Honoring the Winter Solstice: Welcoming Light into the Darkest Night
“In the Winter Solstice, we find the unity of light and darkness, reminding us of the balance in life.”
The Winter Solstice, celebrated on December 21st, is a sacred moment in the rhythm of the seasons. It’s the shortest day and the longest night of the year—a time to embrace the quiet beauty of winter and welcome the gradual return of the light. For centuries, people around the world have honored this turning point with fire, candlelight, reflection, and gratitude. This tradition reminds us that even in the darkest times, light is on the horizon. Below are age-appropriate ways to celebrate this day with your children, inviting warmth and wonder into your winter season.
Preschool
Bringing Light Into the Home
Preschoolers are naturally drawn to the magic of light. A simple candle or lantern can spark curiosity and wonder as they begin to understand that light brings warmth and comfort.
Activity:
Making Simple Lanterns — Create small lanterns with your child using a glass jar, tissue paper, and an LED candle. Let them decorate the outside of the jar with tissue paper to mimic stained glass. Once the lanterns are complete, light them together and talk about how the light makes you feel. This activity helps preschoolers feel connected to the light in a gentle, tangible way.
Lower Elementary
Exploring the Beauty of Nature in Winter
Children in this age group are ready to explore nature’s cycles and the beauty of winter. The Winter Solstice is a wonderful time to introduce the idea of seasonal change and how nature “rests” in winter.
Activity:
Nature Walk and Seasonal Treasures — Take a winter walk and collect small natural treasures like pinecones, evergreen leaves, or small stones. When you return home, create a simple winter centerpiece with these treasures, using a candle to symbolize the returning light. This activity encourages children to observe the winter landscape and appreciate nature’s stillness.
Upper Elementary
Reflecting on the Year and the Returning Light
At this stage, children are beginning to understand concepts like reflection and gratitude. The Winter Solstice provides a perfect opportunity to talk about the year that’s passed and the things they look forward to in the coming season.
Activity:
Gratitude and Light Sharing — Gather as a family around a candle or small fire (indoors or outdoors), and ask each person to share something they’re grateful for and something they hope for in the coming year. This practice encourages children to reflect on both gratitude and intention, connecting to the themes of the solstice with meaningful conversations.
Middle School
Exploring Symbolism and Personal Growth
Middle schoolers are ready to delve deeper into the symbolism of the solstice, exploring how light and dark represent different aspects of life and personal growth.
Activity:
Writing Reflections and Lantern Ceremony — Encourage your middle schooler to write a few sentences about what they want to “leave behind” in the dark of the longest night and what they want to “bring into the light” in the coming months. Once they’re finished, light a candle or lantern and sit quietly together. This ritual encourages introspection and a connection to the solstice as a time of renewal and growth.
High School
Engaging in Deeper Reflection and Seasonal Rhythms
High schoolers are ready for a mature exploration of the Winter Solstice and how it connects to life’s cycles, personal growth, and self-discovery. Use this time to discuss the value of rest and renewal, and how these rhythms support resilience and strength.
Activity:
Seasonal Journaling and Intentions — Invite your high schooler to journal about their experiences over the past year and what they hope to cultivate in the coming one. They can set intentions for growth or self-care as the light begins to return. Gather as a family to light candles or lanterns and share these intentions, symbolizing the renewal of the solstice.
Feel free to explore these activities in a way that suits your family’s rhythm—adapt them, mix them up, or create something entirely new! The beauty lies in making them your own. If you try something different, we’d love to hear your story and share in the journey!
Parent Reflection
The Winter Solstice reminds us to pause, rest, and embrace the natural rhythm of the season. It invites us to model for our children the importance of honoring quiet moments and taking time to reflect. In our busy lives, the solstice offers a gentle reminder to nurture our inner light and guide our families through the dark days of winter with warmth and care. As parents, we have the opportunity to show our children that there is beauty in the dark and the light, teaching them that life’s rhythms can bring both peace and growth.
