The winter solstice slips quietly into the year, a sacred pause in the sun’s journey. Many see it as a marker of the year’s close, a prelude to celebrations that usher in the new calendar year. But for us, the solstice carries a deeper rhythm, a rhythm that mirrors the earth itself. It is not an ending but a time to go inward, to reflect, and to prepare—not just individually, but as a family.
Life on a homestead is full of surprises. Every day brings new challenges, whether it's the unpredictability of weather, the persistence of weeds, or the sudden need to patch up a scraped knee or soothe an unexpected bee sting. Over the years, I've learned that having a well-stocked first aid kit is not just a good idea—it's essential. But I’m not only talking about your typical, store-bought first aid kit filled with band-aids and antiseptic wipes, although those items are a great idea. On our homestead, we rely on the healing power of plants. Our herbal first aid kit is the first line of defense against minor injuries, burns, bug bites, and common ailments.