This year the winter solstice falls on December 21st. Winter begins with dark evenings and cold temperatures. Snow falls in many parts of the world. The darker months tend to be quieter and a time to spend indoors, eating warm filling meals and sleeping later. For many it’s also a busy time, rushing around and preparing for Christmas, attending parties and becoming worn out. There are better ways to celebrate the winter solstice than by an endless round of parties and good cheer.
Celebrating the Winter Solstice
There are many traditional ways of celebrating at this time of year, including:
- Creating our own traditions. Many of us are trying to live a life more closely attuned with nature. We’re looking for a way to celebrate the season in a simpler and quieter way. This means more time spent with our family or friends, less money spent and more time spent together on outdoor activities.
- Decorating your home in the classic tradition has been around for hundreds of years. Use mistletoe and ivy, holly and pine branches. Light a fire or candles to rekindle the celebrations from many years ago.
- Spending an afternoon on Yule inspired crafts such as a Yule log can bring back memories of long ago. Make your own potpourri with cinnamon sticks and other spices.
- How long has it been since you went carolling? At one time carolling was known as wassailing. This was when farmers would walk their through their fields at night singing. It was known to ward off the bad spirits that would keep their crops from growing the following year.
Winter solstice is a time to get together in your home with family or friends. It’s a time to quietly enjoy the winter season and all it has to offer. It’s the peaceful time of year when nature rests and prepares for another season of growing in the spring.
