Imbolc: Seasonal Celebrations, Big and Small

Once the December festivities have passed, the endless cold months can feel like “Always winter, never Christmas”, to quote Mr. Tumnus from ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. Until I started following the Celtic Wheel of the Year, I was always looking forward to the next season: in Summer, I longed for falling leaves and jumper weather; as soon as January rolled around I was desperate for Spring to bloom. I suppose it’s human nature to keep looking forward, but in Scotland, the chilly reality is that Spring is still some way off. Learning about my ancestors’ seasonal celebrations has taught me mindfulness and the ability to find seasonal joys no matter the time of year or weather. I thought I’d put together a wee list to remind myself some of the lovelier things about this quiet period leading up to Imbolc. I hope it helps you too.

Gentle Reflection

In my last newsletter I spoke about not setting unachievable goals or resolutions. I firmly believe that this time of year is when we should focus on hibernating, resting and frankly, surviving, first and foremost. I tend to do more planning in the Spring when I feel the energy shift. However, if the mood takes you then setting some smaller goals with kindness - things that you want to do, not have to do - can be a real comfort at this time of year. I am a big believer in the power of writing things down: gratitude lists (I share my ‘three good things’ most weeks on Instagram, ‘could do’ lists, ideas that come to me in the middle of the night… And at this time of year I do like to look back over notebooks, my sketchpad and even my camera roll and iPhone notes, using them together to inform a gentle reflection on meaningful moments from the year gone and inform ideas for the year to come. Which moments and feelings would I seek to recreate this year? Keep the focus positive rather than punitive.  

Planning Treats

A doctor once “prescribed” planning something to look forward to. At the time, I was more than a little hurt (there were bigger issues at stake - a story for another day) but behind the apparent flippancy, in hindsight it was self-compassion that was being encouraged. Fixing special moments in the diary – no matter how small – gives you a sense of forward momentum and purpose, and can – along with other interventions – contribute to positive self-esteem and mood. This period of Imbolc is an ideal time for some slow planning of things to look forward to when the days are lighter and longer. It doesn’t have to be something big like a life-changing holiday - even a day out close to home, a course or meet-up with someone special, or treating yourself to something simple like a new mug you’ve long had your eye on can give a change of scene or perspective that is spirit-enhancing, or elevate everyday experiences. This time last year I treated myself to the Gloam eucalpytus subscription: a gift to myself that has given me a regular boost of nature and constant source of joy for the last 12 months.

Nesting Mode

When it’s cold outside, I love nothing more than making the house as snug as possible – stockpiled vintage tartan blankets and faux fur throws, abundant beeswax dinner tapers and soy wax scented candles. Fluffy socks and comfy, cosy clothes are also essential. At this time of year I’m barely in the door before I’ve washed the day off and donned my dressing gown. Something about this routine of settling in for the evening and hunkering down is oh-so comforting at this time of year. Even though the decorations were put away this week, for me, the Winter months are the ideal excuse for abundant fairy lights, soft lighting, foraged greenery, pine cones and forced bulbs. You have to cheer up the darkness somehow! Make the effort to set the table with your best crockery and more candles than is strictly necessary, or make a display of dried seed heads and bracken on your mantle. Pot up Spring bulbs in vintage pots and watch them slowly emerge from the earth, a Winter miracle. Adding texture, cosy touches and nature to your home are midwinter musts.

Get Outside

On days when the wind whistles down the chimney and the rain is horizontal, the thought of going for a walk might be your last priority but wrapping up and doing just that can be the best tonic. There’s nothing like a close encounter with nature to put things into perspective, whether a Winter walk in the woods or an invigorating trip to the beach to fill your lungs. I always feel so much better for the fresh air and, even more importantly, when I get back inside I certainly appreciate my cosy home even more. Bring a flask of hot chocolate and a sweet treat or two to fuel your walk, and be sure to dress for the weather. Thermals are your friend. When a properly frosty day comes along – as the first one in a while did this week – it reinvigorates my love of Winter; the roofs of houses glittering with frost, and the crunch of icy leaves beneath your feet. Plus the sunrise and sunset on a frosty day are often extra special (and at least we’re awake to see them!).

Baking and Beverages

It may seem obvious, but there’s no greater comfort than getting cosy in the kitchen and whipping up a homemade sweet treat when it’s cold outside. Make sure you read my blog every Sunday for a new recipe each week! This year, I’m trying to expand my bread repertoire. There’s a magic about bread baking that’s hard to beat; it forces you to wait, to slow down – a longer prove making for a tastier loaf. I’ve been experimenting with different warming drinks too. Homemade hot chocolate made with melted grated chocolate and your choice of milk and flavours to infuse is a hug in a mug, and I recently tried making my own chai with leftover teabags. It’s so simple and combats food waste too. To make two mugs: boil together a mug of milk and a mug of water over a low heat with five leftover teabags, a pinch of cinnamon, 3 bashed cardamom pods, a grating of nutmeg and fresh ginger. Bring to just shy of the boil and add your favoured sweeter to taste. Enjoy in your favourite mug (mandatory).

Crafternoons

I love nothing more than an afternoon spent indoors crafting – and wet and wild days are the perfect excuse to get out the sewing machine or practise calligraphy, candle making, embroidery, painting… Whatever you want to learn this year, promise me you’ll give it a go? There seems something extra therapeutic about making something with your own hands during deepest, darkest Winter, helping to calm busy minds like mine. I often find I have several unfinished projects on the go at this time of year, so before I start on something new or invest in new materials I try to finish off current craft projects. The satisfaction of completing something in this way is a great boost for your mood. This month I’m planning on giving gouache a go - my head is full of ideas for new illustrations after our New Year trip to the Highlands. Keep an eye on my Instagram for my next IG Live where I plan on sharing a Winter craft make along. I have lots of ideas, but suggestions welcome as ever!