Celebrate the Winter Solstice with EVPL!
As the vibrant warmth of fall gives way to the sparking chill of winter, mankind has marked the change with an extra special day of celebration. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter officially comes to town on the Winter Solstice. Scientifically speaking, this day marks the sun’s shortest path across the heavens, creating the longest night (or shortest day) of the year. On this day, we also celebrate the run returning as the days slowly begin to get longer and spring appears on the horizon. Regardless of how you chose to celebrate the Winter Solstice, the heart of every celebration around the world is spending time with those you love.
Here are seven ways you can celebrate the Winter Solstice with friends, family, and fur babies:
- This day is a great excuse to bust out that candle collection and save a little on your electric bill. Rather than using the big lights after dark on the solstice, consider setting your house all aglow with holiday scented candles and unscented candles too. Remember to always practice proper fire safety when working with any kind of open flame!
- It’s going to be especially cold for the Winter Solstice this year so it might be a good idea to bundle up with friends, family, and furry loved ones for the evening. Bring out your favorite blankets and cozy socks before curling up on the couch to watch a festive movie. EVPL has a fantastic collection of holiday movies sure to please even the pickiest cinephile.
- Make your house smell like a spicy winter wonderland with a steaming mug of homemade apple cider. Easy to prepare and a huge crowd pleaser, apple cider can be a fun addition to any holiday gathering or cozy night in. Some recipes can even be made in your coffee pot!
- If you’re feeling like making something in preparation for the holiday, now is a great opportunity to make your very own Yule Log! Yule celebrations begin on the Winter Solstice and carry on through the holiday season so you could keep this lovely centerpiece on your table for quite some time!
- If you’re looking for a more subtle but just as lovely smell than scented candles, consider making some orange pomanders! Pomanders are firm oranges, carved and pierced with cloves, then dusted with spices to create a decoration that can last generations. If prepared correctly, the cloves and spices will act as natural preservatives to keep your pomander smelling lovely through the winter and beyond.
- Come join your library friends at EVPL West for their Winter Solstice Party! They’ll have fun snacks, games, and more! You’ll learn more about solstice traditions and have the opportunity to start setting your goals for the new year. All ages are welcome so bring the whole family!
If you’d rather stay warm and cozy at home this solstice, consider picking up any of these titles available at your local library!
Kids:
The Winter Solstice – Ellen Jackson
The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice – Wendy Pffefer
The Shortest Day – Susan Cooper
Adults:
Winter Solstice – Elin Hilderbrand
Winter Solstice – Rosamunde Pilcher
The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas – John Matthews
