The Winter Solstice beckons this coming Sunday, December 21st, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. ‘Midwinter’ is a wonderful time to look deeply at small things, retune to natural cycles and to welcome light into your home and family. There is a reason it occurs close to other seasonal celebrations. It is a much needed reminder from Mother Nature to momentarily stop. Breathe. And just be.
Here are a few simple ideas on how you can incorporate the solstice into your day.
* Get outside and embrace nature. The RI Families in Nature Hike is hosting a family friendly hike on Sunday at 1pm at Parker Woodland, Coventry, RI. Further details can be found on the their website here.
* Welcome light! There are lots of easy ways to make your own lanterns, which even very young children can help with. Use Mason jars, Tin Cans or Paper Bags with a candle inside to bring light to the darkest day.
* Read a book together. Here are a couple of our family favorites.
* Feed our furry and feathered friends. Smother a pine cone in peanut butter and seed, thread some popcorn and berries onto yarn or simply put out some fruit, nuts and raisins and place outside.
Check out the tower in Newrport aligned with the solstice: http://www.providencejournal.com/video/content/20141218-video-newport-tower-s-windows-of-time.ece