Illuminated Roots | 5: A Decoration | Anela Deisler Photography
The first time I went to my husband’s hometown of Big Bear, it was for St. Patrick’s Day. There was snow everywhere and I was convinced it might have been the North Pole. Until then, that holiday and Ireland in general had never really been on my radar. But now that I’ve gotten to know Nick and his family, we have a big St. Patty’s Day party every year where kids plant skittles that they sprinkle with magical dust. I’ve even been to Ireland seeing the Cliffs of Moher and experiencing the kindness of the people there. We’re currently dreaming up a family trip to take the kids there.
So our next adventure in this little project was to Ireland, where Nick’s Dad and I think my Dad also have roots. I showed the kids homes in Ireland in the winter and we learned about the tradition to put a candle in your window on Christmas Eve. This is a sign to welcome visitors, guests, and perhaps Santa.
I grabbed some toilet paper rolls, construction paper, tissue, and glue. Mo made a beautiful candle and Mak did some circle prints with glue on the edge of the TP roll…I’ll call that a win because he engaged so creatively with the tools I gave him.
Day 5: Google “ ____ winter homes” and look at some photos. How is this like our home? How is it different? Then google “____ Christmas/winter decorations” and see if you find a project you can pull off with what you have at home. If you can find a little story about this decoration that’s great too!”
Prep for Day 6: Google or look on pinterest for “ ___ Christmas Tradition”. Or holiday or winter tradition for a place that’s special to your family. Try to find some photos or a story to share. Nothing too fancy. Then maybe think of a way you can make something like what you see. This is the same directions from a previous one, just using a different culture/location.
