Hancock Health Boomerang Issue 27 December 2023 by Hancock Health Network

ISSUE #27 | DECEMBER 2023

WINTER WONDERLAND Cozy warm fun for winter

IN THIS ISSUE... 04 BEING A KID IN SCANDINAVIA 06 GET COZY WITH HYGGE 08 MAKE YOUR OWN CANDLES 09 CELEBRATE WINTER SOLSTICE PLUS: 10 EASY FINGER KNITTING 12 MAKE YOUR OWN SNOW GLOBES 13 SNOWMAN PIZZA 14 WORDSEARCH 15 BOOKSHELF

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WOULD YOU TAKE A SWIM UNDER A MIDNIGHT SUN?

One of the many benefits of

what life would be like if

CAN YOU IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT SUNSHINE?

you lived close to the Arctic

For those living in northern

If you were a child living

is that it brings the Scandinavian

Circle? The children living in

Norway in a city called

in Finland or Norway, you

people closer to nature and their

Scandinavian countries of

Svalbard, the sun isn’t seen for

may have a summer with

environment. When we have a

Norway, Finland, Denmark,

2.5 months every winter! This

no bedtime. Why? Because

connection to the planet in this

and Sweden have lives that

time of the year is called Polar

the sun doesn’t set! For

way, we are more likely to take

are both similar to and

Night, and it happens in places

those living in Scandinavian

care of it. That is why countries

different from ours ... and it

that are close to the Arctic

countries, summer brings

like Norway, Finland, Denmark,

has a lot to do with nature,

Circle (also known as the

extra-long days, a happy thing

and Sweden have some of the

geography and the seasons.

North Pole). Can you imagine

to celebrate after very dark

strongest environmental policies

going to school or playing with

winters. Even at midnight,

around. Maybe we could learn

friends in perpetual darkness?

when most people here in

a thing or two from them!

For some, it might seem like

America would be snoozing

a depressing proposition, after

in their dark homes, the sun

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

all the sun warms us even

is still glowing beautifully just

Here are some more fun facts

during the colder months of

over the horizon, giving it the

about these Scandinavian

winter. But children in northern

name Midnight Sun. Parents

countries:

Norway are used to this

allow their children to enjoy

•

phenomenon.

the sun well past midnight and

children start school at age

believe summer is a time to

6 and finish at age 16.

Have you ever wondered

POLAR NIGHT, MIDNIGHT SUN: G N I E B F O T R A P L L A IT’S A I V A N I D N A C S N I A KID

Even for those who don’t

be outside enjoying the

experience a Polar Night,

weather, while winter is the

hours of daylight are short

time to sleep.

spending so much time outside

•

In most of these countries,

Denmark is famous as being the place LEGO comes from.

•

Ancient Swedes were called Vikings (maybe you have

during wintertime in Nordic •

there feel sad, but instead they

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD STAY UP PAST MIDNIGHT?

are considered some of that

No matter which country they

•

happiest people on earth! In

live in, children who are part

many mountains while

fact, most of these countries

of the Scandinavian way of

Finland and Denmark are

value friends and family

life find much joy in nature.

low-lying countries.

connections, harmony with

Families make it a point to

nature, and enjoying life, all

hike, bike, swim, skate, and

Scandinavia is called

things that make their winters

have many activities they

Lapland, and it is thought

feel cozy and restful instead of

perform together outdoors

to be the home of Santa

dark and long.

no matter the season. This

Claus.

countries. You might think that this means the people

heard of them?). Finland is famous for the Northern Lights.

•

Norway and Sweden have

The northern part of

time outdoors is also called Friluftsliv.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to travel to Scandinavia to experience the Polar Night, Midnight Sun or more?

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Get Cozy with Hygge this Winter

CABIN FEVER CREEPING

What feels cozy to you? Cozy clothes When you hear the word “cozy,” and blankets

IN DURING THE COLD

what comes to mind? Is it your

You can’t be cozy unless you

WINTER MONTHS?

cat curled in a puddle in the

are warm and comfortable.

