Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year which is December 21 this year. The colder temps and longer nights invite us to slow down, rest and appreciate the changing of seasons. Meanwhile, our modern culture and the holidays entice us to connect, celebrate, and consume. As parents we are the makers of holiday magic, scheduling, and logistics….and wow, it’s a lot of work!
If you, like me, would like to invoke Winter Solstice vibes and simplify, slow down, and rest, here are some ideas to simplify and prioritize rest and reflection while still filling your cup with holiday cheer.
Simplify Hosting
Hosting Thanksgiving? Cater in, incorporate precooked or store bought dishes, do 3 sides instead of 6, and DELEGATE. Remember the purpose of these gatherings are to gather, so your guests will not likely pay much attention to centerpieces, elaborate place settings, and if your gravy is jarred or homemade.
Instead of a full dinner, maybe this is the year you want to host your holiday meal as a dessert. Your holiday doesn’t have to look a certain way to feel special.
Create Space
Carve out time for unscheduled time. Take a full day without a single social appointment or errand. Step away from the phone. Take a nap. Go on a walk. Stay in bed a little longer. Start a new book. No expectations, just chilling. This is also a great opportunity to teach your children the art of doing nothing.
Reduce Gift Giving
Make it less about consumerism and more about time together. Consider experiences, fresh flowers, or meals instead of things. Arrange some guidelines so everyone is on the same page.
Prioritize the Traditions
You do not have to do all the traditions to feel the seasonal magic. You are the magic maker. Sit down and list the top 5 ways you want to celebrate or honor the season. Maybe this year you simply cannot make the trek out of town, or the big annual baking haul is too much to manage while you have littles. Whatever it is, identify what you can release this year and what is most important.
Reflect on the Year
I love to make a photo album around this time with memories from the previous year. It elicits gratitude and reflection. If you like to write, brew a cup of coffee, sit down, and journal. Review the events of the year, how you were changed by them, what you want to release and what you want to bring into the new year (such as routines, ideas, and people).
Incorporate Restorative Practices and Support
This downtime is the perfect opportunity to enjoy yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, and healing bodywork. These practices are more ways to incorporate reflection and rest into this seasonal shift.
The holidays do not have to be stressful or rushed. By reducing, simplifying and reflecting, you may invoke the spirit of Winter Solstice. May you take this time to pause, appreciate and connect with the cycle of light and darkness.
Join Us to Slow Down for Winter Solstice
A winter solstice event to help us ease into winter with Laura Derr, Licensed Acupuncturist. Focused around the emotions and energetics of the season from an acupuncturist perspective, this workshop will include acupuncture and qi gong, which is a practice that combines breathing, movement, meditation, and self-massage to improve health and well-being.
This workshop will support you in setting intentions for the season for yourself and the collective. It will finish off with community style acupuncture to help us ground into winter.
Friday, December 20
6:30 – 8:00 PM
$75 per person (space is limited!)
at Village Birth, 200 E Del Mar Blvd, Ste 126, Pasadena, CA 91105
Join Us: Winter Solstice Community Acupuncture
