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December 21

Solstice festivals are among the oldest celebrations of humankind and date back about 30,000 years. The solstice was, in fact, celebrated by just about every culture in the world – from South America to Asia; Africa to what is now Europe and the Middle East. Many of the ancient pagan festivals and traditions have been incorporated into Christmas celebrations, including decorating with evergreens, decorating trees, gift giving, carol singing and feasting.

The ancient rites celebrated the return of the powers of the sun. Evergreens were honoured for their ability to remain green and alive-looking while all other trees and plants appeared dead. They were decorated with nuts, berries and fruit to symbolize the return of the summer gifts. Yule logs were lit to offer the diminishing sun power as well as to provide warmth and light at this darkest point of the year.

Although many of the traditions of the Solstice or Yule, as some know it, have been incorporated into Christmas celebrations, it is also a fabulous festival to celebrate in its own rite to connect with the rhythms of nature. Celebrating the continuity of the seasons and the waxing and waning of the sun is a wonderful way to connect with the earth and honour the rhythms of the world.

Check out the following sites for more information and fun activities:

Family Education has solstice quizzes and information on various sun gods
http://familyeducation.com/topic/front/0%2c1156%2c1-4205%2c00.html

Yule in Iceland has fabulous information including stories, recipes and songs
http://www.simnet.is/gardarj/

Circle Sanctuary has a number of ideas for celebrating a family solstice (it takes a really long time to load this site, so patience is needed). http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/SolsticePlanningGuide.html

Ideas for Celebrating:

• Shut off the lights. December 21 is a wonderful time to gather together as a family and enjoy a dark wintry night. Light a fire and candles and spend the evening together having fun. Have a candlelit dinner, enjoy time talking by the fire or bathed in candlelight and enjoy one another. Embrace the dark of the season and celebrate the time tucked into a cozy house together.
• Collect evergreens and make a Yule wreath. Talk about the rhythmic circle of nature and the joys of this season: Christmas, evergreens, fires, snow, warm drinks, cinnamon, sweaters, boots, scarves, hats, cold hands, snuggling, darkness, stories, cookies, hearty meals, etc.

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