The Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year but also the longest night of the year, it generally occurs around the 21st-23rd of December and it has been celebrated since the first days of Stonehenge; possibly even before then.
Winter Solstice also marks the time when light is returning, the cycle of the year is turning back to the times of Spring and new life. For some, the Winter solstice is also known as Yule. It was tradition in Europe to keep a special log in the home to promote health and prosperity, this Yule log is placed on your hearth to burn for twelve nights in that Season. Afterwards it is kept in your home to serve as a reminder of the times that have passed. Some prefer to bake a Yule log, there are many varieties and it is entirely up to you. You can serve it at a special Solstice dinner.
Other things to do on the Winter Solstice:
If you haven't already, put up your Christmas tree and decorate it with your family. Traditionally, you would decorate your tree with things you want in the year to come. Decorating it with holly, is thought to help women conceive, while decorating it with a theme of red honors the Sun King's return and the longer day-light hours.
Bake a Yule log with your family, children will love this activity.
Go for a walk in a nearby park.
Plan games and activities with the children, give the games a Yule theme.
I wish everyone a very Happy Yule, I hope this blog gave you a few ideas and thank you for reading.
