And a Happy Year End To You!

Another year is finding its end.... strange thing time, we always seem to think that with a new year so rolls in a new energy renewed possibility and change.  We reset, realign and begin to look forward again.  In reality it is merely the passing of days, another cycle of day and night, weeks and months.

But I think there is something in its energetic power.  By each December people are exhausted and worn out with the daily grind, and yes the annual holiday brings about vitality, excitement and rest  which certainly renews belief in ourselves and the world at large.

So for most of the western world (and much of the southern and northern world) it is Christmas that signals the apex of the year end focus. Over the art table the children and I have been discussing the benefits and meanings of various religious celebrations particularly Hanukkah and Christmas, with some interesting perspectives.  The general consensus (amongst the babes) is that Christians are lucky because they get presents (so much for Christ's impoverished birth and subsequent suffering!).

A few years ago we watched a nativity play with my parents.  My mother leaned over to Alaska and asked her if she was enjoying it to which she replied, "Yes, but what has this got to do with Christmas?" We are not Christian yet we celebrate Christmas. So what is it we celebrate?  For me it is precisely the changing over of energy, the gearing down, remembering to breathe and, days on the beach and dare I say it, spending time with my lovely family, all of them. As I get older the last part rings particularly true.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and General Generous Joy!!

Lets Fly!

You will need:

Sheets of stiff card
Tubes
Wood/craft glue
Masking tape
Elastic
Shiny pipe cleaners
Paint
Scissors

The idea is that you give them the gift of flight by gently bouncing them on the elastic.  Its lovely.