A little merriment......

A few years back I was so glad to
discover a lovely little family ritual
for New Year in this treasure of
a book. Since then it has become
a firm favourite around here.....

It goes a bit like this.........
First we gather some flowers from
the garden. ( I so love the combination
of small children, pajamas and beautiful
mellow, early evening sunlight...)

We use these flowers, some stones and shells

to decorate a large bowl of water on the

table.

We gather round to write slightly silly little

clues on small cards. This involves lots of

whispering and excitement.

"Once there was a

little house

And in it was a

little mouse....."

Then there is a bit of a flurry of

secrecy while the treasure is hidden, the

cards are placed around the bowl

and the fun begins...

In turn, we each float a candle lit walnut boat in the water and

watch as it sails......the clue nearest to its final resting place,

then belongs to the owner of the boat.

There tends to be a bit of gentle encouraging of the

little boats on their voyage and general merriment as

they set sail.

Before we each read our clues and dash off to locate

the hidden treasure, which tends to be chocolate coins...




In future years, we might as the book suggests, include a

few more opportunities to predict the fortunes of the coming

year. Perhaps an Isle of Luck, a safe harbour etc , but it

is just right for us with little ones, in its simple treasure

finding form just now.

A lovely little celebration of the New Year really.

May you have a wonderful New Year, where ever your journey

takes you!