Without a doubt, the Seed’s annual Celebration of the Winter Solstice is my favorite event. I loved it when we used to produce a dance performance at a location away from the Seed. I was equally pleased when, after the pandemic, we changed directions and established a new tradition of setting up hundreds of luminarias on our playground and featured installations of classroom art to express a specific theme. This year we will again be offering our evening of light and art, around the theme “Sewing Seeds of Light.”
This year each classroom selected a name based on a quality of the class. A flag was made to depict the name. Each flag is symbolic of a part of the whole, much like a section of cloth in a quilt that works with others to make something greater. Each class brings something to the Seed “quilt,” so this year for our winter solstice celebration we’re using the quilt theme, calling it “Sewing Seeds of Light.” Each classroom will create an art installation depicting their theme. Here are the themes for each class:
Toddler 1s – Peas in a Pod
Toddler 2s – Green Thumbs
Early 3s – Sharks
Preschool 3s – Prickly Pears
Preschool 4s – Explorers
PreK – The Woof Pack
Kindergarten – Kindergarten Crayons
1st/2nd – Yetis
3rd/4th – The Hive
After viewing the class displays, participants will find their way to Gwen’s Castle to light a candle in remembrance of someone special, a friend or family in need of good thoughts, or someone who has passed from this world. In years past, we’ve also had a table where families could write on small flags that will be hung in the castle. This year, the table won’t be set up for flags, so if you wish to make a flag for a special person, you can pick one up in the front office and return it there when you complete writing on it. They’ll be hung with the other flags after the holidays. We are planning to do a more expanded opportunity with the flags at a later point in the year.
A new station will be added after exiting Gwen’s Castle. Families will be able to interact in the hallway near the office with two different displays promoting kindness and connection. We invite you to join us for this evening of luminarias, art, community, and wonder. It will be held on the playground Thursday, December 18, from 5:30-7pm. Families are welcome to bring grandparents, friends, and extended family members.