So much of the time, we

sunshine? What about a soft

Why not put on your favorite

just want it to be warm

blanket? Or maybe your home?

pair of sweats or pajamas and

outside so we can get

Hygge is all about finding out

curl up with a good book, some

out and run around, enjoy

what makes you feel cozy and

favorite music, or a movie?

favorite activities, and do it

relaxed inside so you can rest

all without needing a heavy

your body and your mind. You

Slow down

coat. This winter, you can

know how bears hibernate in

It’s easy to feel rushed these

turn that cabin fever into

the winter in their cozy dens?

days. Whether it is because

coziness by using Hygge,

Think of Hygge as a practice to of the holidays or school and

the Danish art of creating

get us back into the rhythms

activity schedules, families are

and enjoying comfort.

of nature, which tell us to rest

spending more time outside of

more during the winter just like

their homes. Ask your family

our animal friends!

to find a day this week to slow

DO YOU EVER FEEL

What is Hygge? Hygge, pronounced (“HOO-

down. Maybe you all agree to spend time playing a game or

say, but it translates to

Make it Hygge in your own home!

mean coziness. In Denmark,

Here are some easy things

Or you can eat a relaxed meal.

where winters can be cold,

you and your family can do to

Whatever you choose, slowing

dark, and long, the Danish

create a relaxing environment

down to spend time together

people have developed the

this winter:

is a great way to feel cozy!

hundreds of years to help

Candles

them make the most of the

Too much bright light and

Ditch the screens for a little bit

season. And it has created

artificial lights from the lamps

Going screen free can help your

a beautiful concept that

in our homes can make us feel

body to find balance and calm

many people all over the

overstimulated. Natural light,

and as a bonus you can spend

world are trying to embrace

however, and low lighting like

more time doing something

too!

from that of a beautiful candle, together as a family (or even

GAH”) is a tough word to

doing a puzzle together.

practice of Hygge over

can bring us into a calmer

with friends!). Put on a play,

state. When we feel calm, we

learn a new cardtrick or pull out

can relax easier! Have a grown

the craft supplies for a quiet,

up help you turn out the lights

screen-free afternoon.

and light a few candles to set the Hygge mood. If you have

Are you ready to bring more

younger brothers or sisters,

Hygge coziness into your

artificial candles work too!

home? We can’t wait to hear how cozy you feel after trying out these tips!

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MAKE YOUR OWN BEESWAX CANDLES

Candles are a beautiful way to Hygge your home this winter. In addition, creating your own beeswax candles is a relaxing process and it smells great. You will need an adult for every step of this project, so why not make it a family activity! Here is what you need to make your own beeswax candles: • Clean, empty soup cans or glass jars • Candle wicks • Scissors • Hanger and clothespins • Stove top pot • Block of beeswax or pellets (pellets may be easier for melting) LET’S GET DIPPING! 1. Fill the pot halfway with water and place on the stove top. Then, place solid wax in the empty glass jars or soup cans. Place the jars or soup cans into the pot, creating a double boiler. Allow the water around the jars or cans to come to a boil, reduce to simmer and melt the wax. 2. Set up your dipping station by covering the table or counter with newspaper and filling another empty jar or can with cold water (add a few ice cubes to make sure it stays cold). 3. Choose a length of wick to use for your dipping. Then, alternate dipping the wick into the wax and then the cold water. This allows the wax to set. 4. Continue until your candles are as thick as you would like them to be. 5. Drape finished candles over a hanger and secure with clothespins. (You may also cut the bottoms of the candles to be flatter at this time). 6. Once the candles are completely cooled, trim the wick.

CELEBRATING THE DARKEST DAYS OF THE YEAR

When the northern hemisphere

TOJI IN JAPAN

is tilted toward the sun, we get

To celebrate the return of the

extra-long days, also called the

light on December 22, Japanese

Summer Solstice.

people light huge bonfires.

