Traditionally held on the first Sunday of Advent, the experience of the winter spiral reflects the human experience at this time of the year; entering a time of darkness, of shorter days and longer nights and going forward with hope to welcome the light of the sun after the winter solstice.

The tradition honors the seasonal cycle of light and darkness by arranging a simple spiral labyrinth walk. Evergreen boughs are placed in a spiral form on the floor with a large candle in its center. The room is darkened and the mood is peaceful. The spiral begins; one at a time each child walks into the spiral with an unlit candle set into an apple, with or without help from teachers and or parents depending on their needs. The outer edge of the spiral is symbolically of summer solstice when the days are longest. As they make their way…