Hi folks,

As the farm is snuggled up and the late autumn rain is finally filling up our pond, I’m returning yet again to my wax pot.

A little like a witch at her cauldron, there is magic brewing in that big pot!

Weave some beeswax spells with me at a special Winter Solstice Candle Dipping Workshop on Orcas Island, Sunday, December 21st, from 1-3 pm. 🕯️

Can’t make it to Orcas? Read on for more holiday candle-related rituals.

Have you ever put real candles on your Christmas tree? All you need are these little clips and some small tapers. Here are some tips for making this magic safe(ish).

• Put candles on branches where there’s nothing above them and make sure the candle is stable.

• Keep the candles away from curtains or anything flammable.

• Bring the tree as close to Christmas as you can so it’s fresh and not dry. We only light the tree for an hour or two over the course of a few days.

• Always have someone in the room when the tree is lit, and don’t let unpredictable pets near the tree.

Turn off the lights, light the candles, sing a carol, and be transported. To me, this is real winter magic.

If the concept stresses you out, my alternative favorite is to plug in your tree lights, turn off the lights in the room, and lie on the floor with your head under the base of your Christmas tree and look up. Your childlike wonder will be re-ignited. Promise.

My other go-to for candle Christmas magic is Swedish angel chimes. I buy them from Scandinavian Specialities in Ballard. As the candles burn, the heat turns the angels, and they hit the little bells. It’s a mesmerizing and soothing thing to watch. A favorite for holiday meal time (especially for children).

Have you ever experienced the Feast of the Seven Fishes?

In the early 1900s, this tradition first emerged with Italian-American families rekindling the Old Country's Christmas Eve tradition. They prepared a seven-course seafood meal that both made them feel close to their homes and celebrated the sea, a major connection in Italy.

The menu above is from an epic, pandemic-era Feast we put on. It’s a true food-lover’s endeavor.🤣

Merry, merry, light & bright,

Emmy and Kai

P.S. Our Spring Flower CSA shares are now available to purchase in time for the holidays. Picks up in either Port Townsend or in the Seattle neighborhoods of Phinney Ridge or Capitol Hill. It’s a perfect way to support our farm through winter. xo