The Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Just signed up from the super fun #midwintersolace nature card swap. 📝💌📫 Now I‘m off to find some beautiful winter-nature-themed cards ❄️🌲

See @TheBookHippie original post for the sign-up link!

Captivatedbybooks Same! Ive been searching on Amazon lol 6mo

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bnp

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Holiday music brings me joy.

#midwinter solace, @AllDeBooks

AllDebooks Perfect x 1y

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Chrissyreadit

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

@Insightsintobooks 🎉 my #wintersolsticeswap has arrived and is being hidden away until opening day 😘🤍🤍🤍

sprainedbrain

Insightsintobooks Yay glad it arrived! 2y

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erank58

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Alright, guys...my #wintersolsticeswap package is out the door for Sat delivery!

Sadly, I don't have a photo to share. My wallet with my phone and ID got misplaced with someone else's stuff at a work conference last week...it's hard to upload photos with no phone! PS, for anyone in the US wondering what it's like to navigate both the Atlanta and Philly airports with neither of these items...no, it's not fun!!

erank58 @sprainedbrain @chrissyreadit I emailed tracking info to Jenni 🙂 2y

Chrissyreadit I hope your able to get your wallet!!!! 2y

Julsmarshall Oh dear! Sorry about your phone and wallet! 2y

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Chrissyreadit Were you able to get your phone and wallet back? 2y

erank58 @Chrissyreadit sadly no 😮‍💨 but given the timing I was able to take full advantage of Black Friday for a new one! My other one was pretty old anyway. And I only had my ID and a corporate card in that wallet, so it was easy enough to deal with! Could have been so much worse 👍 2y

Chrissyreadit I‘m glad it worked out! 2y

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Chrissyreadit

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

@GingerAntics honestly I wanted some more ideas- and it‘s interesting to realize how few books use Winter as a theme with Solstice or Yule or a Winter type of celebration separate from Christian and Jewish traditions. But here are a few I knew about and oddly a book riot link to possible other books. https://bookriot.com/winter-fantasy-books/
This was so much more challenging than I expected. I‘m interested to see what you read and think of it.

Chrissyreadit @monalyisha @TheBookHippie @HOTPock3tt @sprainedbrain any other thought or books come to mind? 2y

Chrissyreadit @GingerAntics off topic (and I May have asked before) but have you read Women Who Run With the Wolves? 2y

GingerAntics I‘ve been eyeing that top one for about a year now. Have you read it? What did you think? I was eyeing the second until I saw who the author was just now. I saw you guys talking about Kushiel‘s Dart on the other post and that does sound quite intriguing to me. 2y

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monalyisha Oh, hmmm. I'm a bonafide Winter-hater so I'm bound to be useless. 😅 But if anything magical springs to mind, I'll let you know. 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit I have not, but that looks AMAZING!!! That may be the first book I buy as soon as I have a job again. (Fingers crossed, I have I job interview Tuesday… and it‘s pretty much my dream job!) 2y

GingerAntics @monalyisha lol I was kind of that way as a kid, but then we moved away from all seasons for 20 years and now fall and winter are my favourite. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 2y

GingerAntics Okay, everything Juliet Marillier sounds AMAZING and right up my alley!!! I knew I should have asked. When in doubt, always ask Litsy. 2y

Chrissyreadit @GingerAntics what kind of job is it? My fingers are crossed! 2- are you referring to women who run? I really want to read it- and just have postponed because it‘s a chunkster. Ironically I have Teo copies so if that‘s of interest I can send you one. 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit yes I‘m referring to Women Who Run. I didn‘t pay attention to how long it was. That does seem a bit of a chunkster. Maybe if we read it with a group, slowly over time it wouldn‘t be so bad. 2y

Chrissyreadit @monalyisha I truly struggle with Winter too- I‘m trying to embrace the concept of a season for quiet and rest and see it in a different light. 2y

Chrissyreadit @GingerAntics I think that would be a perfect way to read it. Do you want me to send you the second copy? 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit yes please! 2y

Chrissyreadit @GingerAntics ok email me your address Chrissyreadit @gmail.com 2y

monalyisha @Chrissyreadit @GingerAntics I felt that way about it right after reading Wintering by Katherine May last year. But I‘ve since lost the gracious acceptance & quiet acknowledgment of the season‘s gifts. I‘m right back to icy hatred. 😂🙈 Perhaps it should be an annual reread for me.

