Winter solstice: Intention and Magic in Winter
The winter solstice marks the day in the calendar year that has the shortest amount of daylight. In the northern hemisphere where I live, it often falls on December 21st or 22nd. For 2025 it falls on today, Sunday December 21st.
Though northern Michigan has had snow for a few weeks now, today is the official first day of winter. The winter season on the astronomical calendar runs from winter solstice until the spring equinox according to the Almanac.
So what does it mean for this time of year? How do we celebrate and honor the season? I’ve been reading a lot about savoring the slowness of winter and adding everyday magic. Taking the time to be intentional about slow living, adding warmth to your life, and diving deep in to self-reflection.
What are some ways you can do this? Here are 5 ideas you can start planning for right now.
- Make a nourishing soup or chili. Find a recipe on Pinterest, gather the ingredients, and add it in to your weekly meal plan. I absolutely LOVE a good white chicken chili or a copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup.
- Use candlelight over artificial light. There is something cozy about the flickering warm candle glow that is much needed during this darker time of year. Plus the aromatherapy by using seasonal scents can be uplifting.
- Set intentions for the upcoming season. My planner heart loves the idea of making a list and checking it twice. Christmas joke there – Haha! But really. Setting intentional goals and plans for the next few months can help provide a sense of purpose and calm.
- Use more natural decor. The winter season offers a multitude of indoor decor options. Bring in pine cones or branches of evergreen. Create dried orange slices, string together a cranberry garland, or lay out cinnamon sticks.
- Start journaling. As a paper and pen girlie, I love any reason to buy more notebooks and pens. For this upcoming year I bought a new notebook from Archer & Olive to use as my journal for 2026. I know it can be magical and therapeutic to write out one’s thoughts.
