Holiday Rally Day #21: Winter Solstice Traditions

Happy Winter Solstice! Today is the longest night and shortest day of the year – the official start of Winter. From here on out, the days (light) are longer and the nights (darkness) are shorter.

The celebration of the Winter Solstice goes back to ancient times when people of all groups and religions relied on the sun, stars and planets to keep track of time.

Winter Solstice celebrates the light because before modern inventions, people relied on daylight to complete their work for the day. When the sun went down, there was not much that could be done. Solstice represented a time when more light would begin to bless each day.

I just think this is a fun way to celebrate winter in all its glory! Plus, I love fires, candlelight and crafts!

Here are a few ideas for how to celebrate Winter Solstice:

• Make ice lanterns

• Make a yule log cake

• Celebrate with Mulled Wine or Wassail

• Releasing Ceremony. Light a fire. Write down your regrets, grievances, and disappointments. Put the paper into the fire and let them go.

• Decorate an outside tree with edible treats for animals. Think popcorn, cranberry and dried oranges garland.

• Eat a special dinner by candlelight.

This is a time of cozy celebration. Bring on the light!