The Winter Solstice falls on December 21st, and it is not only the first official day of winter but also the shortest day of the year. People of all cultures and backgrounds have celebrated the Winter Solstice because once this night is past, the hours of darkness will again begin to shrink and the daylight hours will start to lengthen. Many believed this celebration was actually a necessary component to help coax the sun back into the world, that it helped the sun to fight off the dark and cold of winter.
The Solstice celebration prepares for the reawakening of Mother Nature and the reinvigoration of the sun. It is an event intended to stave off the darkness in anticipation of the coming spring. Can you think of a better reason to throw a party?
Decorate with Nature
Decorations should be heavy on candles, pine cones and evergreen plants. The candles represent a bygone age when they were the only source of illumination during the long periods of darkness. And if you want to remember the original reasons for the celebration, the candles can represent the waning sun and act as a call for it to return to full strength. Also, if you have a fireplace, you should fire it up! Nothing is more fitting in a Winter Solstice party than a roaring fire!
The pine cones and evergreens act as your nod to the natural world. These are the trees and plants that thrive during the winter months and they also emit a wonderful aroma to imbue your home with the spirit of the occasion. If you have a Christmas tree, this will work fine! After all, that's why the Christmas tradition uses one in the first place. You just need to turn off the electric lights to preserve the candle-lit atmosphere.
Hearken Back When Preparing Your Snacks
Like the decorations, you want to make your snacks as natural as possible. Seasonal nuts and dried fruits are great, authentic options, and you can never go wrong with apples! Spiced cider is always a crowd-pleaser, and various cheeses would fit in perfectly. Before supermarkets, people had to make do with what was available locally and what they could store effectively. Anything grown in your area or naturally preserved would be acceptable to offer your guests.
A Winter Solstice party can be great fun, and it's a perfect way to have some fun with friends before Christmas or have one last blowout after Hanukkah. The decorations are easy because they're growing all around you, and the food is a snap. The idea is to eat, drink and be merry and that's a concept everyone can get behind!
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