Fun fact - there are almost 4 weeks, 24 days between Yule (22nd June) and Matariki (14th July) this year. And I'm planning a festive (Advent) calendar of sorts for our youngest between the two dates. Read “Advent Calendar” and you possibly first expect to hear I am hauling out a stale old chocolate calendar or giving suggestions of small monetized gifts.
Instead we will be revisiting these little numbered calico “socks” I made for our first born 23 years ago, back when my pattern or sewing skills weren't necessarily the best. Over the years they have become a most beloved heirloom to my children. As such my embarrassment and distaste for them has waned somewhat and I acknowledge they will always be a part of our festive season.
You could use little reusable tea bags or gem bags to create something similar. If you don’t think you personally are up for 24 days, you could perhaps create a shortened version, say for the two weeks of school holidays coming up. Our festive socks are simply safety pinned to a ribbon so we can remove any number and shorten the length of the calendar making it suitable for many celebrations or seasonal countdowns. I believe a festive calendar needn’t be limited to children or “Christmas”. There’s magic in every season and finding it or creating some, is for any one who wants it.
The surprises I plan to fill the socks with are more akin to Winter activity prompts or supplies rather than anything purchased or a sugary gift lasting mere seconds. Having said that, there may be a few homemade treats.
Ideas I have so far are
A small bottle of homemade bubble mixture for creating frozen bubbles on a frosty morning - clearly this one needs some stealthily weather watching to be sure it’s going to freeze overnight!
Create and freeze ice lanterns / candle holders using various sized plastic containers, inside each other, with leaves and or berries to make them extra decorative and festive. The next morning we can release them and place candles inside.
A prompt to go outside and capture new Wintery photos and print them afterwards.
A fresh box of whole cloves to make orange pomanders.
Supplies to create various whetū (star) decorations, including native harakeke / flax to weave
natural potters clay to mould ornaments - this could cover a number of days/socks, changing what we create, Matariki star ornaments, sun medallions - to welcome back the sun, candle or incense holders.
I'm quite anti the public sale of fireworks for the upset they cause to our animal friends. But I make an exception for hand held and mostly silent "sparklers" and keep some aside for Winter when the nights draw in earlier.
A prompt to create tiny Winter inspired terrariums or spell jars, with moss, herbs, crystals and foraged treasures.
A small purse of cress, chia or alfalfa seeds to create and sprout egg head people.
Supplies to make new bird feeders, lard, wild seed, sunflower seeds etc..
A prompt for creating a time capsule or letter to open next Winter solstice.
Create a new festive blend of tea to brew together - I’m dreaming of a citrus, ginger and cacao nib infusion, or perhaps a caramely blend of salted honeydew (native beech honey) and vanilla bean.
Build Matariki care packages of homemade treats to send to friends and family.
Beeswax and various infused oils to create salves for preventing chapped lips.
Create together or pop in new homemade candles, beeswax poured into citrus peel shells with wicks, or shells of nuts, acorns or indeed seashells themselves.
A festive incense, smoke stick to burn etc.
Remember feeling festive and creating magic is not about everything being perfect, and beginning any new ritual or creative endeavor does take time, some planning and patience. I really want to encourage you to use what you already have at home to create your magic and get inventive. Let the creative process and exploration of any new idea nourish you, your mind and spirit.
If this post has inspired you, sparked your own ideas or prompts to pop in to a festive calendar of socks, I'd dearly love you to share them in the comments. As you can see I'm still a few short!
Seasons Blessings 💫
Bron