Today, December 21, is the first day of winter; the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Although the Winter Solstice marks Midwinter, it is a day which I look forward to, since from now on the days become longer. From this day until the first of January is a time for reflection and repose, as well as celebration.

Literally translated from Latin, solstice means “sun stands still”. During this longest night and shortest day, the sun is farthest from the Northern Hemisphere. Throughout history, people have recognized this day on the calendar as a turning point, when the sun reemerges and each day becomes a little longer. The Winter Solstice is considered the birthday of the unconquered sun and the moment of new beginnings.

Ancient rituals of the solstice were festive celebrations. They were celebrated with days of feasting, music and dancing in colorful costumes. Huge bonfires were built and burned believing it would encourage the invisible sun to return to warm the cold earth. It is difficult for us to fathom the true depths of winter as our ancestors did, they constantly felt the need to preserve light and to ensure the return of the sun.

I sure feel the need for light and sunshine-I am not a cold weather person-I am a gardener who likes warm weather so I can grow plants. I welcome this first day of winter because I know it is the turning of the season; even though there is winter cold to come… the light is increasing… slowly yet surely.

Nowadays, we light our homes both inside and out, sometimes simply with a candle in the window or a fire in the hearth or decoratively with strings of colored lights. However, the symbol of light is still the same as it has been since ancient times. During the darkest and coldest days when we spend more times indoors, we beckon the light hoping it will renew our spirits.

The solstice coincides with the winter holiday season as different folks celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanza and the new year. People round the globe prepare special dishes, adorn their homes with greenery, candles and decorations, make and/or shop for gifts and celebrate with friends and family.

Besides lights and candles, we festoon our homes with traditional fresh-cut greens and with plants of the season from pointsettias, Christmas cactus and cyclamen to forced bulbs of amaryllis and paperwhites. Right now, all of the aforementioned are blooming in my greenhouse, as well as some miniature roses and geraniums, which I brought indoors for the winter.

Besides the delightful blooms in the greenhouse, my favorite decorations are natural greens cut from conifers in and around the yard and woods. I love the scent of pine, spruce and fir in the house. I wire them together to make swags and cut them into to suitable lengths to use in containers with dried flowers, chile peppers and seed pods. I like making little vignettes and still lifes using old or special ornaments and candles and placing greens in and amongst them. I often use little flower pots with votive lights, which look natural and they are safer to place in the greenery than unprotected candles. When the candles are lit at night, they cast soft, magical light.

Once the holidays are past, the greens have pretty much dried out–I gather them in a basket and they make great kindling for the woodstove.

Wishing you and yours a happy solstice and a merry and bright holiday celebration!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Organo Republic 16 Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix for Indoor & Outdoors

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Premium 16 Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix - Special Garden Flower Seeds Blend designed for planting indoor & outdoors across North America. With over 16 varieties and 100,000 wildflower seeds, this mix is the best solution to attract pollinators - bees, butterflies & birds are essential for garden plants health. Our Special Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix Includes White Yarrow, Columbine, New England Aster, Siberian Wallflower, Shasta Daisy, Lance-Leaf Coreopsis, Sweet William, Purple Coneflower, Blanketflower, Gayfeather, Blue Flax, Lupine, Dwarf Evening, Primrose, Mexican Hat, Prairie Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan. Easy & Fun Growing Experience with our online guides - Don’t plant disappointment - Add more colors to your wildflower garden! We send only super hearty heirloom flower seeds with the highest germination rate and fast sprout. Our detailed growing guide helps you grow seeds the garden of your dream like a PRO. Colorful Wildflower Garden from Seeds - Grow wildflowers everywhere - Indoor in window garden or Outdoors Flower garden Garden make a beautiful design for your garden borders, pathways, field or meadow and attract pollinators. Made in the USA by Small Family-Owned Business - Quality You Can Trust - Our wildflower bulk seeds variety pack are tested at the highest germination rates before being sealed to last for up to 3 years before you need to plant. Each packet of our flower seeds variety pack is resealable to make it easy to store and has its own label with a QR code for the growing instructions.

Buy at Amazon

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon