It’s the Winter Solstice today and it is a beautiful day, chilly and bright with a frosty crunch underfoot and a lingering fog from everyone’s breath. The sun was still well below the tops of the trees at noon and already making its way back to bed.
I found out today that you can watch the Solstice sunrise from Newgrange live on the internet, that’s amazing, imagine trying to explain the concept of that to its original designers over 5000 years ago. This is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the rediscovery of the Winter Solstice Phenomenon there. Here are some beautiful pictures from last year. It would be amazing to see.
I’m going to join Everyday Yogini in her Solstice Gratitude Practice. Over the past year, I have grumbled and complained quite a bit due to lack of sleep and the adjustments of new motherhood, but I have so much to be grateful for…
1. I get to wake every morning and see my beautiful daughter and amazing husband sleeping beside me.
2. I get to comfort my daughter when she cries, it is overwheming sometimes to be so needed, but it is humbling too.
3. I get to nourish my daughter’s body with my milk, her heart with my love and her mind with my daily presence. Sometimes it can feel very full-on but she is reaping the benefits every day.
4. I get a soy hot chocolate every night, made by my husband and drunk in complete peace and quiet while he minds littlepixie in another room.
5. I get a hot shower every day. When I was pregnant I realised the relaxing power of hot showers, they just melt your aches away.
6. I get help from my mother every week. She takes littlepixie for a walk so I can take a nap if I’ve been up all night.
7. I get amazing cleavage from breastfeeding! Well, it is a great side-effect 
8. I get to stay home with my daughter every day.
9. I get to “talk” to many many people all around the world who have similar views on life to me, through their blogs & on forums. Even though in real life I often have to defend my beliefs, I don’t have to do this online!
10. I get to give my daughter powerful antibodies in my milk to help her get over her cold. That’s the best way to think about the fact that I’ve been sick for two weeks with a cold 
Happy Yule, I hope you all get to enjoy it with your nearest & dearest! Snuggle up and enjoy the longest night of the year (or was that last night? I’m never sure!)
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Had to spend the longest night alone as HTB was working the night shift. But now have 11 glorious days together (once he wakes up)!
Best of the season to you all. x