This time of year...

I get asked a lot about how I deal with this time of year and how my family and I celebrate our holidays. 

We celebrate both Christmas and Winter Solstice in this house. Our tree and decorations cover both holidays. Solstice is more of an immediate family celebration while Christmas is a far bigger event that includes a host of extended family. We don't shirk either holiday and we definitely do not have an issue mixing the two together. 

This is my least favorite time of year but only because of the stress that is put on everyone I know. I enjoy Solstice more only because it's more intimate and meaningful. It's not about who gets the biggest box or the newest version of whatever gaming console came out that year. It's about what Christmas should be about, family, love, and the celebration of the birth of a God. 

I still sing Christmas carols to my boys as well as solstice songs. I try to integrate both holidays together. Since we just moved into our own place we are still creating our own traditions and working out the kinks. It's an ever evolving process, just like our faiths. One tradition we never skip is writing down blessings for friends, family, and ourselves to be burned on Imbolc. It's something we started 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoy.  Since Daddy doesn't work late nights anymore I am really hoping that he will join us this year. 

Speaking of Daddy he went out of town for work recently and came home with a present for me. A beautifully aged set of antlers. Could not be more appropriate considering I will be switching the main altar over at the solstice to honor the rebirth of the God. I was super excited. 

Also, I submitted my article to WildStar Forest Magazine! I'm very excited. If you have any questions that you would like answered by me, please send them to groveofthewildstars@gmail.com!

Well I've been going and going since early this morning. I need to get some rest. I've been sick since my birthday earlier this month. It's been a very rough winter thus far and my lungs are NOT happy with me. 

Brightest Blessings Readers!
      )O(

New Developments!

There have been some interesting developments in this Witch's household!!

I was given the opportunity to become a regular columnist for a new magazine called Wildstar Forest. It will be an advice column for the day to day life for the average witch. I'll be dealing with issues such as: how to introduce children to the God/desses, what to do if your family doesn't approve, and the like. Plus, I will be answering questions from my readers (blog, Facebook, magazine, and in even the in person question).

This is an amazing opportunity for me. I was beyond floored when I found out that I would be writing steadily. Not going to lie, I almost vomited! I was so excited and terrified at the same time.

Daddy lost his job 3 weeks ago. I'm not going to lie, it has been a little rough. Wish it didn't happen right at the holidays. Although, I'm so happy he's finally out of there! I hated that place. He came home miserable. Went to bed miserable. Woke up miserable. He was never there for the kids either. It was rough on all of us. This was a good thing... (my new mantra).

The little bakery business that my mother and I have got going is doing really well! We have orders all the way into January of next year. Not looking forward to the Christmas rush, but the money will be worth it. Especially right now. At the moment we are still trying to figure out how to pay bills and manage Yule/Xmas. Something will work itself out. ^_^

Well my darling readers... I have cookies that need baking! And here are two links, one for the magazine I will be writing for and the other for our bakery. We ship cookies and cupcakes, too!

Wildstar Forest
https://www.facebook.com/WildstarForest


Bout Time to Bake
https://www.facebook.com/BoutTimeToBake