If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is upon us.

What a beautiful time of quiet, peace, and joy!

For the past several years, we’ve celebrated the solstice in our home. It has turned into a lovely family tradition that all of us enjoy.

First of all, I decorate a tree specifically in honor of the solstice. It’s nothing too fancy, but I incorporate a lot of natural elements into the tree. My children love the woodland animal ornaments most of all.

Next, I find several “family” gifts to wrap, and place them under this tree to be opened during the solstice. This year the gifts mainly consisted of games and puzzles, and it’s a fun time which gives us a peek of Christmas Day to come.

When night falls, we start a small bonfire outside, and roast marshmallows. We also make s’mores and just enjoy being outdoors underneath the stars. This year the weather was absolutely perfect, and while the temperature was cool, none of us felt uncomfortable while sitting around the fire.

For me, the solstice has a spiritual significance. It reminds me of the birth of light, which represents hope. The quiet darkness that the solstice offers is also a perfect time for journaling and reflection.

This part of the sun’s cycle feels like a quiet beginning, and it’s the perfect time to let go of patterns and habits that aren’t serving us well, and to begin anew.

I love sitting outside by the fire, which reminds me of warmth in the darkest time of the year. It reminds me of hope, purification, and renewal.

During the solstice, I think of the myth of Mary, mother of God, who gave birth to Light itself during this dark time. We too, can give birth to light in our thoughts, words, and actions.

The perfect time to start is now.

I love thinking about Mary and her spirit of surrender to the will of God whenever I need a little bit of encouragement in my own life. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word,” was her response when told she was the chosen one to carry Jesus. And yes, we all carry God within us…saying “thy will be done” as we go about our day is a way to spread light everywhere we go.

We’ve now all come back inside, and my heart is full with gratitude and happiness. What a beautiful beginning to the season of winter.

I’d like to leave you with a Native American Solstice blessing. The author is unknown.

Winter Solstice Blessings

May the longest night and the shortest day, bring rest to your mind and soul, I pray.

May you find guidance and may you find peace,

as the cycle of light will slowly increase.

Embrace the magic that the darkness bears,

breathe deep in the chill and swift in the air.

May you always be blessed with the light from within,

And may well-being be yours as the new cycle begins.