Winter holiday nostalgia
At no other time of the year is tradition so emphasized as at this time of year. From the music playing everywhere, to the decorations, to the delicious food, there is something special about this time. This is probably why it is associated with so many different customs, most of which have been passed down for generations.
What is the winter solstice?
As the end of the year approaches, residents of the northern hemisphere prepare to enjoy the winter holiday season. Although most are more familiar with holidays like Hanukkah and Christmas, many people also celebrate the winter solstice, also known as Yule. The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year, the return of the sun, and the start of winter, and generally occurs sometime between December 21st and December 24th.
This is a time to pierce the darkness, not just in the world around you but within yourself. Winter makes it easier to look deeper within and it’s not something to ignore or overlook. Modern life is packed. In the past, fewer daylight hours meant more free time to spend with friends and family, or to learn new skills, among other things. Today, most people move through this time of year on autopilot, despite the opportunities it presents. Let’s slow down this year. Take this opportunity to honor the season – and yourself.
Winter Solstice Traditions to Try
If this article were to discuss every single winter holiday and tradition, it would take another full year to read through! So here are just a few to get you thinking.
Yule log
Originally an entire tree was used to create the Yule Log! The largest end of the “log” was placed in the chimney, while the rest of the tree protruded into the room. However, you couldn’t just light the Christmas log – even that had traditions associated with it. First it had to be lit by someone with clean hands. Second, the usual practice was to light it with the remains of the previous year’s log, which would have been kept safe throughout the year.
Since not everyone has a fireplace anymore, a new kind of Christmas log has emerged: a cake variant. Made from chocolate sponge cake and filled with mousse or cream, the ‘block’ is coated in chocolate and decorated to look like a real block of wood!
decorate a tree
This is a familiar tradition to many people, regardless of belief system or religious denomination. You can place a fresh tree either inside or outside your home and hang ornaments and other decorative items on the branches. Many families also have personalized or inherited ornaments to add to their trees. If you don’t already have one, consider creating or designating some ornaments that you can use consistently and eventually pass on. This is a beautiful way not only to decorate your home, but also to reflect on your connections to those around you.
listen to music
Music sets the mood like nothing else. Maybe there’s an album you play every winter that helps you find a tune you like, or maybe you just enjoy listening to the tunes that get played in every mall, restaurant, and coffee shop during the holidays. Regardless, this solstice, take some time to listen to songs that will calm you down. Enjoy the music and the rest of the season too.
Create and burn a list of things to share
The end of the year is fast approaching and soon it will be time for New Year’s resolutions. In preparation for this, this winter solstice tradition is all about reflecting on your accomplishments—and the places where you’ve encountered obstacles. Write down all the things that have interfered with your ability to find happiness and balance. For example, if your problem is that you always say yes to other people when you’re already overwhelmed, try writing down, “Making myself too available to others.”
When you have your list and have focused on what you want to share or change, burn the list and scatter the ashes. Be careful. It may be wise to use a fireproof bowl for this endeavor and make sure other safety measures are prepared.
Väntljusstaken
This is a Scandinavian tradition of lighting candles. Each week, beginning six weeks before Christmas, a candle is lit while a poem is read. Part of this tradition is also spending some time looking into the burning candle as a form of fire perception. The candle is then extinguished until the following week when it is re-lit next to a fresh candle, until the arrival of the solstice.
The Solstice Sunrise in Newgrange
It is a long tradition that people gather each year at Newgrange in County Meath, Ireland to watch the sunrise at the winter solstice where a Neolithic passage tomb stands. When the sun rises, it shines directly into the grave for a few minutes every year thanks to a so-called roof box. Whilst travel to Ireland is certainly not possible for most people and access to the chamber is still restricted, this event is often live streamed. Whether you tune in to that show or just head outside to take in the world around you, consider celebrating the solstice by watching the sunrise and basking in the early morning rays on the shortest day of the year.
Make your own rituals for the holidays
This is a magical and unique time of year. In addition to the customs listed above, there are dozens of rituals, rites, and traditions that you can incorporate into your winter season, whether simply adding them to the agenda or combining them with your already existing practices. If none of these are right for you, just remember – traditions are what you make of them. A ritual does not have to have a long history. Whether it’s something passed down to you or something you made up yourself, the best solstice traditions are the ones that mean something to you.
Do you want to build a better future? A Life Path Reading with one of our talented Life Path Psychics can tell you where the journey is headed. A life path psyche can help you find what you love so you can love what you do. And if you don’t like where you’re going, your life path medium can direct you to a better path. Learn more about our psychics from real testimonials and read ours Destiny and Life Path Blog. For more insight into your destiny and astrological chart, get yours free birth horoscope report today.
About California Psychics:
California Psychics is the most trusted source for psychic readings. Since 1995, we’ve delivered over 11 million discreet and confidential psychic readings over the phone. More than a prediction, we are your guide to life’s journey. learn more about how psychic readings work and explore the California Psychics blog. With over 500 psychics online to choose from real customer reviews, you will surely find the best psychic for you. Call one of our trusted and accurate psychics today! Confidential and Secure, Real Clairvoyants, Accurate Predictions, 100% Guaranteed.
