The 12 holy nights begin December 26 and goes until The Three Kings day on January 6.  In my Waldorf teacher training, one of my mentors told me how this is the most powerful time to create the following year.  Each of the holy nights represents a month in the coming year (sequentially).  During each of the holy days you focus on the goals and visions you hold for that month.   For example, if I were planning a trip to Europe in March, I would use the 3rd holy night for that goal.

Additionally, my mentor said that it was important to do this work before sleep.  Then, to watch  for any special or unusual dreams.   She suggested that I record any impressions, feelings, or intuitions when I awake.

Here are some things I have done for each holy night and its corresponding month:

• I buy a “12 Holy Nights” notebook where I capture the twelve days of inner work.  I label each holy night and it’s month as I get to it as some months have more inspiration than others!

• I will choose a word or phrase for each month that captures the mood I feel around the vision.   For example, one month last year I picked the phrase, “Graciousness” and focused on bringing that quality into my life.

• I will paste images and words in my notebook that draw me for that holy night and its month.  I even pull out my color pencils and crayons and let creativity flow.  Some of the months will hold a palette of color.  Last year I created the vision of traveling to the ocean in July.   In my notebook I made a watercolor of the beach.

• My mentor suggested that the events and mood of the day could foretell the corresponding month's events.  For example, if on the 4th holy night, there was a lot of conflict and struggle in my day – it would indicate the possibility of struggle in April.  I jot the overview of my day and go back later in the year to see if it foretold anything.

• Sometimes I will create a collage on the twelfth holy night to summarize my vision for the new year.

I love the structure of having 12 days to dedicate to creating the coming year.   It is a deeply inspiring process.  Think I will go get all my supplies for the process ready. . . .