December Holidays
December is a month of joy and glad tidings, also many parties. Everyone behaves differently in the last month of the year. Some people are excited and smile all the time, other people are depressed and Bah! Humbug. A few people treat the entire month as if it is just another day. There are several holidays in December, all of them pleasurable and, at the same time, sober. We should take as much enjoyment as we can in life and the holidays, but even in all the cheerfulness we should take a moment and think about the reasons for each celebration.
Winter Solstice
My favorite holiday is Winter Solstice. It amazes me to think that this day has been celebrated for thousands of years. I imagine the people a few thousand years ago gathering solemnly as the night becomes sinisterly dark, lighting fires to keep the night at bay. I see them in my mind, throwing evergreen branches on the fire that send sparks up to the stars, while the people dance and sing to bring the sun back. They may have horded some precious food to share among them on this very special night. The festival has changed over the years and even blended into other holidays. There is something that has not changed during thousands of years, the feeling of comradeship, as we congregate with friends and family for any celebration in December, the sentiment of being in this together, if only you could capture this emotion all year.
Forgive with Love
If only you keep this feeling of good will and companionship with the people dear to you. There is one thing you can do that will help you. You can forgive any transgression that you have experienced in the year. You don't even have to confront the person or people that have hurt or harmed you during the year. Forgiveness is for you, not for the person that offended you. Forgiveness heals not only your soul but your body also. Negativity can actually make you ill. You don't have to tell the person you forgive them, you don't even have to see that person again, but you must forgive from the heart. You can even forgive those that are no longer alive, it not for them, remember, it is for you. There is one individual that it is very important that you forgive. Yourself. Forgive yourself and allow yourself to be in love with you. This is the ritual I do every Winter Solstice and I feel like I can stand taller and step lighter with love in my heart.
Heal Your Soul
In January I start the year with a love ritual (I like the Anise Love, but any love ritual is good) and if I'm embarking on a new project or have had a bad year I do New Beginnings Ritual.
See how I celebrate Winter Solstice.
Love and blessings to all,
Amerindea
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