Winter Holiday 2020
Hello friends,
During this past year, the momentous 2020, everything we thought we knew has undergone some kind of change, test or reevaluation. So why shouldn’t the very notion of time itself play tricks on us? As the months ticked by, time seemingly slowed to a crawl as our experiences of events and the emotions around them played out. Now, at long last, we’re nearing the final cycle of seasons, entering the almost-last month, and waiting on pins and needles to see what the final plot twists will be.
Anxiety, depression, frustration – the entire gamut of emotions we’ve all wrangled with, take a toll. Knowing us all too well, Mother Nature is bringing us a rest phase. We call it winter. A time of peaceful quiet, cozy indoor snuggling, warm feasts and treats, the nurturing comforts of home. Our hearts, our brains, our attention spans – all need a break. And not just a break, but a deep rest period. We need to hibernate for a while, snooze while the plants and animals sleep, breathe quietly in the stillness and watch snowflakes fall gently from the sky.
Staring at the miracle of the cosmos in the frozen night sky, we are just one of countless ancestors doing the same, wondering about life and our place in it. Winter allows us the space to pause, to collect our energies and intentions for a spring of renewal and rebirth.
But just before we settle in for our naps, there’s holidays! Winter also arrives with glad tidings of comfort and joy - happy occasions to spend time with family, friends and loved ones, sharing food, gifts, games, music and laughter. This is the stuff that truly matters in life, and we will do our best to continue old traditions and connect with our tribes while we keep each other safe and well.
WINTER HOLIDAY SEASONAL SOAPS
Magic and wonder, peace, and joy to the world – winter’s special gifts both indoors and outdoors are the inspiration for these new seasonal soap scents. ‘Tis the season to load up on all the goodies. How nice it is to have a little stash of treats on the shelf waiting for you, or to share something you love with a friend. ($5.00 each)
Winter Solstice – A drop dead gorgeous blend of holiday greens and winter magic. Juniper, balsam, spruce and fir are the main body of the scent, but dancing in the background are notes of green moss, and stacked firewood. Bring the clean, pure, freshness of the outdoors into your shower.
Comfort & Joy - Sweet orange, a bit of ginger cream, with a tiny pinch of cinnamon clove. Delicate and mellow this fragrance is a melody of happy citrus and comforting spice treats, hitting all the notes of holiday cheer.
Red Currant & Fir –Bright red currants are zingy little berries, equal parts tart and sweet - and this fragrance is fully fruity and brightly festive. I would describe red currant as similar to cranberry in tanginess, but a little bit blackberry in depth and lushness – so good, completely modern, not your usual sugary berry scent. I’ve added a hint of juniper berry to keep it icy, frosted, clean and crisp. This dark purple red bar is the holiday mood you can’t live without.
Almond Chai – Almond milk infused with rich chai spices – cardamom, cinnamon stick, clove, black pepper and cardamom. A bit unexpected, this is a subtle understated spice scent in a mug of warm milk. Creamy with just a hint of peppery notes, it’s the perfect touch of coziness.
NEW - WINTER FOREST FRAGRANCE SPRAY
The Holiday Spice aromatic spray is our own little holiday tradition around here, but this year we’ve added a Winter Forest scent too. Natural evergreen boughs of balsam, spruce, fir needles and juniper bring the beautiful scent of garlands and freshly-cut Christmas tree indoors.
It’s just not the holidays without all the smells. We spritz around the house just before guests arrive, and they coo about how great the place smells. We spritz gift boxes, cards and stockings too before sending them off -- family and friends get a whoosh of holiday happiness when they open their presents. Hard to decide which one? Get one of each! (4 oz bottle - $ 6.00)
HELPING HAND SOAPS – GIFTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our incredibly popular mini soap sets are back with new scents for the season. Helping Hand Soaps are a set of 5 small square soap bars in different scents (2 oz ea), a sampler of our very best seasonal soaps. Half the proceeds are donated to Kiva.org, the world’s first and largest person-to-person micro lending group. The loans go directly to women entrepreneurs with small businesses, offering a helping hand to make their work sustainable for themselves and the families they support. We are committed to providing a step up for women following a similar path in places where the struggle is a lot harder. Over the years, the proceeds from these soap sets have been continuously re-loaned as they are paid back, becoming an expanding trust of opportunities for women all over the world.
Stacked up and tied with bakery twine, this sweet package has scents of: (top to bottom): Almond Chai (ivory), Winter Solstice (green), Frankincense & Myrrh Wood (golden brown ), Comfort & Joy (light orange), Red Currant & Fir (dark berry). It’s an excellent way to sample several of our best seasonal scents, AND they also make perfect small gifts for any occasion. Cleaning up not only does a body good, it makes a difference in people’s lives too. ($12 each)
GLAD TIDINGS OF COMFORT & JOY
From decorations to parties, shopping lists to festivities, this year will look a little different. But one thing hasn’t changed, the desire to send cards and gifts to the ones we love - especially if we aren’t going to see them in person. Choosing the perfect, thoughtful gift while keeping it simple and meaningful, doesn’t have to be a struggle.
Soapworks Studio’s small gifts of soap and bath goodies check every box. Everything is handmade in small batches, reasonably priced, with a wide variety of gift ideas big and small. You’ll find something for everyone on your list at SoapworksStudio.com. Click on our “Gifts” tab for a wonderful variety of customizable made-for-you items. Lots of new canvas tote style containers, boxed sets, our holiday collection of Swedish dishcloths – there is a sleigh full of ideas. Or give the gift of soap all year long with a Sudscription – our “soap of the month club” - available in 3 month, 6 month or 1 year subscriptions. Shop handmade, support local makers and businesses, and get the very best gifts possible. That’s how we make this holiday special.
No matter what is weighing on your heart, rest knowing that tomorrow is a new day filled with solutions, fresh starts and miracles beyond what you can imagine. Next year is a new adventure. I am wishing a brighter year for each and every one of you.
Peace on Earth. Good will to all.