So last night was Oliver’s annual Martinmas lantern walk with his Waldorf school (for a more beatific explanation, read here). . .

Reality is all how we choose to position it – so sitting in rush-hour traffic is either a soul-stealing torture or time to sing more Journey. And in Waldorf, children who could be seen as difficult or unruly or (erf) “bad,” are seen as energetic and interesting. In Oliver’s case, children who are at first reserved and uncomfortable are given complete silence while they take their time to say “important things.”

In addition to a heavy focus on socialization and acceptance, Waldorf also respects nature and emphasizes structure and transition – like, from Fall to Winter. . .

If you aren’t in a Waldorf school, take a moment to do you own lantern walk. Make a lantern (this one here is Oliver’s mason jar with tissue paper glued over leaves, a rope handle wound on, and a tea light) and go into the woods with your kid(s). Explain that the Martinmas lantern walk is a reminder to maintain the light during Winter. Sing a song – come on! Tell your kids that they always carry their own light during darkness (though Vitamin D helps!).

Then to celebrate afterwards, I recommend sushi with hot tea.