Do you celebrate the winter solstice?

Why would you, you ask?

As the Earth continues its eternal dance around the sun, we find ourselves at a moment of profound pause—the Winter Solstice. No matter what headlines scroll across our screens, no matter what beliefs we hold dear, there’s one universal truth that connects us all: the rhythmic turning of our planet.  And here in the Western Hemisphere, the least amount of daylight in the year. 

So why celebrate so little daylight?  People get seasonal depressive disorder for goodness’ sake.

I want to share with you my thoughts on Winter Solstice, the Christmas Holiday and this time of year in general.  And PLEASE share your thoughts with me. I’d love to hear from you.

Beyond the Commercialism: The Heart of Christmas

I love Christmas—but not for the reasons advertisers want us to. The modern holiday has become a marathon of consumption, a relentless drumbeat of “buy, buy, buy” that drowns out the true spirit of the season. But beneath the commercial noise, there’s a beautiful tradition that still beats strongly, and I feel it when I slow down and take pause from the hustle and bustle this season can create. 

For me, Christmas is about connection. It’s about the warmth of a kitchen filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies. It’s the joy of sharing homemade jam, carefully canned vegetables from a friend’s garden, or a loaf of bread kneaded with love. It’s about singing carols while decorating the tree, fingers sticky with frosting and hearts full of memories.

I understand why some friends say they “hate Christmas.” The pressure, the expenses, the endless shopping—it can feel overwhelming. But when I reflect on my fondest Christmas memories, they have nothing to do with purchased gifts. Instead, I remember sitting around a big dining room table, surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins. I remember the relaxed, jovial atmosphere of adults sharing stories, children playing games, and the simple pleasure of being together.

These are the gifts that truly matter: time, presence, shared meals, and genuine connection. A jar of homemade preserves means more than any mass-produced item pulled from a store shelf. A plate of cookies baked with intention carries more love than the most expensive wrapped present. Or how about a homemade beeswax candle?  Wow. That’s a gift. 

As the solstice reminds us to slow down and appreciate life’s natural rhythms, let Christmas be a celebration of those rhythms—of family, of community, of the love we can create and share with our own two hands.

The Ancient Roots of Solstice Celebrations

Long before Christmas became a Christian holiday, cultures around the world celebrated the winter solstice as a pivotal moment of renewal. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival of light and abundance that ran from December 17-23. In ancient Egypt, the winter solstice marked the birth of Horus, the sun god. The Norse celebrated Yule, a 12-day festival that directly influenced many of our modern Christmas traditions.

Remarkably, these ancient celebrations shared striking similarities:
– Gathering of family and community
– Feasting on stored foods
– Lighting candles or fires to symbolize the return of light
– Exchanging gifts
– Honoring the cycles of nature

The Christian Connection

When Christianity spread through Europe, many solstice traditions were seamlessly incorporated into Christmas celebrations. The date of Christmas itself—December 25th—was strategically chosen to align with existing pagan winter solstice festivals. Early Christian leaders understood that people would more readily accept a new faith if it respected existing cultural practices.

A Personal Reflection on Slowing Down

In our fast-paced world, the solstice whispers an essential truth: it’s time to slow down. Take a breath. Rejuvenate.

This isn’t just a romantic notion—it’s a biological imperative. Many cultures traditionally used the winter months as a time of rest, repair, and reflection. Our ancestors didn’t have 24/7 productivity; they understood the importance of seasonal rhythms.  Farming, perhaps, is the closest profession to understanding seasonal rhythms. We live by them.

Celebrating the Local and Seasonal

There’s no better way to honor the solstice than by embracing what’s local and seasonal. Open your kitchen. Warm your home. Cook with ingredients that have survived the harsh winter—root vegetables, preserved foods, hearty grains.

 “The food we eat here is like gold to me.”

These aren’t just words—they’re a philosophy. A commitment to understanding our place in the natural world.

 A Call to Celebrate

So this solstice, I invite you to:
– Slow down
– Cook a meal with local ingredients
– Gather with loved ones
– Reflect on the year’s journey
– Light a candle
– Give thanks for the cyclical nature of life

The Earth keeps turning. The sun will return. And we are part of something much larger than our daily concerns.

Happy Winter Solstice. 🕯️🌞