Honoring Winter Solstice in 2021
Written by: Bryna Campbell, Art by Mike Murawski
Every few months we honor the changing seasons by celebrating its arrival in the form of the solstice or equinox. The changing seasons provide an opportunity to more closely observe the relationship between the sun and the earth, and how the earth’s tilted axis affects our daily lives. They are also times of reflection, and often offer guidance from the non-human world on how to approach the cycles of nature with grace.
Winter solstice is an especially wonderful time for families with kids to connect with the outdoors. The winter solstice marks the sun in the lowest southern point in the sky for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, creating the shortest day and longest night of the year.
This phenomenon can remind us of how we connect to the night sky and solar system, and gives us time to reflect on the values of rest and hibernation that we see in so many animals and plants this time of year. It’s also a great time to talk to kids what the “dark season” means to wildlife, trees, and plants.
Need ideas to mark the winter solstice with your kids this year? Here are four ideas to help get you started:
Observe:
Winter is a great time to observe the sky, especially the sun and its patterns on these shorter days. What time does it rise and set each day? Where do you first notice it rising above the horizon, and where do you see it drop below the horizon?
Together as a family, try taking some notes about what you observe, and then compare it with what you might remember experiencing during the summer. Try using internet tools (like the Time and Date website) to find out how the sunrise and sunset times are different on summer solstice compared to now (or for winter solstice somewhere else!). Have family that lives in other parts of the country/world? Trying looking up how their daylight hours differ from yours.
On winter solstice, you can also stand outside at noon and measure your shadow. This will be the longest shadow you will cast all year.
Or download this fun, quick guide to the Winter Solstice to color and use as you make your observations of the sky and sun.
Learn about Winter Traditions and Cultures Around the World:
For thousands of years, the winter solstice has been celebrated around the world for its significance. Many cultures honor this day with bonfires, lights and candles, ceremonies, and/or special foods, and there are many special initiation and continuing solstice practices among Indigenous peoples of our hemisphere & the world. Travel virtually through the internet (and documentaries) to learn more about ceremonies past and present.
Slow Down & Rest:
The darker days of winter are the best time to respond to the seasonal cycles and slow down. Many of our plant and animal friends rest and live off stored food during the winter, which is a good reminder that solstice is a sign for us humans to similarly embrace winter as a time for rest and recovery. Set aside time for rest, and use the winter season as a moment to recharge our batteries and prepare for the year ahead.
Offer Gratitude:
Take time during the winter solstice to offer gratitude to our planet and our sun, and honor the patterns of our natural world. Consider a winter nature walk to notice how plants and animals are responding to the season.
Consider having a special meal as a family or with close friends to honor the food of winter (such as root vegetables, winter greens, or mushrooms), or take cues from the animals who store of up for winter and celebrate with preserved foods.
If you have a special meal, use it as an opportunity to reflect back on the past year, recognizing moments of growth and strength.
As we write this in our second winter of the pandemic, gratitude has an especially significant meaning. Let’s take a moment to reflect. We have all been through a lot this past year!
Whether your family uses this time indoors or outdoors, on a hike or looking at the night sky, we hope you have a joyous and cozy winter solstice!