If you haven’t noticed, the

WINTER SOLSTICE?

days have gotten much shorter since summer. It might even be starting to get dark by the time you get home from afterschool activities! Can you imagine walking into you house and not having lights to turn on? Our ancestors, who didn’t have electricity, had to endure darker and darker days leading up to what is called the Winter Solstice, when the light returns, and the days start to get longer. HOW DOES WINTER SOLSTICE OCCUR? The earth is a sphere that can be divided into two halves, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. We live in the Northern Hemisphere. The earth rotates creating our days and nights (our nights being the time when our part of the earth is facing away from the sun), but it also tilts on an axis. When the earth is tilted away from the sun, the days become

You are ready to light your candles (using your adults help of course) and enjoy the lovely light during your family dinners, movie nights, afternoons of winter reading and more! 08

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shorter. The shortest and darkest day of the year is called Winter Solstice and falls on December 21 or 22.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT The darkest day of the year has

Farmers give thanks for the light’s return because it will help their crops to grow once more.

been celebrated for thousands of years if not more. Based

SHALAKO IN NEW MEXICO

on ancient measurements of

For the Zuni, one of the Native

the sun, moon, and stars, our

American Pueblo peoples living

ancestors figured out the exact

in New Mexico, the Winter

moment when the days were

Solstice is the beginning of

the shortest. They celebrated

a new year. After fasting and

the shortest day, or Winter

prayer, the people celebrate

Solstice, because they knew

with a ceremonial dance called

that after this moment, the

Shalako. The people continue to

light would begin to return (and

dance for four days!

so would their crops, warm weather and abundant food).

What will you do to celebrate the darkest days of the year?

Many cultures still hold Winter

Lighting candles, snuggling by

Solstice celebrations. In

a fire, and giving thanks for the

fact, some historians believe

return of the light are just some

that the Christian holiday of

of the ways you can celebrate

Christmas comes from the idea

with your family this year.

of the light returning to the

Happy Winter Solstice!

earth by way of Jesus’ birth! Here are some celebrations that happen around these shortest days of the year: St. Lucia Day in Sweden December 13th is a special chance for girls to honor St. Lucia, a symbol of light in the Swedish culture. On her feast day, girls wear white dresses with red sashes and carry a wreath of candles on their heads! They also serve their families special treats. Boomerang

A FINGER KNITTING PROJECT FOR A COLD WINTER DAY Working with yarn can be a great way to create a cozy feeling on a chilly winter day. Although knitting with needles can be quite fun, it also takes a lot of practice to learn this skill. If you want a project that comes together pretty quickly and is easy for any age, then give finger knitting a try! START WITH FINGER KNITTING AND CREATE TONS OF COOL PROJECTS! Here are the basic finger knitting steps. You will be making a long chain of knit stitches. You can use any type of yarn, although worsted weight is a great place to start. If you are making a scarf or a project that you want to be a bit bigger, using chunky yarns can be fun too!

Once you get to your pinky, wrap the yarn gently around the finger and weave going in the other direction. When you are done it will look like this photo, with the yarn dangling off the outside of your index finger.

You will have two rows of yarn on each finger. Beginning with the index finger, pinch the bottom strand of yarn and bring it up and over your finger, dropping it behind.

We begin by casting on the yarn. Bring the yarn up through the space between your index and middle finger, over your middle finger and then down through the space between your middle and ring fingers. Continue this pattern of weaving along the fingers.

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Now you have completed your first row! You will need to weave more stiches onto your fingers, so bring the strand of yarn again up through the index and middle fingers and weave down to the pinky, around the pinky and back toward the index finger. Once your next set of stitches is on, you repeat the process of grabbing the bottom stitch and bringing it up and over your finger

7 Repeat this pattern again along the fingers again, first bringing the yarn through the space between the index and middle fingers. You will end with two rows of this weaving like in this photo. Now you are ready to knit!

Repeat on all of the other fingers until each finger only has one strand of yarn.

