Thursday, December 21st is the shortest day of the year in Europe and marks the first day of winter and the winter solstice
The winter solstice is a pagan festival, one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Many of the traditions now associated with Christmas had their roots in winter solstice celebrations – including the Christmas tree.
It starts the moment the Northern Hemisphere is pointed at its farthest distance from the sun which is shining at its most southern point, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.
My husband is from the southern hemisphere and I will be there for the December solstice where dawn comes early, and dusk late.
After the winter solstice, the days get longer, and the nights shorter. There is a tangible seasonal shift and the promise of spring and new beginnings that lift the spirits.
I love the seasons and find them so inspiring. I won’t return to Europe until March and so will miss winter completely! As much as I am loving the warm weather I do miss the cold, crisp days of December and January. Wild, windy walks and cosy evenings by the fire. One of my most popular Pinterest Boards is my Hygge board.
– “The art of building sanctuary and community, of inviting closeness and paying attention to what makes us feel open hearted and alive. ”
Read my Embracing Hygge blogpost for more about this Danish term and how I embrace the winter.
I will be launching my Winter Print Collection in January but to celebrate the Winter Solstice I am launching the first print from the collection today.
