As we turn that calendar page from February to March here in Wisconsin, my excited awareness of our increasing daylight hours is at an all time high. An additional two minutes of sunlight at the end of every day may seem like a minimal change, but to me, every minute counts. We’ve come a long way from the 4:27PM sunset of winter solstice!
In Sweden, they have a saying: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing”. No one embraces the winter quite like the Swedes! While American children are learning to make snowmen, snow forts, and snow angels, one of the first things Swedish children are taught to make is the traditional snow lantern or “snölykta”. Making these simple snow creations is a fun and constructive way to channel your child’s energy into making something beautiful that can be enjoyed in the darkest of nights.
If your family is interested in making a Swedish snow lantern, we will have kits available next week for pick-up. Email me at lclark@augustalibrary.org to request this take and make project. Each kit contains written instructions, a candle to light your lantern, and a packet of hot chocolate to enjoy while basking in its soft glow.