The Winter Solstice occurs on Monday, December 21st. This marks the time when the earth is tilted farthest away from the sun, and creates the shortest day (and longest night) in the year. From this point onward, the days will get longer, and the nights shorter.
In Pagan traditions, the Winter Solstice is a time of celebration, a time of the return of the Sun, and a time of renewal. Prior to celebrating the Solstice with ritual and feast, it is appropriate to stop for a moment, and take a look inward.
Mentally go over the previous year – at what went right, what went wrong, which goals were achieved, and which were not. Using this as a foundation, look into the coming year. What do you wish to carry with you, and what do you wish to release? What new things do you wish to achieve? What steps can you take to achieve them?
In the coming year, how can you nurture yourself? How can you make your life more authentic? How can you follow your passions?
Last – but not least – remember to give thanks for the abundance in your life. Even the obstacles and challenges that we face help us to grow and be better people. Give thanks for all that is helping you to be you!