Winter Solstice Celebration!

The Longest Night Is Coming…

But there is no need to fear—the light is returning.

For thousands of years, people across the world have marked this moment in time.

The Winter Solstice.

The moment that light wins over darkness.

In the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs around December 21. As Earth orbits the sun, its tilt causes us to experience changing seasons and varying amounts of daylight. The solstice marks the turning point. It is when we stop moving deeper into darkness and begin our gradual return toward the light.

In Sustainability class, we first explored the science behind this seasonal shift, helping students understand what’s happening in the natural world around us.

From there, we looked at how people across cultures have responded to this moment in time. Many traditions, including those connected to Yule, use light, fire, and evergreen plants as symbols of warmth, protection, and life continuing through winter. Across the world, the solstice has been honored as a time of reflection, renewal, and community. It is an opportunity to gather together during the darkest part of the year.

To honor these traditions, we created our own simple solstice ritual. We dimmed the lights, lit candles, and decorated a Yule log with evergreen boughs. Together, we talked about what these symbols represent and why people have returned to them for centuries.

We then gathered around our finished Yule log to read poetry and stories. For those who felt comfortable, students were invited to share what they hoped to welcome with the returning light, as well as what they were ready to release.

It is hard to put into words how meaningful this experience was. Many students shared that they felt calm and peaceful and I felt it too. It was a reminder of the power of slowing down, being present, and honoring the natural rhythms of the world around us.

Wishing you all a peaceful and serene holiday season.

May we all feel the goodness of the returning light. ✨

With love,

Ms. Emily