A Simple & Beautiful Winter Solstice Ritual
The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year — a moment when the world feels still, quiet, and full of possibility. This turning point has been honored across cultures for thousands of years, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, the light always returns.
I am hosting a Winter Solstice themed dinner party and blending traditions with Chanukah. So I wanted to lead a ritual for the occassion. While I’m doing this with my guests, this ritual is something you can certainly do by yourself. A simple ritual can add meaning and connection without feeling overly spiritual or elaborate. And better yet, this one takes less than ten minutes!
1. Set the Tone
As you (and your friends or family) settle in, create a gentle invitation.
Say aloud:
“Tonight, we’re celebrating the Winter Solstice — the moment the light begins to return. As we share this time together, I’d love to invite us into a short ritual to release what we no longer need from this year and welcome what we want to grow in the next.”
This sets a reflective yet lighthearted tone, grounding everyone in the meaning of the season.
2. Write What You Want to Release
Have small cards or slip of papers and write down one thing you want to release before the year ends — something you don’t need to carry into the new year:
A habit
A frustration
A fear
A lingering worry
A piece of clutter in the mind or heart
If you are doing this with a group, know this can certainly stay private. No sharing required.
3. A Safe Moment of Release
Depending on your space, choose one of these options:
Fire Bowl (Indoor-Friendly)
Place a small, fireproof bowl or ceramic dish on a trivet. Have a candle lit. (I’m using my Chanukah menorah here) and light the folded card(s) and place them in the bowl to burn.
Floating Release (No Fire Needed)
Fill a bowl with water and floating candles. Tuck the slips beneath the bowl afterward, symbolizing a release into the deep, dark waters of winter.
Letting Go Bowl (Completely Fireless)
Drop their slips into a decorative bowl. You’ll dispose of them later with intention.
Any option works — the meaning is what matters.
4. Set an Intention for the Light Ahead
Take a second small slip of paper.
This time, write a single word representing what you want to welcome more of in the coming year:
Joy
Clarity
Connection
Ease
Courage
Grace
Love
Play
Have guests slip the card into their wallet, or take it home. Feel free to display in your home, or use as a book mark, so you are reminded all year long.
5. Candle Lighting: Welcoming the Light Back
Place one central candle on the table. If you have friends and family with you, each guest also has a small candle or tea light.
You light the central candle first. (However, I am again using my Chanukah menorah here.)
Then invite each person to light their candle from yours.
As they do, encourage them to speak the intention (either silently or aloud) they wrote down.
This moment feels especially resonant if you’re also honoring Chanukah, a holiday centered around increasing light. But in any case, the light begins to expand, as you build community.
6. Close with a Simple, Inclusive Blessing
Wrap up the ritual with a toast:
“May the returning light bring us clarity, connection, and warmth. May releasing what no longer serves us make space for what’s on its way. Cheers to growing brighter together.”
Clink glasses, and enjoy that subtle glow that rituals create — the way they draw people closer, even in the coldest season.
Why This Ritual Works
It’s simple.
It’s short.
It’s welcoming to all beliefs.
It honors the season.
And it gives you (and your guests) a moment of reflection and connection that feels both grounding and uplifting.
In the darkness of winter, we create light — together.