Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how to create meaningful and lasting traditions that celebrate the spirit of Solstice and Christmas without falling prey to the overwhelming and meaningless materialism of the season. Don't get me wrong - Stella received her fair share of books, paints and puzzles this year. But we're interested in teasing out the true meaning of sharing and giving with our kids as they grow in this beautiful and crazy world.
That said, I took a cue from Erin over at BlueBirdBaby and have started a new tradition I think our family will enjoy for years.
A few days before Christmas, Stella and I went for a nature walk to collect the biggest and most impressive pine cones we could find. A natural gatherer, Stella was more than game. On Christmas Eve morning, the three of us rolled the pine cones in sunflower butter and bird seed and then headed to one of our favorite parks to share these treats with our bird and squirrel friends.
Of course, Stella was a bit perplexed as to why fluffy little bunnies and tame deer didn't magically appear at our feet as we scattered the treats. But she eventually dug the whole process, quietly calling "Critters! Critters!" and picking out the perfect stumps and burrows to leave the yummy pine cones. And while I have no illusions that my two and a half year old loves giving more than receiving at this point, I did see her wheels earnestly turning as she enjoyed sharing with her animal friends.
So despite some serious chill, we had a wonderful time walking around an obscenely beautiful forest (complete with "water mountains," aka waterfalls), listening to the birds and taking a moment to just chill out together in the fresh air before the holiday madness hit.
That said, I took a cue from Erin over at BlueBirdBaby and have started a new tradition I think our family will enjoy for years.
A few days before Christmas, Stella and I went for a nature walk to collect the biggest and most impressive pine cones we could find. A natural gatherer, Stella was more than game. On Christmas Eve morning, the three of us rolled the pine cones in sunflower butter and bird seed and then headed to one of our favorite parks to share these treats with our bird and squirrel friends.
Of course, Stella was a bit perplexed as to why fluffy little bunnies and tame deer didn't magically appear at our feet as we scattered the treats. But she eventually dug the whole process, quietly calling "Critters! Critters!" and picking out the perfect stumps and burrows to leave the yummy pine cones. And while I have no illusions that my two and a half year old loves giving more than receiving at this point, I did see her wheels earnestly turning as she enjoyed sharing with her animal friends.So despite some serious chill, we had a wonderful time walking around an obscenely beautiful forest (complete with "water mountains," aka waterfalls), listening to the birds and taking a moment to just chill out together in the fresh air before the holiday madness hit.
And I will never, ever, ever tire of seeing this sight. Oh, my beloveds.
If you are interested in a great holiday picture book that focuses on a magical animal world and the power of sharing, check out A Sharing Christmas by Kate Westerlund and Eve Tharlet.
If you are interested in a great holiday picture book that focuses on a magical animal world and the power of sharing, check out A Sharing Christmas by Kate Westerlund and Eve Tharlet.
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