Winterviews & Solstice Eve

To celebrate 13 weeks of winter, Hàlön Chronicles is conducting one interview a week for 13 weeks. We’re also partnering with other sites and artists to bring a fuller, richer experience to our readers. Join us on the hashtag #13Winterviews as the countdown continues.

Welcome to Solstice Eve. Tomorrow as we kick off our third season of Winterviews, here in the Pacific Northwest we’re also preparing to celebrate the shortest day of the year. The turning point where the weather starts to get colder and darker, and yet we’re already counting down the days until we smell spring in the air. Up here in the north we only get a few hours of daylight, and it’s usually dismal and gray as the clouds roll in from the coast and sit tight against the Cascades – perfect weather for writing.

As I sit by the fire with my hands wrapped a cup of warm cocoa, this is the day I try to take stock of all the things I’ve accomplished this year. Solstice is the perfect time to think about all the goals you achieved, and to take a deep breath before diving into the holidays. If you’ve found yourself with a few moments to spare today, here are some recommendations to help shed the old year and get in the holiday mood.

Relax

The house is a mess, you’ve got family coming to town, and the crazy is about to begin. Set the kids in front of a movie or project and take a few quiet moments to yourself. Breathe. Have a cup of tea or a mug of cocoa. Think about all the good things you did this year, all those milestones you hit. Let those accomplishments be the thing you take with you into the new season and the new year.

Create a Self-Care Kit

One of my favorite posts recently came from editor Jeni Chappelle and her guest post on Knot Magick Knitter about creating a self-care kit. A small box filled with a few favorite books or poetry sets, a scented candle, a favorite tea, or even a pair of fuzzy slippers. Think about the space you can step into and be at your most relaxed. Turn off electronics (except maybe soft music if you’re like me), set the kids to task, and wrap yourself in the elements that will transport you from a chaotic mindset to one of peace and readiness.

Don’t Forget About You

Every so often I find myself stretched too thin with tasks I have to wrangle them all back into an order I can work with. But then I spy a neat-o project and offer myself up. Then another holiday comes and I don’t want to leave the house, so I offer to host, forgetting in that moment that I have neither the time nor the funds for such a thing, but it still sounds like fun and means I don’t have to fight traffic. The truth is, as much as we want to give of ourselves, life can be overwhelming and sometimes we give too much.

Giving any part of yourself is why people are drawn to your company, but don’t forget about you. It’s okay to step back. Tell someone their project sounds lovely, but you can’t participate just yet. As we head into a holiday where many of us overextend ourselves (and our budgets), don’t forget about you and step aside when you need to.

You are important.

To everyone out there who gave of themselves the first two seasons of Winterviews, thank you. For those of you who are stepping into the spotlight this season, thank you. Everyone of you has been so generous with your time and your beautiful work and you’ve made this passion project of mine something to be proud of.

Cheers and happy holidays!

K. J. Harrowick