Winter Solstice: Honouring the Shortest Day

Victoria Frances Jackson
Dec 21, 2025
2 min read

A quiet moment in the heart of winter, the solstice reminds us that stillness has meaning, and light will return.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a quiet turning point that has been honoured in cultures around the world for thousands of years. As the sun appears to stand still before the days begin to lengthen, communities have gathered to reflect, release, and welcome the returning light.

Ancient Roots and Rituals

In ancient times, the solstice was a time of deep significance. In Britain, sites like Stonehenge align with the winter sun, believed to mark midwinter rituals. In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule, lighting fires and candles to banish darkness and call back the sun. These acts were less about grand festivals and more about hope, connection, and survival.

A Time for Stillness

Across traditions, the solstice invites pause. In Chinese philosophy, the festival of Dongzhi represents the balance of yin and yang, the deepest yin before the return of light. It is a moment to slow down, gather close, and acknowledge the inward pull of winter.

For those who find the darker months emotionally heavier, the solstice can be a gentle turning point. It ties in closely with our SAD Month focus, acknowledging that winter can feel heavy, but that moments of stillness and soft light can offer comfort and hope.

Modern Reflections

Today, some people honour the solstice with sunrise walks, candlelit yoga, intention-setting, or simply a quiet evening by the fire. It is a reminder that even in the darkest part of the year, the light begins to grow again.