CELEBRATE THE WINTER SOLSTICE

Since the pandemic, this year might be a little difficult to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, but technology has allowed us to connect otherwise. Instead of inviting people over to your home this year, organize a virtual Winter Solstice gathering and try one of the ancient customary rituals. As we approach the longest and darkest night of the year, we should reflect on the past year and celebrate the return of light. On the longest night of the year, we come out of darkness and focus more on connecting with family, friends and nature.

What is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice officially marks the astronomical beginning of winter. On the 21st of December 2021, at 10:59 a.m. EST, the sun will reach the solstice on the northern hemisphere. It is but a mere moment when the northern hemisphere is tilted the furthest away from the sun, thus bringing us the shortest day and longest night of the entire year. It also occurs simultaneously with the Summer Solstice on the southern hemisphere, which is tilted as close to the sun as it possibly can be.

Wikihelp7586, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Winter Solstice played an important role in various cultures around the world in ancient times. This event was a reminder of the Earth's rebirth and also became a symbolism of hope. Many customs, and rituals associated with Christmas were adopted from Winter Solstice celebrations from pagan cultures. In fact, people in the ancient times feared the winter nights that grew longer and longer and prayed for the sun's return. They didn’t know if the sun would eventually return, until the day it did. Thus, the return of light was always a reason to celebrate.

Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

Make most of the longest night in the year by staying up with your family to welcome the return of light!

Whether you're celebrating with your beloved ones at home or participating in an online gathering, make sure to keep things simple. Exchange wishes, reflect the past, set goals or make intentions for the future. Light candles in a dark setting, start a fire, hang out, catch up with each other and just relax!

It's also important to remember mother nature and to give back! My family and I have made it as part of our annual tradition to leave food for wild critters. Since it is the longest and perhaps the coldest night of the year, there may be a lot of creatures that need an extra hand that night.

Winter Solstice Rituals

Since Winter Solstice symbolizes the Earth's rebirth, it only makes sense to have meals inspired by Earth itself. Serve natural foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and salads. Winter salads are perfect for the occasion since they can be deliciously combined with nuts and berries. Don't forget the soup! A nice warm pumpkin soup cooked with extra virgin olive will put even the most unenthusiastic ones into the spirit of winter solstice.

You mustn’t forget to enjoy the longest night of the year without a cup of hot chocolate! Accompany it with nutmeg cookies or muffins. Remember, extra virgin olive oil is ideal for cookies and brownies of all sorts, since it can enhance the flavor with about 25% less fat and no cholesterol, compared to butter. That way, you get more monounsaturated fat and polyphenols in your diet.

Another great thing about baking with olive oil is that mostly no one will notice the difference, especially kids. Kids can partake in the fun activity of baking with extra virgin olive oil because it's much more easier to stir than softened butter.

So get ready for a virtual gathering with friends and family to honor the start of the Winter season and welcome the light after the darkness of 2021.

Happy Solstice!

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