the longest night, 2009
Yule, the longest night. The day of longest dark, shortest light. The sun in hiding, needing to be coaxed to return. Solstice, Jul, the festival of lights, when we refuse sleep after dark has fallen, when we keep the fires burning to remind us that warmth will return, as well.
Yule was the very last party before the winter chill sets in. Anything that was perishable, that would not freeze well, was consumed at this time, along with a great and merry quantity of spirit. High spirits were mandated as well--singing, celebrations, joyful hearts and joyful voices raised. Survival and pleasure, games and dances, feasting and flames leaping high.
Yule.
Tonight we lit the candles before sunset, prepared cakes and cookies, made bread to rise, to be cooked later, adding more warmth if more is needed. We have set in stores of sweets and coffee, candies and crackers, and have meats and cheeses ready to be sliced and served with dinner.
For a break in our usual tradition (that will make the neighbors thankful), we will not toast the dawn with celebratory yells and mead. Instead, we will sip a quiet tribute, then troop downstairs to the bus to take me to the dentist. Argh, but it was the first time they could fit me in, and really, I don't want to lose any more of that back tooth, half of it's gone as it is.
But in the meantime, we will make merry and eat and smile and laugh and tell horrible jokes and play games and watch movies and enjoy each other. Until the light returns.
Even trolls admit there is value in sunlight...at least one night a year.
And tonight or tomorrow, I finally sit down and write the holiday letter, and compile all the cards, so if you think I don't have your address, send it to me, either at mercy@rome.com or as an email-to-LJ attachment.
In the meantime, let me leave you with my warmest holiday thoughts, and a great collection of independent holiday music, most of it amazing, or at least cool. Happy holidays--whatever you call them! And to all a good night!
(Oh, and go check out furriboots--she fostered out a TON of cat-inspired holiday icons, including my current default and the one for this entry! WHEE!)
Yule was the very last party before the winter chill sets in. Anything that was perishable, that would not freeze well, was consumed at this time, along with a great and merry quantity of spirit. High spirits were mandated as well--singing, celebrations, joyful hearts and joyful voices raised. Survival and pleasure, games and dances, feasting and flames leaping high.
Yule.
Tonight we lit the candles before sunset, prepared cakes and cookies, made bread to rise, to be cooked later, adding more warmth if more is needed. We have set in stores of sweets and coffee, candies and crackers, and have meats and cheeses ready to be sliced and served with dinner.
For a break in our usual tradition (that will make the neighbors thankful), we will not toast the dawn with celebratory yells and mead. Instead, we will sip a quiet tribute, then troop downstairs to the bus to take me to the dentist. Argh, but it was the first time they could fit me in, and really, I don't want to lose any more of that back tooth, half of it's gone as it is.
But in the meantime, we will make merry and eat and smile and laugh and tell horrible jokes and play games and watch movies and enjoy each other. Until the light returns.
Even trolls admit there is value in sunlight...at least one night a year.
And tonight or tomorrow, I finally sit down and write the holiday letter, and compile all the cards, so if you think I don't have your address, send it to me, either at mercy@rome.com or as an email-to-LJ attachment.
In the meantime, let me leave you with my warmest holiday thoughts, and a great collection of independent holiday music, most of it amazing, or at least cool. Happy holidays--whatever you call them! And to all a good night!
(Oh, and go check out furriboots--she fostered out a TON of cat-inspired holiday icons, including my current default and the one for this entry! WHEE!)