Social media feeds right now seem filled with holiday joy, and pre-Christmas hubbub, but a quieter corner of TikTok is bringing us a peace-filled trend. Some creative moms are sharing gentle, kid-friendly ways to celebrate the winter solstice this weekend.
This astronomical event marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, the solstice has been a time to observe the darkness while welcoming back the light, signifying a turning point where days begin to lengthen once more. It is a moment for stillness, reflection, and gratitude before the bustling energy of the new year takes hold. Modern parents are finding joy in these themes that resonate deeply with family life, offering a chance to slow down amidst the holiday chaos and connect with nature.
One mom contributing to this cozy movement posts under the handle Raising Up Wild Things (@raising.up.wild.t). She recently shared a beautiful video detailing four simple, meaningful ways she observes the winter solstice with her little ones. Her suggestions focus on sensory experiences and connection, that don’t require complicated preparation. These ideas are accessible to everyone and help children understand the rhythm of the seasons in a tangible way.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Decorate an Edible Tree for Animals
The first activity she suggests is a delightful way to give back to nature during the colder months, by decorating an edible tree for the local wildlife. This is a wonderful activity that teaches children empathy and care for the creatures that share our environment.
The decorations are simple and natural. You might make birdseed ornaments held together with gelatin or suet, or spread peanut butter over pinecones before rolling them in seeds. Another option is to hang raw peanuts in a squirrel feeder, or hang dried orange slices from the branches. Watching the birds and squirrels discover their feast provides endless entertainment and a teachable moment about how we can support animals when food sources are scarce in winter.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
Make a Cozy Simmer Pot
Her second suggestion brings the warmth and scent of the season indoors by creating a simmer pot. This is such an easy way to make a home feel cozy, and smell amazing.
A simmer pot is simply a pot of water on the stove filled with aromatic ingredients that release a wonderful fragrance as they gently heat up. For a winter solstice blend, you can use items you likely already have in your kitchen or pantry. Slices of apple and orange, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine needles make for a classic combination. As the water simmers, the house fills with a cozy, spicy scent. Everyone will love the homey smell, and children can easily help by gathering ingredients and dropping them into the pot.
Create Dried Orange Sun Ornaments
Next, she recommends crafting dried orange sun ornaments, which serve as a bright reminder that the sun is indeed coming back. These are slightly different from standard dried orange slices because they are designed to look specifically like little suns.
To make them, just poke toothpicks or cloves around the circumference of the orange slices before drying them in the oven or a dehydrator. The result is a vibrant, golden decoration that catches the light beautifully. These look stunning when hung in a window to catch the winter rays or placed on the Christmas tree as a natural, homemade ornament. The process of making them is slow and mindful, so it makes a great craft for a part of the day when everyone needs a quieter pace.
@raising.up.wild.t The days are only getting longer from here ✨ #wintersolstice #winter #winterishere ♬ White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes
Bake and Share Sun Bread
The final idea is a creative treat known as sun bread. This delightful modern tradition comes from a 2001 children’s book by author Elisa Klevin, about a baker who creates a big golden sun-shaped bread that cheers up anyone who tastes it. To make one, give each child a piece of bread dough, whether store-bought, or homemade. Let them shape it into a sun, giving it rays, if they’d like, or even a smiley face.
It’s easy to tweak this tradition in ways your family will love. Try adding details with sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary, for a savory loaf. For a sweeter version, you could sprinkle the whole thing with cinnamon and sugar.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Finding Light and Magic in Winter
Celebrating the solstice is about embracing the coziness of the dark winter, while holding onto the joy and anticipation of the sun’s return. Enjoying the shortest day or the year reminds us that darkness is not something to fear, but a time for rest and renewal. Whether you try one of these ideas or all of them, the most important part is the time spent together, finding magic in the darkest season, while looking forward to brighter, warmer days.
