December 27, 2007

It's the second day of Kwanzaa, the seven-day African-American holiday celebration. Today's principle is KUJICHAGULIA — self-determination.

Frau Holle was known throughout Germany. A Mother Christmas figure, she derived from the ancient mother goddess, bringing fertility and abundance. She rode throughout the land, distributing gifts in a sleigh pulled by dogs. The Saxons in Britain picked up this tradition, calling Christmas Mother Night. Those traditions are a reminder to honor the feminine at this time of year, the one who oversees the "household" of the Earth, and the one who can bless our household and keep things running smoothly.

Tips for the day

It's so sad at this time of year when I see Christmas trees already discarded at the curbside. Christmas is a season, and our ancestors used to celebrate it for 12 days! If you don't plan to extend your celebration through Twelfth Night, you can give your tree another life — use the tree branches as instant mulch for early-sprouting plant beds. Or find someone who can chip the entire tree into mulch.

Another great suggestion: turn this year's Christmas tree into next year's Yule Log by saving the trunk.