Celebrating the winter solstice at home can be a wonderful way to embrace the changing seasons and connect with nature. There are many meaningful and festive activities you can do to honor this special time of year. Here are some ideas to help you create a memorable winter solstice celebration in the comfort of your own home:
1. Decorate an Outdoor Edible Tree for the Animals: One beautiful way to celebrate the winter solstice is to create an outdoor tree adorned with edible treats for the local wildlife. Hang strings of popcorn, cranberries, and birdseed ornaments on a tree or bush in your garden. This not only adds a festive touch to your outdoor space but also provides nourishment for birds and other creatures during the cold winter months.
2. Make Winter Solstice Lanterns: As the days grow shorter, adding warm and cozy lighting to your home can create a magical atmosphere. Make your own winter solstice lanterns by painting mason jars or glass containers with translucent paint or covering them with tissue paper in various shades of blue, silver, or white. Place tea lights or LED candles inside the lanterns and scatter them throughout your home to create a soft, enchanting glow.
3. Read Winter Solstice Books: Curl up with a cozy blanket and indulge in some winter solstice-themed literature. There are many books available that explore the symbolism and traditions of this special time of year. Some popular titles include “The Winter Solstice” by Ellen Jackson, “The Shortest Day” by Susan Cooper, and “The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice” by Carolyn McVickar Edwards.
4. Make Orange Pomanders: Creating orange pomanders is a traditional winter solstice activity that not only fills your home with a delightful citrus scent but also adds a touch of natural beauty. Take a fresh orange and stud it with cloves, creating intricate patterns or designs. The cloves not only release a pleasant aroma but also act as a natural preservative, allowing the orange to last throughout the winter season.
5. Spend the Night by Candlelight: On the winter solstice, take the opportunity to embrace the longest night of the year by spending an evening in candlelight. Turn off all electric lights, light candles in every room, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. This can be a time for reflection, meditation, or simply enjoying the simplicity and beauty of soft candlelight.
6. Make Some Wassail: Wassail is a traditional winter beverage that is often shared during solstice celebrations. It is typically made with warm apple cider, spices such as cinnamon and cloves, and sometimes includes a splash of alcoholic spirits. Making a pot of wassail not only fills your home with a delicious aroma but also provides a cozy and comforting drink to enjoy with loved ones.
7. Reflect, Release, Let Go, and Set Intentions for the New Season: The winter solstice marks a turning point in the year, and it’s a perfect time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the coming months. Take some time to journal or meditate on what you would like to release from the past year and what you hope to bring into your life in the new season. This can be a powerful and transformative practice.
Celebrating the winter solstice at home provides an opportunity to connect with nature, embrace the changing seasons, and create meaningful traditions. Whether you choose to decorate an outdoor edible tree, make winter solstice lanterns, read solstice-themed books, create orange pomanders, spend the night by candlelight, make wassail, or reflect and set intentions, the key is to create a festive and intentional atmosphere that honors the significance of this special time of year. Enjoy the magic and beauty of the winter solstice in the comfort of your own home.