December 21 – Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice is Today!

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How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice Step-By-Step

•  Host a winter solstice celebration.
•  Read books with a winter solstice theme.
•  Read about the history of the winter solstice.
•  Watch the live stream at Stonehenge.
•  Honor the return of light into your home.
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FEATURED ITEM ON THE WINTER SOLSTICE

The winter solstice is a magical time that ushers in the longest night and shortest day of the year. A unique opportunity to explore the night sky, bundle up with some hot cocoa, and spend quality time cozied up inside – isn’t that everyone’s ideal winter night?

It marks the start of a season filled with snow-filled landscapes, holiday cheer, and an undeniable spirit of joy across cultures. For those seeking a new way to celebrate this auspicious period, why not grab some friends, find the north star, and gaze at the stars until you can stand the cold no longer?

Truly an event that only comes around once a year, so don’t miss out!

WINTER SOLSTICE:  A BRIEF History of Winter Solstice Celebrations

Celebrating the winter solstice dates all the way back to the ancient civilizations of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. For example, it is believed that the winter solstice festivals in ancient Greece were celebrated by making great feasts and performing rituals intended to honor gods such as Apollo, Demeter and Dionysus.

As time went on, more cultures adopted their own traditions related to the seasonally changing solar positions – like lighting bonfires during Yule in Scandinavia or exchanging brightly colored scarves in Bolivia! Today, many people around the world come together on this special day to enjoy family time and exchange gifts.

Regardless of its original purpose, it’s safe to say that recognizing the longest night of the year has become a wonderfully celebratory occasion enjoyed by people across geography, time bearings and cultural backgrounds!

Ten Things About the Winter Solstice

1.  Shortest Day, Longest Night:  The marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs around December 21st.
2.  Ancient Celebrations: Many cultures and civilizations throughout history have celebrated the this day as a significant astronomical event. Festivals, rituals, and traditions often revolved around the symbolic theme of rebirth and the return of the sun.
3. Stonehenge Alignment: Stonehenge, the ancient stone circle in England, is aligned with the winter solstice sunrise. Thousands gather to witness the sun rising directly through the stone arches during this time.
4.  Tilted Earth:  This special day happens because of Earth’s axial tilt. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun during this period, leading to the reduced daylight hours.
5.  Pagan Yule Celebration:  The celebration has deep roots in Pagan traditions, particularly the celebration of Yule. Yule festivities often included the burning of the Yule log, feasting, and exchanging of gifts.
6.  Solar New Year: In some cultures, the winter solstice is considered the “solar new year” as it marks the return of longer days and the gradual increase in sunlight.
7.  Scientific Precision: The timing of the winter solstice is extremely precise and predictable. It occurs at the exact moment when the axial tilt of the Earth is farthest from the sun.
8.  Southern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice: While the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter solstice, the Southern Hemisphere is simultaneously celebrating the summer solstice, marking the longest day and shortest night.
9. Connection to Christmas: Some Christmas traditions and symbols, such as the Yule log and the concept of rebirth, have origins in winter solstice celebrations.
10. Human-Made Celebrations: Modern-day festivals like Christmas and Hanukkah, though rooted in religious and cultural traditions, often coincide with the winter solstice, emphasizing themes of light, warmth, and renewal.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE WINTER SOLSTICE

