winter solstice

Last year we started a nice winter tradition of making lanterns and taking them for a walk on the shortest day (blogged here).  I set up some papers and hole punches on the table and gave the kids a piece of clear contact paper (left over from book covering) to decorate.

They wrapped the sticky side around a baby food jar with a wire hook.  Then did a bit of decorating with some permanent markers.

We've used the plain jars with tea lights in the backyard for a few years now and so have a lot of them stashed away for summer.  This year we needed something quick and easy that we could use right away.

Daddy B managed to come along with us which was wonderful, especially when the youngest party member tripped and skinned his knee and needed a shoulder ride home.  Must take a torch next time, just in case of emergencies.  Also the glow sticks were quite a fun addition to our walk (a lucky prize from school that day).