Winter Solstice Day, the shortest day of the year, has been celebrated across cultures for centuries. Many ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Celts, observed the solstice with festivals celebrating the return of longer days and the promise of spring. The December solstice can fall on different days, typically occurring on December 21st but sometimes falling on the 20th or 22nd depending on the year and time zone due to the way the Earth's orbit aligns with the calendar.

1. SOLSTICE WISHING TREE: Decorate a tree outside with wishes written on small pieces of paper or ribbons. Kids can make wishes for the new year, symbolizing growth and hope as the days get longer.

2. SOLSTICE SUN CANDLES: Use yellow or orange wax to make small candles representing the sun. Light them at sunset to honor the return of longer daylight hours.

3. “LONGEST NIGHT” PAJAMA PARTY: Have a cozy indoor campout where kids wear pajamas, snuggle up with blankets, and tell stories, watch movies, make memories. You can talk about ancient solstice traditions or make shadow puppets by candlelight.

4. SOLSTICE NIGHT HIKE: Bundle up and take a winter evening walk to enjoy the beauty of nature on the longest night of the year. Use flashlights or lanterns and look for winter constellations.

5. SOLSTICE RESOLUTIONS: Help kids think about small goals or dreams for the year to come, especially around things that “bring light” into their lives—whether it’s kindness, creativity, or learning something new.