Winter Solstice Celebration

I have good news. Yesterday, Saturday, December 21st at 4:20 am was the official 2024 Winter Solstice. Because of the tilt of the earth’s orbit around the sun, and because the sun is boss of our universe, this solstice moment marks a literal shift in the relationship between light and dark. Yesterday marked the shortest day of the year and today marks a turning point.

I was talking my daughter doing “hard research” for today’s column, and I asked her what the winter solstice meant to her. She sighed and told me it meant she needed to honker down to winter’s hibernation. Her tone was one of resignation; something I could relate to. Once the bustle of the holiday season ends, come 5:15 p.m., my motivational energy quickly subsides. If kept to my druthers, I’d have my jammies on and either settle into a jigsaw puzzle or immerse myself in a historical docudrama on Netflix. For me, winter’s darkness is a tough sell. Just when my daughter and I felt ourselves succumbing to winter blahs, a new voice of light pierced through our glum mood.

My son-in-law spoke in a much more positive tone. He went on to describe the historical significance of the winter solstice. This moment marks the shortest day of the year, but from here on out (at least until June), daylight begins to increase again. Many cultures throughout history have seized on this opportunity to celebrate this time of hope and new beginnings. Hence, there are many historical traditions that include festivals and celebrations honoring rebirth, transformation, and creativity.

His perspective gave me pause. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the iconic religious traditions of Hannukah and Christmas fall during this solstice season. This year, Hannukah actually begins on Christmas Day. The Jewish celebration of light marks a journey to reclaim the Jewish Holy Land, giving an opportunity for rededication to the Temple. The celebration begins with the lighting of a candle at sundown. In tandem, the Christian celebration of Christmas is the belief that the miracle of a baby’s birth would take on the might of the world. This time, too, is marked by candles lit in anticipation of Christ’s rebirth into the lives of Christians.  Both traditions begin the journey to glorious hope with the lighting of a simple candle. Through light, these spiritual rituals ban people together towards hope.

So, here’s the good news. From here on out (at least until June) every day we will have just a bit more sunlight. For those, like me,  who might be a tad impatient for daylight to stretch well into the evening hours, I am humbled by the reminder of how the pathway of a simple candle can stretch us towards hope. During these first few weeks, our daylight will increase by only a few seconds per day; perhaps similar to the measure of a single candle flicker. The celebrations of this coming week will remind us of how such little light can yield such great impact.

Beginning today, I will be much more appreciative of this solstice time. Historical festivals and celebrations invite us to appreciate our place in the greater world of humanity. Together we’re reminded of what my mom always said, “no matter how long the night, the day is sure to come.”  What better way to invite joy than to light a candle and trust in the expanse of illumination, even if it’s just a few seconds at a time. Wishing you all a light-filled week ahead.