Thursday, December 22, 2022

What Happened on the Winter Solstice Yesterday? By Tena Stetler

  

What Happened on the Winter Solstice Yesterday?


For the northern half of Earth (The Northern Hemisphere), the winter solstice occurs annually on December 21 or 22. In 2022, it’s December 21st.  (For the Southern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on June 20 or 21) On the day of the winter solstice, we are tilted as far away from the Sun as possible, which means that the Sun's path across the sky is as low in the sky as it can be.

Winter solstice marks the 'rebirth of the Sun' as it marks the shortest day of the year, when we have the least amount of daylight hours. It also marks the increase of daylight hours right up until the Summer Solstice when darkness ascends once again.

Want to Celebrate the Magic of Winter Solstice? Here are four suggestions.

1.     An interesting way to mark Winter Solstice is to celebrate on the eve of the 21st day of December by writing two small notes, one to write about a feature of the year that you want to let go, the second an inspiration or wish to fulfill for the year to come. Sounds kinda like a New Year’s Resolution, but different.

2.     The Druids began a tradition of lighting a Yule log to conquer the darkness, banish dark spirits, and bring luck for the coming year. Sounds good to me. LOL

3.     How about taking a moment to watch the sun rise or set. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face on a crisp winter day (okay the high will be -5F, low of -21F in Colorado brrrr) so this year I will be doing so from the warmth of my home, if the sun can be located.

4.     Light candles or fairy lights to symbolize the increasing daylight. I’m all for longer days and more sunlight.


Another thought is to celebrate with Lathen and Pepper at their Winter Solstice wedding in A Witch’s Holiday Wedding, on sale for a limited time for 99cents. Curl up in front of the warm, crackling fire, with a fresh bowl of popcorn, a steaming mug of hot chocolate and the heartwarming book A Witch’s Holiday Wedding.

What’s the book about you ask? Let me fill you in.

Elemental witch, Pepper McKay and former Navy SEAL, Lathen Quartz have built Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on enchanted McKay land. During a romantic interlude on Halloween night, Pepper happily agrees to become Lathen’s wife. What better day than Winter Solstice for their wedding in a town that loves celebrations and Christmas. However, planning a wedding and operating their wildlife center takes a toll on both Pepper and Lathen.

 When the couple takes a much-needed break for Thanksgiving with family in Colorado, a Maine snowstorm fills the center with injured wildlife. Lathen finds himself drawn into a covert military mission, while trying to deal with issues concerning friends and family. Pepper wants to cancel the wedding. Is she having second thoughts? Will the nosy McKay ghosts, Lathen’s werewolf pack, Pepper’s parents, and her best friend help or hinder the wedding and holiday plans?  books2read.com/u/4DE0jr

Wishing you a Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

9 comments:

D. V. STONE said...

Great post, Tena🌗

Jessica E. Subject said...

Happy Winter Solstice! We went to see the Festival of Lights in our city for the solstice. And now we're preparing for the upcoming storm that's supposed to hit this weekend.

Tena Stetler said...

Thanks so much DV for stopping by! Happy Holidays!

Tena Stetler said...

Thanks for stopping in Jessica! Missed the festival of lights in our town this year, but like you we are preparing for the upcoming storm and it's freezing temps! Happy Holidays!

Maureen said...

Thanks for sharing! I love the idea of letting something go from the year and then what you want to fulfill.

Tena Stetler said...

Yes, I kinda thought that was cool too. Thanks for stopping by Maureen. Happy Holidays!

Diane Burton said...

Tena, you always share some interesting facts. Hope you and your family have a warm and happy holidays.

Nightingale said...

I didn't remember it was Winter Solstice yesterday So missed doing any of your suggestions. Thanks for an interesting post.

Tena Stetler said...

Linda and Diane thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you both enjoyed the post! Happy holidays to you and your families!