The winter solstice marks a magical turning point in the year—the longest night and the promise of more light to come. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate nature, reflect on the seasons, and engage in meaningful traditions with your kids.
What is the Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice happens when the Earth’s tilt places the Northern Hemisphere farthest from the sun, giving us the shortest day and longest night of the year. Cultures worldwide have celebrated this moment of darkness and renewal with festivals, rituals, and gratitude for the returning light.
Celebrating the solstice with kids can be simple yet meaningful, blending fun outdoor activities with moments of mindfulness.
Ideas for Celebrating the Winter Solstice with Kids
Go on a Welcome Walk Bundle up and take a family walk in nature. As you stroll, use the Welcome Walk Worksheet to encourage your kids to observe their surroundings, reflect on the season, and celebrate the beauty of winter. Notice the bare trees, animal tracks in the snow, or the crisp, cool air.
Create a Solstice Lantern Craft homemade lanterns to symbolize the return of the light. Use mason jars, tissue paper, and LED candles to create beautiful glowing lights that kids can carry on your walk or display at home.
Make a Solstice Nature Craft Use natural materials like pinecones, twigs, and evergreen branches to craft winter decorations. Try making wreaths, garlands, or even bird feeders to give back to nature.
Enjoy a Solstice Storytime Cozy up with winter-themed books that honor the solstice and the natural world. The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer, The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson, Winter: A Solstice Story by Kelsey E. Gross
Cook a Seasonal Feast Prepare a meal featuring seasonal ingredients like root vegetables, hearty soups, or baked goods. Use this time to talk about gratitude and the importance of slowing down and savoring the season.
Light a Solstice Candle As a family, light a candle in the evening to symbolize the growing light and share what each of you hopes for in the coming year.
Free Welcome Walk Worksheet
To make your solstice celebration extra special, I’ve created a Welcome Walk Worksheet to help guide your kids through a mindful nature walk. This printable worksheet encourages them to:
Notice what they see, hear, and feel in their surroundings.
Reflect on the beauty of winter and their wishes for the season.
Learn about the changes happening in nature during this time of year.
Why Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Kids?
The solstice offers a moment to pause, connect with nature, and embrace traditions that nurture mindfulness and joy. By involving your kids in simple activities like walks, crafts, and storytelling, you’re helping them develop an appreciation for the seasons and the world around them.
How will you celebrate the winter solstice this year? Try one of the ideas above, create your own tradition or join us for our first annual Winter Solstice Circle.
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