Wintering: How to Survive When Life Is Frozen

monalyisha @Chrissyreadit My solution this year is to renew my lapsed membership at the botanical garden. At last that way, I can sit in some humidity beneath green, growing things & pretend. Escapism rather than grace. That‘s where I‘m at. 😆🌴 2y

GingerAntics @monalyisha oh I loved that book!!! That is a lovely read. I agree. That beauty is getting reread. 2y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit I forgot the first question. The job interview is for the education director at the Fargo air museum. 2y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie 🙏🙏🙏 (edited) 2y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie have you read Women Who Run With the Wolves? 2y

TheBookHippie I just ordered this https://www.amazon.com/Winter-King-Christine-Cohen/dp/1952410312/ref=asc_df_1952... hoping you find books to recommend for kids without religion 2y

TheBookHippie We pick a country yearly and do their traditions this year since food and lit is Philippines we will craft some “holiday” with that. Other than that we mix the things we like with all our traditions. Mostly food related 😂😂 and stories my grandma told me about Baba Yaga 🤪 2y

TheBookHippie May try this one https://www.amazon.com/Return-Light-Twelve-Around-Solstice/dp/1569243603/ref=asc... 2y

TheBookHippie Personally I‘m going to try all the folklore fables route and see what I find. I‘ll keep you posted! 2y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics No and now I want to 😂 2y

TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit @GingerAntics I‘m up for it I‘ll get a copy let me know! 2y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I wanted your address to mail you a winter greeting 😂 social@bookhippie.com 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit @TheBookHippie I wonder if we‘ll need to find an actual wolf pack by the end of the book? 😏 2y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I think that one is going to happen. One person mentioned the book seeming like a fake or a bootleg, but everything/everyone else seems to be positive. That one does sound fun. I wish I could find something similar for the Irish or Celtic tradition, but Juliet Marillier may fill that need in my Irish little heart. 2y

Chrissyreadit @monalyisha I love love love Wintering- I‘m reading it in very small bites and am close to done 2y

monalyisha @Chrissyreadit I‘ve gifted it to quite a few people, too! Lovely book. 2y

Chrissyreadit @monalyisha I also agree The Botanical Garden sounds like a perfect place for respite from Winter. 2y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics yes 🐺 2y

Chrissyreadit @TheBookHippie I had that book once upon a time- did not read it and it is MIA but @GingerAntics I think it would be good. I also like the way the Marillier book sounds. 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit it‘s one of those books you simultaneously want to devour and savour. This is why I feel it needs at least a few rereads. To experience it in a binge style, experience it in a leisurely style… and I‘m sure I‘ll come up with some excuses to read or other ways as well (maybe entirely outdoors? With my head hanging off the edge of the bed? In an ice bath?!)!!! 2y

TheBookHippie As for the bookriot some I‘ve read I love spinning silver the dollmaker however they‘re both Jewish 🙂 I read wintersong as an ARC people either love or hate it, I was eh… I am interested the witches heart .. 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit I‘ve added a couple of her books to my wish list. They just sound so good. 2y

Chrissyreadit @GingerAntics @TheBookHippie personally I think a little howling at the moon is good for the soul 🌒 2y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I am entirely okay with this. 🐺 2y

MeganAnn @GingerAntics good luck on your job interview! The Fargo Air Museum is very cool… I live near Fargo so your comment caught my eye. 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit @TheBookHippie that sounds legit. 🌝 🐺 If I hadn‘t had a migraine (worst timing ever), I would have been out to see that eclipse. 2y

Chrissyreadit I‘m a mess but @GingerAntics which book is a reread? 2y

Chrissyreadit @TheBookHippie I loved Spinning Silver and thought the same thing about Jewish roots. 2y

GingerAntics @MeganAnn oh wow, we just moved up here in May 2020. I‘ve been working in Dallas remotely that whole time until mid September. Before we even moved, I found them online and wanted to work there so bad. I‘m trying not to bounce off the walls until Tuesday. 2y

TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit ah so you heard me 😂🐺💯 2y

MeganAnn @TheBookHippie for kids, Odd and The Frost Giants might be a good wintery option that‘s not Christian or Jewish. My son and I loved it a few years ago. It‘s not solstice related from what I remember, but it is very seasonally winter.

