Embracing the Winter Solstice

For me, the beginning of winter starts when we officially “fall back” in November and move our clocks back one hour. It’s hard to wake up in darkness in the morning when the sun doesn’t rise until 7:30 a.m. and then sets around 4:30 p.m. But the real start of winter begins on Dec. 21, the winter solstice. Though it seems to take a long time to gain more light, I slowly notice a change in the morning and evening skies starting around the solstice. I feel my spirits lift as we emerge from the darkness over the next few months. Every day brings a few more minutes of daylight!

What actually is the winter solstice? Scientifically, it is the shortest day and longest night of the year when one of the earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun. The significance of the winter solstice is that it is a time to reflect on and let go of the year that has passed, embrace quiet stillness, and get ready for brighter days. As the days grow longer, we welcome the return of the sun, representing hope, new beginnings, and rebirth. 

Different cultures and spiritual beliefs celebrate the winter solstice in various ways. Some common rituals include lighting candles, creating a fire, and watching the sunrise to welcome the return of light. Other popular practices involve decorating with evergreens, burning a yule log, setting intentions through journaling or fire rituals, and practicing gratitude through meditation or a special meal. Many of these traditions are tied to historical celebrations such as yule or ancient midwinter festivals, focusing on themes of rebirth and renewal. 

How can we celebrate the winter solstice?

• There are a number of opportunities around Seattle and King County to experience some light displays that are free if you like to be outside. Some examples are the Pathway of Lights at Green Lake Dec. 13, Redmond Lights Dec. 6-Jan. 5, and the Winter Bonsai Solstice in Federal Way Dec. 13. Checking your local newspapers can help you find what’s going on near you. For me, it’s going to my Finnish friends’ solstice party, where they invite the neighbors and light some logs in the fire pit in front of their house to bring in the new season.
• Find a quiet place to write down some goals, such as learning about ways to become a better advocate for a cause that you are passionate about. The “Advocacy 101: Looking Back, Leaning Forward, and Tying it all Together” article in this issue may give you some ideas on how to do this, including how to get your message out to your legislators for the upcoming Washington state legislative session that begins in January. Or maybe you just want to jot down a list of things you are grateful for in your life now.
• If you decide to make a special meal to celebrate the new season, invite some friends to share food and community. This social support can help us through the long winter days that in the Pacific Northwest are usually overcast and wet.

However big or small the activity you choose, I find that doing something helps me maintain a positive outlook until the days grow longer and brighter. It might also be a good time to reflect on how resilient we are even in the ever-changing world that we live in and to hope for an even better new year.

Happy winter solstice!

Contributor Alex O’Reilly chairs the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. She welcomes input from readers via email (advisorychair@agewisekingcounty.org).

Mark Your Calendars

The following are upcoming events of interest:

• ADS Advisory Council Meeting: Friday, Dec. 12 (noon–2 p.m.); virtual meeting unless otherwise specified. To receive the meeting link and information, email michael.adusah@seattle.gov in advance.