Turning Toward the Light: Honouring the Winter Solstice.
Hello!
In December, there’s very little time for anything beyond holiday obligations, so you might be asking yourself: Do I really have the time to do something else—or create yet another tradition?
December 21st marks the Winter Solstice—a natural pause point in the year. Choosing to participate in a solo or community ritual is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and breathe. In a season that can feel overwhelmingly full, sometimes the pause needs to be intentionally—and lovingly—made.
It’s a tradition I’ve come to deeply appreciate, and I encourage you to try it.
✨What Is the Winter Solstice?✨
The Winter Solstice is the moment each year when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the year's shortest day and longest night.
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have honoured this turning point as a time of rest, reflection, and renewal. It symbolizes the return of the light as days slowly lengthen and has often been celebrated with fire, feasts, rituals, labyrinth walks, and community gatherings.
The word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), reflecting the Sun’s brief pause before its gradual return. In the midst of a busy holiday season, the solstice invites us to pause too—to stand still and turn inward.
You can honour the Winter Solstice in simple, meaningful ways—alone or in your community:
⭐️ Light a candle and set an intention.
⭐️ Host a potluck dinner.
⭐️ Walk a labyrinth.
Schedule one uninterrupted hour alone: make tea, light a candle, and write freely (no phones allowed).
Walk in nature—there is something grounding and quietly enchanting about a snow-filled forest.
Bonfires symbolize the heat, light and life-giving properties of the returning Sun.
Every community seems to offer Winter Solstice events. In my small town of just 4,500 people, at least four events are happening this weekend alone. I had signed up for three of them (also known as Solstice saturation): a Friday night Sound Sanctuary, a labyrinth walk with a bonfire and hot chocolate on Saturday, and a community gathering of more than 35 women on Sunday, each celebrating their own Solstice traditions.
Unfortunately, I’m recovering from a brutal cold and am sad that I’m not well enough to attend any of them. If I have the energy on Sunday, I may attempt a short walk through the woods or spend some quiet time journaling by candlelight.
Since moving to Picton, I’ve always marked the Solstice by attending the labyrinth walk in town. I silently read intentions I’ve set for the coming year as I walk, then release them into a roaring bonfire while warming my hands around a mug of hot chocolate. I also attend the women’s gathering, where the creativity, depth, and uniqueness of their traditions never cease to amaze me.
Celebrating the Winter Solstice reminds us that even in the darkest days, light returns—and with it, the opportunity for renewal. Knowing that the days will slowly begin to lengthen gives us something to look forward to, a gentle glimmer of hope.
Do you have any Winter Solstice traditions you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about them—please add them in the comments below.
Wishing you a beautiful holiday season, whatever you are celebrating.
Warmly,
Anita 🎄🙏🌟❄️
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