflect and to follow the lead of nature and animals in the field – the dormouse and the bear – and to overwinter, just like the seeds in the field, and give ourselves rest during this time. Ready to welcome Spring again.

Perhaps living in magical, mystical Ireland got me back to thinking of the ’old ways’. Or perhaps it was looking out at the Sperrin mountains every morning when I open my blinds.

It got me thinking of a time when people appreciated that Winter was sent to us to make us spend more time indoors, to replenish, which can then give us the energy we need when Spring dawns.

I know I will have a lot of reflection to do over Christmas.

We are so tired from having no breaks this year due to the renovations We only took a break for four days on my 60th birthday in January, and another 4 days on RD’s 60th in July. We are both so looking forward to just relaxing with our puppies: a warm fire, books, hot chocolate, living a simple life. We may not even go out for a drink, we just want to sit in our home and snuggle. RD said only the other night, when the wind was howling round our little house, of how much he loved it. That coming home felt like the house was welcoming you in a big hug.

Years ago fires were lit at this time of year to ward of spirits from coming into your home, and also to entice the sun back. So we will be definitely be embracing this tradition with our log fire in our home and a bonfire in the garden before the new year. Along with the tradition of eating fattening rich food, to fill our lives with good luck and abundance, as is the Celtic tradition.

I will be lighting candles to welcome the sun, and my alter is already decorated.

Along with my witches ball hanging in my window, reflecting the light from the winter sun, trapping evil spirits and enticing the sun back as it sparkles.

We may go out on the cold, crisp, sunny days, but we won’t feel an obligation, we will let ‘Life’ show us the way.

I cannot wait.

Mellow Winter Solstice folks, give yourself a break this year.

Rosie