Photo by Moyan Brenn
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ― John Steinbeck
It’s hard to find words after the tragic shooting in Connecticut last Friday. I am grieving with the families and the community there. As we, as a nation, reflect on darkness, this Friday in the Northern Hemisphere, we will observe the winter solstice — the darkest day of the year. We also welcome back the light and try to remember that brighter days will surely follow this season of darkness.
The frenzy of the holidays may seem like the wrong time to add yet another tradition to your to-do list. The key is making seasonal celebrations simple and relaxing. They can be the perfect opportunity to pause, appreciate nature’s cyclical changes, the lessons each season imparts, and to celebrate the natural beauty all around us.
Here are a few easy ideas for saying farewell to fall and hello to winter on Friday:
Observe
Watch the sun rise and set. Take a walk, hike, or ski trip and notice all of the things you appreciate about winter. For me, it’s the branches outlined against the sky and the thrushes, sparrows, seagulls, starlings, blue birds, and wrens that make this part of the world their home during the winter.
Read
What better time of the year to curl up and share books? A few of my family’s favorite winter-themed picture books are:
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
- Stella, Queen of the Snow by Mary-Louise Gay
- The Big Snow by Berta Hader
- A Kitten Tale by Eric Rohmann
- Snow by Cynthia Rylant
- Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer
It’s also fun to read aloud from The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson. And if you’re in the mood for adult reads, check out this list of Good Books to Read in the Winter or the Independent’s 50 Best Winter Reads.
Eat
Make a seasonal feast, with foods like beets, winter squash, potatoes, onions, kale, cabbage, or parsnips. Prepare your favorite winter dessert or hot beverages. And don’t forget to light candles while you eat, a sure hit for kids and adults alike.
Reflect
When the sun sets, let your house dance with candlelight. Then after dinner, blow the candles out and sit together quietly in the darkness for a few minutes. Reflect on darkness and on how long and cold winter must have felt before we had electric lights and heat.
Other things you can reflect on together:
- One thing you’ve lost this year and one thing you’ve gained.
- One thing you want to say goodbye to in the new year and one thing you’d like to welcome back into your life.
- Some of your best and worst holiday memories.
Wish
Bring an evergreen bough inside and make it into a wishing tree. Secure the bough in a bucket with rocks. Cut leaves out of construction paper. Have each person write down a wish for the coming year on each leaf. Hang the leaves on the tree using a hole punch and yarn or ribbon.
Hoping you have a happy first day of winter.
Do you have your own winter solstice traditions? I’d love to hear about them.
#1 by travelwyse on December 17, 2012 - 6:59 am
Reblogged this on travelwyse.
#2 by Abby Quillen on December 17, 2012 - 9:53 am
Thanks!
#3 by Anonymous on December 18, 2012 - 11:58 am
There is way too much media coverage. I was moved by the 26 wreaths sent from Portland, and the “therapy dogs” golden retrievers. The dogs probably did more good that all the teddy bears. The unconditional love of the dogs gave everyone comfort–even those of us just watching. Thanks to all.
#4 by annie on December 21, 2012 - 11:29 am
Our winter solstice celebration is pretty new. We decided to start last year and make it our major winter holiday… only we had a very new baby so it was pretty low key. That year we had a special meal and lit candles. It was pretty much all we could muster energy for. This year we have an older baby but still not much opportunity to prep. Today we’re going to take a walk, watch the sun set, pick some holly and bay to decorate with, and have a festive meal (of pulled pork tacos with cabbage slaw and roasted turnips). I’m hoping that next year, with a 2 year old, we can add baking solstice cookies and starting seeds to the list (I’m in south texas so if I want large tomato and pepper plants ready for the frost free date, I need to start them now).
#5 by Abby Quillen on December 21, 2012 - 11:47 am
It sounds like a wonderful day, Annie! Our celebrations are pretty simple too. Yes, I predict you will be amazed at how much more you can get down as your little one gets older. Happy solstice!