December's Full Moon is the Oak Moon or Cold Moon. It is the first of the winter season, shimmering through the snow, reflecting a frozen landscape. The candles we place in our windows are echoes of a time when it was crucial to encourage the Cold Moon to come, as it signaled the turning of the Wheel, bringing the elusive Spring one spoke closer to our icy fingers. Celebrate this year by having a meal honoring your "protectors", your spirit guides and angels, and any other ancestor or deity you feel close to. Make them each a plate at your table filled with dishes made of fruits, like apples and bananas, cornbreads and fishes. Provide red wine or juices. Make your special meal a full ritual by casting a circle and invoking your protectors, inviting them to dine with you. Then talk to Them about your fears and hopes, your angers and dreams. Ask them for strength and guidance. Be sure to listen as well. And don’t forget to thank them and close your circle when the meal is done.

Another important day in December is New Year’s Eve, when we honor our past and focus on the future. This is often symbolized by an old man with a long beard (the old year), bowing down to a newborn child (the New Year). This is a great day to celebrate with family and friends. Have everyone wear a new piece of clothing. Enjoy a large feast that continues through out the night. Dance and play games. Have everyone write an old habit or negative trait on a piece of paper. Have the young ones in the family collect all the papers in a basket. Then have the kids stuff the papers into a small scarecrow or corn dolly – that they made earlier in the day while the adults where cleaning and preparing for the party! At midnight, throw the dollies into the fire, cheer and play noisemakers to ward off any impending dangers. Kiss loved ones for luck, and pass around grapes to eat and make wishes on for the New Year. Finally, have the youngest one in the house open the front door and great the New Year by ringing a bell. And at the same time have the oldest one in the house open the back door and ring out the Old Year with thanks!