Snowdrops

The first flower of the year is the snowdrop, also called Galanthus. It's growth is a sign that Winter is leaving and Spring is near. They can grow in harsh weather, snow and frost. The snowdrop bulb is said to help alzheimer's and neuralgic pain. More interesting details on the healing effects of snowdrops:
Snowdrop herbs

Snowdrops feature in many stories and fairy tales. You may want to click on the links to check out the Russian fairy tale "Twelve Months."

"Little Snowdrop" by the Brothers Grimm was the alternative name for princess Snow White from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

In Greek mythology, the goddess Persephone carried a bunch of snowdrops when she returned to the Earth from Hades.

And a quote:

According to "The Handbook of Folklore" published in 1913 by the Folklore Society, it was a common country belief that  "Snowdrops may not be brought in at all, as they will make the cows' milk watery and affect the colour of the butter."

And here is The Magick of Snowdrops page with so much to explore so: visit

~

Lunar calendar of January

Presently this is Mörsugur the third Winter month, or the Yule month, or the ram month. Some say the name is to do with animal fat! To our own knowledge of the Gregorian Calendar, the month of Morsugur overlaps from December the 14 to January 12th.

January the 10th 2020 is when the Full Wolf Moon rises. 

Links:

Full Moon for January 2020    

The Viking Lunar Calendar

A seasonal postcard

Gingerbread poppets

Poppets are an ancient magical doll. They're used for many things such as healing, protection and even as good luck charms. Often small and made by hand using cloth, they can be easy to make.
Gingerbread poppets are used for the Winter season, especially during Yule.
Below is more information from Magical Poppets:

Here are just a few ideas for magical gingerbread poppets that are appropriate for the holiday season:

Love poppet: Make a poppet to represent the object of your affection -- remember that in some magical traditions it's frowned upon to make a specific person the target of your working. If you are simply trying to attract love to yourself, but you don’t have a specific person in mind, focus on all the desirable qualities you want to see in a potential lover. Stuff your poppet with small bits of rose quartz, rose petals, parsley and peppermint.

Prosperity poppet: The holiday season is a good time to focus on prosperity. Fill the poppet with a bit of cinnamon, orange, or ginger, and maybe even a small coin to get the message across.

Healing poppet: When you make this poppet, be sure to indicate what - and whom - you are trying to heal. Focus all of your energy on the ailment in question. Fill with lemon balm, feverfew, ivy, and pine, as well as bits of turquoise and bloodstone.

Protection poppet: Create poppets that represent each member of the family, blending herbs and stones into the clay. Use hematite and amethyst, as well as basil, patchouli, and coffee for filling.

More on this from here: 

All About Magical Poppets

A book on the subject of magical poppets:

Pagan Portals - Poppets and Magical Dolls by Lucya Starza