a story of St Nicholas

Posted by Donna Simmons

St Nicholas’ day has passed (6 December) but this is a lovely story to share with your children. It was written by a Christian Community (the church inspired by the work of Steiner) priest. May it be received with love…

Michaelmas thoughts

Posted by Donna Simmons

Starting on 29 September, Michaelmas Day, we can live into the reality of the four-week period of Michaelmas, a time to gather inner courage as we face the darkening days ahead. In a time when many can feel that life…

A Quick Autumn Craft

Posted by Gabriel2

I rarely put craft ideas on to my blog—there are so many other folks out there who are so creative and ‘crafty’ I generally leave it to them—but this craft has always been one of my favorites. It is so…

Candlemas

Posted by Donna Simmons

Here is a rather old post from – yikes!! – 10 years ago about the festival of Candlemas. I have been more focused on videos and talks than on my blog – I save my writing for the creation of…

The Peace of Mary

Posted by Christopherus

This year for the first time I was able to participate in the celebration of Epiphany at my Church (The Christian Community – the Church inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner). I was privileged to participate in the most…

Creating a Festival

Posted by Christopherus

Here is a post I recently wrote on our discussion forum (and though I’m not there as much as I used to be, I still pop in from time to time !) Though the following refers specifically to someone’s question…

Keeping Sane Over the Holidays

Posted by Christopherus

The Holiday Season is a time of joy for most people – and surely people with children are most joyous of all, as children’s excitement mounts and the countdown to the Great Day begins…. But the Holidays can also be…

On Michaelmas

Posted by Christopherus

We are approaching Michaelmas, a very important festival from an anthroposophical standpoint and one which can be understood to speak to people from all religions. Michael is the “time spirit” of our age, He who brings an impulse both of…

Candlemas

Posted by Christopherus

Just thinking ahead to Candlemas which is coming up soon. Some of you might be interested in this festival and those of you with second graders could incorporate a Candlemas festival into your Saints & Heroes block.Candlemas falls on 2…

Mood and Main Lesson Material

Posted by Christopherus

Each year when the administrator at the Waldorf-ish high school where I teach part time asks me “when would work for you to teach your main lessons?” I like to sit a bit and think about what it is that…

An Advent Reflection

Posted by Christopherus

I thought some of you might enjoy reflecting on this quote about Advent from The Rhythm of the Christian Year: Renewing the Religious Cycle of Festivals by Emil Bock, one of the founders of the Christian Community, the Church inspired…

Fall Festivals

Posted by Christopherus

If you work with the “Waldorf calendar” of festivals, then you know that these next few months are busy ones. Michaelmas, Martinmas, Advent…. Succos, harvest festivals, Channukah, Solstice, and Christmas, are all on the way. We are currently having an…

Advent

Posted by Christopherus

  In most Waldorf schools – at least those in North America, Central Europe, and Britain –  a very special early Winter festival takes place for the children. This is the Advent spiral, a beautiful spiral of Light which symbolizes…

Christmas with Older Children

Posted by Christopherus

Well, the holidays are over – today is Three Kings’ or Epiphany. It is the day that we take down our decorations and officially bring the Christmas season to a close in our family.   My sons are now 12…

Wonderful Halloween

Posted by Christopherus

What a great Halloween we had in our family! What a wonderful festival – though unless one is a follower of Celtic traditions, I’m not sure ‘festival’ is the correct term. ‘Excuse for fun’ or ‘evening out of the ordinary’…

Fall Festivals

Posted by Christopherus

By Donna Simmons I love this time of year. I love the bright blue skies, the vibrant shades of red, gold and orange on the trees. I love the warm sun on my face and the cold wind – the…

January Activities

Posted by Christopherus

This article first appeared in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, January 2004, updated slightly in 2019 January can be a depressing month for many homeschoolers. Panic and guilt lurk just around the corner as well realize that the children have done…

Non-Commercial Christmas

Posted by Christopherus

This article first appeared in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, December 2003 Advent in America… hmmm… not much awaiting of the Light in our local Wal-Mart or in the orgy of holiday specials advertised on TV. It’s such an assault on…