1. Winter Solstice Hike: Take a nature walk or hike to appreciate the shortest day and longest night of the year, enjoying the beauty of winter landscapes.
2. Bonfire Gathering: Host a bonfire to celebrate the return of longer days, sharing stories and warmth with friends and family.
3. Solstice Yoga Session: Practice yoga with a focus on poses that honor the solstice, emphasizing reflection and renewal.
4. Candlelit Dinner: Prepare a special meal and dine by candlelight to symbolize the light returning after the solstice.
5. Solstice Stargazing: Spend the evening observing the night sky, taking advantage of the long darkness to spot constellations and planets.
6. Make a Yule Log: Craft and decorate a traditional Yule log, then burn it in your fireplace as a symbolic gesture of warmth and light.
7. Winter Solstice Meditation: Engage in a meditation session to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new season.
8. Craft Pinecone Bird Feeders: Create bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed, then hang them outside to help wildlife during the winter.
9. Winter Solstice Feast: Cook a festive meal featuring seasonal ingredients to celebrate the abundance of the earth.
10. Write Solstice Poems: Compose poetry inspired by the themes of darkness, light, and renewal associated with the solstice.
11. Winter Solstice Crafts: Make solstice-themed crafts like sun catchers, wreaths, or handmade candles.
12. Solstice Storytelling: Gather with loved ones to share stories and legends about the winter solstice from different cultures.
13. Create a Vision Board: Assemble a vision board with images and words representing your hopes and goals for the upcoming year.
14. Plant Evergreen Trees: Plant evergreen trees or shrubs to symbolize life and continuity during the darkest time of the year.
15. Make Solstice Lanterns: Craft homemade lanterns to light up the night and celebrate the return of the sun.
16. Winter Solstice Bath: Take a relaxing bath with essential oils and candles to rejuvenate your body and mind.
17. Host a Solstice Party: Organize a gathering with music, food, and activities to celebrate the solstice with friends and family.
18. Reflect on Gratitude: Spend time writing down things you are grateful for from the past year and your hopes for the new season.
19. Create a Solstice Altar: Set up an altar with symbols of the solstice, such as candles, evergreen branches, and sun motifs.
20. Attend a Solstice Festival: Participate in local solstice celebrations or festivals to join in community traditions and rituals.
21. Make Winter Solstice Tea: Brew a special tea blend with seasonal herbs like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel to enjoy and share.
22. Solstice Baking: Bake solstice-themed cookies or bread, incorporating spices and flavors of the season.
23. Watch the Sunrise: Wake up early to witness the sunrise after the longest night, celebrating the return of daylight.
24. Outdoor Ice Skating: Go ice skating to enjoy the winter season and the beauty of the solstice outdoors.
25. Create Sun Art: Make art pieces inspired by the sun, such as paintings, drawings, or sculptures, to honor the solstice and the returning light.
26. Solstice Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of winter-themed items for participants to find around your home or yard.
27. Snowball Toss: Set up targets and have a competition to see who can hit them with snowballs.
28. Winter Trivia Quiz: Prepare a trivia game with questions about winter solstice traditions and facts.
29. Pin the Sun on the Sky: A solstice twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” blindfolded players try to pin a sun cutout onto a sky poster.
30. Frozen Relay Races: Organize relay races in the snow or ice, with participants racing while carrying solstice-themed items.
31. Solstice Bingo: Create bingo cards with winter and solstice-themed words and images for a fun, festive game.
32. Winter Charades: Play charades with winter and solstice-related prompts, acting out activities like building a snowman or lighting a candle.
33. Build a Snow Fort: Have teams compete to build the best snow fort or snow sculpture.
34. Solstice Pictionary: Draw winter solstice symbols and traditions for teammates to guess.
35. Ice Bowling: Set up pins and use a medium-sized ball for an outdoor game of ice bowling.
36. Solstice Memory Game: Create a memory game with cards featuring solstice symbols and winter scenes.
37. Candle Relay: Teams race to carry a lit candle (or a flashlight) through an obstacle course without letting it go out.
38. Solstice Story Dice: Use dice with images to create and tell winter solstice-themed stories.
39. Hot Cocoa Relay: Teams race to carry cups of hot cocoa across a distance without spilling.
40. Snowflake Making Contest: See who can create the most intricate paper snowflake in a set amount of time.
41. Sunrise Yoga Challenge: Compete in holding yoga poses inspired by the sun and winter.
42. Solstice Simon Says: Play “Simon Says” with winter and solstice actions, such as “Simon says shiver like you’re cold.”
43. Winter Solstice Jeopardy: Create a Jeopardy game with categories related to the solstice, winter folklore, and seasonal traditions.
44. Snowman Building Contest: Teams compete to build the most creative snowman in a limited time.
45. Solstice Word Search: Create a large word search with solstice and winter-related words for participants to find.
46. Polar Plunge Challenge: For the brave, organize a quick dip in a cold body of water to celebrate the solstice.
47. Snowball Dodgeball: A fun and active game of dodgeball using snowballs or soft indoor balls.
48. Solstice Puzzle Race: Teams race to complete winter solstice-themed jigsaw puzzles.
