Live from the Hive: December 2014

Beehives covered with snow
Beehives after a snowstorm, Thistle Hill Apiary

 

“Winter Solstice,” by Annie Watson, Thistle Hill Studio

The cold and snow have arrived in the north country. Beekeepers have wrapped and insulated their hives to help the bees stay warm through the next few months.

This is such a sweet season. The holidays give us an opportunity to celebrate life, get outside and enjoy the snowfalls, sit by a fire with friends and family, and enjoy food and drink alive with honey from the bees’ diligent work throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The honey and spirits produced at Caledonia Spirits carry in their flavor subtle reminders of the flowers the bees foraged on last summer.

On December 21 at 6:03 p.m. Eastern Time, Winter Solstice arrives and the days begin to lengthen. Since before recorded history, people have acknowledged and celebrated the return of the light on this, the longest night of the year. Our modern celebrations are descendants of ancient ceremonies marking the darkness of the Solstice and the promise of light to come.

May you celebrate with honey, warmth, community, and fun at this special time.