Winter Solstice Celebration

A little Christmas decor.

 I always think of my Dad at the solstice because he loved its hopeful nature. The returning sun, longer daylight hours, and renewal always seemed to energize him. For some reason I am embracing the solstice even more this year. I woke up at sunrise and watched it for a bit. Then I decided a dip in the hot tub with a lemon-lime ginger water would be a nice start to the day. It was sunny, calm and peaceful as I watched the birds and squirrels flitting about while I embraced gratitude. 

Now, about 2 hours later, it's cloudy, windy, and we're getting a little snow. What a good reminder to enjoy each moment as it comes, because things always change. 


No photo description available.
I'm guessing this was a high school or college photo of my Dad. I never knew him
with a full head of hair, as I met him when he was 35 and already balding. 
He has the most serious expression - I mostly saw him smiling.

Dad and I were shoveling snow while Mom and my daughter were staying warm inside. (2002-ish)

My sister took this photo and had it made into one of those necklaces you look inside to see the photo. I gave it to my daughter and she treasures it.

I did a bit of reading about the past traditions of the solstice and plan to put a few into action tonight. We'll light a fire, write down some intentions for the year, and burn them. Then I'll let my daughter decide on dinner as she's going to need a debrief after spending two days with her dad. She already texted me some of the details, and all I can say is WTAF. Deep breaths...  And he is clueless as to why she limits time spent with him.

We ended up ordering take-out from our favorite Italian restaurant, lit a few candles, and set our intentions alight into the ether with a bit of sage. Now we're watching one of her favorite shows - FallOut, based on a video game she used to play in high school. It's a bit gory but intriguing.

My woodland critters tree in a darkened room.

Daughter leaves the day after tomorrow, so I'm managing my feelings and just embracing the time we are together. She is making me an interactive music playlist that we can both edit throughout the year - a great Christmas present I can share with her all year. I am so grateful she and I get to spend this time together.

Comments

  1. MargaretDecember 21, 2025 at 11:42 PM

    I love your mantra to grab the moments because they're fleeting. I agree 100%! Like your dad, I appreciate the thought that we're now picking up light. I'm far north and the afternoon dark can be depressing. I sleep way better when it's dark though, so that's a winter plus. What a wonderful visit with your daughter! She's fortunate to have you to debrief with about her father. That must be tough on her. Your daughter's gift is very creative!

    ReplyDelete
  2. PamDecember 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM

    Your dad was very handsome. I'm with you on the missing daughter thing... though I do have one in Edinburgh too. Sigh. Happy Christmas, though!

    ReplyDelete

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