Embracing the Darkness: Reflections on the Winter Solstice
As 2024 comes to a close, let the warmth of the winter solstice, which arrives on December 21st this year, fill our hearts. The winter solstice not only marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, but it also officially ushers in the winter season. It's that time when the sun seems to take a pause, hanging low in the sky before it starts its journey back towards longer days and warmer weather. Even though it's the darkest day, the winter solstice is also a turning point—a promise of renewal and the gradual return of light. From this day forward, the days will grow longer, and the sun's strength will slowly increase, bringing with it the promise of sunshine and new beginnings.
The winter solstice has been observed and celebrated by cultures across the globe for a super long time. Way before we had all this fancy technology to explain it, our ancestors understood how important the sun's cycle was, and they even built monuments like Stonehenge to line up with the solstice sun!
Ancient festivals like Yule (in Northern Europe) honored the return of the light after the longest night. These celebrations often involved feasting, bonfires, and rituals to welcome back the sun and ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The winter solstice has always been a time of hope and renewal, a reminder that even when things feel dark, light will always come back.
The winter solstice is extra special to me because it's my daughter's birthday. Because she was born on the winter solstice, we wanted her name to reflect that somehow. While I was in the hospital, my cousin sent me an article about winter solstice names, and my husband and I immediately fell in love with Skye. We named her Leyana Skye. Every year I try to do something special to celebrate her and Mother Nature as one. This year, I'm thinking of taking her on a nature walk to gather pinecones to turn into bird feeders.
There are so many ways to celebrate the winter solstice and honor the changing seasons. Here are a few more ideas:
Get outside: Put on your warmest coat and go for a walk. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy how beautiful winter can be. Bring some of that nature inside with you—gather pinecones, holly branches, or other cool stuff to decorate your home.
Embrace the darkness: When the longest night of the year comes, light some candles to make your home feel cozy and peaceful. Think about the past year and set some goals for the new year.
Take care of yourself: Warm up with a delicious soup or a cup of tea. Take some time to journal, meditate, or do some yoga.
Remember your own light: Most importantly, remember how special and amazing you are! The winter solstice is a time to celebrate your strength, resilience, and how much love you have to give, even when things are tough.
It's important to remember that the holiday season, while often a time for joy and celebration, can also be tough for some people. The pressure to be merry, the financial strain, missing loved ones—it can all make things feel a bit heavy. So, this winter solstice, if you find yourself surrounded by light and warmth, try to share it with those who might be struggling. A kind word, a helping hand, or even just a smile can make a huge difference. We all have the power to be a source of light for others, especially during those darker days.