As the days grow shorter here in Australia, we approach a special time of year: the Winter Solstice! On or around June 21st (depending on the year), we experience the shortest day and longest night. While it might sound a bit gloomy, the Winter Solstice is actually a beautiful turning point – a celebration of the return of the light and the promise of warmer days ahead.
For families, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature’s cycles, embrace the cozy vibes by a campfire and create some unique traditions. So, ditch the winter blues and get ready for some solstice fun! Here are some ideas to make the most of this special time with your kids:
Understanding the Winter Solstice (in kid-friendly terms!)
Think of the Winter Solstice as the day the sun takes its shortest little nap! After this day, the sun starts to wake up a little earlier each morning, and the days slowly begin to get longer again. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hang in there, warmer days are coming!”
You can explain this to your kids using simple analogies, like a plant resting before it grows again, or a long bedtime before a bright new day.
10 Winter Solstice traditions for families
1. Welcome the Light Crafts:
- Fire Stick Creations: Get crafty with making pretend fire sticks using bright yellow and orange autumn leaves or wool felt to remind you of the warmth and light that fire brings.
- Lantern Making: Create solstice lanterns using recycled jars or plastic containers. Kids can decorate them with leaves and add stars, moons, and suns. On the evening of the solstice, light them up (safely!) to chase away the darkness.
2. Connecting with Nature:
- Winter Night Walk: On a clear winter night, bundle up in your winter woollies, grab a head torch and head outside for a Stargazing Adventure! The winter sky in Australia can be incredibly clear. Download a stargazing app and try to identify constellations like the Southern Cross. Talk about the vastness of space and the importance of the sun for our planet.
- Create a Winter Solstice Nature Display: Collect winter treasures found on your walk and add some winter-themed items (think fire colours – warmth and cosy!) and First Nations resources to incorporate learning from traditional owners to create a winter-fire themed display.
3. Storytelling and Traditions:
- Solstice Story Time: Read books or share poems (download our winter solstice poem here) about the winter solstice from different cultures or create your own family solstice story.
- Shadow Play: On a sunny winter day, explore how shadows change throughout the day. Trace each other’s shadows at different times and discuss why they get longer or shorter.
4. Embracing the Cozy:
- Hot Chocolate and Roasted Cinnamon Apples: Make some delicious warm drinks together, like hot chocolate with some cinnamon for spice. Roast some cinnamon apples over a campfire.
- Campfire: If it’s safe and permitted in your area, a campfire can be a wonderful way to symbolise the return of the light. Tell stories and enjoy the warmth together (always with vigilant adult supervision and safety precautions).
5. Looking to the Future:
- Planting Seeds: As a symbol of new beginnings and the return of growth, plant some seeds together. Talk about what you hope will grow as the days get longer.
- Wish Jar: Have everyone write down something they are looking forward to in the coming months and place it in a jar. Open it up at the spring equinox!
The Winter Solstice is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, light will always return. By engaging in these fun activities and sharing this information with your children, you can create meaningful family memories and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Embrace the cozy, celebrate the turning point, and look forward to the return of the sunshine! Happy Winter Solstice!