As the longest night invites stillness, we’ll gather to honor winter’s quiet gifts—connection, reflection, and community care. In a season often centered on buying more, we’re choosing to experience more: more presence in nature, more togetherness, more meaning. We invite you to join us Sunday Dec. 21 from 1:00-4:00pm at Camp Lake of the Woods (Hogan), Swope Park7332 Oakwood Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132.
Come As You Are
This is a come-and-go gathering. Supervised children are welcome. (Please let pets stay cozy at home.)
Please REGISTER for this FREE event.
Community Yule Log Ritual
Together we’ll co-create a community Yule Log as a symbol of returning light and shared intentions.
- Add sprigs of evergreen, dried herbs, and a ribbon or twine.
- Write a word, prayer, or intention and tuck it into the greenery.
- We’ll bless the log as a circle, then place it by the Hogan hearth as our communal centerpiece for the afternoon (weather and site conditions permitting).
(Optional: bring a small evergreen clipping, ribbon, or a short written intention to contribute.)
Flow of the Afternoon
- 1:00–2:00 PM — Guided winter trail walk around the Hogan with TRA volunteers
- 2:00 PM — Solstice meditation led by Amy Schonhoff
- 2:15–3:00 PM — Community Yule Log creation & blessing
- 3:00–4:00 PM — Warm up by the Hogan fire with wintry storytelling, s’mores, and cider; optional simmer-pot craft to take home
What to Know / Bring
- Dress for the weather and unpaved trails (layers, warm hat/gloves, sturdy shoes/boots).
- We’ll provide s’mores and cider; feel free to bring a reusable mug or thermos.
- Optional contributions: small evergreen clipping, ribbon/twine, or a written intention for the Yule Log.
- Accessibility note: trails are natural surface and may be uneven. Cozy fireside space is available at the Hogan for those who prefer to remain near the lodge.
- Fire/placement of the Yule Log will follow site guidelines and weather/safety conditions.
