Christmas adventures at Pokaiņi Forest

During the snow-white Christmas time from 11-22 December the LVM Pokaiņi Forest was visited by children groups to participate in creative workshops “Miraculous Christmas adventure in forest”. In a guidance of Forest Mother, whilst dragging the traditional Yule log through the trails of Pokaiņi, we studied nature and forest animal life in winter. We learned to listen attentively, to notice and to feel the vast diversity of nature. We found out which are the tricksters, friendliest, dangerous and helpful ones amongst the forest animals and we searched for their tracks in the snow. We studied the diversity and peculiarities of trees, searched for the largest, greenest and most beautiful trees and we got to learn the relief of the Large Pokaiņi Face. We set up a rich festive meal for forest animals with fruits and vegetables that we brought with us. The most beautiful Pokaiņi Forest spruces were decorated with colourful yarns adding the best thoughts and wishes. In the Large Pyramid we lighted up the candles of good thoughts and strength for all of us, for our Latvia and for the entire world. After the educational forest walk in the fresh air, the participants of the event returned to the Pokaiņi Forest Information Centre, where everyone was welcomed by the creative Fox to draw, glue and create beautiful mumming masks. The creativity and imagination of children manifested in a full range. When the masks were ready, everyone went to search for the Santa Claus and his large bag of presents. And they came upon an unexpected surprise – in the bag of presents they found the sweet-tooth Hare with his belly full. With a great apology for his mischief, the rascal helped children to find the Santa Claus, and then each of them received a present. At the end of the event we ate gingerbread cookies, drank delicious Pokaiņi tea and snacks that we brought. The Yule log that had travelled through Pokaiņi trails was burned in the celebratory bonfire, thus, symbolically burning everything that is unwanted and unneeded, and opening doors for beautiful, new future events. Children could have snowball fights, to swing, play with cones and the large feet, enjoy recreation in fresh air. We thank you all who came to experience the beautiful, wintry celebratory recreation given by the Pokaiņi Forest!

Pokaiņi Christmas for children