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As winter settles in and daylight decreases, the winter solstice arrives, a sign of brighter days ahead. Many cultures across time have celebrated this day, and in a modern, fast-paced world, the solstice is an annual reminder to set aside time to reflect and reconnect.
The winter solstice is the moment when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year, the Almanac explains.
The solstice happens at an exact time each year, when the sun appears at its lowest point in the sky. In 2025, this will take place on Sunday, December 21 at 10:03 am EST. Although winter has just begun, daylight will slowly increase from this point until the summer solstice.
Traditions That Celebrate Light’s Return
For thousands of years, many cultures honored the turning point from darkness to increasing light. Ancient Norse communities in Scandinavia celebrated Juul, while farther south, Romans marked the solstice period with Saturnalia, a festival of feasting and joy.
In the UK, people still gather around stone circles like Stonehenge, according to Country Living. There is evidence that this annual event dates back at least 5,000 years. While some of today’s celebrations may look different, the solstice offers a chance for introspection and cleansing, the New York Post reports.
Peaceful Practices
You do not need a grand ritual to honor the solstice. Simple, peaceful practices can help you mark the shift whether you are celebrating at home or outdoors. One way to observe the solstice and honor the sun is to spend a few minutes outside at sunrise or sunset. Bundle up and take a deep breath, and collect some branches or pinecones to decorate your home.
Invite loved ones over for a winter feast. Incorporate warm ingredients into the menu such as sage, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and saffron. You can offer thanks, share stories, and simply feel gratitude for the satisfying food on a cold winter’s night.
If you prefer an indoor moment of calm, you might try lighting a candle in the evening and taking time to reflect on what you wish to release and what you hope to welcome in the coming months. Some prefer to use pen and paper for this exercise. Others welcome the fresh energy of this day by purging and organizing their home. They declutter as well as clear out stale spices and expired goods as a symbol of cleansing.
You can go out and light a bonfire to celebrate the sun’s return, with the flames being a reminder that the light of the sun is on its way. One simple way to experience the solstice is to step outside at noon and notice your shadow — it will be the longest you’ll see all year, according to the Almanac.
As the winter solstice approaches, reconnect with nature’s rhythm and your own inner calm. The day may be short, but embracing the solstice is a sweet way to honor both history and the present moment, welcoming the light that is slowly and steadily returning.
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