Chill Hunker Solstice
Headline Forecast for Winter Solstice, 21 December, 2024: Rain, wind, heavy wind, and even more rain. Here in Scotland, the winter solstice is looking particularly bleak - check out those wind gusts!
So much for nature walks and dark sky worshiping with the telescope. Whether we like it or not, enforced hunkering is on the horizon this Winter Solstice (aka Yule, in Wheel parlance). This should be cozy and nice but I’m finding the prospect somewhat challenging. So on this eve of solstice, I [Monica] thought I’d offer my brain dump of winter challenges and a few thoughts on getting over them. Please add your suggestions in the comments!
Winter Challenge #1: Facing inner demons when you’d rather just eat cake and pumpkin pie
Let’s face it: the end of the year is prime time for reflecting on goals, and not always in the most generous way. How many of us think, “Shit, I didn’t do all I set out to do”? Newsflash: It happens to all of us, and it’s okay.
Instead of spiraling into self-criticism, take a Wheel-inspired approach: celebrate. What went well this year? What did you rock at? And those unfulfilled goals? Maybe the time wasn’t right, or perhaps they’ve lost relevance. Give yourself permission to let go of what no longer serves you.
Winter solstice can also be a call to embrace the present moment, what we’re experiencing on this day, in this season. We can revisit mindfulness—a word we’ve heard a thousand times but one that holds real value. I came across this great video recently by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn who describes mindfulness as "a way to be in a wiser relationship with what’s happening in our lives, without being at the mercy of our emotional reactions or fears.” It’s well worth watching!
Take a deep breath. Embrace your successes. Let go of what you didn’t do. And, yes, eat that pie!
Winter Challenge #2: Social Expectations (Holiday Edition)
The holidays come with a tidal wave of expectations—from gift-giving to attending events that might not align with your introverted soul (or schedule). Thank you, Emily, for this gem:
This solstice, set boundaries. Say yes to what feels nourishing and no to what doesn’t. Kick people out at 9pm if you need to! It’s okay to prioritize your well-being over external pressures.
Winter Challenge #3: The Long Dark Night
While I’m lucky not to experience full-blown seasonal depression (S.A.D.) symptoms, the shorter days and relentless storms make it harder for everyone. The gloom outside can feel overwhelming. In Scotland (and most of the UK), the weather has been particularly diabolical this year—less "winter wonderland," more "damp apocalypse."
But we can find solace in small, cozy rituals. Here are my winter solstice self care ideas…
Winter Hunkering Tips
Crafting coziness: Make candles or bake something delicious and/or festive (I just made a batch of this ) Emily has been into lino carving.
Feed your mind: Learn something new, like a language (I’ve decided to re-start my Python class - learning a programming language has been way more successful than my attempts to learn Spanish!).
Brighten up: Emily and I both recently replaced our alarm clocks with solar lights—so much better than a phone alarm!
Express yourself: Write, journal, or brainstorm for the new year—but do it without pressure or regret.
Stay active indoors: Try yoga or gentle stretching. There are thousands of “yoga flow” routines on YouTube. Emily is trying to pick up some dance moves for a masquerade ball in January.
Redecorate your space: The Astronomer and I spent a day repainting our lounge and rehanging all of our pictures. Finally it’s a space we want to spend time in.
Indulge in good coffee (or tea): Because some rituals are sacred.
It’s also okay if you’re in a place where self care just means remembering to drink water—the struggle is real. But with a reset of expectations, some mindfulness, boundaries, and cozy beverages, this should be a satisfying solstice.
One last thing - I’m thinking about a 2025 challenge wherein we actually write this newsletter weekly. Too ambitious? Too much? Let us know if you’d like to get WEEKLY seasonal inspiration delivered to your inbox…
Thanks for reading this far. Wishing you a magical solstice!