Winter Solstice: Fireside Enjoyments

O Winter! ruler of the inverted year, . . .
I crown thee king of intimate delights,
Fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness,
And all the comforts that the lowly roof
Of undisturb'd Retirement, and the hours
Of long uninterrupted evening, know. - William Cowper

A tide of 30 friends, big and small flowed through our home in glorious waves awash with mounds of winter woolens, and wellies...

Boisterous laughter, good eats, warm fire, and bear hugs - the short, dark days of winter has its gifts!

Children run amok with finger flashlights playing light tag and constructing forts from large cardboard boxes - stopping briefly to roast marshmallows in the fireplace...

Near the door, a basket of paperwhite bulbs - blooming gifts for our guests. Packets of seed for our feathered friends...

and necklaces for the snow children (inspired by these)...

During all the merriment, S lost his second tooth! The toothy fairy was pleased to find a wreath on her door...

Celebration upon celebration!

Here are some scenes from the Solstice party at Satchel's outdoor kindergarten.

O Winter, king of intimate delights!