December 5, 2007

It is the Eve of Saint Nicholas, celebrated throughout most of Europe. A wonderful description of the festivities comes from a Candlegrove visitor. Here's another detailed description. Tomorrow is Saint Nicholas' Day, and with the arrival of Father Christmas, the holiday season feels like it's in full swing.

...it's the second night of Hanukkah

Tips for the day

The always-creative "Wellcat Holidays" (Thomas and Ruth Roy) deem this Bathtub Party Day, an invitation to recall the luxury of bygone days by immersing yourself in a long, hot bath.

That may not be such a bad idea, during a busy-preholiday week. To make it really soothing, stir in a cup of Epsom salts, add a teaspoon of canola oil, then, if you have any essential oils, add about five drops. Calming choices included lavendar, chamomile, orange blossom and sandalwood.

You might also try making bath salts as a gift. You'll need salt, of course, either Epsom salts or sea salt. And more of those essential oils. For every cup of salt, blend in 16-24 drops total. Blending a few oils makes for a more individual scent. Blending examples: lavendar, rose and wisteria; or sandalwood, patchouli, cinnamon and acacia.

Mix lightly, place in a pretty jar and tie with a ribbon. Sealing wax makes a nice touch, too. A little handwritten card with the directions: use about tablespoon or two at a time. Very personal and healing!

Aromatherapy can help guide your scent choices. Aromaweb has a great guide to the properties of essential oils

Good sources for aromatherapy supplies and products:

Smallflower Aromatherapy

Aroma-Pure.com

Ebay is another great source for essential oils and other aromatherapy supplies.

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