Today is Wintertyde Eve. Have you prepared for the season?

January 6th is always Epiphany on the Christian calendar. Traditionally it marks the day the 3 Magi (Wise Men) reached Bethlehem and experienced a massive infusion of divine light. Not coincidentally the days are growing longer as more light hits the planet during the Sun's progression to the Spring equinox and the renewal of life. In any event, Wintertyders will be prepared for Winter Day, which always falls on January 7th. This means your door wreath ready to be swapped out for your Christmas wreath as yesterday was, technically, the final day of Christmastide. The transition should be somewhat ceremonious as we bid farewell to the Yuletide holiday and look forward to a new season, Wintertyde. Other protocol items are to have an indoor wreath prepared if so desired. Recall that the Wintertyde color scheme is silver, white, and natural tones. Use your intuition to avoid a "Christmassy" look in creating your wreaths. Wintertyde is a completely separate and unique season.

A Saint Brigit's Day cross Remember to prep your tabletop tree, which gets decorated with snowflakes and ornaments related to the holidays that fall within the Wintertyde season. The first will be a small Saint Brigit's Day cross. Her day falls on February 1st. She is an much-revered patron Saint of Ireland as is Saint Patrick. However, as a woman she has been marginalized over the centuries. Ironically, Brigit is truly Irish while Saint Patrick was born in England. Her cross goes on your wreath on January 18th this year.

Last item is that we have moved the Hoppin' John feast to Wintertyde Day. Eating Hoppin' John on New years Day is a longtime Southern tradition. Usually, aspirin and water is the focus of New Year's Day for many after celebrating the night before; hence, we have moved the date for a full meal to January 7th from the 1st. Finally, Wintertyde creates diversions from the long Winter. Concentrate on January 18th on your Wintertyde calendar as all items related to the first two days of February should be displayed: cross, football, candle, and groundhog. 4 holidays just happen to fall on February 1st and 2nd in 2015. Have fun!