Odd and the Frost Giants

TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit it‘s an old fairytale my grandma use to tell me I didn‘t know until I was reading it that was what the book was. So much Judaism. If you didn‘t know it‘s still a good read. 2y

TheBookHippie @MeganAnn oh thank you!!!! I feel so awful for students this time a year that are neither I try to find things it‘s so much more difficult than I thought. 2y

Chrissyreadit @MeganAnn seriously…trying to get people to share books recommendations and you respond to Fargo????? (Of course supporting @GingerAntics is good) but Any good Winter books on your radar?????(😘😘😘) 2y

GingerAntics @Chrissyreadit the F-M area is a hopping place, clearly. 🤣😂🤣 @MeganAnn tell her. 2y

Chrissyreadit Oh sorry @MeganAnn our posts crossed in the ether thank you!!! I had no idea how hard this topic is. 2y

MeganAnn @Chrissyreadit 🤣🤣🤣 I can‘t help it! I‘ve never come across another Fargo litten so I was very excited to find a kindred spirit nearby. @GingerAntics is right, it‘s a very happening place to be! But not nearly as bookish as I‘d like. 2y

GingerAntics @MeganAnn with covid I haven‘t gone out unless I had to, but I‘ve been trying to map out the book stores… I‘m not finding a lot of selection. You‘d think with three (or is it four) colleges, there would be more books. 2y

MeganAnn @Chrissyreadit and because you asked, how about this one which is also not solstice themed but takes place during an apocalyptic winter. One of my favorites!

The Wolves of Winter

Chrissyreadit @MeganAnn 🙌🙌🙌I stacked it! 2y

MeganAnn @GingerAntics yes I keep wishing someone would open a larger indie bookstore in town! I just created a post with info on all the local stores I know about for you. I hope that helps! 2y

MeganAnn @Chrissyreadit yay!! 2y

MeganAnn @TheBookHippie I agree! I just thought of this one as a great winter read too: The Poet‘s Dog. It‘s been a few years since I read it so I cannot remember for sure if there is any mention of Christianity or Christmas - you may have to read it to be sure. But I remember it being a really wonderful wintery we listened to on audio and absolutely loved.

The Poet's Dog

TheBookHippie @MeganAnn ooo thanks I will library it and check it out! 2y

GingerAntics @MeganAnn that is more book stores than I thought. I‘ve been ordering books online mostly from B&N and Amazon. I tried looking for some books from one of the local shops and they didn‘t have a single book I was looking for, so I gave up. They didn‘t even have Shakespeare which was oddly troubling. 2y

Larkken Have you read Arden‘s Fantasy Russia series? She also has a 4-book fantasy series that is MG where each of the four is based in a different season. Book 2 is winter and came out last year, I think.

Winter of the Witch

Larkken Here it is:

Dead Voices

Larkken Ooo and there‘s this book, which some have called an Indigenous Narnia 😆

The Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga, Book 1

GingerAntics @Larkken oh that sounds amazing!!! An indigenous Narnia!!! I loved those books growing up, but now I can‘t separate the Christian allegory from the story anymore. I just can‘t with it anymore. 2y

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MeganAnn

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Signed up just in time! It‘s been a crazy work week and I completely forgot about this until I saw @sprainedbrain and @Chrissyreadit ‘s reminder posts. I would have been so sad if I had missed it.

