Light, Laughs, and Lanterns : A Midsummer Game with the Empathy Witch 🏮
With simple lanterns, silly wishes, and a some backyard fun, this tradition helps families laugh, reflect, and light up their summer — together.
A Letter from the Empathy Witch
🌍 What’s the Magic of Midsummer, Anyway?
Hey sunshine family,
It’s me — the Empathy Witch! 🧹✨
I pop in once a year when the sun refuses to go to bed on time (just like some of you, I bet). Midsummer is kind of a big deal in the witch world — it’s when your smiles carry farther, your hugs last longer, and your kindness gets extra points.
So here’s the deal: tonight, I’m inviting your family to create a little glow — not just with lights, but with stories, silliness, and some good ol’ together-time.
You don’t need anything fancy. Just your imagination, some light to shine, and maybe a wish or two.
Let’s make some empathy magic, shall we?
🌼 Big hugs and bright vibes,
— Your Empathy Witch 💛
Midsummer — also known as the Summer Solstice — is the time when the sun hangs around longer than usual. People have celebrated it for ages: dancing, feasting, lighting bonfires, and welcoming summer’s joy. It’s about light, life, and all the good stuff in between.
For families, it’s a chance to pause in the sunshine, get a little goofy, and reconnect. This tradition turns that into something playful and doable — where wishes, lanterns, and laughter help you shine a little brighter together.
🌼 And What’s the Activity?
Lanterns of Light & Laughter is a simple evening ritual you can make your own. It’s about making something small (like a lantern or glowing jar), filling it with something fun (a silly goal, a kind wish, or a family joke), and lighting it up to share with each other.
There’s no pressure to be deep or perfect. Just a moment to celebrate who you are, what you love, and how weirdly wonderful your family can be.
Here’s what it might look like (but you do you):
Each person decorates a lantern or jar
You write a “wish” on a tag — maybe something you hope for, or just a really good knock-knock joke
You light up your lanterns (LED tea lights work great!)
Then you go on a “light walk” — share your wish, your joke, your thought
Finish it off with a game like Sunbeam Tag (tag someone and make them dance, say something silly or imitate an animal!)
🧺 What You’ll Need
Paper lanterns or a jar
LED tealight or fairy light
Markers and colored paper
A piece of string or yarn
Printable “Wish Tag”
📄 Printable Goodies
The Empathy Witch’s Wish Tags
Cute, fill-in-the-blank wish slips
A mini note from the Empathy Witch
Optional “silly wish” prompts for younger kids
Get your free downloadable Midsummer Kit here
🌈 Here is What to Expect
In just 20–30 minutes, you’ve helped your family:
Laugh together
Share something a little meaningful (or totally random)
Feel like a team
Create something magical with their hands
These are the kinds of moments that build traditions — the ones kids remember as “that thing we do every midsummer.”
📣 Want to Share the Glow?
“Share your glowing creations with #SuperPowerFamily and #ShineTogether so we can celebrate your magical moments together!”
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this Midsummer tradition best for?
This activity is designed to work for a wide range of ages — from preschoolers to tweens (and even playful teens or grown-ups!). Younger kids will love the crafting and storytelling. Older kids can bring extra flair to their wish tags or take the lead in silly games like Sunbeam Tag.
Do we need special supplies to do this activity?
Not at all! You can use what you already have at home — jars, markers, scraps of paper, and a flashlight or fairy lights. The printable wish tags are optional but add a fun touch.
What’s the goal of this midsummer tradition?
The real purpose is in spending lighthearted time together. It’s a chance to slow down, share laughs, and create a family ritual you can come back to every summer. The lanterns become a playful symbol of what lights you up — inside and out.
How long does the whole thing take?
About 20–30 minutes, give or take. You can stretch it out into a full evening if you want to add dinner outdoors, dancing, or storytime under the stars.
Is this midsummer activity tied to a specific cultural tradition?
It’s inspired by various Midsummer and Summer Solstice traditions around the world — especially from Northern Europe — but this version is made to be inclusive, light-hearted, and family-friendly for all backgrounds.
Can we do this if we live in the city or don’t have outdoor space?
Absolutely! Lanterns look magical indoors too. You can do your “light walk” around the living room, hallway, or even while cuddled up on the couch.
📢 Join the Midsummer Magic
💥 Light up the night with the Shine Together Challenge
📸 Snap your lanterns and smiles, then share with #ShineTogether and tag @superpowerfamily
📥 Sign up for our newsletter to get more playful, seasonal family rituals.
Because the world needs more families who shine together. 🌍✨
After your “light walk” and Sunbeam Tag game, gather around a backyard campfire (or a safe candlelight indoors) and roast marshmallows, make up silly Midsummer rhymes together.
You’ll need: Marshmallows, skewers, a campfire (or safe indoor option)
💜More Family Bonding
Visit our Family Bonding Hub for more Family Bonding Ideas.
Or follow our “Bonding Through the Seasons” Series. Our Signature Series of family-friendly challenges and activities for seasonal family bonding, inspired by traditions from around the world. Each one offers a moment to pause and reflect about culture and history.
Keep Bonding Through the Seasons
This article is a part of our Bonding Through the Seasons Series.