49. Winter Solstice Board Games: Play board games with a winter or solstice theme, or modify existing games to fit the theme.
50. Icicle Hunt: Similar to an Easter egg hunt, hide icicles or ice sculptures around the yard for participants to find.
51. Yule Log Decorations: Decorate a traditional Yule log with ribbons, evergreen branches, and candles to symbolize warmth and light.
52. Winter Solstice Wreaths: Create wreaths using pine cones, holly, and other natural materials to hang on your door.
53. Solstice Sun Catchers: Make sun catchers with stained glass or colored tissue paper to welcome the returning sunlight.
54. Candlemaking: Craft homemade candles scented with winter spices like cinnamon and clove.
55. Solstice Lanterns: Construct paper lanterns to light up the longest night of the year.
56. Nature Garlands: String together dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries to make a festive garland.
57. Solstice Ornaments: Create ornaments for your tree using natural materials like wood, twine, and dried fruits.
58. Winter Mobiles: Design mobiles featuring snowflakes, stars, and moons to hang around your home.
59. Seasonal Table Centerpieces: Arrange pine branches, berries, and candles in a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table.
60. Handmade Solstice Cards: Design and send out cards with solstice greetings and winter-themed art.
61. Solstice Story Stones: Paint stones with symbols and images that tell a story about the winter solstice.
62. Solstice Shadow Boxes: Create shadow boxes with winter scenes and solstice motifs using paper cutouts and small decorations.
63. Winter Crown: Make crowns from evergreen branches and berries to wear during solstice celebrations.
64. Herbal Sachets: Sew small sachets filled with dried herbs like lavender and rosemary for a comforting winter scent.
65. Solstice Dreamcatchers: Craft dreamcatchers with winter colors and natural elements like feathers and beads.
66. Solstice Stars: Fold and decorate paper stars to hang in your windows or on your tree.
67. Snowflake Window Clings: Create reusable snowflake clings using puffy paint on plastic sheets.
68. Winter Solstice Journal: Make a journal to record your thoughts and intentions for the coming year.
69. Solstice Soap Making: Craft handmade soaps with winter scents like peppermint and pine.
70. Sun Wheel Decorations: Create sun wheels using twigs and yarn to symbolize the sun’s return.
71. Solstice Suncatchers: Make suncatchers with natural materials and hang them in windows to catch the returning light.
72. Yule Goat Ornaments: Craft small Yule goats from straw or twine as traditional Scandinavian decorations.
73. Seasonal Salt Dough Decorations: Make salt dough ornaments and decorations in winter shapes to paint and hang.
74. Winter Solstice Puppets: Create puppets representing solstice characters and symbols for storytelling.
75. Solstice Advent Calendar: Design an advent calendar with daily activities or small gifts leading up to the winter solstice.
76. Mulled Wine: Warm red wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and oranges, perfect for a cozy winter evening.
77. Gingerbread Cookies: Classic spiced cookies shaped like stars, snowflakes, and other winter symbols.
78. Roasted Chestnuts: A traditional winter treat, chestnuts roasted to perfection and served warm.
79. Beef Stew: Hearty stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and rich broth, ideal for the cold weather.
80. Pumpkin Pie: A spiced pumpkin custard in a flaky crust, celebrating the flavors of the season.
81. Yule Log Cake: A rolled sponge cake decorated to look like a log, often filled with chocolate or chestnut cream.
82. Winter Vegetable Soup: A comforting soup made with seasonal vegetables like squash, carrots, and potatoes.
83. Herb-Roasted Turkey: Turkey seasoned with herbs and roasted, a festive and warming main dish.
84. Spiced Apple Cider: Hot apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
85. Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tart cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange.
86. Potato Latkes: Crispy potato pancakes, traditionally enjoyed during winter celebrations.
87. Butternut Squash Risotto: Creamy risotto with roasted butternut squash and Parmesan cheese.
88. Pecan Pie: A rich and sweet pie filled with pecans and a caramel-like filling.
89. Braised Short Ribs: Tender short ribs slow-cooked in red wine and herbs, perfect for a hearty meal.
90. Holiday Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts coated with a mix of winter spices and a touch of sweetness.
91. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Acorn squash filled with a mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and nuts.
92. Chocolate Truffles: Decadent, rich chocolate truffles flavored with various extracts and rolled in cocoa powder.
93. Orange and Pomegranate Salad: A refreshing winter salad with sliced oranges, pomegranate seeds, and a light dressing.
94. Peppermint Bark: Layers of dark and white chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candies.
95. Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks: Lamb shanks braised with root vegetables and red wine for a tender, flavorful dish.
96. Holiday Fruitcake: Dense, moist cake filled with dried fruits and nuts, often soaked in brandy.
97. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate infused with cinnamon and a hint of chili for warmth.
98. Apple Crisp: Baked apples topped with a crunchy oat and cinnamon streusel.
99. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon and a balsamic glaze.
100. Sticky Toffee Pudding: A moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, covered in a luscious toffee sauce.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate the Winter Solstice?  Please share them!