21/12/2025
The shortest day of the year.... Winter Solstice
I don't practice any religion or faith, and nor am I bold enough to say I don't believe. What I do believe is that we are deeply connected to nature; we are nature. I live a fairly typical, and privileged, life in my house with my family doing things most other families will be doing at this time of year. And, I am also intrigued and excited by the changing seasons and what nature presents to us throughout the year, including the Winter Solstice. Something about the shortest day, or more specifically, the longest night before we welcome back the sun light feels a little bit magical ✨
The Winter Solstice is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. The longest night, after which the sun's warmth and light begins to return, and the journey to summer solstice begins once more. A time of acknowledging the darkness and hard times that winter can bring but also of hope, as from here the days begin to get longer and the sun light gets warmer.
This celebration often involves candlelight, blessings and wishes. Many of traditions seen in modern day Christmas such as mistletoe, bringing evergreen inside our homes and lighting candles stem from the celebrations of the winter solstice.
I like to think of it as a little nudge from nature, whispering "Slow it down".
