"This is a time to celebrate all that warms us and gives us hope," Starhawk
The longest night of the year occurs on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2020, in the Northern hemisphere. It marks the end of Fall and the official start of Winter. The Winter Solstice is an ancient pagan holiday with traditions celebrating nature and setting one's intentions for the coming season. These customs and practices resemble those of celebrating the Christian holiday, Christmas, which is annually on December 25.
Being the shortest day of the year means a shortened time of daylight. This being said, candlelight is one of the original traditions of celebrating the Winter Solstice both for the needed light and to celebrate in the coming months the return of the sun.
As another tradition for celebrating the pagan Yule holiday (rather than Christmas the Christian holiday) you might put up a Yule tree. My preference in my adult life has been the Pinon Pine with a distinct fragrance that fills any space in which it is placed. When living in California we cut a fresh tree in the National Forest, with a permit of course, on our return to MuRefuge from the Mono Lake area. Now living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, we obtain a permit and also go into the local National Forest for just the right Pinon Pine to cut and transport to our 1955 Stamm home.
Gift exchanging is also part of celebrating, perhaps focusing on "earth based" gifts like seeds for the local birds. Feathered Friends of Santa Fe has mixture of seeds for different locales. We use the mixture called Canyon Road blend since it brings such a diversity of birds to our feeders in the Winter.
Other gift ideas are small hand made wreaths decorated with objects gleaned while out hiking in nature or beautiful crystals. Here in Santa Fe we have an awesome shop, Ark Books, that has a fine array of crystals for purchase.
Burning the Yule log is also very popular for those who have fireplaces in which to do so. Pinon Pine logs release that luscious iconic smell into the room to the delight of all who are fond of a lighted fire in the fireplace.
And honoring Mother Earth by enjoying a hike out in nature is another popular way of celebrating Winter Solstice. The area surrounding Santa Fe, NM, has numerous trails. There are almost too many enticing ones to make a decision about which one to take at any given time. My fantasy is to drive to Chaco Canyon which would make for a very long day driving to and from. If you do decide to take a hike on the Yule holiday, breath in the fresh air and allow the gentle breeze to wash away your worries..
And perhaps the very best activity, or actually non activity, is luxuriating in resting, as Booch and Billie are below. These kitties are new household members in Seattle with their Mom and Dad, aka Leigh and Steven.
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