To My Grandbabies: Anthony, Valerie, Cassius & Mikhailia
It’s a cold Friday evening in January, a week before Imbolc, and the snow that’s been on the ground all week feels like it’s been waiting for this moment, just like you all have. I know it’s been a long week of school, but now it’s time to bundle up, grab the sleds, and make the most of this beautiful winter night. There’s a special excitement in the air—the kind that comes with the promise of a hill covered in snow, the thrill of a ride, and the warmth of Grandma’s house waiting for us afterward.
A pot of bone broth soup has been simmering on the stove all day, filling the house with the kind of smell that feels like a hug. The fire in the hearth crackles gently, and as the sun begins to set, its golden light streams through the stained glass windows, painting the room in vibrant hues of amber and ruby. I can almost hear the whispers of my ancestors as the shadows dance softly across the mantle above. With its warm glow and gentle energy, this liminal space is my way of keeping the connection to those who came before us alive. Photos of your great, great-great, and great-great-great-grandparents, small keepsakes, and candles flicker here, reminding us that we’re always surrounded by love and guidance, even from those who have long since passed.
As I sit by the fire waiting for you to arrive, I can’t help but think of my own childhood and those cozy winter evenings at my maternal grandparents’ house. Their fireplace was the heart of the home, just like ours is now. I can still feel the warmth of the fire on my face, hear the soft crackling of the logs, and smell the wood smoke in the air. I never went sledding there—they didn’t have hills nearby—but those moments by the fire were just as magical. There was something so comforting about the way the light danced on the walls, the sound of the cuckoo clock ticking steadily in the background, marking the hours of those warm, simple evenings. Even now, when the cuckoo chimes here in our own home, it reminds me of those cherished memories and brings a little piece of their love and warmth into the present.
Tonight, though, we get to add a new kind of magic. The sleds are already by the door, ready to carve their paths into the snow. I can already picture your laughter echoing into the cold night air, your cheeks red and noses running as you tumble into the snow again and again. That first sledding night of the year always feels so memorable, and this year is even more exciting because it’s the first time Mikhaila is finally old enough to join us. After a week of waiting and watching the snow, it’s finally time to enjoy it, together. And when we’ve had our fill of racing down the hill and climbing back up, we’ll come home to warm soup (and pizza!), a roaring fire, and stories to share.
These are the moments I treasure most—being here with all of you, creating memories that will one day remind you of home. Just like I carry those quiet evenings by the fireplace with my grandparents, I hope you’ll carry nights like this with you, a reminder of the love and warmth that’s always here waiting for you.
I’ll be by the fire, ready to head out when you arrive. Bring your biggest smiles, your warmest coats, and let’s make this winter night one to remember.
With all my love,
Grandma
P.S. We had so much fun, we went again the next day … and Grandma even sled down the hill a few times!
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a Grandma. I was fortunate to have two wonderful grandmothers while I was growing up and I have many happy memories of each of them. Today, I live in a “Grandmother’s House” where my husband and I enjoy lots of time with our family. In addition to my role as Grandma to nine grandchildren, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother of three grown children, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a writer, an artist … and a witch.
✨Grandma’s Grimoire✨ is a collection of family wisdom interwoven with a touch of magick. Our goal is to create a living and lasting legacy that we hope will inspire our future generations as well as anyone who is drawn to it.