December 2024
This blog was shared with us by Jerilyn Cole Burke! She writes:
The cold has finally caught up with us in my neck of the woods! With it comes an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the reflective season that’s now settling in. I’ve been thinking about festivals and how we can hold their spirit for our children, making them moments of wonder and meaning rather than just events on the calendar.
No matter what traditions you follow, seasonal festivals have a way of grounding us in nature’s rhythms. They are opportunities to create experiences that touch the heart and senses, moments that feel alive in our bodies and our homes.
For our youngest children, festivals are not something to explain but something to live. They don’t need us to tell them why we’re lighting a candle or singing a song – they feel it. The flicker of a lantern, the crunch of leaves underfoot, or the quiet reverence of candlelight – all these things speak directly to their whole being.
When we try to add too many words, we risk turning these rich, sensory experiences into something thin and cerebral. They can diminish the wonder of these moments, turning them into intellectual exertions. Instead, let them notice with their senses! Children are masters of noticing; they take in not only what they see, hear, and smell, but also the feelings of connection and care that ripple around them.
Holding Space for Wonder
But let’s be real – children are full of questions, aren’t they? “Why are we doing this? What does it mean? Why can’t I blow out the candle right now?” Answering all those questions can feel exhausting. If you’ve been down that road, you know how quickly a simple moment can turn into a negotiation!
Instead of feeling pressured to explain, start by grounding yourself in the moment (breathe!). If a response is needed, meet their curiosity with a patient look with loving eyes or perhaps, a gentle, sincere “Hmm, I wonder…” or “Let’s wait and see.” These responses leave room for their imaginations to fill in the blanks. You might even find yourself carried into their sense of wonder!
And here’s the thing: your presence matters more than your words. Children feel the mood we bring, whether we’re stressed or calm, distracted or focused. I’ve often found that when I create a little quiet space, my child naturally leans into it too, bringing their own openness and creativity. You’ll have to experiment and practice to see what works for you unique little one!
Simple Ways to Bring the Season Alive
As we step deeper into this season of festivities, here are a few ways to let your child fully experience its richness:
- Take a Slow Walk: Let the shifting season unfold before you. Watch how your child notices the frost sparkling on leaves, the squirrels gathering their treasures, or the way the bare branches wave in the wind. Resist the urge to explain too much—just share in the quiet wonder of discovery.
- Create Small Rituals: Light a candle at the table, sing a soft song, or pause together in stillness before a meal. These simple acts bring a sense of reverence that children feel deeply.
- Celebrate Nature’s Gifts: Encourage your child to gather leaves, acorns, or pinecones during outdoor play. Together, arrange them into a centerpiece that reflects the season’s beauty.
- Trust Their Senses: Let the warmth of baking bread, the sparkle of firelight, or the crispness of autumn air speak for themselves. Young children experience the world holistically, without the need for words to make the experience complete.
- Model Gratitude Through Action: The spirit of thankfulness is best learned by observing it. A kind word, a shared task, or a heartfelt drawing offers your child a tangible way to join in the feeling of gratitude.
Finding Joy Alongside Reverence
And let’s not forget: reverence is not the opposite of joy! Laughter, playfulness, and delight are essential companions to healthy development. Parenting is a journey filled with both wonder and worry. I know how easy it is to feel the weight of “doing it right.” But as my 9-year-old recently reminded me, “The ultimate hack is just relax!” Wise words, don’t you think?
So, as we step into this reflective season, may we find time to pause, to notice, and to join our little ones in the simple joys unfolding all around us. Together, let’s hold the spirit of this season close – not as something to explain, but as something to live.
Jerilyn Cole Burke is an educator and traveler who loves connecting with children and families from all corners of the world. She teaches the Parent/Caregiver-Child Class at the Waldorf School of Princeton, creating a warm and supportive space for both adults and their little ones. Jerilyn is certified in Hand in Hand Parenting, Community Supported Postpartum, Waldorf Early Childhood Education, and LifeWays, where she’s also a faculty member. A lifelong learner, she’s currently pursuing an MEd in Mental Health Counseling, where she’s honing her skills to support families even further. Her passion for child development and holistic education is further reflected in her work as an Early Childhood Advisor for NaliniKids, a nonprofit integrating literacy with mental and physical health. Jerilyn has also served as a group facilitator and co-presenter for The Anthroposophical Society in America’s Applied Anthroposophy course.