Emma, thanks for the link to Grenoside Sword Dancers. I found a video of them at youtube. Wonderful to watch! Click Here

We still call it Christmas though none of us are religious. I also do something special for Solstice. Last night I stayed up until 130a to see the light come through the windows of Newgrange in Ireland, but the server couldn't handle the traffic, so all I saw was the archive of it. I may try again, tonight, but they say the weather doesn't look good for it. I was so excited last night, I couldn't get to sleep until 4a this morning!

We try not to put pressure on ANYONE to do anything for Christmas. Our kids know we will fix a good meal with the usual holiday stuff and that they are welcome to come over. This year, we will go to our son's house with his partner, her little boy and her mother. Then we'll come back to our house with my brother and our dau. and her partner and our grandson will probably come over. At least our grandson will if we can drag him away from whatever Santa birngs him in the morning.

My mother-in-law was so sweet and understanding about Christmas. She said she knew we "girls" married to her three sons, would want to be with our families, etc. so the big day for my Rog's family was New Year's when we would all go to her house. I loved her so much and have tried to emulate her when it comes to my kids. No pressure on them, just let them know we'd love to see them and we are flexible and will not try to manipulate with guilt.

It has been a big thing for me to learn to let go of the control over the holiday, but I have done for several years now and it feels so much better and *right*. It is simple, non-commercial, and a good time for reflection and celebration with music, sharing, storytelling, etc.

Thanks for sharing and great thread.

kat