Return to Hogwarts!

 This past Monday was September 1st, meaning that young witches and wizards in the UK return to Hogwarts for another year of school.

In honor of the return back, we will discuss creative ideas and ways to celebrate the wizarding world.

My personal ritual is to watch Sorcerer's Stone with a dinner of roasted chicken, corn cobbs, and a side of either potatoes, peas, and/or mushrooms. Perhaps a butterbeer to wash it all down and with some pumpkin pasties or rock cakes for dessert.

This year, however, I did not have the luxury of performing this as I do every year, though I never have time to cook the dessert. In these cases, sometimes a pumpkin cake from my local store or an ice cream sundae is satisfying enough.

I also make a point of having some Earl Grey tea as it is as English as you can get when you live across the pond.

However, there are a number of ways to celebrate a return to Hogwarts. You could listen to the soundtrack, play games, or even host a party. A party could be something heavily festive with a number of guests at your home with wizard rock music and adult drinks, or it could be a simple tea party with rock cakes, pumpkin pasties, and classic British sandwiches and fare all the while listening to John Williams' famous tracks. You could even do trivia or engage in literary discussions with your close friends, or if your feeling more bold - have some fun physical games like Quidditch.

But, what if you have kids? And they're starting their first day of school the following day. Well then, it is time to create some of your own unique Harry Potter style celebration here. September 1st is all about these children returning to a magical school. Your children are also returning to school, though sadly not as magical, but that doesn't mean you can't make it so.

I recall a scene in the Goblet of Fire book where the night before departing, the children gathered around in the family room area in the Burrow while drinking hot chocolate. While it wasn't all too enjoyable with Hermione and Percy having a heated debate, it still felt cozy and nice with them all gathered trying to enjoy a quiet evening before the following day's journey back to Hogwarts. Perhaps, you can create a similar experience, if it isn't too hot where you live, and have hot chocolate while sitting together in the family/living room. You can talk about the following first day of school - Are your kids excited? Nervous? Upset that summer vacation is over? Or play a board game with the family or discuss future plans like Halloween, Thanksgiving (If you live in the US), or anything else.

Share your ideas and thoughts below. Keep it civil.