Twelfth Night
We had an amazing Twelfth Night (and day).
We began with a breakfast of reindeer pancakes at our Christmas table. We read the story of Baboushka and the Three Kings. I had thought about needle felting a baboushka--but realized I was insane.
There was a quick flurry of final homework and practicing while I began taking down all the Christmas decorations (I love packing up the decorations....each ornament back in its own little box. A funny quirk).
Everyone then headed out to snowshoe a trail through the woods to leave cracked corn for the animals. It was so warm...only fleeces!
After lunch we moved into party preparation mode. The big girls helped me make cauliflower-cheddar soup, quiche, and our King's Cake (which I forgot to photograph). The little girls cut up fruit and made strings of apples, cranberries, and popcorn for our Christmas tree.
N started the bonfire. As our friends and neighbors arrived, they went inside to drop off their covered dishes and to write down whatever "sins" they wanted to cast away from 2007 on slips of paper. They then joined the bonfire and cast them into the fire. Lots of talk about diets LOL.
The bonfire was pretty smoky until the snow melted off. Had to call the neighbors so they wouldn't worry which resulted in an even bigger party :)
The kids laid out paths with candles in the snow, then decorated the tree for the animals.
We then had a lovely dinner. Our King's Cake had three gold coins hidden in it. After dinner we cast fortunes for the new year.
To cast fortunes, put a couple of pieces of solder into an OLD metal spoon. Melt it over the candle. As soon as it is melted, drop it into a bowl of cold water. It will explode into an interesting shape. Decide what the shape says about your fortune in the new year.
It was a spectacular end to Christmas. AND, my house is cleaned up and free of Christmas decorations!! I dread getting the children up this morning....We now move into deep winter and a quieter mode of living. N and I are looking forward to it!
I'm so inspired. That looks like so much fun. I'm going to introduce this celebration to my family next year.
Wow! That sounds like such a fun day. Even more fun than Christmas, truth be told! I'm jealous that you seem to be surrounded by fun-loving, easy-going neighbors... folks on our city block tend to stick to themselves and look at you a little funny if you suggest coming over for a BBQ or something. We haven't given up yet though!
i always learn so much from you! how you fully explore the celebration and really celebrate every aspect. thank you for sharing all the details.
Hi Sarah,
I really loved reading about your wonderful Christmas traditions. Especially like the twelve night one.
Raj peeked over my shoulder as I was reading your blog and called Rohan in to show him your snow. They were both VERY envious as we hardly ever have snow here.