In the Northern Hemisphere this is one of the shortest days of the year, and it is hard to believe we are moving into more light. As a welcome to the holiday season and a celebration of more light, share a meal with family and friends. I am reminded of a particular book from my childhood called Stone Soup, in which villagers are tricked into providing ingredients for a pot of soup begun with water and a stone.

With or without a stone, add the ingredients for your favorite soup or stew. Invite family and friends. Add candles and/or firelight to welcome the longer days. Just for fun, obtain a copy of the book and read it aloud.
Chant:

Carrots, onions, potatoes, and beef,
What more can we add to
make this complete?
Stone at the bottom of this cooking pot,
Bring the magic, then let’s eat!