Join us for a very special night of introspection and calm- Hosted by the JRCS Family Council

Community Winter Spiral- for Adults only
Please join us for The Winter Spiral on Wednesday, December 18th, at 6:00 SHARP. This is a community event so please invite your friends. This is also an ADULT-ONLY event so please leave your kiddos at home. It is located in the Great Hall at Juniper Ridge Community School- please enter through the main door. This is an attendance sign up so please include the number of people in your party.

Details

Juniper Ridge Community School would like to invite you to join us by unplugging from your busy life and the busyness of the season to participate in this adults-only evening of quiet introspection. The Winter Spiral begins at 6:00 PM, and we will be closing the doors promptly at that time. Please also plan on attending for the duration of the event so the air of contemplation is preserved from folks coming or going. The event generally lasts between an hour and an hour and a half. Space is being limited to 50 participants.

What is The Winter Spiral??

The Winter Spiral festival is marked by simplicity and reflection. In a dark room, participants sit silently as soft music begins to play, and a candle is lit at the center of a spiral made of evergreen branches—a symbol of enduring life amid the stillness of winter. One by one, individuals walk the spiral path, lighting their own candles at the center and placing them among the boughs along the way, gradually illuminating the path for those who follow. Each person’s journey, taken at their own pace, becomes a personal and unique act of carrying light into the darkness.

This celebration emphasizes the importance of quiet self-assurance, the power of bringing light to dark times, and the act of sharing that light with others. Observing this event offers a unique perspective on how people engage with their community, showcasing individual approaches to a shared meditation. For attendees, it can be a deeply moving experience that leaves lasting feelings of hope and meaning.

As the Northern Hemisphere enters its darkest period, with long shadows and early sunsets, the natural world slows down. Plants and animals prepare for rest, and snow brings an even deeper stillness. In contrast to the flurry of holiday preparations, the Winter Spiral reminds us of the beauty of slowing down and reflecting.

Traditions across cultures echo similar themes during this season. Jewish families light the menorah during Hanukkah, commemorating the miracle of lasting light. Hindu communities recently celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights. Many earth-based traditions honor the winter solstice with fire, candles, and gift-giving. All these practices share a common thread: celebrating light, community, and renewal during the darkest days.

Waldorf schools embrace this seasonal rhythm by celebrating light’s return through songs, stories, crafts, and the Winter Spiral. Each week focuses on a different realm of nature—minerals, plants, animals, and humanity—integrating these themes into classrooms and decorations, offering participants an experience of stillness and beauty amid the busy holiday season.

Community Winter Spiral Sign-Up- Limited to 50 participants