Many of us find meaning in marking the winter solstice – the longest, darkest night of the year that also marks the beginning of the return of light.
Since we can’t all gather for a big ceremony or bonfire this year, we’ve instead put together an audio guide and video to help you celebrate the solstice on your own or with members of your household. You can also find fun activities for families with younger kids here.Â
Winter Solstice Audio Guide
You can access the audio guide on our podcast – which you can find on Apple, Spotify, or our podcasts page.Â
Winter Solstice Video Guide
Winter Solstice Lyrics
Dark of Winter by Shelley Jackson Denham
Dark of winter, soft and still,
your quiet calm surrounds me.
Let my thoughts go where they will,
ease my mind profoundly.
And then my soul will sing a song,
a blessed song of love eternal.
Gentle darkness soft and still,
bring your quiet to me.
Darkness, soothe my weary eyes,
that I may see more clearly.
When my heart with sorrow cries,
comfort and caress me.
And then my soul may hear a voice
still, small voice of love eternal.
Darkness, when fears arise,
let your peace flow through me.
Evening Breeze / Ancient Mother
Evening Breeze, spirit song
Sings to me when the day is done
Mother Earth awakens me
With the Heartbeat of the Sea
(Repeat)
Ancient Mother I hear you calling
Ancient Mother I hear your song
Ancient Mother I feel your laughter
Ancient Mother I taste your tears
(Repeat)
Deck the Halls
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
‘Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol
Fa la la la la, la la la la
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See the blazing yule before us
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
Follow me in merry measure
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
While I tell of Yuletide treasure
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
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Fast away, the old year passes
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses
Fa la la la la, la la la laÂ
Heedless of the wind and weather
Fa la la la la, la la la la