This year, the winter solstice occurs on December 21st. Marked as the shortest day of the year when the Earth’s axis tilts us the farthest from the sun, we will have the least amount of daylight here in the northern hemisphere. This day has been celebrated across cultures throughout the ages as the gradual return to the light filled days we all enjoy. In the last several years, I have come to enjoy marking the day and celebrating it with both my children and my students whom I work with. I love how it is a day we can all share in, regardless of our own familial traditions, that links us to the predictable rhythms of our natural world. Here are a few ways kids and grown-ups alike can mark this day to connect and create.
READ
Anytime I’m introducing a new concept or idea to kids, I always start with a beautiful picture book. It’s an accessible way to share the origins of the day and how people have celebrated over time.
- The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper and Carson Ellis
- The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer and Jesse Reisch
OBSERVE
Since it gets dark so early on the solstice, it’s a great opportunity to do shadow play and observations. Bring your sketchbooks outside and play with nature objects in the sun to trace their shadows. See how long the shadow of your body is at different times of day.
CREATE
There are many ways people create and decorate for the solstice. Many are inspired by light and the beauty of natural objects this time of year. Here are some of my favorite ways to create inspired by the solstice.
- Lanterns: There are many ways to make a lantern, but the easiest way is to take a recycled jar and cover it with tissue paper adhered with liquid glue. Make patterns and designs with the colored paper or even add in natural materials like leaves and evergreen. Pop a candle or battery operated light into your lantern and take it on a walk in the dark!
- Ice ornaments: Using a silicone baking mold, fill them with natural objects like evergreen, cranberries, sicks, and pinecones. Add water and place a looped piece of string coming out of the top. Freeze overnight. Pop out your ice ornaments and hang on the trees outside.
- Pomanders: Take oranges and whole cloves and poke the cloves into the oranges. Create interesting patterns and designs while enjoying the smell of these natural decorations. For smaller children, pre-poke holes with a toothpick or skewer before placing the clove in the orange.
I hope you find the winter solstice can connect you and your children to everyone around you to celebrate this special earthly occasion. Keep on creating!
