~Winter Solstice, December 21, 2023
With every moment of daylight we gain from here, let us feel renewed and at peace.
We wake to a mere 5* here in Vermont this morning. The pot on the woodstove simmers, the woodpile dwindles, and the coffee brews as outside the wind howls and lashes. The evergreen wreaths hung outside on each window, sing a scrape, scrape, scrape “song” as the wind plays a song with their needles. Birds fill each basket feeder on the front porch, feathers fluffed against the cold. Merrye Winter Solstice friends. The shortest day of the year is upon us, after today the light will increase, albeit slowly, as the days grow longer. It is a day for coziness and cocoa. A day to embrace the feeling of Winter and allow yourself to rest and reflect ~ even if it’s only for a short time. A day of instrumental music, soup simmering, and a fire burning. Tonight, Mark and I will continue our tradition of lighting an outdoor fire, sipping Wassail, and sending a blessing out into the world.
What does this Solstice day hold for you? Do you have any special traditions?
As the light is reborn this winter solstice, may your heart lift with the joy of new beginnings and nature's blessings. ~ Doreen
I like the darkness of winter, but it's always reassuring to know that the sun will actually return. I wish there was somewhere around here where fires could be lighted. I'd light to participate in that just once. Do you have others join in?
I love the seasons. In SoCal, they’re barely perceptible--mainly the changing light, lower temperatures and rain if we’re lucky. No snow or frosty window panes, but the Christmas lights and pretty wreaths on neighbors’ doors announce the holiday. Merry Christmas, Doreen!