Mid-winter has long been a special time set aside for rejoicing and feasting. The customs of many of our Christmas celebrations today are rooted in the ancient past and are deeply connected with the rhythms of nature.
Light
In Germany, during medieval times, a Yule log was burned during the short, dark days of winter to help bring light into the home. Early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter, with a time of feasting, to celebrate the year’s harvest and to give thanks for nature’s generosity.
The winter solstice, which in the Northern hemisphere falls on or around December 21st, marks a turning point in the year, when the days begin to lengthen. Rejoicing and feasting at this time celebrated the connection between the sun and the growing of crops, both crucial for living, surviving, and thriving on Earth.
Hope – Light in the darkness
While the specifics may vary, many different cultures share similar beliefs that lights symbolize life, energy and hope, and act as a way to ward off sadness during the darkest times. Firelight, candles and fairy lights, that feature as part of our festivities today, bring positivity, warmth, and invite people to gather together, fostering community and reminding us of the things we have in common.
In dark times of suffering in our world, we can still experience the wonder of light. Even the tiniest amount of light is visible in a sea of darkness and the more we nurture and tend the light, the larger it grows. The more the light grows, the more energy it gives and the more hope it radiates. The returning sunlight and promise of spring after the darkness of winter, reminds us of the constancy of nature’s cycles of birth, life, death and rebirth.
The mid-winter solstice/Christmas is a magical time of year from many perspectives, to celebrate the joy of the return of light and rebirth back into the world. Gathering together to share food and drink during this festive season is fundamental to human solidarity and good for our wellbeing. It’s an opportunity to count our blessings, celebrate life and appreciate each other.
We wish you all a very happy Christmas!
Some tips for simplifying things this Christmas:
C – community – take, or make, the opportunity where you can to gather together to celebrate
H – hope – bring hope to others around you by sharing ‘light’, whether that’s by displaying Christmas lights or something simple like smiling at a stranger
R – reduce unnecessary buying and food waste; re-use cards and wrapping paper; recycle
I – identify the things that you love to do and the things that make you stressed at Christmas and try to do more or less of them!
S – shop locally for gifts and fresh vegetables
T – try a new recipe for a meat-free or dairy-free Christmas meal
M – make sure your gifts don’t cost the earth – ie, preloved items; locally-made gifts; homemade goodies; gift your time; etc
A – avoid plastic where you can – brown paper tape, loose fruit and veg, refill shop, simple crackers
S – spend some time outdoors – wrap up warm and sit outside, or go for a walk in the rare winter sunshine, or after dark to enjoy the stars and Christmas lights