Celebrated for centuries, the winter solstice, also known as midwinter, the hibernate solstice, and Yule, is the astronomical first day of winter.

Solstice means “Sun stands still” and the winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night. The date of the winter solstice changes from year to year, as it is based on the Earth’s travel around the sun. This year, the winter solstice is on December 21st

Interestingly, those in the Southern Hemisphere welcome the summer solstice while here in the Northern Hemisphere, winter solstice is celebrated.

Today I’m sharing this post, so together we can slow down, reflect and make some bright, brave new intentions for the season.

In this post, I’ll share five simple heartfelt ways to celebrate the winter solstice, along with some inspirational journal prompts to make the most of this sacred time of year.

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What Science Can Tell Us About the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice has significant cultural meaning for many people around the world, but what does science have to say about it?

The winter solstice marks the end of the season and the culmination of shorter, darker days. Some scientists believe that winter solstice influences mood regulation in people by affecting serotonin levels in their brains.

Serotonin is a hormone involved in mood, appetite, and sleep cycle regulation. It has been observed that serotonin levels start to climb after about three days before the winter solstice and then increase more steeply starting about one day before the event. On average, serotonin levels drop about 20% after this high point at the winter solstice

In addition to that, there’s also research that shows how this event affects hormone activity – it helps regulate melatonin, which makes you feel tired and sleepy.

This can make it an emotional time for those of us suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or other depression-related illnesses.

Winter Solstice and Mood Regulation

Usually celebrated with candlelight, lanterns and seasonal traditions such as decorating the Yule tree, the winter solstice can trigger low mood in some people. The shorter daylight hours can take a toll on mood regulation.

The science behind this mood regulation is called: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that only appears in the winter months because due to lack of exposure to natural light

The solstice can often make emotions stronger, which has been studied by scientists. Even so, we can find hope in the knowing there will be longer more light-filled days ahead.

5 Simple Heartfelt Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice?

Many celebrations share the idea of welcoming back the sun(light) as each new day begins to grow longer and longer.

I like the idea of taking a little time to spiral within through meditation and writing in my journal.

This year, I’m sharing five simple and heartfelt ways to honor yourself and this sacred time of year.

The following gestures of celebration are intended to shine light into any hidden aspects, passions and strengths that depression can overshadow

Let’s celebrate the winter solstice together!

Heartfelt Celebration Tip #1: Create a Winter Solstice Alter

Create a Winter Solstice Altar: Create an altar to honor and celebrate the longest night of the year. This can be done by using soy candles, holly, evergreen, objects from Nature and seasonal decorations. Use this space as a way to connect with nature and your wise inner self.

Heartfelt Celebration Tip #2: Practice Random Acts of Gratitude

Give gifts in the form of gratitude to friends and loved ones. Write them a little love note or card expressing your gratitude and seal it with a fresh fir twig and ribbon.

Heartfelt Celebration Tip #3: Decorate a winter solstice or Yule tree

We all need a little holiday cheer and what better way to start off the winter solstice than with a tree decorating ritual. Traditionally the Yule Tree was decorated with candles to celebrate the return of the light, but I like to keep things simple (and much safer) by substituting lit candles for a strand of festive lights.

Yule trees are traditionally decorated with green, red, and white. The green represents fertility, growth and renewal of life. Red represents love, joy and health. While white reflects purity and is also associated with snow that covers the ground during winter solstice season.

Decorate your winter solstice tree red ribbons to represent love and peace, and stars that symbolize hope and wishes. Keep it really simple. Use a potted evergreen tree. If you don’t feel up to decorating a tree, maybe you could purchase or make a garland or simple wreath, using natural materials like boughs, pine cones, and evergreens for decoration.

Heartfelt Celebration Tip #4: Illuminate Your Space

String up some fairy lights or light a solstice candle. Traditionally, candles and Yule Lanterns symbolize the light on the darkest night of the year.

Heartfelt Celebration Tip #5: Set Some Brave Intentions.

Take some time to write down your intentions as the days begin to grow lighter. An intention is a thing, idea, or habit that you would like to make a part of your life.

Journal Prompts:

These journal prompts are intended to help you navigate the winter solstice so you can make some bright, brave intentions for the coming months:

1. What is one thing that makes you feel happy just by thinking about it?
2. What do you wish for yourself this winter solstice?
3. What are you most proud of in yourself?
4. What difficult challenges did I experience this year? What hidden strengths to they bring to light?
5. What is one intention I can set that allows me to embrace these strengths?

Brave Reminder

When longing for warmth and light plays on your mind, and you are feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself: nothing can dim your inner light. You are not your diagnosis, you are a human being experiencing what it feels like to have depression.

Here’s what you need to know right now. You matter in this world.

If my words can reach into the overwhelm, they would say, “Keep showing up. Be gentle with yourself, don’t push or pressure, relax into the natural flow and let life hold you close“.

The next time a dark moment alights upon you, light a candle and remind yourself “I am stronger than I think I am. This will soon pass and the light will return,”.

And remember depression does not define who you are. Low mood doesn’t mean you are weak or a negative person, it means you’ve endured and survived the worst of your bad days – and you are healing.

Until next time brave friend, be kind to yourself,

PS: Always remember: depression does not define you, it is a serious disease that can occur at any time, to anyone. While some people are able to manage and have functional days, others may struggle to function at all. Please if you are feeling unwell, seek immediate help and support. I’ve put together some helpful numbers here on the resources page

What are your thoughts? Do you celebrate Yule? We’d love to know, what do you do to celebrate the return of the light?

Please let us know in the comments below, or share your brave Yule traditions on Instagram using #beyourownkindofbrave