Christmas & Solstice Celebrations
Each year we celebrate the holiday season with a range of events.
Christmas Eve services
In keeping with our UU principles, we gather on Christmas Eve to appreciate the wonder and potential of all children, the importance of generosity and compassion to those in need, and the warmth of our shared community.
December 24th, 2022: Christmas Eve Services:
- 5 pm: Join us at UUS or online for our special Christmas Eve family service with lessons, special music, and carols. A freewill offering will benefit the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
- 9 pm: Join us outdoors at UUS for a candlelight service of carols and readings. We’ll be outdoors for this half hour service so dress warmly, wear a face mask, and be prepared to sing as loudly as you like as we make Christmas music together! There will be no online option for this service.
Solstice Celebration
In 2022 we will be celebrating the Solstice during our WonderfUUl Wednesday programming on December 21st. All are welcome to join us at UUS at 5:30 pm for a potluck dinner (vegan and gluten-free entrée provided) followed by a short solstice ritual and special activities including making finger labyrinths, balsam fir pillows, and more!
Other Holiday Events
December 7th, 2022: Hold a Stillness (7 pm Vespers Service): For many of us, the holiday season and ending of a year can be challenging. Join us at UUS for this evening service as we hold space for ourselves and each other, acknowledging the darkness of winter through readings and poetry, chanting, ritual, and meditation. There will be no online option for this service.
December 18th, 2022: Little Bear and the Snow Tree All Ages Service (10 am): As the darkest day approaches and we look to the rebirth of the sun, let us come together for this interactive worship service (and pop-up pagent!) celebrating the Winter Solstice.
December 18th, 2022: Holiday Cookie & Treat Exchange, December 18th, 2022: Now is your chance to show off your skills and share a little holiday cheer with a cookie and treat exchange during social hour on Sunday, December 18th, before our Congregational Meeting. Participants sign up to bring three dozen of their favorite or fanciest cookies, bars, candies, or other holiday treats (gluten-free and/or vegan options encouraged!) to be shared, swapped, and sold. To sign up to participate in the exchange, please fill out this form for each type of cookie or treat you plan to bring. Or just come and support UUS while enjoying some sweet holiday treats!
December 20th, 2022: Secular Humanists Holiday Potluck (6-8 pm): The Secular Humanists’ December meeting will be an in-person holiday potluck at UUS. A meat dish will be provided, please bring a side dish or dessert to share (or a vegetarian main if preferred). Tableware will be provided. All who are interested in Secular Humanism are welcome.
December 25th, 2022: Virtual Christmas Service (10 am): Join us online only to celebrate December 25th – Christmas morning and the last day of Hanukkah – through a pre-recorded service developed by UUs around the country. This service includes something for everyone, with the kindling of many lights, a Time for All Ages, hymns and carols and two short reflections exploring what Christmas and Hanukkah offer us as we approach the new day. At 11 am, Rev. Diana will host a drop-in zoom coffee hour for all who wish to gather for conversation.
December 25th, 2022: Holiday Potluck (1-4 pm): All UUS members and friends are invited to share a festive Christmas dinner together in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your favorite holiday foods to provide approximately 8-10 servings. Several warming trays will be available and bringing food in crockpot-type appliances is an option. Table service will be provided. Please be mindful of those among us with special dietary needs to include vegan (plants only) and gluten-free (no wheat [or derivatives], rye, barley, and malt). It would be helpful if you brought along the recipe for the dish you prepare or a list of ingredients.
If desired, bring some favorite music, games, or puzzles to enjoy in the afternoon.
Please contact Carol Throckmorton by Saturday, December 24th, if you plan to participate or would like to volunteer for setup or cleanup at carolthrockmorton108@msn.com.