The day is short – And life is long
Sit vigil this night, Singing sun-songs.
Each night since Midsummer,
He has aged and rested
At last solstice the Oak King
Was bested-
But now at last, the Sun slowly returns
Minute by minute, he also yearns
To come to his people, to spread his light
On this darkest day he conquers
the night.
At this time of year, you need all the light you can get. String lights in our home, fill the house with baked goods and happy scents, and have friends over. Prepare hot drinks of teas, chocolates, and coffees, the better to warm the feet and trigger endorphins in your light-starved brain. The winter is always dark and long, but having friends makes it all bearable – especially since holiday stress can induse family angst. Have a tree or poinsettia to focus and filter all the energy that comes from living in a closed space. Sing songs whenever you can. The carol “Joy to the World” has a verse that starts “Joy to the Earth,” and can just as easily be about Pagan stories of winter survival. Be simple, be fancy, But be sure it all comes from the heart.
-Diana Rajchel, from the Witches’ Datebook 2011
