Welcome to the October 2012 Simplicity Parenting Carnival: Holidays
This post was written as part of the monthly Simplicity Parenting Carnival hosted by The Lone Home Ranger and S.A.H.M. i AM. This month we are discussing how we simplify the holiday season. Be sure to read to the end to see a list of the rest of the excellent carnival contributors.
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It’s getting colder out. This year there was no gradual change to speak of. It seemed that we had gone from 100 degree temperatures to freezing nights in the course of a few weeks. With it, came a feeling that my family should be hibernating, cuddled up under blankets, reading lovely books, and sipping hot cocoa. This feeling also stems from the fact that our schedule has been a bit over packed this fall. Normally we do pretty well at keeping it under control so that our family of introverts receives the time at home that we need. This fall, with extra weekly activities getting packed in last minute on top of what was a nice schedule, we are all feeling it. We are looking forward to a slower pace and more time at home to snuggle and contemplate.
Our family’s main winter holiday is Halcyon. Technically, it’s not a day and it doesn’t even occur in winter, as we celebrate Halcyon leading up to the Winter Solstice. With dropping temperatures, I think we can effectively call it a winter celebration. Typically, we celebrate Halcyon starting with Thanksgiving and culminating on the night of the Solstice. This year, however, I’m considering starting on November 1, as is typical. I’m ready to contemplate.
Halcyon is a time of peace. It’s a time of contemplation and introspection, of considering where our lives are and where we want them to be. It’s about realigning ourselves on our journey, refocusing ourselves, and taking a moment to redirect that inner compasses. Halcyon is a time of darkness and quiet as we await the return of the light. Halcyon is meditative and healing.
I think that this year, for me, Halcyon is also about hibernating and enjoying.
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Thanks for reading the Simplicity Parenting Blog Carnival! We hope you’ll take time to read these other great contributors’ posts:
- Making Halloween – JW at True Confessions of a Real Mommy says “No need to spend a lot this Halloween! Check out some easy, frugal ideas for dressing your family up!”
- Hibernating During Halcyon – Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children and her family are gearing up for the Halcyon celebrations and enjoying some quiet time as a family.
- Savoring Family Time (or, Simple Homemade Gifts) – Emily at S.A.H.M. i AM is trying to prepare for the holidays early so she can slow down and enjoy time with her family as the days grow shorter and a new baby enters their lives.
- 7 Green Gifts for Toddlers – Shannon at GrowingSlower shares unique green gift ideas for kids this holiday season that are sure to be green mom approved.
- Less is More: Simplifying the Holidays to Make Room for More of What Matters – Amy at Anktangle shares a few easy strategies she uses to keep the holidays manageable, stress-free, and fun!
- buy nothing x-mas? – mama lola at bear & lion describes what christmas is all about to her and her family; treats, music, crafts and LOVE!
- DIY holiday fun – Justine at The Lone Home Ranger revels in thrifting for and making her own holiday gifts and decorations.
Thanks to all the fabulous writers and readers for being a part of our simplicity parenting community! Stop by The Lone Home Ranger and S.A.H.M. i AM to see how to join us for a future carnival.
living peacefully with children 
we, as a grand generalization, here in north america do not contemplate and slow down enough. our society has set up a system where busy equals success and joy, while slowing down equals laziness and ignorance.
enjoy your time as a family, as an individual.
I agree Lola! I had never put it to words in quite that way though: “slowing down equals laziness and ignorance.” Astute observation.
That is so true! On days where we just stay at home I feel guilty. Where does that even come from?
I can identify with too much happening. Our schedules were too full this fall, and I heave a sigh of relief as each one draws to an end with no new class to replace it. My kids are exploring our new house, and I’m happy to give them hours of uninterrupted play while I sit with my tea and think my thoughts. I like the idea of celebrating winter with a mindful period of contemplation, in concert with others who are doing the same. Intriguing concept, thanks for sharing.
I totally agree…I would add that I think many people equate slowing down with selfishness. I’ve found that as we are preparing to hibernate following the birth of our new baby, people seem to think it’s selfish that we’re not planning to be out and about doing all the busy holiday stuff, shopping, entertaining, etc.
I should also add that you’ve inspired me to celebrate halcyon too…starting in November! I need to slow down now! : ) I was so much more aware of the solstice when we were living in the Northwest. Now that we’re in the South and there is so much sun, even throughout the winter, it’s different but just as important!
This is a great time of year to take some time to relax and reflect. All the busyness of the summer months are behind us and the new years resolutions are ahead. Thanks for the reminder!