Happy Solstice! This twenty-first of December not only marks the winter solstice, but also the longest night of the year, and my wedding anniversary to boot! It’s my favorite time of the year, so it was the perfect time for me to get married. It was also a day that is already marked on the calendars (though technically it can shift a bit), making it a little easier for my husband to remember our anniversary!
The solstice has always been celebrated worldwide. It is perhaps least celebrated today, in modern times than ever before. To the majority of people, the twenty-first of December is just another day. For people many, many years ago, it was a time of joy, food, music, costume, ritual, and celebration. Although we know much about the heritage of the day and what it means, I have a feeling that there was even more meaning in all of the rituals and celebrations. A knowledge that has been lost over time, deemed unimportant as new beliefs took hold. Sites all over the world are associated with the solstice, such as Stonehenge, and Newgrange. Sites where the sun shone through rocks and structures to illuminate the area at the time of the solstice, a truly magical vision.
It’s a magical time of year. The magic that exists in the world all of the time is just a little easier to see at Christmastime. If you pay attention, you can feel the magic! At Christmastime, and around the winter solstice, people are just a bit kinder to each other. People smile a bit more. Generosity is more commonplace. If you haven’t noticed that to be the case, then just do one small thing to get the ball rolling. If you smile at a stranger or hold open the door for someone, you’ll start to notice the magic too. You’ll get the parking spot right up front, or your food at the local fast-food restaurant will have been paid for when you get to the cashier. If it’s not been paid for, then offer to pay for someone else’s. I promise the more you do for others, the more you will receive!
Do something special for yourself too. Watch that cheesy Christmas movie that you love so much! Buy the hot chocolate bomb for a treat. Make your dog wear matching sweaters with you. Whatever brings you joy, do it and enjoy the spirit of the season! Dwell “from” that magical place. Allow the energy of the solstice and Christmastime into your life and share in the magic that is all around!
Incurably Happy Life 