Balance in a Festival Season

Many people are drawn to Waldorf education because of its beauty. They are most often first drawn in by the physical beauty; the organization and materials of the physical space, play things and art work. But eventually, many discover the spiritual beauty. The wholistic view of human development, the spiritual foundation of the curriculum, and how the children are held within the spirit of the greater community. This spirit of community is never felt more than during the festival season in the late days of autumn.

We should not underestimate the significance it once held for mankind to focus the whole attention during the year on a festival-time. Although in our time the celebration of religious festivals is largely a matter of habit, it was not always so.

Steiner – April 22, 1923

As the days grow shorter and we are dipped into a season of darkness, there is an impulse to turn inward. The earth is quiet, pulling in the last of its autumn breath and holding it; a pause of seeming stillness. But underneath the quiet ground, the work of the earth continues as it prepares for a spring that is not as far off as it seems.

Around the world, through time immemorable, humans have gathered together during this fall into darkness to light our collective lights, both figuratively and literally. As we light our physical candles we also build an inner light. Through inner work, we cultivate a strength and warmth to carry us through the long dark months towards the outbreath of spring. But have we, as modern humans, gone too far in celebrating the festivals during this time? Are we focusing too much on the habits of gathering with friends to take walks through woods holding lanterns made by all the children? Have we become too caught up in the material actions, and lost focus of the true meaning of this time of year?

If you look at the festival calendar of many Waldorf inspired communities, you will see a host of special events starting in November and leading all the way through to Epiphany. Martinmas, Advent, St Nicholas Day, St Lucia day, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Three Kings Day; so much activity during a time that is often also filled with visits with family and preparations for gift making and gift giving. Not to forget all the celebrations that often come in from main lesson studies, such a Diwali, Hanukah, Bodhi Day, and Kwanza. Do we, as a community, need to celebrate or observe all these festivals?

My, often unpopular opinion, is no.

All the “standard Waldorf festivals” were originally celebrated in different countries around Europe. They meant something to the people who celebrated them because they were a part of their history, religion or cultural traditions. And not to say they do not mean something to those families who have adopted them for their own family traditions, but we can sometimes loose the impulse behind the season by focusing on the materialism of preparing for and taking part in these celebrations.

Not everything needs to be celebrated. Children don’t need gifts from both Saint Nicholas and Santa. They don’t need lantern festivals and advent spirals. They don’t need an advent calendar with daily activities for the four weeks leading up to Christmas. What is needed is an adult, holding the space, cultivating warmth and peace within the home. How you choose to create that will depend on the needs of your children. How you celebrate the season should focus on the impulse you wish to uphold.

“But I love all the festivals!” we cry out. And yes, they are truly all beautiful! Each one holds a very special message. But they all hold the same impulse. The impulse of inner work, of compassion, sacrifice, putting others before ourselves. They encourage us to do better, be better, to work to find an inner light to share with humankind. So, how can we cultivate that without getting lost in the materialism that can occur?

In my opinion, we just need to choose mindfully. We can to look at our community to see which festivals resonate with the cultures represented. We can look at our family, and see which festivals are deeply experienced with community and which ones can be quietly marked at home. We can look at our lessons and attend cultural events in their communities as guests. And, we can also remember the power of a story to quietly impress on the soul of a child.

It doesn’t need to be all in or all out. It is about finding a balance that serves our families AND serves the impulse of the season.

~Marina