Winter Solstice Rituals

As a child, I never considered winter more than a nuisance season; one that always came too early, stunting my dreams of autumn, and always overstayed its welcome. Those days were spent either standing in the cold, waiting for the bus to arrive or watching the television, fingers crossed hoping for a snow day, counting down the days until winter break over the holidays.

Yet these days, I’ve discovered an appreciation for winter. Like nature, which has ceased outward appearances of growth, the quiet and internal work that appears within us oftentimes leads to the most fulfilling shifts of our lives. “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” takes on a deeper meaning as the light shifts and fades, plunging us into our shadows until we have no choice but to confront them head on. And on the other side of the shadow work is the solstice: the rebirth of light, the return of longer days, and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.   

In my home, I like to keep things simple. I light candles, bring in evergreens, and create spaces that feel like an invitation to pause. These small rituals help me feel grounded and connected to the natural rhythm of the season. If you’re looking to create your own Solstice traditions, here are a few ideas.

Winter Solstice Ritual Ideas

01. Light a Candle

On the darkest night of the year, light a candle and sit with the glow. Let it burn as you reflect on something you’re ready to welcome or grow in the coming months.

02. Bring Evergreen Into Your Home

Bring in sprigs of anything that stays green through winter like pine, cedar, or fir. Place branches on your table or mantel as a reminder of resilience. You could even add include topiaries of rosemary or lavender for a sweet scent. 

03. Make Simmer Pots

I love simmer pots for two reasons: 1. they lightly scent the air and, 2. they add much needed moisture to our dry interiors.

My favorite blend this year has been:

• half a lemon (sliced)a

• capful of vanilla extract

• a handful of whole peppercorn

• a couple springs of rosemary (or several pinches of dried)

Fill your simmer pot with water and add your ingredients. I typically use the same pot for 2-4 days, refilling as needed and I’ll toss the ingredients when they’re no longer fragrant and/or becoming mushy.

04. Watch the Sunrise

If you can, watch the sunrise on Solstice morning. If not, find a quiet window and let the first light touch your home. It’s a small but powerful reminder that the sun is returning. Or, if you’re closer or also have visiting Stonehenge on a solstice as a bucket list item, you can always attend the ceremony. Or, do as I do: watch it live here.

05. Gather Round the Fire

This time of year, our fireplace is in use more than ever.  I love spending my evenings curled up with a glass of wine, a show, a good book or craft and watch the firelight flicker.

06. Bake a Bûche de Noël

I love baking, and this year, I’m going to try my hand at making a bûche de Noël, or Yule Log Cake. Traditionally, the yule log was a large log that was burned over a course of days during the Winter Solstice, symbolizing warm and the return of the light. The ashes were then collected and spread in the fields to help fertilize the soil for the following spring planting. Bits of charcoal were kept and used throughout the year as means of protection against evil. The Yule Log Cake emerged sometime in the 19th century and is a nod to the traditional log that was burned. 

07. Walk in the Woods

Is there any sweeter sound than the crunch of fallen snow in winter? Just because it’s a bit chilly is no reason to stay indoors. Layer up and breathe in the crisp winter air. Listen to the stillness. The quiet landscape is such a beautiful reset for your mind, body & soul.

08. Rest without Apology

With the sun setting earlier and earlier, it’s also a wonderful time to lean into your circadian rhythm and sleep as well as to spend your mornings hurkle-durklin’. 

09. Write Down What You’re Releasing

Just like nature has gone internal, so should we. I love this time of year for sitting with the shadows of all that challenges me, acknowledging all that I’ve accomplished this year, celebrating all my works-in-progress and forever learning to release perfectionism. celebrate the shadow; release perfectionism; acknowledge achievements; celebrate your works-in-progress.

While I don’t typically set intentions until the Vernal Equinox (which I consider the true start of the new year), I do like taking this time to winter my thoughts and start dreaming of the goals in the year to come. Write down what you’re ready to release and what you want to carry forward. The Solstice is a natural moment to close one chapter in preparation for the next. 

10. Set a “Light Intention”

Instead of resolutions, choose one quiet intention for the months ahead. Keep it simple — something like “Presence,” “Gentleness,” or “Courage.” Let it be the seed you nurture in the dark and the North Star you can rely on as you begin to plan your goals and intentions for the year to come. 

I like sitting with the Solstice to select a word of the year. Last year my word was “Rooted”. For 2026, I’ve chosen “Cultivate”. In 2025, I was planting dreams. For 2026, I intend to water and help them flourish and grow. 

Something shifts once you stop seeing winter as a season to “get through” and begin to treat it as a season to be in. If you try just one of these rituals, let it be something that feels gentle, real, and quietly nourishing.

And, if you’d like to bring a touch of the season into your home, I’ve gathered a collection of winter-inspired pieces in The Shoppe. They’re nostalgic, natural, and timeless decor and are a lovely way to create your own atmosphere for the season. You can explore the collection in full here.

here’s to finding magic in the liminal

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