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My life, both personally and professionally, is centered around the medicine and magic of Mother Earth. Her seasons, the elements, the plants and all of their archetypes. It all holds deep reverence and meaning for me.
December 21st marks the Winter Solstice. In our home we do a solstice spiral. Think advent calendar but instead of candy we do crafts, have magical experiences as a family and leave sweet love notes for our daughter, reminding her of her light and why we celebrate the light this time of year.
We also read this story on the solstice. For those of you that are more nature leaning and maybe don’t think Jesus is the reason for the season, I really love this nature based description of celebrating the return of the Sun between Solstice and December 25th. This is something we always read on the night of the Winter Solstice. And then look to the skies to see the story play out in real time. For me it made me love the season even more and embrace all the stories of Christmas knowing that we are all reminded to share our light in the darkest days.
It has become a really magical time of year AND it has also helped me tremendously with seasonal affective disorder. Too little sunshine and I am depressed. Not just it’s winter and I’m slowing down and turning inward but legit depression that I have fought my entire life.
Once we started celebrating solstice more intentionally, celebrating the light and the physical countdown until our days got longer, suddenly the winter didn’t seem so long.
Knowing our days are getting longer soon and being very intentional about celebrating the light that is present even when it is dark is so helpful and teaches us all lessons about looking for the good, even when things seem dark.
It also pulled us away from the vomit inducing consumerism that is Christmas. We still do Christmas and Santa and the whole thing but it feels much more balanced.
Here are some small ceremonies for you to bring the season and the solstice into your home this year.
Pine cone burning
Winter teaches us about surrender. When we look around we see what Mother Earth has surrendered to make way for new growth. This simple ceremony will help you do just that.
On small pieces of paper you can write what you want to let go of or what you want to bring into your life. Roll or fold these pieces of paper and put them into the openings of a pine cone.
Make a fire (safely) and burn the pine cone with your wishes, while envisioning them coming true.
Candle making
I love the meditative quality of making candles. It can be a bit messy and you'll need to have pots and pans specifically for wax. I went to my local second hand store to get pots specifically for candle making so I don't have to worry about wax sticking to them.
You can get beeswax pastilles here. Using butcher twine, tie a small weight to the bottom of the twine. Dip the weighted twine into the melted wax, pull it out and let it cool before dipping it again. You'll repeat this process over and over until you have the size candle you desire.
It is tedious, but can be very meditative and having candles that you made all year is so satisfying.
Candle light ceremony
On the solstice, create a warmth in your home by having only candlelight. This warm glow of the candles soothes our nervous system, naturally invites us to slow down and offers us time to reflect on the darkness and light that is at play this time of year.
Book exchange
There is nothing better than a cup of tea, a blanket and a good book. We exchange books on the solstice and read for most of the evening.
Our favorite solstice book is the Solstice Badger. It's a beautiful folk tale of the friendship between the Sun and the badger and what happens when the sun forgets to come out.
Homemade marshmallows
Okay, don't wait for the Solstice to make these. Get the recipe here and make them now. They are easy and oh so good. The gelatin balances the maple syrup so you don't get a huge sugar spike.
I add them to coffee, tea and of course hot chocolate this time of year. If they even last long enough, we tend to eat them by themselves. We are not a sugar family, we don't do much, if any sugary treats and these are a hit in our house and don't make us feel like crap from too much sugar.
Winter hike
Don't let the cold or snow keep you indoors. Outdoor play and hikes are amazing and beautiful in the winter months. The snow absorbs sound and it is oh so quiet out there. Layer up and enjoy the view.
If you're new to winter hiking, find a trail that you're familiar with. Start small and short. It's taken me a long time to embrace cold, snowy hikes. There was a long time I wondered if I would ever like it. With some time, practice and lots of layers I promise it's worth it and so much fun.
Remember it’s not always what you do but the intention you bring to it. Celebrating the Winter Solstice can be as simple as acknowledging the day and shift of seasons.
The big over the top stuff can be fun but often it distracts us from our intention and the true meaning of the year.
These are just a few ideas to get you going. As with any ceremony, decide what's important to you and embody that as best you can. Your rituals will likely evolve over years. Just start, you'll be happy you did.
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