The darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere is almost here. This day brings a variety of celebrations that go back many generations and marks the first official day of winter. The Winter Solstice this year falls on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 5:02 a.m. Eastern. Though it falls at a single moment in the day, many celebrate the Winter Solstice all day long and some even celebrate in the days leading up to the holiday.
Winter Solstice celebrations have evolved over the centuries and are celebrated by all religious and cultural backgrounds. Ceremonies are dedicated to honoring the sun and nature in the hopes the light returns in the form of longer days. Here are some activities families can do together to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
Create a Winter Altar
Gather up meaningful items to help create some warmth in your home to display on a Winter Solstice Altar. Items for winter altars include pine cones, small stones, features, and acorns.
Decorate a Tree
The Winter Solstice is all about giving back to nature. Decorating a tree in the yard is one tradition passed down through generations. Decorate the tree with edible treats for wild animals, including popcorn, cranberry garland, orange slices, apples, carrots and other fruit and vegetables.
Enjoy a Candlelight Feast
Large feasts featuring roasted butternut squash soup, crab cakes, oven-roasted chicken, and roasted root vegetables are common during the Winter Solstice. To keep kid-friendly, enjoy this year’s feast under the glow of electric candles.
Have a Bell Ceremony
The Bell Ceremony is a ritual that helps welcome back the sun and acknowledges the power darkness holds. Set up on a table with one large bell in the center to represent the sun. Have family members stand around the table, each with their own bell. Ring the large bell first and thank the sun for its warm light. Then, all family members take turns ringing their bells, stating what they are grateful for and setting their intentions for the following year.
Make a Yule Log
Yule Logs are a tradition that is remnant of the old bonfire celebrations. In modern times, they are used to decorate for the Winter Solstice. To make, find a log that is 13 inches long and five inches thick. To keep it kid-safe, decorate it with lights, pinecones and greenery. To honor the sun, add different decorations and symbols associated with the sun and solar elements.
Read a Book
Visit your local library and pick up some books about winter. Then go home, cozy up under some blankets, sip on hot cocoa and read the books together as a family. Books can be about anything winter related, such as the first snowfall, the winter season, or making snow people.
Take a Winter Walk
Get out and experience Mother Nature first hand by going on a winter walk with the family. This can be just a quick stroll around your neighborhood or a long hike at a local park.
