A Guide to Living Your Best, Happiest, and Healthiest Life This Season
Hey there, beautiful souls! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been feeling the chill creeping in — the crisp air, the early sunsets, the way the snow seems to blanket everything in a peaceful hush. Winter is here in full force in Minneapolis, and as much as we can all pretend to be #TeamSummer, I’ll be the first to admit: there’s something majestic about this time of year. And it all starts with the Winter Solstice. You know, that day when the Earth’s tilt makes us get just a little bit less sunlight than usual? But don’t be fooled by its ‘shortest day of the year’ reputation. There’s so much more than surviving the cold until the days get longer about this moment. It’s a unique opportunity for us to reset, reflect, and realign with ourselves. And I don’t know about you, but I’m all about making the most out of every moment, especially when it comes to taking care of my mind, body, and spirit.
What Is the Winter Solstice, and Why Does It Matter?
The Winter Solstice occurs every year around December 21st or 22nd, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. In Minneapolis, we feel it especially acutely: the cold air, the early sunsets, and the stillness of nature. But while the Winter Solstice might seem like a moment of darkness, it’s actually a turning point. From this day forward, the days begin to grow longer, and the sun returns—albeit gradually. This turning of the cosmic wheel is a powerful reminder that darkness is not something to fear but rather a natural and necessary part of life. Just as the Earth tilts away from the sun and embraces a time of rest, so too are we invited to lean into the quiet, reflect on our journey, and prepare for the light to come. The solstice is a time of renewal, a moment to honor both the darkness and the light within us. It’s a time to stop, take stock, and reflect on what we want to manifest in the coming months.Why Should You Care About the Solstice?
You might be wondering, “Okay, cool, but why should I care about this whole solstice thing?” Great question! In many cultures, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated for centuries as a time of renewal. For the ancient Celts, it was the rebirth of the sun; for the Scandinavians, it was the Yule festival. And even today, people across the world use the solstice as a time to take stock of where they’ve been and set intentions for the months ahead. The solstice reminds us that just as winter can feel cold and still, there’s always the promise of light and growth to come. It’s about honoring both the dark and light within us. It’s the perfect moment to pause and ask yourself:
What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?
What do I want to manifest for myself in the coming months?
How can I nourish my body and soul through this season of darkness?
A Celebration of Ancestors, Food, and Family—Dongzhi Festival
The Dongzhi Festival (冬至), also known as the Winter Solstice Festival, is celebrated in various parts of East Asia, especially in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In Chinese tradition, the Winter Solstice was historically seen as a time when families gathered to celebrate the returning of light and offer thanks to ancestors. It was a time to honor the ancestors and reflect on the cycles of nature, just like other solstice celebrations around the world. Dongzhi is a deeply spiritual moment, linking the cycles of the cosmos to family traditions, community, and gratitude.
Key Traditions
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Family Reunions: Dongzhi is a time for family gatherings, often considered even more significant than Chinese New Year in terms of family bonds. It’s a moment to honor the past and be with loved ones, reflecting on shared experiences and traditions.
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Eating Special Foods: One of the most beloved traditions of Dongzhi is the preparation of special foods. The eating of dumplings (especially in northern China) and tangyuan (sweet rice balls) is central to the celebration.
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Dumplings: In northern China, eating dumplings symbolizes warmth and protection from the cold. There’s a belief that the round shape of dumplings represents the Earth and the returning of the sun, reinforcing the themes of renewal and hope.
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Tangyuan: These sweet rice balls, often filled with red bean paste or sesame, are symbolic of family unity and harmony. In southern China and Taiwan, tangyuan are served as a traditional treat during Dongzhi, their round shape signifying the return of the light and the unity of the family.
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Ancestral Reverence: Like many solstice celebrations, the Dongzhi Festival is an occasion to honor ancestors. Families often set up altars or perform rituals to give thanks for their ancestors' guidance and protection. This mirrors the global theme of using the solstice as a time to connect with the past and give thanks for the wisdom passed down through generations.
@CBC Radio
Feasts, Songs, and Ceremonies In During Native American Winter Solstice Traditions
For many Native American communities, the Winter Solstice is not just a day marked on the calendar but a sacred time of spiritual reflection, community gathering, and honoring the cycles of the Earth. While traditions vary across tribes, the solstice holds immense spiritual importance across many Native American cultures, particularly as a time to honor the return of light and the renewal of life after the darkest time of the year.
Key Traditions
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Ceremonies and Rituals: Many Native American tribes observe the Winter Solstice with ceremonies that honor the sun’s return. This is a time to reflect on the past year, acknowledge the darkness, and prepare for the new light and growth to come. These ceremonies often take place in sacred spaces like the longhouse—a communal, ceremonial structure used by several tribes, especially the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and other Eastern Woodlands tribes.
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Feasts: A central element of many solstice celebrations is the community feast. This is a time for sharing food and coming together with family and community to celebrate life, health, and prosperity. The types of foods vary from region to region, but they are often seasonal, hearty dishes meant to nourish the body and spirit during the cold months. Foods might include roasted meats, corn, beans, squash, and fruits—essential staples in many Native American diets.
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Songs and Dances: Music and dance are essential to many Native American celebrations, and the Winter Solstice is no exception. Ceremonial songs and dances are performed to honor the sun and the spirits of the Earth. These performances serve as a way to connect with ancestors, the natural world, and the spiritual forces that govern life. In some tribes, these dances are believed to help call back the sun and encourage its return, aligning with the solstice’s universal theme of light overcoming darkness.
