Every December, most of the world is rushing, planning, and buying for the holiday season. The meaning behind the holidays is overlooked by the wants, desires, noise, and overwhelmingness of our materialistic world. Do we even remember or know why we go through all the trouble of buying, planning, and wanting things? 

If you are looking for a simpler reason to celebrate and be grateful, there is a day that is often overlooked – the winter solstice. 

When you think about it, the winter solstice is a special day in the world of nature. For starters: 

• It marks the first day of winter
• We have the longest night and the shortest daylight
• Slowly the amount of sunlight per day increases

Although it marks the first day of winter, this also means that from now on, we are moving towards the spring season. The amount of sunshine will slowly increase as we get through the coldest days of winter. Celebrating the winter solstice allows us to pause and acknowledge the beauty of nature and its cycles. Winter is a time of dormancy and restfulness. When we allow the noise of our materialistic world to take over, we miss out on the story nature narrated. 

It does not mean that we shouldn’t celebrate with friends, family, or gatherings, but rather be mindful of how we spend this time. Therefore, on this winter solstice day, as our plants and trees take some rest, think of how you want to spend the winter season. What will allow you to emerge from winter and into spring stronger and ready to sprout new leaves?