Although there was no snowfall, the 30-degree weather and a three-quarter moon shining high in the starry sky made you know it was only hours away before the official time of the winter solstice at Seed Song Farm in Kingston on Thursday, December 21.
Neetopk Keetopk Native Americans performed the ceremony with smudging, drumming and song, gratitude, Lenape stories and a solstice message.
With reference to Robin Kimmerer, an enrolled citizen of the Citizen Potawantomi Nation, the opening Thanksgiving Address acknowledges and thanks is given to all living things of this world to align the minds and hearts of the people with nature. Next there is a tobacco offering as a recognition of things we harvested materially and spiritually, as well as those things we are discarding. This is followed by a flute meditative. Suggestions for everyday activities during the winter solstice included spending more time listening, watching and honoring the slower, quieter rhythms of the season, considering watching the sun rise or set, writing a poem and cultivating stillness in yourself.
The celebration followed with a traditional solstice Mummers skit, piñata activity, a potluck supper with fellowship around the bonfire and winter/holiday music with the Seed Song Band.
Join the family! 