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Spiritual Reflection: Like many solstice observances, Native American traditions often use this time to reflect on the deeper spiritual meanings of the season. It’s a time to consider the balance between light and darkness, life and death, and to honor the natural world’s cycles. This period of reflection encourages individuals to embrace the opportunities for renewal and growth that come with the returning light.
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Yoruba Traditions and the Winter Solstice Summons Balance & Precision in The Spiritual Dance of Light and Darkness
While the Winter Solstice doesn’t have a specific festival in the Yoruba tradition, the core principles of the solstice—renewal, honoring ancestors, and the triumph of light over darkness—are deeply aligned with Yoruba spirituality. In fact, many modern-day practitioners of Yoruba traditions, as well as other African spiritual frameworks, recognize the solstice’s themes of transition and renewal. In Yoruba culture, the relationship between the Earth’s cycles, ancestors, and the cosmic forces of the Orisa (deities) is central to spiritual life. During this time of year, when the nights are long and the sun seems far away, the Yoruba celebrate the balance of light and dark through their spiritual practices, focusing on the powerful concept of ase (life force) and the reverence of ancestral guidance.
In Yoruba tradition, ancestors—known as Egun—are revered for their wisdom, guidance, and protection. The long, dark nights of winter provide a sacred space to reflect on the lives of those who came before us and to feel their presence more deeply. The Winter Solstice, with its quiet and stillness, is an ideal time to honor those who’ve shaped our journeys. Consider taking time to reflect on your own ancestors. Light a candle in their honor, meditate, or write down your thoughts on the wisdom and lessons they’ve passed on to you. The darkness of winter is a reminder that we are never truly alone; the guidance of our ancestors is always with us, waiting to be called upon.
In Yoruba cosmology, Olodumare is the Supreme Being, and the Orisa are cosmic forces that govern nature. One of the most prominent Orisa is Orunmila, the deity of wisdom and knowledge, who plays a significant role in guiding the balance between light and darkness. The solstice’s symbolism of the sun’s return aligns beautifully with the Yoruba belief that light will always triumph over darkness. Just as the solstice marks the gradual return of the sun, so too do we honor the sun’s role in Yoruba spirituality. The sun is a symbol of hope, renewal, and divine energy. The solstice reminds us that even in the darkest times, the light will always return.
Embracing the Solstice: A Time for Renewal, Connection, and Light
The Winter Solstice is more than just a cosmic event—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our deeper selves. Whether you approach this season through the lens of Yoruba spiritual practices, modern self-reflection, or a blend of traditions, this time offers a unique opportunity for growth, rest, and renewal. As we move through the darkest days of the year, remember that light is always returning. Embrace this moment of transition, honor your ancestors, and celebrate the return of the sun in your life. May the solstice bring you peace, reflection, and the renewal of hope for the year to come.
How to Observe the Winter Solstice — From the Cozy to the Transformative
So now that you’re in the solstice spirit (hopefully with a warm cup of something delicious in hand!), let’s talk about how to really lean into this time of year.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everything. The holidays, the shopping, the work deadlines. But the Winter Solstice is nature’s way of telling us to slow down and take a deep breath. Use this time to reflect on the year that’s passed — what’s been working in your life, and what hasn’t? Take a moment to journal, meditate, or simply sit in silence. You could even light a candle to symbolize the return of the light. As it flickers, think about the areas of your life where you want to bring more light — more joy, more clarity, more peace. Take this space to nurture yourself, just as the Earth is taking this pause to reset.
Whether you have a fireplace or not, lighting a fire (or just a candle) on the Winter Solstice is a simple but powerful way to mark the occasion. There’s something so grounding about fire — it’s warm, it’s cozy, and it literally symbolizes light in the darkness. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, curl up with your favorite book or a hot drink and just soak in the quiet, peaceful vibe. If not, create a sacred space with candles and dim the lights in your home. Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and let go of any stress or tension you’ve been holding onto.
A lot of people think New Year’s resolutions are for January 1st, but honestly, the Winter Solstice is the perfect time to begin envisioning what you want to create in your life over the next year. Use the solstice energy to think about what you want to manifest and make a vision board — or at least write out a few affirmations or goals. This doesn’t have to be some grand, over-the-top thing. It’s not about pressure or perfection, it’s about setting the tone for the new year with intention. Whether it’s health, career, relationships, or personal growth — take this moment to dream, and then start making small, manageable steps towards those dreams.
Here in Minneapolis, the snow is falling, and the cold is real. So, what better way to honor the Winter Solstice than with food that nourishes both body and soul? Think soups, stews, and root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. These warming foods are great for grounding your energy and keeping your immune system strong during the colder months. You could also try brewing some herbal teas, like chamomile or ginger, to keep the cozy vibes flowing. And if you’re feeling fancy, why not try making a festive winter mocktail or cocktail? Something with warming spices like cinnamon and clove will always get you in the seasonal mood.
Yes, I know it’s cold outside — like, really cold. But if you can muster up the courage, getting outside for even a few minutes on the Winter Solstice is a beautiful way to honor the earth. Bundle up in your coziest winter gear, breathe in the crisp air, and marvel at the snow-covered landscape. It’s like taking a moment to say thank you to nature for all its beauty and the stillness of the season. If you’re lucky enough to be near a lake, forest, or open space, you might even take a short winter walk. There’s something incredibly peaceful about walking through snow, and it can be a great way to clear your mind and connect with nature’s rhythms.
Winter Solstice: A Gift for You
Here’s to celebrating the magic of the season — in all its cozy, introspective glory. Cheers to a happier, healthier, and more authentic you in the months ahead. Stay warm, stay bright, and stay fabulous! ✨
With warmth and light,
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