a simple guide to celebrating this winter solstice
written especially for you if you have a sceptical eye-rolling bestie or partner who is secretly intrigued by witchy rituals ~ INCLUDING A WINTER SOLSTICE SOUP RECIPE!
There is a quiet kind of magic that descends on the Winter Solstice. The longest night of the year wraps us in its velvety dark, gently reminding us of the cycles we move through—of rest, renewal, and the slow return of the light.
This day has been celebrated across centuries and cultures as a time to honour the turning of the seasons, to reflect on what was, and to set intentions for what will be. But it doesn’t have to be a grand affair. A few simple practices, shared with someone you love, can connect you to the sacred rhythms of the solstice and to one another.
If your partner or loved one is sceptical of these things (perhaps rolling their eyes at “rituals” but secretly intrigued ~ like mine is), consider this an invitation for the both of you to step into the spell of the solstice, even just for a day. These practices are as much about tuning into the earth as they are about tuning into the quiet places within ourselves.
Wake Up Before the Sun Rises
There is something undeniably humbling about witnessing the first light of day, especially on a morning like the solstice. Set your alarm early, make some tea or coffee, bundle up, and find a comfortable spot to watch the horizon slowly shift from dark to light.
As you sit together, reflect on the past six months. What moments were defining? What lessons have you learned? This doesn’t have to be serious or heavy—a simple conversation about what made you laugh, what challenged you, and what shaped you will do.
Light a Candle and Invite Stillness
Before the first light of day breaks, light a candle to honour the solstice. In the quiet of the early morning, this small flame becomes a beacon, gently illuminating the space between night and dawn.
Sit together in its glow and share a conversation reflecting on the past six months: What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn? What do you want more of—or less of—in your life moving forward?
The darkness creates a sense of intimacy, making it easier to connect with one another and with your own thoughts. Let the stillness hold you as you speak or sit quietly. If you feel inspired, jot down any reflections that resonate deeply.
Take a Walk in Nature
Solstice days are perfect for connecting to the world outside. Wrap yourselves up and go for a walk, letting the crisp winter air fill your lungs. As you wander, notice the details—the stark beauty of bare trees, the quiet hum of the earth at rest.
Encourage your partner to point out things they see too, turning it into a shared experience. You may be surprised by the simple awe a walk in nature can inspire, even for the most sceptical among us.
Make a Warming Winter Soup
When you return, warm up with a nourishing meal. There’s a particular comfort in sharing something homemade, something crafted from the season’s simplest gifts. Here’s an easy vegan soup recipe to try:
Warming Winter Solstice Soup
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 litre vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish
Method:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in the carrots, celery, and sweet potato. Sprinkle with cumin and paprika, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Season with salt and pepper, and blend the soup with a handheld blender until smooth (or leave it chunky if you prefer).
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or coriander.
Cooking together is its own kind of alchemy, especially when it involves the simplicity of chopping vegetables and stirring a pot.
Close the Day with Candlelight and Intention
As the sun sets, light another candle to mark the return of the longest night. Sit together, and this time, turn your focus to the next six months.
Ask each other: What do we want to welcome into our lives? What do we want to create, nurture, or let go of?
These reflections can be as light or as deep as you like. Maybe you’ll make grand declarations or simply agree to drink more water and laugh more often. The magic lies in the intention.
The Winter Solstice is a reminder of our place in the great cycles of life—of rest and renewal, darkness and light. You don’t need to believe in rituals to feel its pull; simply taking time to slow down, reflect, and connect is enough to honour its energy.
And perhaps, by the end of the day, even the most sceptical among us might admit there’s a certain magic to be found in these simple practices.
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