Children’s Day

December 17th, Sunday Gathering

Winter solstice in the north is celebrated as Children’s Day in December. This holiday celebrates the children of Shambhala, but is also a seasonal celebration for the whole community. In the southern hemisphere it is the longest day of the year and marks the summer solstice. In the north, this holiday is ofen marked with a candlelight gathering, acknowledging that we are entering the dark days of winter.

Children offer gifts for other children who are in need. We sing songs, dress in our finest, and usually have a visit from the Children’s Day King and Queen! All Shambhalians are heartily encouraged to attend this celebration of our children, our culture, and our future. In the southern hemisphere the warmth and long hours of daylight make it a perfect time to be outside. The theme of light could be incorporated with lanterns, sparklers, and other festive outdoor light elements that children and the whole community could enjoy.

Beyond the difference of long and short days of sunlight, globally we are feeling the darkness of wars, hostility, greed, destruction and acts of inhumanity. It is this darkness that drew us here at Touching the Earth, to celebrate the children… and the light and warmth of Children’s Day.

Please celebrate with us, online December 17th, Sunday Gathering, as we join together to share our wisdom and happiness of children, with music and collective poetry creation, your oferings, smiling faces, bringing peace to the world.