Today, December 21 is Winter Solstice. The shortest day of the year. And the beginning of winter.
A time for calm and quiet, pulling back and taking care of yourself. December is already my self-proclaimed Self-care month, so that fits nicely.
This year I thought I’d start with sharing some winter solstice music. First, a song that all the old folks (like me) will recognize. “I’ll Follow the Sun,” by the Beatles.
Here’s another lovely musical experience, “Yule Song,” by Lisa Thiel, followed by “Bring Back the Light” by Gypsy.
Winter is not my favorite time of the year, but I’ve been trying to have a better attitude about it. After all:
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” ~~ Edith Sitwell
I’ve been meditating regularly these days too, and workingon having an altar space – or a space I can easily convert into an altar. So this suggestion for how to celebrate solstice resonated with me:
“Take time on the longest night to reflect within on what the new season and new year will bring you. Winter is a quieter time of year with colder weather and the end of the holidays, making it a great time for inner growth and peace. Need ideas? Check out our guide for creating a zen meditation space of your own.”
How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice, the Shortest Day of the Year
May the solstice and the turning of the wheel bring you love, peace, and good fortune in the coming year. May you welcome the returning sun with joy.
Olivia 
Thank you for the thoughtful reminder! From now on, the days are getting longer, yay! Where I live, the summer days are sooo long, and now they are sooo short, it’s ridiculous. But well, glass half-full, right?
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Thanks – I’m glad you liked it! Yes, thank goodness for longer days. It’s not really an extreme change here in the southern US, but still…. I can imagine that a bigger change would have pros and cons.
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I’ll have to remember this next winter Olivia. I’m so glad it’s summer here, though I think the weather gods are confused given all the rain lately lol
Hugs
Roz
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Yeah, I kind of envy you your summer – although I wouldn’t when winter rolls around for you! Hope your weather gets sorted out soon! 💜
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Blessed month! And happy solstice. The Chinese folk where I live eat a dessert called Tang Yuan, or Chinese glutinous rice balls (汤圆) on this day. Altho it’s also enjoyed at other times of the year by people in China.
You can read about it at https://mandarinmatrix.org/winter-solstice-festival-dongzhi/ if you like.
It’s lovely how two totally different cultures celebrate the same festival!
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That is lovely, Fondles! (Also lovely to see you here!) I love the idea of needing more yang energy in the winter and eating food that will help supply that energy and warmth. It also reminds me of some of the concepts of hygge, the Danish concept of needing warmth and comfort in the winter. Only in the US do we think we need to just push on through the winter months without acknowledging that they affect us and we might have different needs at that time to accommodate the rhythm of the season. No wonder we’re always talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder!
Thanks so much for sharing this!
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