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Let's welcome the longest night of the year with cozy blankets, warm drinks, and a little bit of magic on Winter Solstice.
Get ready to celebrate the shortest day and longest night of the year on December 21, also known as Winter Solstice! This astronomical phenomenon has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history as a time for reflection, renewal, and hope for the coming year. It marks the official start of winter and is often associated with traditions such as lighting candles or bonfires, exchanging gifts, and feasting with loved ones. So bundle up, gather around a warm fire, and embrace the magic of this special day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>3000 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Stonehenge Built</div><div class='timeline-text'>Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in England, was built around this time, with its main axis aligned to the setting sun of the winter solstice.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>200 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chinese Winter Solstice</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Dongzhi Festival, a Chinese celebration of the winter solstice, dates back to the Han Dynasty. Dongzhi means "the extreme of winter".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>45 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Julian Calendar Debut</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, made December 25 the winter solstice, which was later set to December 21.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1300s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Yule Logs Originated</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of burning the Yule log, in celebration of the winter solstice and Yule, is traced back to Medieval Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saturnalia Festival End</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ancient Roman Saturnalia festival, which coincided with the winter solstice, ceased to be celebrated in the late 1800s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Solstice Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>In recent years, winter solstice celebrations have gained popularity, incorporating modern customs with ancient traditions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Winter Solstice party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a festive celebration of the longest night of the year. Decorate with warm, cozy lights and serve traditional winter solstice foods like roasted root vegetables and mulled wine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a winter solstice ritual</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take time to reflect and set intentions for the upcoming year by creating a personalized winter solstice ritual. This could include lighting candles, meditating, or writing down your goals and wishes for the new year.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go stargazing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On the longest night of the year, take advantage of the dark skies and go stargazing. Bundle up in warm blankets and admire the beauty of the stars while sipping on hot cocoa.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make winter solstice crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make winter solstice-themed crafts to decorate your home. This could include making sun or moon ornaments, painting pinecones, or creating a winter solstice wreath.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a winter solstice festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any winter solstice festivals or celebrations happening in your area. These events often include music, food, and activities to commemorate the changing of the seasons.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrating the changing of the seasons</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the power of nature. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing change.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Opportunity for self-reflection</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As the days grow colder and darker, many people find themselves turning inward and reflecting on their lives. The Winter Solstice offers a chance to pause and consider our personal growth, hopes, and dreams, as well as let go of any negative energy from the past year.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Traditional celebrations and customs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Throughout history, cultures around the world have celebrated the Winter Solstice with different traditions and rituals. From bonfires to feasts to festivals, it's a time to come together with loved ones and embrace community, warmth, and light during the dark winter months.</p></div></div>
Winter Solstice is celebrated on December 21 every year. In 2024 Winter Solstice will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Dec 21
Thursday
2024
Dec 21
Saturday
2025
Dec 21
Sunday
2026
Dec 21
Monday
2027
Dec 21
Tuesday
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