#honesthoildays

[wanderingsiren-blog]

A Pagan Christmas

As a new wheel of Fall and Winter celebrations turns closer and closer and the beginnings of family invitations start trickling in; I find myself thoughtful again. It's another year and I hope to be closer towards my own truths and personal revelations. How do I share these precious rituals with family? How do I celebrate with them in their traditions but also hold my own court of genuine celebration directed to that in which I honor?

Holidays have held so many identities for me. My Jehovah Witness childhood meant that the Holidays held what I wasn't and clearly defined me from the window display I stood on the outside looking in at. Then later in my early twenties Holidays were a buffet set before someone who had only ever eaten rice. A plethora of the unexplored set at my feet and an endless gift card for future traditions. Then, when Christianity didn't answer my hearts call and Sunday church became a foreboding sentence, confusion ensued. How could I honor this celebration, how could I be authentic and thoughtful?

This transition has been slow but my Christian family members have been very patient with me. I am thankful for a family that remains open and yet true to themselves. They have helped make this process a natural evolution.

This year my Mom has spared the beautiful Fir, that lives in her back nature trail, from a one time use and has instead decided to decorate it where it stands among the lovely Evergreens and tiny field mice. My Step Mom has enlisted my help this Holiday season and asked me to come visit. My brother and sister have both become very curious about earth and spirit practices and she seeks help to support them and keep them safe in their explorations. Already, I have made clearing sprays (see recipe) from their rooms and hand dyed prayer flags are in the works.

What a world we live in when we are honest and free. How beautiful our human experience is when we don't have to control each other and force one another down paths that are not our own. I take a deep breath of relief knowing that my precious siblings will not be forced to be anything that they are not. This is such a special gift of the Universe.

Oh and lastly, what shall I do this season? I am so excited to celebrate in my own ways! To start my own traditions and rituals. To gift things that are from the earth and precious to me, To dance to my own drum and the drum that has resided in my heart always. I will not be quite but I will not be rude. I will celebrate with those who celebrate and morn with those who morn even if our rituals are different our humanity is the same.

Clearing Spray:

Spray bottle

Moon water (water left outside on a full moon)

Rose water (water infused with rose petals)

Essential oils of: Paulo Santo (amazing clearing oil made from tree found in Ecuador and Peru) & sage. 

Dried white sage

Dried lavender