Gathering Light: Winter Solstice Reflections & Holiday Harmonies

In this special episode, we're bringing back two cherished holiday-themed recordings from our archives. Whether it’s the miracle of light, the birth of a Holy Child, or the warmth of family traditions, December celebrations connect us to a shared human experience rooted in vulnerability to nature’s rhythms. First, in this excerpt from the December episode of Mary's Slow Living Through the Seasons series from 2023, Mary reflects on the winter solstice and its significance across cultures, exploring what we share with our ancestors during the darkest days of the year. Discover the deeper meaning behind festive traditions and how modern celebrations can sometimes pull us away from the natural cycle of the seasons. Then, we revisit a delightful musical performance from the Lady Farmer Archives. Recorded in Seneca, Maryland, in November 2020, this casual fireside set by the Missing Sister Band warms the soul with soulful harmonies. Topics Covered: The winter solstice as a universal human experience, excerpted from Slow Living Through the Seasons Yuletide reflections and our connection to ancient traditions The story behind holiday symbols like the wreath A soulful musical set featuring holiday-inspired covers Music Setlist: "White Flag" by Joseph "Helplessly Hoping" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash "Strangers" by The Kinks "Baby Where You Are" by Ted Lucas "Dogs Laying Around Playing" by My Bubba "Long Time Traveller" by Sacred Harp Performed by the Missing Sister Band: Vocals: Anna Glenn, Charlotte Henderson, Shannon Beston (guitar), Caitlin Robinson, Emma Kingsley Guitar: Cameron Palmer Audio/Visuals: David Smith, Emma Kingsley, Mary Kingsley Editing: Emma Kingsley Tune in for an episode that celebrates the beauty of gathering, the wonder of the solstice, and the joy of shared music. Happy Holidays! 🎶✨ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌻 About Lady Farmer: • Our Website • Follow @weareladyfarmer on Instagram • Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC • Email us at [e-mail] or leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Original music by John Kingsley. Editing and podcast production by Fast Forward Production. 🌿 The Good Dirt Producers: • Wendy Gray