Here we are, midway between the longest night and the day of balance.
It is, Wikipedia tells me, one of the four Gaelic Fire Festivals, a cross-quarter day, one that slips in subtle between those conspicuous shortest, longest, and equal days.
Some say it is the true beginning of spring, and indeed, the longer light is calling forth the green, even through the windy snow and cold.
And for unfounded -- and unfound -- reasons (its rebirth as Candlemas, perhaps?), we made our candles for the year, all our birthdays and holy days, with two left over for bedtime. We light them and sing -- anything from Pitty Patty Polt to This Little Light of Mine.
Sometime soon I will find a bedtime song or verse, simple sweet and soothing, appropriate for sending little ones off to the waiting arms of angels. But for now, If You're Happy and You Know It will do just fine.