The month of December is a bit of a paradox. On the one hand, the month has the shortest, darkest days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On the other, this time is a wildly optimistic month when people surround themselves with bright lights, aromatic evergreens and festive activities.
However you decide to celebrate this time of year, check out these entertaining tips, resources, folklore traditions and gardening advice for December, from Seasonal Wisdom and others. All illustrated with vintage Christmas cards from Riptheskull on Flickr. Come take a peek.
“And after him, came next the chill December
Yet he through merry feasting which he made,
And great bonfires, did not the cold remember…”
Spenser, The Faerie Queene, 1590s
Spenser’s centuries-old words still ring true today. It may be cold and dreary outside, but that does not mean there can’t be merry feasting and great bonfires during the chilly month of December. Even quiet moments at home can be filled with restful moments that help you recharge your batteries and find your light during this dark and busy time of year.
Get expert entertaining advice for the holidays…
Make a Toast to Wassail (This Ancient Drink Still Affects Us!)
Holiday Party Tips from Top Event Designers (Architectural Digest)
Epicurious Holiday Recipe Ideas
Get comfy at home during the dark days of winter…
Five Feng Shui Ways to Create a Warm and Nurturing Home
The Snow-Storm (Ralph Waldo Emerson poem)
Five Experts Share Advice to Gardeners about Surviving Winter
Learn the history of the holidays …
Vintage Christmas Cards of the Twentieth Century
Four Facts about Christmas You Probably Didn’t Know
Strange Facts about New Year’s Day
Reduce your holiday waste, and find ways to reuse that Christmas tree…
Seven Ways to Recycle a Christmas Tree – including recipes for potpourri and pine needle-infused bath oil.
Embrace your love of gardening, even in winter…
Eight Easy Steps to a Wonderful Winter Garden
Favorite Winter Plants (Coastal Maine)
Favorite Winter Plants (Northern Idaho)
Favorite Winter Plants (Lake Ontario, Canada)
Favorite Winter Plants (North Carolina)
Favorite Winter Plants (Western Washington)
What are some of your favorite resources for this time of year? Online resources? Old cookbooks? Friends and family?
Coming Soon: Stay tuned for more holiday stories and fun giveaways coming this month!
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