Wishing on a yule pinecone is the perfect activity for a memorable yule party.
In this tradition that dates back centuries, participants write their goals, intentions, and wishes on scraps of paper. These papers are rolled up and placed in the gaps of pinecones, then the pinecones are tossed into a fire.
Burning the goals and wishes adds a level of participation that makes this activity more engaging than setting typical New Year's resolutions.
You could even expand this activity to get younger kids more involved. Go on a nature hike as a family and have everyone find a pinecone. You could also set out craft supplies and encourage the kids to decorate their pinecones.
My family started incorporating this yule pinecone activity into our existing winter solstice traditions. We'll have family over for dinner, bake a decorate a yule log for dessert, and finish off the night with burning our yule wishing pinecones.
If it gets too cold where you live to sit around the fire outside, then consider an indoor fireplace as another option. You could also encourage your party guests to take their pinecones home with them as a reminder of their goals.
Small holidays like winter solstice are some of my family's favorites. There are zero expectations for these obscure holidays, so you are free to set your own traditions. Are there any holidays outside the norm that you celebrate?
Hi there, I have really enjoyed reading your blog post. I am researching winter solstice tradtions and this one has to be one of my favourites! Do you know where you found out about it? Thanks, Anna. UK.
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for your post. We always enjoy celebrating yule with our kids. And we have always made either oak wish sticks or wishing pinecones to burn in the fire. We add three wishes, one for ourselves, one for somebody we know and one for the earth. The kids love to think of good stuff to wish upon others.
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