Winter Solstice Celebration
Join us on December 19th from 4:30-5:30pm at McCollum Park in Everett
Let’s come together in nature to celebrate this cozy season of rest and rebirth as a community!
Staying warm + dry is crucial to enjoying the outdoors during our damp, chilly winters.
Need some guidance? Download our PNW Winter Gear Guide 🌧️
Why Celebrate Winter Solstice?
At Raindrops Nature School, the seasons inform our practice and rituals. The Winter Solstice is celebrated because it is a time of rest and rebirth. During our preschool classes (for ages 2.5-6 years old), we have gratitude circles for the past year and have discussions about what we look forward to in the new year leading up to our break.
One of our favorite books to share is The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper; check out the read along video with your little explorer before our celebration on December 19th!
For our Littlest Explorers
Another favorite book is Winter Light by Aaron Becker. Although the beautiful stained glass effect enchants readers of all ages, this one is a particular favorite with our Bear Cubs-aged explorers (18-30 months).
Finding joy and beauty in the cozier months of winter is an important aspect of developing children who enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Directions:
Brush a small amount of your glue onto your jar
Place tissue paper on the wet areas
Continue until your jar is fully covered with a layer of colorful tissue paper— don’t layer too much paper, or the light will have a hard time shining through!
Tip: brushing over the tissue paper will make the colors bleed and give a watercolor effect, but brushing over and over might rip your tissue paper!
Let your creation dry for several hours
Tie the string or yarn around the opening of the jar for a handle
When it’s dark, add your battery-powered candle for a colorful glow!
Fun variations:
Try hiding some stars on your lantern with tissue paper cutouts or even stickers
Sprinkle a little glitter on your jar while it’s still wet
If you have a larger jar, battery-operated fairy string lights can bring extra magic to your creation
Make Your Own Solstice Lantern!
If you and your little explorer would like to make your own cheerful solstice lantern at home, here’s how!
Materials:
Upcycled glass jar, all labels removed
Colorful tissue paper cut into smaller pieces
Glue or Mod Podge
Large paintbrush or foam brush
String or yarn
Battery-powered candle
