In our house, we’re busy preparing for Christmas, with all it’s bustle and glee, but also taking a moment today to mark the solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the day that we turn back toward the light.
I think all of us have an internal awareness of the light, and how it affects us. In these darker days of winter I want to rest more (okay, and binge Netflix), and crave a quiet stillness that I don’t need so much the rest of the year. Like the plants in my garden, I feel a little dormant, and that feels important – restorative.
The Solstice marks the change – the start of the new year (in solar terms), a new beginning, and the time to begin rebuilding my energy. To be honest, I don’t feel quite ready for that, but I’m hoping that some days of rest between Christmas and New Years’ will do the trick.
Our family usually marks the solstice with a fire outside in our garden, or with lots of candles indoors if its raining. We make warming, spicy foods, and I always make a rum cake, a tradition that started in my 20s, and is still holding strong. I like to fully embrace the darkness and the quiet of this time, before I can start to let it go. As much as I value this dark (and cold, in most parts) time of the year, there’s an optimism of looking forward to the light and warmth that is now just around the corner. It feels hopeful, and we need that so much right now.
I wish you all a happy, cozy and peaceful holiday, whatever you’re celebrating, and an auspicious start to 2024!
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