Connect to Summer: celebrate the Summer Solstice

Hello Summer! It’s officially the time of year when the days are long, bright and hot, so hot. The sun shines in the sky for most of the day and we are tempted outside to swim, spend time with friends and laze about during the holidays. 

This is marked by the Summer Solstice- the longest day of the year with the earth at its maximum tilt towards the Sun. There is a long history of traditions and celebrations around the Summer Solstice but we wanted to focus on this cosmic moment as a time to celebrate the Sun and connect with the ebb and flow of the seasons.

What is the Summer Solstice?

Each year on the 22 December (sometimes the 21-23 December) we experience the astronomical point when the Southern Hemisphere is at its maximum tilt towards the sun. On the Summer Solstice we enjoy the longest day of the year, though it varies depending on where you live. 

There is some confusion around whether this marks the start of astronomical summer or midsummer at peak sunshine. Whichever you choose to think of the Summer Solstice, it is always a celebration of the Sun- its force that is essential to life, that defines the seasons and can lift our mood and energy.

Sun love: connecting to Summer

For centuries, people around the world of all cultures and belief systems have celebrated the Summer Solstice as a marker of planting and harvest seasons. For this reason, it is a symbolic celebration of life, abundance, fertility, renewal and light. This is celebrated by the lighting of candles and fires, by making flower crowns and garlands and, by bringing people together to feast and revel on this longest day.

For lovers of nature, celebrating the Summer Solstice is a moment of gratitude and appreciation for the energy of the Sun. Also, we love these extra long days to get into nature!

Ways to connect with the Sun this Summer Solstice

Watch the sunrise or sunset

This is my absolute favourite thing to do as it means staying out of the intense heat in the middle of the day. Waking with the world around as the sun rises has to be one of the best ways to feel truly connected to nature. While most people are still sleeping, the rest of nature is making a racket, ready to start a new fresh day.

Go for a walk in nature

Sometimes a walk in nature is all you need. While the end of year is a festive time with family and without the stressors of work, it can also be a build up of pressure and stress in the lead up to the new year. Taking a walk, just you, in  nature can be the best self care ritual at this time.

Make a fire and gather some friends

Fire, whether candle or bonfire, often feature in Summer Solstice festivals. So gather some good friends or family and get a fire blazing. There’s no need to dance around the fire unless thats what you fancy!

Take a nap, read a book or listen to your favourite music outside in the shade, maybe add a picnic to make it perfect?

Another favourite sun loving activity of mine, that also nourishes and re-energizes a depleted nervous system. This is a great opportunity to pick up that book lying on your bedside table for the last 6 months or finish that audiobook there hasn’t been time for. Bring along some loved ones or new friends and add some outdoor games to spice it up a bit. Tried frisbee lately?

If you feel crafty- why not make a wreath that doubles as a festive decoration

I love making our holiday decorations, often my kids help and we get excited together for the festive Summer Solstice. Decorations that also double as festive decor are a special hit for me. Check out our Native Wreath or our Sun Catchers. There are also many amazing creators that share their ideas online. Crafts that take you outdoors and introduce you to our beautiful flora are tick all the boxes.

So, celebrate this Summer Solstice by spending some self-care time in the sun or enjoying this sunlight day with friends and family. Let us give gratitude to the firey ball that share with us its warmth, light and brings us the all the seasons.