SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9:30am              Open for Arrivals

Resource shop will be open for Yule shopping!  Please bring donations of non-perishable food items to be donated to the local food pantry!

10:00am           Community Welcome Circle with Rev. Sharon

11:00am           Wreaths Across America Ceremony with Rev. Selena & Rev. Sharon

This ceremony is held in Circle’s Green Cemetery in conjunction with National Wreaths Across America Day, where wreath-laying ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.  

11:00am           Togetherness in the Temple Room

For those that choose to stay inside, this will be an opportunity to create the Yule log for use in our afternoon ritual.  And perhaps a little time for Yule Caroling!     

11 am                 Family Programming: Spells for Winter Warmth with Florence & McKenzie

Learn the magic of spices and symbols as you create cinnamon dough ornaments (inedible) and gingerbread cookies (definitely edible). Then enjoy solstice story time while we create tools for our afternoon ritual. Note: cookie and ornament creation will continue during the afternoon workshops.

Noon                   Lunch

Please bring your own sack lunch to enjoy.  Water, coffee, and tea provided. 

1:00pm              Yuletide Fire Rituals with Selena Fox

Sacred work with candles, hearth fires, and community bonfires at Winter Solstice time for meditation, transformation, and celebration.  Bring a white tea light or votive candle in a votive glass holder to kindle.  This workshop will be live-streamed from the festival. Registration here:

1 pm:                   Family Programming: Crafting and Sounds of Solstice Walk with Florence & McKenzie

We’ll decorate our cookies and ornaments and then head out onto the land for a walk to explore the stillness (or lack thereof) of the land in winter. Then explore the magical potential of chemistry as we release our intentions through kid-safe chemical reactions. Warm layers and sturdy outdoor footwear are recommended.

2:30pm              Winter Solstice Mindful Nature Walk with Dennis Carpenter

Join Dennis in front of the main entrance to the barn for a mindful walk on Circle Sanctuary Land.   We will focus on being fully present in and connecting deeply with Nature at this time of the shortest light.  Be prepared to walk in various weather conditions, including sturdy shoes, boots, and/or snowshoes.

2:30 pm             Family Solstice Ritual with Florence & McKenzie

Connect all the threads we’ve woven together throughout the day in a short, family-friendly winter solstice ritual, including a group reenactment of the battle of the Oak King and Holly King through tug-of-war. There will be laughter, singing, bells, and cookies. 

2:30pm              Protective Witch Ball Crafting

Craft your own protective Witch Ball with your chosen intention and symbolic items.  Witch Balls are used for protection, peace, luck or any other intention!   All supplies are supplied but feel free to bring any small symbolic items for your intention!

4:00pm              Community Gift Exchange

Adults & Teens -  Bring a wrapped gift!  Get a gift!   Registered children will get an age-appropriate book gift and do not need to bring a reciprocal gift to participate.

5:00pm              Community Yule Ritual at the Community Fire with Rev. Sharon & others

Gather together around the fire, where faith, hope, and strength glow brightly – bringing warmth to the cold, light to the darkness, holding us in the togetherness of our community to carry us through this quietest and most peaceful time of the year.    

6:00pm              Final Departures