TNFD Party on December 16, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The 2025 December/Northern Hemisphere Winter Solstice on Thursday, December 21, 2025 at 8:03 AM MST, while those in the Southern Hemisphere will have to wait six months to celebrate Winter—you always wondered why they have “Christmas in July” sales. As is the true tradition, I am counting on the good Pagans of world to burn something on the 21st so that the sun will get the idea it should come back and make the days longer. I am particularly looking forward to the annual burning of the Yule Goat (Gävlebocken) in Gävle Sweden, although deviants have now made a hobby out of goat arson before the festival even begins. Since the modern tradition began in 1966, 42 out of 59 goats have been destroyed by vandals rather than festive burning. Last year was a security success, and the goat made it to the official ceremony, although a deepfake hoax video of a premature incineration spread on social media. You can read up on the original straw Yule Goat/Yule Buck tradition and the transition of a goat from satanic symbol to the predecessor of Santa Claus as the Pagan Yule traditions were rewritten to become Christmas traditions. Watch the livestream of the 2025 Gävlebocken below.
1st Annual Fort Collins International Folkdancing Activity (FIFA) Prize Pieces
In recognition of your great achievements of showing up on Tuesday nights to participate in the folkdancing activity, we will proudly present three lucky dancers each with a FIFA Prize Piece—just for showing up! Well, there is some work for you to earn such a distinguished prize:
- Attend the TNFD Solstice Party on December 16.
- Write your name on an official FIFA Prize Piece entry ticket.
- Write the name of your favorite folk dance on the entry ticket.
- Fold and drop your entry ticket in the magic Jar of Many Accomplishments for your chance at great and well-deserved recognition.
The drawing will be held at the appropriate time.
Snack-Bringing is Highly Encouraged; Reimbursements Available
I typically give the standard disclaimer for parties that bringing sweet and/or savory snack is encouraged, but not required, and participation is moderate. I tweaked that language just to read, “You are highly encouraged to bring a snack to share of the savory or sweet variety.” I know you come to the party to dance and a bit of socializing rather than to glean a healthy dinner from snacks. However, this time of year it’s especially nice to hobnob with a hearty haul of heartfelt holiday hors d’oeuvres, I humbly herald. This is an opportunity to showcase your holiday cooking and baking talents and share with others. If you have something in mind to make or buy but the cost is more than you think you should probably spend as an individual, TNFD has party resources from your weekly $3 donations just looking for a way to get back to the group. Let me know how much you need and I will reimburse you. We will be bringing hot mulled wine, aka Glühwein, for all, and some fancy treats, paid for, in part, by your weekly donations.
As usual, I will spin some tormented and repurposed holiday tunes for you dancing pleasure? If you have requests, please get those to me early, although I may be able to reprogram on the fly, if it’s a really, really good request.
Yes, we will be dancing on December 23rd and 30th.
Dreaming of a Wet Christmas,
David & Susan
TNFD Party Protocol
- The 1st rule of TNFD Party Protocol is to have fun!
- You are highly encouraged to bring a snack to share of the savory or sweet variety.
- You may bring your own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage for yourself or to share (there’s not much participation in such at TNFD, except some around the Winter Holidays).
- TNFD will provide reusable plates, cups, and eating utensils (aka plastic silverware). Please be sure to place those in the dirty dishes tub for washing rather than in the trash.
- There will not be any major teaching on party nights, but there may be quick instructions for a party dance. For the most part, I’ll just keep spinning the hits with some breaks filled with background/table music for mingling, munching, and merriment.
- Get your requests in to me before the dance. I make the playlist before the party and let it run so I too can have party fun!
