Winter solstice is a special day that occurs annually on or around December 21st when the sun is at its most southerly point relative to the celestial equator. The word solstice comes from the Latin words, “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (stopped or stationary). At the summer solstice, when daylight is long and the sun is at its most northerly point, it appears to stand still or pause before changing direction and moving toward its lowest declination that takes place at winter solstice. This year, the winter solstice is Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 4:21 a.m. (EST). This day, and the next three days, provide the shortest amount of sunlight and the longest dark nights of the year. Even though it may seem very cold and dark, celebration is in the air with this seasonal timing.
Ancient Celebrations: In accordance with the Celtic Wheel of the Year, the holiday celebrated at the winter solstice is Yule. Mythology for this timing is based on the return of the Celtic sun god Lugh, who has been steadily traveling deeper into darkness since the summer solstice. For the ancients, solstice was a promise that the sun would return to once more warm the fields for planting, a promise of future sustenance. Burning a yule log, decorating evergreen trees, gathering mistletoe (or kissing under it), caroling, feasting, and exchanging gifts, were all part of ancient Yule celebrations. Saturnalia was a Roman festival to honor Saturn, the god of time and agriculture. Saturnalia was held from December 17th to 23rd. During the festival revelers would literally take to the streets to eat, drink, and make merry. The prevailing carnival-like atmosphere included gift-giving, decorations, colorful attire, and a loosening of the rules and laws that Saturn (Father Time) stood for. It was a time for silly fun!
Christmas: The timing of Christmas aligns perfectly with ancient agrarian cultural festivals that welcome the sun’s return from darkness. Christmas is the first day that the sun’s light visibly increases after its solstice (standstill). It is interesting to note that the Christian bible does not reference a specific birth date for god’s son, Jesus. In the 4th century, Pope Julius, the First chose December 25th as the date. The Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine then established the date into law, possibly to discourage anti-theism and encourage following church doctrine. The result was a blending of earth-based and church rituals that abide to the present.
Modern Celebrations: Today, people of many and varied faiths and cultures (religious or secular), celebrate winter solstice or Christmas, and some celebrate both. Practicing Christians attend church services or prayer groups, enjoy caroling, candle lighting, and other rituals to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time of joy, hope and renewal of faith. Solstice celebrations may include activities like group singing, intention setting, expressing gratitude, and other renewal rituals. All celebrations can include joining with loved ones for tree trimming, decorating, exchanging gifts, storytelling, or enjoying festive meals, baking, music, or movies together.
Other Celebrations: December is the most festive month with more than twenty holidays. Several of note include the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah; the celebration of African unity, heritage, and cultural identity, Kwanzaa; a celebration of the Buddha’s enlightenment, Bodhi Day; St. Nicholas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and more all happen within December.
‘Tis the Season for Caring: Whatever our orientation to the season, this is a time of the year for warmth, togetherness, joy, caring, and sharing in the spirit of generosity and kindness! Remember to pace yourself during this busy time of the year. Sometimes it is impossible to do everything on that holiday “to-do” list. Please remember to give yourself grace! Self-care means taking time away from outer focused activities for personal reflection and meditation. A massage or Reiki session can soothe tired bodies and reset an overwhelmed mind. Hospice caregivers, check out our 2023 December newsletter for some additional ways to support yourself during the winter holidays.
Caregiver Notes for Winter’s Deep
Caregivers are not just one demographic. They include: parents caring for young children or teens; adults caring for spouses, partners, or companion animals; sandwich generation folks caring for children and aging parents; elders caring for grandchildren; and anyone caring for someone with chronic illness, terminal diagnosis, or on hospice service. During the winter months, the shorter days and cold temperatures can lead to more indoor time, unhealthy snacking, and a lack of exercise and Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin). Post-holiday blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or depression may require professional medical help. Here are some basic self-support tips for caregivers during the holidays and winter months:
- Learn about and/or engage professional caregiving services
- Ask those in your social circle to provide respite hours so you can step out for a bit.
- Take time away from caregiving routines for a nature walk, spa day, museum visit, breakfast with friends, or even an overnight getaway!
- Join a support group. Look for multi-generational conversations; people of all ages are caregiving for people of all ages!
- Explore Share the Care – a caregiving model that engages a community of friends, family, and others to support the primary caregiver.
- Give yourself grace. Don’t hesitate to ask others for help, and then allow them to do so.
Newsletter Sign Up ~ is now available on the website. This Mail Chimp service is open to anyone who wants to receive the Further Shore news via email. The news is generated 8 times a year with a focus on living well according to the seasons, tips for caregivers and more! Your data will not shared or made public. Thanks for reading!
On the Blog: The Long Covid Series is my personal account of living with LC. Recent entries include: Radical Acceptance, Dysautonomia, and PCR vs. RATS. The ABC’s for Living Well now features “X” is for Xing (Crossing) Parts 1, 2, and 3. Past newsletters are also available on the blog.
Quote for Season: “This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year’s threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of, and becomes the future; the place of caught breath, the door of a vanished house left ajar.” ~ Margaret Atwood, Poet and Author
May all beings be safe, well, happy, and content during this beautiful season of light returning!