Celebrate Mabon: Autumn Activities With Kids

I have embraced the journey of reconnecting with our family’s roots over the past few years and that means replacing our “normal” holidays with mother nature! Mabon, the enchanting pagan harvest festival during the autumn equinox around September 21st to 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the second harvest of the year and the magical balance of day and night as daylight begins to wane. While Mabon is recognized on the equinox, we celebrate it throughout the fall season, reveling in the earth’s abundance and the fruits of our labor. At least that’s what our ancestors did! It symbolizes life’s balance, urging us to reflect on the past season and thoughtfully set intentions for winter. Our cherished practices include gathering around tables filled with seasonal delights, crafting altars adorned with autumn treasures, and performing rituals that honor the earth and its cycles. Celebrating Mabon with family and friends fosters connections and joy during this magnificent season. It’s a time to reflect on personal growth and make space for new beginnings. As a mother, I am eager to involve my children in the joy of reconnecting with nature and slowing down, so here are a few of our favorite fall activities!

Mabon would have originally been the time that our ancestors celebrated Thanksgiving. Given the timing of their crops it would not make much sense to have a huge meal of that size at the end of November. The date we know today as Thanksgiving has actually been changed countless of times for presidents liking and benefits to the economy. No matter how or what date you celebrate this is the perfect time to recognize what you are truly thankful for.

Crafting: Working With Our Hands

Pass up on our ancestors’ altars and instead bring nature inside to craft with! My favorite crafts are the ones I do not have to buy anything for, allowing creativity to flow freely without the constraints of expense. Every year around fall, we embark on the joyful tradition of making a nature garland. Each creation looks different, reflecting the unique treasures we gather during our adventures, but it always features a big long stick as the backbone, string to bind our found objects, and, of course, lots of nature! This year, we were camping in the serene depths of the forest in our bus, surrounded by towering trees and the gentle sounds of wildlife, so we decided to use mushrooms as the main star! These fascinating fungi came in various shapes, sizes, and colors, inspiring us to incorporate them into our garland in imaginative ways, thus adding a magical touch to our autumn décor.

• String, yarn, or even thread (that’s what I used this year in a pinch!)
• Collected items from outdoors (fall colored leafs, pinecones, mushrooms, sticks, flowers, anything your heart desires)
• A big stick to hang your items from
• optional: cinnamon sticks

Working with our hands, whether that be in the dirt or with crafts, is a great way to connect back to Mother Nature and our roots. Engaging in such activities allows us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural world, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility. Simple things like coloring on leaves or painting rocks are not only easy ways to create nature crafts this season, but they also encourage creativity and mindfulness. As we gather materials from our surroundings, we can reflect on the importance of nature in our lives and the joy that comes from creating something beautiful with our own two hands. These activities can be enjoyed alone or with loved ones, making them a perfect opportunity to bond and share stories while appreciating the great outdoors.

Baking | What’s a Celebration Without Food?

Every single solstice or equinox, we bake and try to find recipes that our ancestors used, celebrating the rhythms of nature and honoring traditions that have been passed down through generations. Our go-to favorites for Mabon or the fall season, in general, are apple spice cake, with its warm, inviting flavors, and a hearty comforting soup! The best thing about fall soup is its versatility; you can throw almost any vegetables you have lying around in the pot, which means even the leftover ones before grocery day don’t go to waste. Just add a bit of meat or even some flavorful pulses, and it usually results in a warm, hearty soup that becomes a nourishing centerpiece at the dinner table. Here is my secret apple spice cake recipe that never disappoints!

Apple Spice Cake:

• 1 cup plant based milk (I used coconut)
• 3/4 cup sugar, honey, or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 cups flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of allspice
• 3 apples (1 for filling 2 for top)

This one is my go to recipe for the fall season because it’s super quick to throw together for a last minute get together or quick desert. Just bake at 350 for 1 hour and don’t forget to let the kids help! Let them get their hands dirty this Mabon.

Nature Walk

Since working on becoming more mindful as not only a person but as a whole family, it has been an amazing experience to watch the season change. One delightful practice that aligns beautifully with Waldorf education is taking nature walks. This is the perfect time to see all of the stunning and vibrant colors of fall! These nature walks have allowed us to observe the changing seasons firsthand, which is a truly enriching experience. It’s particularly exciting, especially if you walk the same path each time; you can engage the children by asking them how they notice the path changing with each season. Observation becomes a playful and educational activity, sparking conversations about the transformations happening in nature.

Additionally, there are various creative activities that you can incorporate into these nature walks. For example, you can collect small items like leaves, acorns, or interesting stones during your explorations. These items can then be brought inside for crafts or designated for a nature table, where the children can place their treasured findings weekly. This practice not only teaches them to appreciate nature but also encourages them to express their creativity. To keep things organized and manageable, we have established a simple rule: only one item per person per walk. If we didn’t have this guideline in place, we would end up with piles of rocks and leaves cluttering our space!

In our family, when we were stationary in our bus I would set up our nature table outside. This allows the children to exhibit their finds in a space that connects them to the outdoors. Furthermore, another enjoyable option is creating a nature stick. This is a fun and interactive concept where the kids can tie on the items they discover during their hikes. They can then keep this stick outside, serving as a tangible reminder of their explorations and something that they can add to during future walks. It fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the natural world, as well as a unique way to carry their memories from each adventure.Engaging in these practices together not only strengthens our bond as a family but also deepens our appreciation for the beauty and rhythms of nature. Making the most of our time outdoors has truly transformed our family dynamic and allowed us to experience the joys of each season in a profound way.

Happy Mabon!

In conclusion, celebrating Mabon with kids is a wonderful opportunity to foster a deeper appreciation for the changing seasons and the abundance they bring. By engaging in fun activities, crafting seasonal decorations, and sharing stories about the autumn harvest, we not only create lasting memories but also instill valuable lessons about gratitude and connection to nature.

Consider organizing nature walks where children can collect fallen leaves, acorns, and other treasures that symbolize the richness of the season. Prompt discussions about the significance of these items and how they relate to the cycles of life. This hands-on approach not only enhances their understanding of the earth’s rhythms but also encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the natural world around them.

Furthermore, engaging in crafting activities can be a great way to channel creativity. Simple projects like making leaf rubbings, creating wreaths from dried leaves, or even baking seasonal treats can be both fun and educational. Such activities not only spark imagination but also allow children to explore their artistic sides while reinforcing themes of gratitude, sharing, and the beauty of the harvest.

Sharing stories and traditions from various cultures about the autumn season can add depth to your celebration. Discussing different harvest festivals around the world can broaden their perspectives and encourage respect for diverse customs.

Embracing these traditions together can strengthen family bonds and inspire a love for the rhythms of the earth. So gather your little ones, get creative, and make the most of this beautiful season—there’s so much magic to discover! Let the lessons of Mabon inspire not only joy in the present but also a lasting appreciation for the cycles of nature that nurture us all.

xoxo The Rooted Female