If you‘re interested you still have a few hours to join in. Head over to either of their posts for the link ❄️🌲✨💙

I‘m off to add some winter solstice books to my wishlists! #wintersolsticeswap

Chrissyreadit ❤️❤️❤️ 2y

sprainedbrain Thanks for sharing and I‘m so glad you joined! 💙 2y

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melissajayne

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

I couldn‘t help myself but @Chrissyreadit and @sprainedbrain are hosting the #wintersolsticeswap. You can do as little or as much as you want.

sprainedbrain Yay! Thank you for sharing💙 2y

melissajayne @sprainedbrain No problem 😃 2y

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MaleficentBookDragon

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

If you enjoyed the #basicwitchswap then you should sign up for the first ever #wintersolsticeswap hosted by @Chrissyreadit and @sprainedbrain.

Sign ups are open now through November 6th.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16O2znPvc6x0dn1ttkVQN43F-WdaBMlFmwj8UmSvcxJ4/edi....

JamieArc Are you the one who hosts the Jolabokaflod swap? If so, will that be happening again? 2y

melissajayne @JamieArc yes she‘s hosting the Jobabokflod swap and it‘s happening again. (edited) 2y

JamieArc @melissajayne She posted the sign up shortly after I asked. That was the best answer possible 😊. Now to figure out my top most-wanted books! 2y

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Chrissyreadit

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Sign ups are open now through November 6 for the first ever #wintersolsticeswap hosted by my friend @sprainedbrain and me 🧡

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6mPeQdAEAyF2Va7tyLJvB-8iZV3GTuLSZHhbN...

Questions? Just ask!
Please see the sign up sheet for more information and/or to join us!
Tagging people who expressed interest but open to all who have interest!

wanderinglynn, Soubhiville, TheBookHippie, MeganAnn, Gissy, MaleficentBookDragon, monalyisha, bridge12, MsRadioSilence, Avanders, BookwormAHN, erank58, StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego, Insightsintobooks, j9brown, KatieDid927, BeeMagical, DinoMom, BookBosomed1

Avanders Done! ✅😁 2y

MsRadioSilence Signed up!! 2y

monalyisha Thanks for the tag @Chrissyreadit! Still making some choices. I may not join this year but I‘m so happy this exists! ❄️✨🔮🌲 2y

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BeeMagical all signed up!! 🙌 ❤ 2y

BookwormAHN Signed up 💜 2y

TheBookHippie YAY!!!!! 2y

DinoMom All signed up ! Yay! 2y

Gissy I‘m in👌 2y

Mitch Seeing this has made my day xxxx 2y

wanderinglynn Yay! 🖤 2y

Crazeedi I'm signing up Chrissy!! 2y

kspenmoll Just signed up! 2y

melissajayne Signed up 2y

Amandajoy Just signed up because you and @sprainedbrain always do a bang up job! (edited) 2y

erank58 Just signed up!! Can't wait! 2y

Deblovestoread Signed up! Love this! 2y

wanderinglynn I love this but I‘ve decided not to sign up. I fear I won‘t have enough time to get stuff and then get it shipped. But definitely keep me on the list for any Ostara, Beltane or other festival swaps. 💜 2y

Chrissyreadit @wanderinglynn I completely understand. It‘s why we did a rapid sign up. I am nervous about shipping too. 2y

Moonprismpower @Blerdgal_Fenix 2y

Insightsintobooks All signed up and window shopping! 2y

Gissy I signed up!🤗 2y

Blerdgal_Fenix I got into late - it won‘t let me in. I have crazy busy and finally had a moment 🥺 2y

Chrissyreadit @Blerdgal_Fenix Im sorry! It was a rapid turn around due to dates- do you celebrate Yule? 2y

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jenniferw88

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

I'm really getting into witchcraft at the moment 😂😂😂! #wintersolsticeswap @sprainedbrain @Chrissyreadit

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Chrissyreadit

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Organizing my dates, because I just needed it to be in one place. Anyone else excited?

bookish_wookish, sprainedbrain, teebe, MaleficentBookDragon, candority, Avanders

sharread Meeee 🤶🎅❤ 3y

LeahBergen I‘m only doing five of them. 😆😆 3y

candority This is awesome! Thank you! 3y

Chrissyreadit @LeahBergen and I left off a cozy and crafting one that opens tomorrow. 3y

tpixie @Chrissyreadit such #LitsyFun !! 3y

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Addison_Reads

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

pick

#HolidayReads #TeamFestivus #wintergames @wanderinglynn @StayCurious @Clwojick (21pts)

Book 4 finished for #24B42020. I've been reading this little by little all month and I found it absolutely fascinating. My family chooses during this time of year to celebrate Winter Solstice and learning all the different traditions was a great read for December.

