Embracing The Winter Solstice
Traditions and ideas to help deepen your connection with nature
Key Highlights
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
It’s an invitation for reflection, celebrating the return of the sun’s light.
You can embrace the magic of Solstice with simple traditions: candlelight evenings, nature walks, seasonal crafts, and a garden review.
Sunday, December 21st 2025
As the evenings grow darker it all comes to a head as we arrive at the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. From this moment forward, the days slowly begin to lengthen, and light makes its return. Of all the solstices and equinox’s I find myself gravitating the most to this period of time because it feels so different to me than the rest of the year.
Across cultures, the Solstice has long been celebrated as a moment of renewal, hope, and the balance between light and dark. Celtic and Norse Yule traditions—part of my own heritage—marked the rebirth of the sun with candlelight, hearth gatherings, and the symbolic Yule logs.
In our fast-paced modern world, the Solstice can offer us an invitation to slow down, embrace rest, and find magic in the season. Here, I’ll share some of my favorite Winter Solstice rituals to help you connect with nature.
Celebrating Winter Solstice: Simple and Meaningful Traditions
Embrace the Darkness
On Solstice evening, try turning off all electric lights and spending the night by candlelight. When we did this at first, there were a few complaints about the lack of screens, but everyone warmed to the experience—and everyone went to bed early which is always lovely. One year we rolling up our own beeswax candles together and that was a big hit.
The returning light after the Solstice is a powerful symbol of hope and renewal, reminding us that even in the darkest times, brighter days lie ahead.
Lighting candles or a Yule log can become a simple ritual to honor this shift and celebrate the growing sun. I’ll dive more deeply into the Yule Log and how to make one in future posts so be sure to subscribe!
Here are a few books we like to read about the solstice during this time:
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards
The Shortest Day - By Susan Cooper
Nighttime Walks & Stargazing
One of the easiest celebrations is to bundle up and step outside to take a nighttime walk. Listen for the soft hoot of owls, feel the cold air on your skin, and look up at the stars. One year, we carried candle lanterns and learned to let our eyes adjust to the darkness. The quiet magic of walking at night in winter is something I hope my children carry with them always.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Decorate your home with natural greenery and make wreaths or garlands, or simply place sprigs in a vase. I like to dry and preserve orange slices to hang in the windows- they look like little suns and bring a sense of cheer when looking out the window. You may even want to look into making your own Yule log.
For me, the smell of a simmer pot—filled with pine needles, cinnamon, and citrus—is the essence of the winter holidays. These small touches create a cozy connection to the season’s beauty.
Looking to create in community? Mother Gardener is partnering with Wild Roots Studio for a special Winter Solstice celebration where we will make pine needle cough syrup, Swedish wreaths, herbal bitters and your own Yule log. Register here.
Build a “hibernation fort”:
You may want to do this outside and build with natural materials or create a cozy indoor den with blankets and pillows. This is a wonderful way to connect with the rhythm of winter rest.
Storytelling & Reflection
Reflect on the past year’s growth and challenges, or review your garden—what worked well, what needs adjustment, and what dreams you have for the next growing season. Writing down dreams and goals can help plant seeds of intention for the coming cycle.
Final Reflections
For many, winter feels like a real struggle—a season of cold and darkness. I used to feel that way until I gave myself permission to slow down and allow myself the chance to rest more. In a world that prizes constant productivity, it’s a radical act to embrace rest and renewal! So maybe get a bit wild and lean into the cycles of the earth.
Reflection Prompts
What lessons can I learn from the stillness of winter?
How can I honor this season of rest and renewal in my life?
What traditions can I create to connect with nature and the Solstice?
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