Shoreline Winter Solstice Family Lantern Walk

Winding Willow School, a new Shoreline preschool, is hosting a Winter Solstice celebration for young children and their able bodied families, on December 20, 2013 in Aureole Lopez Shulman’s home, at 4pm for warm cider and snacks.

The singing lantern-lit procession will commence at 4:30pm and be done by 5:30. Bring a lantern or flashlight and come bundled up. This is a magical holiday tradition that lights up the darkest time of year with community and song. 

Check Facebook for last minute announcements about weather or questions. We will also be posting short videos with the songs and lyrics we’ll be singing. The walking route has a short steep hill and a grassy meadow. Please RSVP on Facebook or call Aureole at 206-909-1110 so we have enough cider. The address is 900 NE 147th St, Shoreline 98155. 

Although families are welcome to see the indoor space on this day, this is not an Open House and the school program will not be presented. This is a family and child centered holiday celebration.

In traditional Waldorf schools there is an annual autumn lantern walk. It has some beautiful songs that many remember for their whole lives. In school the children make colorful lanterns using tissue paper and beautiful leaves. When the dark descends, the children, from preschool the early elementary grades, meet with their families around a campfire. Once everyone has arrived and tasted some cider, all the lanterns are carefully lit, or switched on. A procession is formed and the singing commences as the crowd ventures out into the dark. After a short walk through the trees and neighborhood, they gather together in some beautiful meadow or clearing for a few more songs. Then everyone heads home with magic and song in their hearts.

Winding Willow School is a Waldorf inspired early learning environment with programs for  Kindergarten, Preschool and Parent Child. The Winding Willow School curriculum is play based and Spanish bilingual.