The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the return of light. In the Northern Hemisphere, it occurs around the 21st December, and is caused by the tilt of the Earth which makes the sun appear at its lowest point in the midday sky.
Throughout history, the winter solstice has held immeasurable significance as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and it’s the perfect time of year to deepen our connection with nature—a must for leading a more sustainable lifestyle.
Why is the Winter Solstice Important?
At its heart, the winter solstice celebration marks a moment of transition in the Earth’s cycle. The longer days that follow this point in the year mean the days will gradually become brighter and warmer, and plants will start to appear. For generations, this moment has been celebrated through ceremonies and rituals that honour the Earth. By reconnecting with the environment, we have an opportunity to acknowledge our place in the wider world and foster a sense of interconnectedness.
During this time, most of the natural world is hibernating or nesting to keep warm, and seeds are readying themselves to sprout in the spring. It’s a time of rest and retaining energy—it’s also a time when we’re inclined to spend more time indoors. But there are benefits to spending time outdoors too, from the lift in our mood when spending time in nature to the endorphins of walking, hiking or cold water swimming in a natural pool.
How Can We Connect With Nature on a Deeper Level?
Go For a Walk or Hike
Whether it’s a short walk in your local park or ticking off one of the country’s most popular hiking routes, there’s no better way to connect with nature than to immerse yourself in it. Winter may not be a time you associate with long nature walks, but the reality is that it can be a wonderful time to pay more attention to nature, the smells of the season, and the changes in light at this time of the year. If you’re hiking in an area local to you, pay attention to the plants and birds that can be found there.
Bring Nature Inside
One of the most traditional ways to celebrate the winter solstice is to bring nature indoors by decorating with live holly, pinecones and berries. Why not create a wreath or garland with boughs of evergreens or hang real mistletoe over doorways in your home? Not only does it create an inviting atmosphere for the solstice but it’s a sustainable way to decorate for the season and fosters a deeper connection with nature when you’re tucked up inside.
Go Stargazing
The winter solstice is a great time to go stargazing. Bundle up warm and find a spot away from light pollution like streetlights and cars, so you can see the night sky clearly. Stargazing at this time provides a peaceful and reflective moment to contemplate our place in nature, and reminds us of the beauty that surrounds us even during the darkest nights of the year.
Light a Bonfire
Traditionally, a bonfire was lit to symbolise the return of the sun, so why not do the same today? Whether you light a bonfire in your back garden or simply light candles, use the time to set some intentions—perhaps ways you can do more for your local environment in the upcoming year or simply spend more time in nature by planning longer hikes or camping trips.
Find Ways to Protect the Environment
This is a meaningful time to make changes toward a more sustainable lifestyle and aim to do less harm to our environment. Celebrating the solstice by adopting eco-friendly practices not only honours the natural world but also sets the stage for living in harmony with the planet year-round. Maybe you set some intentions to eat locally sourced foods that reduce the carbon footprint of your diet, adopt eco-friendly practices through choosing plastic free alternatives to your daily routine whether it’s your morning coffee or your wardrobe, or finally making the swap to renewable energy in your home.
Feed the Wildlife
If you often find yourself complaining that there isn’t enough wildlife in winter, why not bring the wildlife to your doorstep? With fresh food scarce, the likes of birds, mice and squirrels welcome the extra resources, so put out seeds or suet balls for them so they have sustenance to see them through the winter. The reality is that wildlife populations become more concentrated around limited food resources, so if you create those resources in your own garden, you’ll find many more creatures will find their way to your home to enjoy it. You may even attract some species you didn’t know were local to you.
Welcome the Sunrise
The purpose of the winter solstice is to celebrate the return of sunlight, so what better way to reflect on your relationship with nature than by waking up early to watch the sunrise the morning after? This is a time that symbolises new beginnings and finding meaning in the quiet moments, so it could be a nice tradition to start each year to honour this time and greet a new cycle.
Amid the hustle and bustle of the festive season, the winter solstice emerges as an opportunity to pause, reflect and consider how we can act more in alignment with the Earth. Even as outdoor enthusiasts, it can be all too easy to take our surrounding environments for granted, but why not celebrate our relationship with nature instead and find ways to give back?
For inspiration on the best walks around the UK, and the benefits that getting outside provide for our mental health, order your copy of Julia Bradbury’s ‘Walk Yourself Happy’ today.
Author: Annie Button
