You may be asking yourself “What exactly is the Winter Solstice”? If you ask others, many will tell you it is the shortest day of the year. While this is true, it goes a little deeper than that in cultures and traditions. On Thursday, December 21 at 10:27 p.m. our area will experience the winter solstice. The sun will rise at 8:00 in the morning and the sun will set at 5:21 in the evening, giving us 9 hours and 21 minutes of daylight.
I read a quote in a book recently about the winter solstice and the holidays that will stick with me for a while during the cold of winter. It reminds us that even though it is dark, there are things to still be thankful for. We all go through seasonal depression, but if we focus on the positive things, the negative will not matter as much. Here is the quote for you to think about and ponder over. I hope it touches you as much as it touched me in order to get through the cold and dark of winter.
“The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year and the promise that soon the sun will be back again. But winter is not merely a trial to be got through while we wait for warmer times. You must embrace the cold days and long dark nights and learn to find the joy in them, for there is much joy to be found. Hunker down and revel in the warmth of soft blankets when the weather is howling outside. Make the time to take time, not just for others but for yourselves. Read books, light candles, take long baths, watch the flames flickering in the fireplace or the rain dribbling down the windowpanes. Open your eyes to the beauty in the winter landscape and count your blessings every single day. Slow down. There will be time enough for buzzing around with the bees when the sun comes back. For now, let the moments stretch long and lazy. Recuperate, rejuvenate, reflect, and let winter soothe you. Let this winter solstice be the first of many times this winter that you come together to give thanks and appreciate the people in your life. Gratitude is everything.”
You can find “A December to Remember” by Jenny Bayliss on the library’s Libby App here: A December to Remember.
Some traditions observed during winter solstice are:
- Making and drinking wassail.
- Lighting candles at night.
- Letting go of negative things and setting intentions for a new season (meditation and yoga).
- Making a centerpiece out of oranges, cloves and cranberries.
- Reading books where characters celebrate the winter solstice.
Even though we are about to experience the darkest and shortest day of the year, let’s remember there is still light and happiness in this season.
Happy reading!
