Find Your Light in the Darkness

Light is a form of energy that allows humans to see, and we rely on it to function. Having less light during the day affects many people. Some even develop depression from this lack of sunlight through a condition called S.A.D (Seasonal Deficit Disorder).

I write about this condition in this article: https://medium.com/illumination/are-you-suffering-from-s-a-d-79ee280b9216

It's the darkest time of year in the northern hemisphere where I live. Some families go to work before the sun rises and return home after sunset. It's normal to miss the lighter days and the relative ease that we float through the spring and summer months.

I work with first graders in elementary school and part of my job as a teacher is to teach the children about our world. I have been teaching the kids about traditions of light from around the world.

Traditions and culture often propel us through seasons and they are vital for our well-being. 

Diwali

Some religions like Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism, celebrate Diwali around late October and early November every year. The festival falls on different days each year depending on the moon because the Hindu calendar is guided by it. 

Diwali is the festival of light and it's celebrated for five days. Houses, shops and public places are decorated by small oil lamps called 'diyas,' and people exchange gifts and enjoy traditional food.

Dia de las Velitas (The Day of the Little Candles)

On December 7th, Colombia and other Spanish speaking countries around the world, celebrate Dia de las Velitas (The Day of the Little Candles). 

It is a tradition where families place candles and paper lanterns (faroles) on windowsills, balconies and in the streets. It marks the beginning of the Christmas season and commemorates the Immaculate Conception of Mary. (Catholic religion) It's both a religious and a state holiday in Columbia. 

Many people light the candles with a specific intention or wish for the coming year. I showed the children a video of this tradition and the kids faces lit up when they saw the magical glowing candles. 

I've never been to Columbia but traditions like this one looks wonderful. Seeing communities of people of different ages coming together to celebrate light brings me joy. 

Saint Lucy's Day

On December 13th, another tradition called St Lucy's Day or the Feast of Saint Lucy is celebrated. Saint Lucy was a fourth century Sicilian woman who (according to the lore) wore a head wreath adorned with candles to light the way to help persecuted Christians. 

The candle light on Saint Lucy's wreath, symbolizes hope and spiritual illumination. The tradition includes candle lit processions where girls dress in white with red sashes around their waists and wreaths on their heads, singing carols.

Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated in Italian communities and also in Scandinavia. 

Christmas

Christmas is a main festival celebrating the birth of Christ by Christians around the world. It's held on December 25th every year and been a secular family holiday since the early 20th century. Even non-Christians are known to celebrate this day without religious elements. 

Families and communities come together and share gifts and food together near a Christmas tree. Santa Claus is magical figure that plays a pivotal role during Christmas time, running from advent to the Epiphany. 

My kids and those in my class can't wait for Santa's arrival on Christmas Day where he will bring presents in his sleigh to all children around the world. 

The Elf-on-the-shelf Game (Keeping the magic alive)

In all the build up to Christmas Children can often feel overwhelmed. I'm having great fun with my kids every year where I play the game "Elf on a Shelf." 

It's a game where my children each have an elf that moves into our house during advent and "spies" on them. The story is that Santa is very busy in the North Pole preparing the presents for Christmas. He sends his scout elves to "spy on the kids to see if they have been naughty or nice. 

My kids elves leaves little surprises behind every day to keep the magic alive. Last night, my boys' elves made a mess in our living room. The night before there were "footprints" on the toilet paper in the bathroom. My boys love their elves but I think this is my last year doing it since they are growing older.

I've brought a class elf to school and the kids adore coming in to see where he's hiding and what he's been doing to the classroom. 

Here's more about the"elf on the shelf."

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-elf-on-the-shelf/

Light brings communities together and what is more important than being with our loved ones?

I think it's vital for our mental health and well-being wherever you live in the world, to be a little silly and enjoy some fun and games. 

You don't have to have a religion to invite your friends around for a meal and play games like charades.

What will you do this December to enjoy your light with friends and loved ones?

My name is Lizzy. I'm a trauma survivor, a wife, a mom, a teacher, and an author.

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For more about me: www.elizabethwoodsauthor.com

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Here are a few links to my top articles:

Looking for a Change?

https://medium.com/activated-thinker/looking-for-a-change-f391e85abbd7

A Search for Identity

https://medium.com/beyond-lines/a-search-for-identity-893df7c970c2

Are You Searching for Peace?

https://medium.com/illumination/are-you-searching-for-peace-cd54d76231c8

Are You Dealing With Burnout?

https://medium.com/illumination/are-you-dealing-with-burnout-374f774141b4

The Knock on the Door that Changed My World

https://medium.com/illumination/the-knock-on-the-door-that-changed-my-world-ff126c8c07cf