Tis The Season (for us, anyway)
Well, the wheel of the year has turned yet again and we are full steam ahead for the silly season. Traditionally, in the muggle world, the last three months of the calendar are filled to the teeth with one party or another and outgoing activities. Traditionally, in a pagan world, the end of the year is about introspection and the darker aspects of our faith. This is after all, the time for harvesting of crops and storing away that which will nurture us during the winter. The question remains, “How do I celebrate my beliefs with my child but not miss out on the fun of the traditional world?” I say you don’t. Miss out on the fun, that is. Never let it be said that we don’t celebrate our religion.
From the beginning my son has always been presented with two sets of holidays. One set is for the grandparents, school, muggle friends, etc. and the other set is our own. This really has never fazed him in the least. Show me a kid who doesn’t like chocolate twice in one month and I’ll show you a liar, or someone REALLY weird so there.
One good way to separate the popular holidays from the pagan ones, at least from a kid’s point of view, is the gifts you give. On our pagan holidays my son receives only one gift, not many, and it is rarely food. Usually his gift is seasonal or at the very least magickal. A trip to your local shop with your child might not be out of the question. Let them feel the anticipation build as we shop and then let them pick something related to the season out. I get off easily; my son collects crystals and gems. Five dollars and he’s happy.
More practically, let them help decorate the altar. Make a family altar or even let the children have one of their own. The most important thing I’ve learned (and trust my son to slam this lesson home) is that after we’ve talked about the holiday and gotten the main points to sink in, let them decorate AS THEY FEEL IS RIGHT. Don’t correct unless something is way off the mark and then explain your reason. But ask them why they chose the particular article. Kid logic can be harder to understand than Quantum Theory so you might be pleasantly surprised after they explain. My son will pick odd natural things and then explain that the flowers match someone’s eyes or the rock is shaped like some animal or my favorite, “The Goddess will think its pretty when she sees it.”
A good fun game to play with your kids at this time of year is the blanket cave. Make a little den with a blanket and tell your child that you’re going inside the blanket almost like a bear to hibernate. Ask your child what five special things they would bring with them and why. Then pack a seasonal picnic lunch to eat before you “turn in”. If you can, try to find local foods or things specific to your area. Eat slowly and savor each bite. Talk to your child about the best parts of the season: leaves changing colors, cooler weather, and pumpkin pie. Just try to make them aware that the year is changing. In our world of house, car, building, car, house, many children don’t even notice unless they get a weather day from school. The best gift you can ever give is the gift of being present.
I hope this helps you start the season on a peaceful note. Next time we’ll talk the King of Bling :Retail Christmas versus Yule. This will be where bills made of paper compete with a Yule log. May the best wood win.
Namaste, Euraid Eryr