Once you have made your long rope, you can coil it into a coaster, tie it into a necklace or scarf and so much more! Here are some great ideas:

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As you move through your knitting project, remember to give a light tug to the rope that is forming on the back of your hand. Knit for as long as you like depending on your project!

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SNOWMAN PIZZA Even if there is no snow

Press dough into disc shapes (one slightly smaller for the head) and stack them into a snowman on a baking pan covered in parchment paper.

on the ground, you can

Create Your Own Winter Wonderland! Snow globes are a great way to bring the outdoors right into your home this winter. Making your own little winter wonderland means you get to add whatever scenes or figures you want. You can even make this snow globe into a cool ornament that

enjoy making (and eating)

Preheat the oven to the correct

your very own personal

temperature for your pizza

snowman tonight. The best

dough recipe.

part about this recipe is that you can be creative

Cover the dough with a thin

with your toppings to make

layer of alfredo sauce. You can

something delicious AND

also use red sauce if preferred.

fun to look at! We have some suggestions below,

Sprinkle cheese generously over

but feel free to dress your

the sauce to create your white

snowman in whatever pizza

snowman base.

toppings you love. Next, use the black olives,

you can gift to a family member! HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL NEED: •

A container – this can be a baby food jar or other clear glass jar, or you can purchase a package of clear plastic globes from a local craft supply store.

•

Figurines and scenery – think tiny pine trees, miniature snowmen, animals and more...you can find things around the house or even check out the dollhouse section at your local craft store.

•

Hot glue gun

•

Chunky iridescent glitter

•

Faux snow

Now let’s create a winter wonderland! 1.

First, have an adult help you glue your scenery to the inside of the lid of the jar or plastic globe. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Add a bit of glitter and faux snow to your base with the figurines. Make sure to only add enough to cover them slightly so they don’t get buried (unless that is what you want)

Twist the lid onto the jar or plastic globe. You can then decorate further by adding a ribbon around the base of you want.

This snow globe doesn’t use water, which means it can last for a long time and you can always give it a makeover. The next time you are dreaming of a snow-filled winter wonderland, just shake away!

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HERE IS WHAT YOU

sliced thin, to make eyes and

WILL NEED:

buttons. The orange pepper

Pizza dough (you can

can be cut to make a nose and

either use an instant

the pepperoni can be sliced

mix, purchase an

and arrange to create a scarf.

already made dough

Continue to decorate your

or ask your adult to

snowman in whatever way you

share their favorite

would like!

recipe with you) •

Alfredo sauce

Pop your snowman into the

•

Mozzarella cheese

oven and bake until the crust

•

1 can Black olives

is golden and the cheese is

•

1 Orange bell pepper

melted. Cooking times may

•

Pepperoni

vary depending on your crust recipe and whether you have

LET'S BUILD A SNOWMAN!

made one large snowman or a

First, make your pizza

few smaller ones, so make sure

dough. Once it is ready,

to check on them often.

divide it into at least three balls (or more if you are

Enjoy gobbling up your winter

making multiple smaller

wonderland!

snowman pizzas).

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BOOMERANG BOOKSHELF ARCTIC LIGHTS, ARCTIC NIGHTS BY DEBBIE S. MILLER S T A H S E T E B D D R I D S A O S K O S N I O N S E O O N S H N A G N S G O L T M L H I S I P T K O K S K D L S M M I T A K I G W S T S N T L I N T L P H S M N O R S I I T A I L A E A H S W A B C G T D N T L G I S L T L N E H E N G D I L N O H O O L N T N L N H A O O R B N P E

SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY BY JACQUELINE BRIGGS MARTIN OWL MOON BY JANE YOLEN PEAK BY ROLAND SMITH

L N S A S S G V O Y T O G L L T C K A T L E M T L G P L S S T O S A H S S H Y T I H

N D S Y S H T O C H E E G S

WINTER WONDERLAND 14

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THE LONG WINTER BY LAURA INGALLS WILDER

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