Night Tree

Recently we shared in a family tradition of some friends and joined them for a Winter Solstice party. According to John, he and Elizabeth have made it an annual tradition to read Night Tree by Eve Bunting -- a story of a family who went together into the forest each Christmas Eve to decorate a tree with goodies for the animals -- to their three children.

Each year they would take their children (along with other friends) deep into the German woods to decorate a tree, on the Winter Solstice rather than Christmas Eve.

They brought the tradition to Italy when they moved here. Their children are now all grown up, the youngest in her first year in college, (Oh, how we all miss her this year!) yet the tradition continues.

Mr. Duncan, Maddy and I made several Cheerios strings for the forest creatures. Each of the guests present contributed a bit to the tree.




The hike through the forest was perfect for Maddy, who has learned much about il bosco in the asilo this fall.


At about dusk we arrived at the cave. Yes -- we hiked through a candle-lit cave. There are a bit of man-made caves in these parts that were created during the wars.



We hiked back to their home for some singing and eating and drinking.



PS. I will be ordering the book.