This morning, we’re inviting the whole family to witness the solstice sunrise. Participation is NOT mandatory. But for those who accept, we’re taking a thermos full of homemade Wassail and a couple of hand-illustrated paper clocks or paper lanterns for a morning beach walk [or, if it’s particularly blustery, into the local park or our own backyard]. And, taking our cue from a long-standing tradition of Brighton, England: we’ll burn paper effigies of the clock to mark the shortest day of the year, saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new.
We’re including our recipe for a Thermos Wassail just below. But don’t forget to click here or scroll down past the recipe to reach the ON THIS DAY feature for a hint of all the December 21sts that have come before.
Thermos Wassail
Ingredients
- 3¾ cups apple cider
- ¾ cups orange juice
- ⅛ cup fresh lemon juice [juice of half a good lemon]
- 1 large slice from the centre of an orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- 6 whole cloves
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Pass the mixture through a sieve into the thermos, using a wide-mouthed funnel, if desired.
Notes
ON THIS DAY
2023: Urban Forest Bathing in Black and White
2022: Forest Bathing and Fireside Sketching
2021: Support the David Suzuki Foundation and the Daily Bread Food Bank
2020: Two-Colour Linocuts
2019: Sketch a Winter Window Scene
2018: Holiday Beatnik Coffee House
2017: At-Home Spa Day
2016: Double Chocolate Cookies with Andes Mints
2015: Give to the Daily Bread Food Bank
2014: Read and Illustrate Much Ado About Nothing, Acts III-V
2013: Make Chocolate Chocolate Chip Crinkle [Kringle] Cookies, Pfeffernüsse, and Other Old Favourites
2012: Order Fish & Chips and Watch The Bishop’s Wife
2011: Elvis Dog and Reindeer Cookies
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