Winter Solstice: The Longest Night, The Deep Exhale
Winter Solstice: The Longest Night, The Deep Exhale
Alright. Let’s talk about what’s actually happening tomorrow, December 21st.
It’s the Winter Solstice, aka the longest night of the year. The point where the sun hits rock bottom, dramatically sighs, and then very slowly starts clawing its way back. Honestly? 100% Relatable. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Yeah…I’m talking to you.
This is not sparkly “new year, new me” energy. This is “I’m tired, don’t touch me, let me sit in the dark and think about my life” energy. Am I right?
And the ancestors? They were fully on board with that.
The Ancestors Knew What Was Up
Before capitalism decided December should be loud, expensive, and emotionally exhausting, people honored this night for what it was: a pause.
Many cultures celebrated Yule, lighting fires and candles not because they were feeling festive, but because the sun had ghosted them and they wanted reassurance it was coming back. Fair.
They brought evergreens into their homes as a reminder that life still exists even when everything looks dead and depressing outside. They feasted, rested, told stories, and didn’t pretend everything was fine if it wasn’t.
No toxic positivity.
No “just be grateful” nonsense.
Just: It’s dark. We’re here. The light will return.
Why This Hits Different as a Gen X Woman
Let’s be honest…this stage of life has us seeing things clearly. Oh so clearly! Eyes wide open kinda clear!
We’ve carried families, jobs, emotional labor, expectations, and other people’s unhealed crap for decades. And now? The Solstice shows up like:
“Hey… maybe you don’t need to keep dragging all of that into another year.”
This is the season of:
❄️ Quiet realizations
❄️ Fewer fucks given
❄️ Deep knowing instead of loud declarations
Winter Solstice doesn’t ask you to reinvent yourself. It asks you to tell the truth…to yourself first.
How to Actually Celebrate (Without Making It Another To-Do)
You do not need a 12-step ritual, a Pinterest altar, or a personality transplant.
Modern Solstice honoring can look like:
✨Turning off the big lights and living by candlelight like a Victorian witch
✨Saying no to things that drain you and not explaining yourself
✨Sitting in silence, journaling, or zoning out with a cup of something warm
✨Acknowledging what this year took from you and what it gave you
This is about permission, not performance.
A Simple, No-Nonsense Solstice Ritual
Because we like our magick practical.
You’ll need:
🕯️One candle (any candle…no gatekeeping)
⏰ Five uninterrupted minutes
🫶🏻 A willingness to be honest
The Ritual:
1. Light your candle.
2. Take a breath that actually reaches your nervous system. That meno belly should be fully extended on the inhale!
3. Say (out loud or in your head):
“I release what I no longer need to carry.”
4. Name one thing you’re done dragging into the next cycle.
5. Then say: “I choose to protect what wants to grow.”
6. Name one small, real intention for the months ahead. NOT A RESOLUTION... A truth.
7. Sit with the flame. Let yourself feel whatever comes up.
8. Blow out the candle and go be gentle with yourself.
That’s it. No chanting required. No spiritual bypassing allowed.
The Winter Solstice reminds us that darkness isn’t a mistake, it’s part of the process. Rest is productive. Reflection is powerful. And the light always returns… whether you hustle for it or not.
So tonight…or tomorrow…let yourself slow down.
The world can wait.
This moment is yours. 🕯️✨
With Love and Magick,
Christine