The Winter Solstice is Saturday December 21^st, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. During the winter solstice, the sun will be at its lowest noontime point in the sky for 2024, as the northern half of the Earth is tilted its farthest away from the sun due to the planet’s axis. The Winter Solstice is a reminder of our connection to nature’s rhythms and cycles. It beckons us to embrace the darkness, celebrate the gradual return of light, and find solace in the continuity of natural cycles.

     There is an abundance of folklore and symbolism associated with the Winter Solstice. One of the most common artistic symbols is perhaps the Christmas tree. The tree signifies rebirth, longevity the New Year and fresh beginnings, (J.C. Cooper, DK Books). We decorate the tree with lights to call to mind the sun, moon and stars shining down upon us. 

      People, like plants, have an essential need for light and being nurtured. The holidays can be demanding and draining.  Celebrate the natural cycles of the season. With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be helpful to pause, if only for the moment, feel the release give way to the gifts of time, solitude, and our beautiful natural surroundings.  

Take a walk along the beach or the bay. Let your eyes linger on the ebbing tide or the faded greenery; faded plants and shrubs with their bright red berries provide a winter haven for birds, bugs and small animals from the harsh winter cold and winds. 

     From here on, each day stretches out a little longer. Cultivate a cadre of houseplants. The festive Poinsettias, Cyclamens, Peace lilies, and multihued Bromeliads add color to your surroundings , are long lasting and very easy to care for. Winter is a wonderful time to pop a few bulbs into a pot  filled with decorative stones. Within weeks you will enjoy the fragrant and pretty blooms of Paper White Narcissus, Amaryllis, Hyacinths and Calla Lilies. 

     Houseplants have been shown to improve your mood, shorten recovery from illness or surgery and purify the air we breathe. A fresh bouquet from your local florist is always a welcome gift when visiting friends and family over the holidays.  Propagating plants to gift friends is an economical and sustainable gift. Repurposing unique containers can bring a smile and touch of nostalgia when placing a fresh bouquet in Grandma’s favorite pitcher. Consider a gift certificate for a few hours of yard work for your friends who need a hand in their yard. Gardening gloves, spades and seeds, hand soap and lotion, hats and aprons are always welcome gifts for the gardeners on you list. 

     Hull’s traffic islands have been decorated and spruced up to bring joy and a message of new beginnings in these long winter days. The Hull Garden Club works year round to share the joy of plants and flowers, celebrating natures gifts to nurture our community. The long days of winter are filled with planning gardens, organizing the Annual Plant Sale and Daffodil Trail, orchestrating Books in Bloom at the Hull Public Library, as well as Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts. Creativity is born in contemplation. Give yourself the gift of reflection during this Winter Solstice. You’ll be surprised where you creativity may lead you! Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday season brimming with joy, light and new beginnings.