Hi friends,

With the Winter Solstice arriving this Saturday, December 21st, I wanted to share some practices I’ll be embracing as we welcome the Winter season.

As a reminder, the Winter Solstice marks the official start of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s the shortest day of the year. After the slow progression of fall, where the days shorten and the light wanes, we reach this peak of darkness. Here in Montana, the cold and snow have settled in, and while the days will begin to lengthen after the Solstice, the chill will only deepen.

Winter offers a special opportunity to tune into the natural rhythms of life, both within and around us. Internally, I find my body craving more rest—there’s a strong desire to nest, curl up with a cozy blanket, sip warm tea, and cook hearty soups. On my morning walks, I notice how the creek flows slower, the trees are fully dormant, and many animals have hidden themselves away to stay warm. The snow, too, brings a special kind of quiet—out in the forest, when the wind calms, the silence feels profound.

Winter is a time for rest, reflection, and being together with those we love. While many of us celebrate the New Year on January 1st, I can’t help but wonder if that’s truly the most aligned "new year." At our home, we celebrate both the Gregorian Calendar New Year and the energetic New Year that begins with the Spring Equinox. In Spring, everything bursts forth—new life, new growth, new beginnings. The plants sprout, and the birds sing once more. Doesn’t that feel more like the natural New Year?

So instead of setting bold, big "New Year’s resolutions," I like to use the Winter Solstice as a time to set my Winter Goals. I think about what my body, mind, and spirit need right now, and how I can prepare myself to be fully energized and aligned by the time the true energetic New Year arrives on March 20th. How can I lay the groundwork during this restful season so that, come Spring, I’m ready to pursue my purpose and serve my community with renewed energy?

The Herbal Astrology Pocket Oracle by Adriana Ayales

If you’d like to celebrate the Winter Solstice in a meaningful way, here are a few ideas:

Set aside time to set goals for Winter: What does your body, mind, and spirit need right now? Take a moment to reflect on what nourishes you during this quiet season.
Take a walk in nature: Notice the subtle shifts in the plants, animals, water, and earth. What messages are they offering you?
Pull an oracle card: What energy will bring you balance this winter season?
Explore ancestral traditions: Research how your ancestors celebrated the Winter Solstice. How can you connect with them through rituals, foods, scents, or prayer?
Make a warm mulled drink: Gather with loved ones around a fire or snuggle under blankets. Relish in the season’s slower pace, savoring the art of doing less and being more.

I hope these suggestions spark something in you as we enter this cozy season. May you enjoy the longest night of the year and the quiet days of Winter with those who feel like home.

Winter Blessings, Gabby

Welcoming the Winter Solstice: Practices for the Longest Night