Three ways to celebrate solstice and the return of the sun

Solstice this year is on Friday 22nd December.
​At this time of the year the sun stands still. It can seem like an age before summer but the light begins to return from this point in and our days get longer. Here are a few ways to align yourself with this season.

1. Gather greenery - a reminder that the earth is still alive - Ivy is an ancient token of love peace and protection. If you can find time maybe add it to a wreath with holly, pinecones and other evergreens. Alternatives could be to wind yourself an ivy crown, to adorn a shelf or picture - a little reminder to embrace hopefulness.
2. Create your own festival of light - spend a little time gathering candles of all sorts. You can bring ritual in to it by using the candles as markers of intentions, wishes or resolutions. Candles and fire can be a great way to reflect on the season. You can write on scraps of paper what you wish to leave behind in your life and cast them into the flames, lighting a candle for a new intention or wish for the season to come. Alternatively you can gather some of your favourite people and dine by candlelight.
3. Make an orange pomander - representing the sun start by using a zester to carve patterns into the peel and then poke whole cloves into the orange to add to the decoration, you can hang them with ribbons or leave them in a bowl - they make beautiful gifts too.