By Kate Hodges
01st January 2020
DO A Page a Day
New Year, new diary! But why not do something a little different this year? In a world where we had infinite time, we might consider a luscious, three-page daily stream of consciousness diary but, being honest, a quick memory journal is probably more likely (and possibly more interesting to our children when they are grown-up). We’re also going to make more of an effort with our photo journaling (create a private Instagram account to make things super-easy), while an art journal can be a beautiful thing for those lucky enough to have the talent. Want to encourage your children to start a daily diary? Try these tips, make your own versions of these ready-made books, or try something alternative – we’re inspired by the idea of a daily nature journal!
DO and LEARN Children of the Moon
We’ve made a resolution to look harder this year, and appreciate the world (and beyond) around us daily. Perhaps the greatest spectacle in the night sky is something we often overlook – the Moon.
Watch it wax and wane (get bigger and smaller) on winter walks home from school, or out of a window before bedtime. See it shining in the afternoon sky or rising over the trees at dusk, spot it when it’s a fat, buttery circle or a shard-thin silver crescent. Watching it grow and reduce over the month connects you to the lunar cycle, to the seasons, to our place in space. Find out more about phases of the moon here and names for different kinds of moon here. Why not try making and using moon water – some people believe it has special powers!
EVENT Capital Gains
The Mayor of London has designated Brent as 2020’s Borough of Culture. Last year, Walthamstow held the title, and celebrated with vast, interactive artworks, magical installations and eye-popping festivals. This year, expect a mile-long street party in July, as the borough holds the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium, a retelling of how reggae changed the area – and the UK – forever, help in the composition of an anthem for a borough, and listen to a VICE podcast collaboration with local teenagers. From January, all year.
EVENT and RECIPES Yes We Ve-Gan
Going vegan for January in Veganuary? The new year is a great time to try an animal product-free lifestyle, or, if you’re already following a plant-based diet, to try some new ideas. It’s easy for vegan packed lunches to get a bit repetitive, so head to the Veganuary website to make a pledge to eat vegan, find some practical ideas for batch-baked, time-saving, yet delicious recipes, and some tasty options for school and work meals-on-the-go. Find out more about vegan trends for 2020 here. Or why not find follow some fresh Instagrammers for more inspiration?
DO and EVENT 12 Lords A-Leaping
Traditionally, a Twelfth Night celebration was held on January 5, a night of feasting, games and giving gifts, all presided over by the Lord Of Misrule. The Lord was chosen by sweetmeat lottery – whoever found a bean in their slice of Twelfth Night Cake became the ruler for the night, organising the entertainment and setting ludicrous commands. There’s a lovely piece here about the celebrations, complete with a recipe for a rich cake to make (if you can face more sweet stuff!) If you’re in London, don’t miss the fun Lions Part celebrations this Sunday – one of our favourite yearly events.
What we’ve been reading this week:
20 of the best sustainable holidays in Europe for 2020
“Vintage mountain trains, electric road trips and solar-powered yachts, plus an eco beach house in Sicily … Choose a green getaway.” Read more here
