And so the shortest day came...

The past twelve days have been so filled that I'm not sure I can list them all! I will try:
On December 11: Got snow tires on the car, so ran a few more errands for supplies for local gift giving.
On December 12: Set up the nutcrackers on the piano, practiced some Christmas carols.
On December 13: Long rehearsal with the Solstice Sisters. I'm glad to say it was the best rehearsal ever- ready for the concert!
On December 14: Pie baking for the evening music jam. Begin papier mache-ing a dragon mask for the weekend's mummer's play.
On December 15: Made gifts- I'll publish what they were AFTER Christmas, for obvious reasons!

On December 16: Made the decision to purchase our tree this year. Our woods are coming back after years of logging, and I don't want to pillage trees that are settling in so beautifully. I have no problem buying trees that have been grown for the purpose. Hunt and I went to a lot where trees are brought in fresh weekly, and our chosen tree literally fell on top of us! We left it on the porch for most of the day, then brought it inside and set it up. Let it stand in its original glory for one night, before the adorning begins.
On December 17: Just the lights went on the tree, to await our daughter's return in a few days.

On December 18: Last minute preparations for the Nelson Solstice Party. I put some finishing touches on the dragon mask- polymer clay teeth and horns!
On December 19: Morning concert rehearsal/sound check. Afternoon mummer's play rehearsal. Then, let the revels begin! A long and wonderful evening of music, mumming and dance. The audience was ready for fun, and gave exuberant applause for all our hard work. Went home exhausted and very happy.

On December 20: A quiet day of rest. The Advent wreath is burning brightly, as the light is dimming outside.
On December 21: And the year died, but the annual Pie Night by Candlelight was the most glorious ever. Instead of our usual 10-15 musicians, there were over 30 people in the house last night, including some of the finest musicians in the region.

For many years from my teens to mid-30s, I participated in the Christmas Revels in Cambridge, Mass. I loved performing, especially when John Langstaff was the Master of Ceremonies. The Revels gave warmth and authenticity to the season. I used to long for that authenticity in my own life and observances of the season, knowing that the Revels was "only" a performance, though it contained a glowing kernel of truth. Years have rolled by since then, and I've come to find now that Hunt and I have created that authenticity in our own lives. The home we have made, the friends who come here, the music that rings in the rafters and all of the activities of everyday life, show me that the Revels in my own heart and life are the true ones. I am so grateful and happy, here on this Day of the Unconquered Sun, to feel the glowing gold in my heart and home.

Welcome Yule.