Winter Solstice Celebration

LESSON 9

Children will decorate a tree for animals, fostering a connection with nature and creating lasting memories during this winter solstice tradition.

Facilitate an outdoor learning experience, guiding children in decorating a tree and fostering an appreciation for nature through hands-on activities.

Facilitate a discussion about empathy, guiding children to consider the emotions of animals.

Encourage children to explore using touch, sight, smell and sound into the lesson.
Create a cozy and intentional evening, providing a positive and memorable experience, emphasizing the significance of winter solstice traditions and reinforcing the joy of outdoor exploration.

Children engage in outdoor exploration, practicing appreciation for nature by decorating a chosen tree with items they have created.
Children develop empathy as they consider the feelings of animals and wildlife.
Children connect with the natural environment through touch, sight, and sound as they decorate and explore outdoors.
Children enjoy a cozy and intentional evening, promoting a positive association with outdoor activities and creating lasting memories with family, emphasizing the significance of winter solstice traditions.

Collect and Connect

I Heard a Bird Sing

I heard a bird sing in the

Dark of December.

A magical thing,

And sweet to remember.

We are nearer to spring

than we were in September.

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.

-Oliver Herford

Today’s lesson will take place outside at your tree of choice. Perhaps in your yard, or out in nature. Bring the items you have created over the last few lessons, as well as any additional items to make the night feel more cozy and enjoyable. For our family, this is a winter solstice tradition, you can always celebrate it on a night of your choosing.
Once at your desired location, unbox the items you’ve brought with you and begin to decorate the tree for the animals and wildlife. Take time to appreciate and enjoy the natural setting, then encourage your child to ponder how it might make the animals feel to find the tree.
After you’ve decorated the tree, you can take part in any additional activities you would like to make the evening feel more intentional. After decorating the tree, we spread out a blanket, enjoyed hot chocolate, and sang songs, with the kids joyfully joining in on "Old McDonald Had a Farm," inspired by the family in the story. We spent some time playing in the snow before packing up and heading home. The experience was simple and memorable.

Ideas from the Yule Log lesson: