*The first day of winter, or the shortest day of the year 2024, takes place this Saturday* ***December 21, 2024****, in the Northern Hemisphere. The Solstice marks the longest night of the year, and with it the turning point when the days begin to grow longer again.*

I usually don’t pay much attention to the Winter Solstice, mainly because it happens just a few days before Christmas and I tend to be really distracted. This year however, the Solstice seems different to me.

For one, I’m very intent on putting a variety of things in the past, and focusing on personal growth.

For another, I made a point this holiday season to really keep the consumption of goods, food, shopping, ect to a minimum. This, not surprisingly has opened up my time to better enjoy the season, rather than running around in a frenzy shopping, baking and attending every holiday event.

So in that spirit I’ve been thinking of ways to honor the Winter Solstice, and welcome the return of the sun as the days get longer from here out.

For putting things in the past:

1. Write things down and then let them go

Write down all those negative impulses like worrying instead of hoping; frustration over things that really don’t matter that much; and falling back on laziness when action is necessary. Write them on seperate slips of paper. Make a fire either outside as a bonfire, inside in the fireplace, or just light a candle. One by one, burn these negative ideas that sap your energy in the fire. Imagine as you burn them that a cloud or layer of dirt is being removed from around your being. Picture your energy being cleared and cleaned.

*Let go of negativity and things that should be in the past by writing them down and burning them one by one.*

For welcoming back the light:

2. Make an Ice Lantern

Many people make paper lanterns that they then light and send off into the night on Winter Solstice. I’ve never been a fan of this practice for many reasons. The fire can ignite the paper and land in a spot that can cause a forest fire or light up someone’s roof. Even if the lantern lands safely in the ocean or a lake, it is still littering, no matter if it’s eco friendly or not.

A nicer and more relevant alternative is to make a romantic ice lantern, or ice lamp. These are much more beautiful and last much longer, than launching a paper lamp into the sky. There are loads of instructions out there, here are three that I think are particularly great. The Gingerbread House; and KiwiCo; and Creative in Chicago.

*A Winter Solstice Ice Lantern is a beautiful way to honor the coming season.*

*You can add a small candle or even use a battery powered version to help keep the lantern from melting.*

Celebrate the Planet

3. Take part in a global celebration

While Winter can seem lonely and quiet, it can also be cause for celebration. Take part in a global celebration by watching the Winter Solstice on a live feed from Stonehenge. The stones of Stonehenge have silently marked the winter solstice for thousands of years, and you can take part too. Thanks to smart TV’s you can view this event in high def if you have the YouTube app loaded.

*Livestream the Winter Solstice from Stonehenge on YouTube.*

Honor Nature, Night is Meant to be Dark!

4. Learn about Light Pollution and Turn Off Your Outdoor Lights

I think there’s no better time than the Winter Solstice to turn out your lights at night! Light pollution is a serious threat to wildlife, especially birds.

According to US Fish and Wildlife Service, “Artificial light is scattered across the landscape of the entire country, and birds are frequently attracted to lighting … [causing them to] frequently crash into windows and collide into buildings, unfortunately ending in tragedy.”

Confusion and crashes aren’t the only issue with light pollution. Light pollution disrupts wildlife of all species sleep and circadian rhythms.

Dark Sky International works to educate the public about the issue of Light Pollution. “Nocturnal animals sleep during the day and are active at night. Light pollution radically alters their nighttime environment by turning night into day,” they write on their website. “Predators use light to hunt, and prey species use darkness as cover. Glare from artificial lights can also impact wetland habitats that are home to amphibians such as frogs and toads, whose nighttime croaking is part of the breeding ritual. Artificial lights disrupt this nocturnal activity, interfering with reproduction and reducing populations.”

Check out the Dark Sky Map to see if there is a Dark Sky place near you.

Here in Connecticut we have what is known as the Last Green Valley Corridor. It’s one of the last remaining stretches of green in the heavily urbanized Northeastern seaboard. “The valley also has the largest stretch of dark night sky in the Northeast megalopolis corridor. It contains some of the largest unbroken forests in Southern New England, in a region of Connecticut known as the Quiet Corner.” (via Wikipedia)

*Night is meant to be dark! Learn about how light pollution effects wildlife, and learn to turn out your lights at night!*

Enjoy a hearty meal

5. Make a spicy dish or two to warm you into Winter

Winter Solstice feasts are sacred, with many foraging in the forests for things like acorns, chestnuts, and hazelnuts. While I love the idea of this, it’s really not something I feel comfortable doing because I really don’t know what to look for.

Fortunately I do have a year round farm nearby (White Gate Farm in East Lyme) that not only grows organic greens in their greenhouse year round, but they also bake amazing breads and goods that, while not technically foraged, are local and freshly available.

I personally love the idea of making a squash soup warmed with spices and herbs, and chewy ginger cookies. And I love the idea of baking what is referred to as a Traveler’s Bread at White Gate Farm (it’s other-worldly!) It’s a loaf made with cheese and olives and it’s amazing. Here are two versions from the New York Times, and Martha Stewart.

I don’t personally drink, but craft beers are also a big part of Winter Solstice to many.

*Enjoy a Winter Solstice Feast of foods warmed with spices and herbs.*

I hope these ideas spark something in you, because they really have ignited some ideas in me! Follow me on Instagram and I’ll do my best to post the results of my ice lamps, spicy soup, and intention setting exercises. I’ve been turning out the lights at night for decades :-)