@Andrew65 @TheReadingMermaid @jb72

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 4y

Leftcoastzen Love John Matthews 4y

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Chrissyreadit

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

From our new annual tradition ... wishing you all a bright season. #holidaytradition

wanderinglynn, Clwojick, StayCurious

Bookzombie Wishing you the same!
4y

wanderinglynn 😘 Happy Solstice! ❤️💚 4y

LauraJ Happy Solstice! 4y

Gissy Yes! 🤗 4y

cobwebmoth Thank you for the lovely card!❤ 4y

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VioletBramble

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Happy Winter Solstice! 🕊❄️
Blessed Yule! 🎄

Four hours away from actual solstice at 2319 here on the east coast of the US. I‘m hanging out with my mother. We‘re having a Solstice/ Early Christmas brunch with the family tomorrow.

BarbaraTheBibliophage Sounds lovely! 4y

umbrellagirl If you‘re still awake at 23.19, go outside and look for shooting stars! 4y

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Leftcoastzen

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Wow , It‘s getting dark early, what‘s up with that?😉
Happy Solstice everybody!

BarbaraTheBibliophage Happy Solstice to you! 4y

Aimeesue Happy Solstice! 4y

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VioletBramble

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Happy Winter Solstice!!
Blessed Yule!!
🌲🌞🌕🕊
Solstice happens at 1722 in my time zone. I am home sick today so I'm planning on having a small, solo celebration.

rather_be_reading same to you! ❄ 5y

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BarbaraTheBibliophage

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Wishing you light in the darkness. 🌕⭐️💫☀️

hermyknee 💖 5y

AmyG And to you 😘 5y

Amiable 🌕🌝🌞☀️✨ 5y

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IamIamIam It can only get better and brighter from here! 5y

VioletBramble Happy Solstice 🌞🌕❄️ 5y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa We made it through the shortest day, and it was a doozy this year! Here‘s to longer days and brighter prospects! 5y

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emtobiasz

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Time to open my #secretsantagoespostal #wintersolsticebookexchange package! @GlassAsDiamonds I'm so excited!

GlassAsDiamonds 😊😊😊😊 6y

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VioletBramble

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Getting ready for winter at 11:28. (10 minutes from now). Happy Winter Solstice to those in the Northern Hemisphere and Happy Summer Solstice to those in the Southern Hemisphere!!
🌞🌲🌝

[DELETED] 3803335244 Love! 6y

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Leftcoastzen

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

Still waiting for the sun .Happy Solstice everybody!These are the lowest temperatures we have had in Phoenix all year. 🙁 Wow , I can finally wear a long sleeve shirt over my t-shirt! Miss the Bay Area temperatures , my favorite.

Molly_the_mezzo I have two guests from the Bay Area in my house for Christmas and I live in Pennsylvania where it was in the teens on the day they got here! My brother who grew up here was so-so but his LA born boyfriend showed up in shorts and sandals! 6y

Leftcoastzen I like the snow too. Lived in Ohio as a child , but of course , this means it was just fun for me , didn‘t have to go to work through it . One job had me in NYC early December, never knew if I would see snow or not. 6y

Leftcoastzen Lived in Long Beach for a while , friends son wore flip flops and shorts all year long .shoes only for athletics.😁 6y

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alisiakae

The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas | John Matthews

1. Tea and tea accessories: mugs, tea bag/spoon rests, etc.
2. Animals (both mythological and real): cats, sloths, unicorns, dragons, owls, elephants, wolves
3. Geeky stuff: funko pops, iwako puzzle erasers, fandom accessories
4. Recipes
5. Essential oils and candles

#ssgpthisorthat #wintersolsticebookexchange

laurieluna

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