9 Simple Ways to Honor and Celebrate the Winter Solstice

Winter can seem dreary to most people, but it doesn’t have to be. With imagination and trust, we can change our mindset to see that winter is a beautiful and calm time of year with much to teach us.

I choose not to celebrate the Wiccan Wheel of the Year myself. Instead, I do my best to honor the cycles of the year, the solstices, and the equinoxes. Whether Yule, Christmas, or the Winter Solstice, they are all interwoven; these are just some things I love to do. It helps me stay observant of the flow of the seasons and stay thankful that I get to see the years changing.

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Today, I want to show you some solstice traditions and how to make this time of year cheerful yet reflective. I hope you find something to take away and make a sacred part of your year.

What is the Winter Solstice?

This is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It usually happens between December 20th – December 22nd, depending on the year.

The word “solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium, which means “sun standing still.”

Many cultures have honored this time of year with symbols of light, fire, life/death, and the sun’s rebirth.

Why is it important to celebrate?

• It connects us to something larger than ourselves.
• We understand that though the world above is still the world below if alive and working toward eventual spring.
• We can learn from the darkness of winter and turn it into something beautiful with practice and patience.

My Favorite Ideas for Winter Solstice

Here are ten ideas that I have used over the years to connect and honor the darkest part of the year. Not only is this a time to celebrate the sun’s eventual return, but also to reflect on the darkness of the past year and dream about the coming year.

1. Give the gift of books.

I started this tradition with my husband and children last year. We gift each other books, shut down the screens, and gather as a family to read them together.

Please find some of my favorite wintertime books here & my favorite children’s books for winter here!

2. Declutter and Donate

This is a beautiful day to declutter and donate what we no longer use for the good of our homes and hopefully to the benefit of those we donate to.

Some ideas of where to start:

• Closets, clear out any old clothing you haven’t worn for years.
• Drawers and cabinets in the kitchen.
• Attic, basement, or garage.

Don’t overwhelm yourself. Pick one room or one corner!

3. Have a Solstice Feast

Gather with family or friends and have a feast for the solstice. There are many traditional foods and drinks to choose from. Here are some suggestions.

• Ham, goose, or turkey
• Wassail, Hot Cider, Mulled Wine, or eggnog
• Yule Log or Rum Cake
• Sugar or Gingerbread cookies
• Soups and Stews
• Hot tea with honey
• Nuts and dried fruit

Remember, this is a gathering time, so cook what has meaning to you. Perhaps one of your grandmother’s famous casseroles or a particular drink that reminds you of good times in the past.

4. Enjoy the Stillness & Silence of the Season

Stand outside after snow has freshly fallen to experience the deep silence and feel the cold of the season, or stay near a window and sit or stand still, meditating on the beauty, majesty, and quiet of the season.

5. Light Candles & Sit in the Darkness

After everyone has gone to bed, sit in the darkness with a single candle or light as many as you wish (just be careful and stay in the room with the lit candles.)

Types of meditations to try:

• Loving-kindness (metta) meditation.
• Candle gazing (trataka) mediation.
• Wu Wei (do nothing).

Concentrate on the light slowly returning and rejoice.

6. Take a Nap

Animals hibernate during this time, and so should we. Instead of making outrageous resolutions to exercise and lose weight, take a cue from the winter and slow down, go within, and rest. You will thank yourself for going with the flow of the season.

7. Journal on the Shadow Side of Your Life

Shadow journaling is challenging but necessary to explore our darker side during this time when the world is dark itself. It is a time to sit with feelings and realize that it is okay not to be okay sometimes. We are not our feelings, and just as the seasons change, so do we. We are beautiful, messy creatures who deserve to be ourselves.

Here is the shadow journal I used and loved!

8. Spiritually Cleanse your Home

This is a lovely time to cleanse your home for the new year ahead. There are many ways to do it, so use whatever speaks to you. You can burn sage, cedar, and lavender, to name a few.

If you can’t tolerate smoke, go with singing bowls, light a white candle, ring bells, or even banging pots and pans together!

Here is a blog post about cleansing rituals for your home.

I wash and bless our front door and use a broom to sweep out negativity!

9. Start a Yin or Restorative Yoga Practice.

This is a time to start a yin or restorative yoga practice to get you in a state of mind and know it is okay to be in stillness. It will refresh your body and keep away the stiffness that sometimes comes with the winter season. Mindfully moving the body is essential.

• The book I use for my yin practice is called- The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark & Sarah Powers.

• The book I use for my restorative practice is called- Yoga Journal Presents Restorative Yoga for Life: A Relaxing Way to De-stress, Re-energize, and Find Balance by Gail Boorstein Grossman.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed these simple ways to honor the season. These are timeless and open to anyone who wishes to flow with the season and enjoy all it has to offer.

How do you celebrate during the winter season? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay cozy & Happy Winter Solstice!