The Haven

Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, is the longest night of the year.  After the Solstice, the days begin to grow longer again as the Sun begins its return.  Yule is a time for introspection and planning of the future as well as a celebration of the rebirth of the Sun. Customs and Activities: caroling burning the Yule log (or candle) kissing under the mistletoe baking sweets Colors: red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange Decorations: Yule log (or candle) evergreen boughs or wreaths holly & mistletoe candles clove studded fruit poinsettias stars stags Foods: pork or poultry dishes fruits & nuts ginger tea cookies eggnog cider Scents of the season: pine cedar rosemary sage peppermint cinnamon

The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer, is the longest day of the year.  After the Solstice the nights gradually begin to grow longer again.  Litha is a fire festival and a classic time for magic of all types. Customs and Activities: spend the day outside wear the colors of the Sun lighting a blaze (or candles) on Midsummer's Eve and maintaining it until midnight brings luck and blessings to the home Colors: red, orange, yellow, green, and white Decorations: sunflowers bees lanterns or twinkle lights wreath of ivy with yellow & red flowers or ribbon intertwined Foods:  due to the Summer heat in FL, I like to serve a light meal that doesn't require the oven. summer veggies grilled meat, poultry, or fish Sangria anything lemony or citrus Spellworkings: love divination protection inspiration any fairy magic

June brings the beginning of Summer.  The weather is warming towards hot and the kids are home from school.  It's the perfect time for outdoor fun!  Not only will you enjoy the healing rays of the sun (don't forget the sunscreen!), but the fresh air and sunshine will help burn off the extra energy kids seem to have in the summer. Make a Summer playlist for your music player and take it with you. Head to the beach, lake, or pool for some water fun. Spend the day at the park and have a picnic lunch. Create sidewalk art with chalk on your driveway or porch. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Go to a baseball game. Plant a vegetable garden. Visit a local street fair or farmer's market. Chase butterflies, frogs, lizards, and fireflies (please don't try to keep them). If your town still has one, go to a drive-in movie. Go camping and sleep outside; even if it's only in your own back yard. Even if you don't have small children, you can still enjoy the ...