Solstice

*is

I didn’t set off to write a ‘holiday’ song but this ended up that way. I’m not a fan of Christmas in general and I detest holiday music (except, strangely, the classic hymns. Singing O, Holy Night in a children’s choir on the circle in downtown Indianapolis is one of my fondest holiday memories. Shout out to Mr. Lofton, our ex-military sergeant conductor who could always get us to hit the high, high notes. And hold it). But I’m always up for a challenge (especially when I can get on my Fem-Animist soapbox.)

This parallels the attempted cultural erasure, appropriation and secularization of Pagan celebrations of Yule and Saturnalia and my own experience of disillusionment and a broken family during the holidays. We can’t go back but we can be knowledgeable of past abuse and move forward, wiser and more compassionate. There is a thread of kindness that has continued throughout history and, in some small way, is still present during this holiday season. May we shine a light on this.

For my sisters.

Kat: lyrics, vox, keys

Do you remember when we brought the evergreens inside?
Gathered by the fire, the warmth of cider and of wine
But then they went and made us praise a holy man besides
Thought we had forgotten but She was always right outside
Our world was changing
Now we sing O, Holy Night

I still remember following your footsteps through the snow
dancing in the fairy lights, how I couldn’t even feel the cold
Then, when she left us, left us there to find our way alone
climbing to the attic, taking down the boxes on our own
My heart was breaking
So, I sang O, Holy Night

Maybe this December, from my door, you’ll call my name
trees made of plastic but the fire warms us just the same
Our own redeemers, knowing that we were always safe
here in the darkness, the Winter Solstice is our grace
This is our making
This is our night divine