Eight Gifts to Yourself and Others This Winter Solstice (2025 Edition)

Sunday, December 21, 2025, marks the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere — the longest night and shortest day of the year, occurring at 10:03 AM EST. While the darkness can feel deep, the solstice is a glorious turning point: from this day forward, the days grow longer for the next six months, bringing more light, hope, and possibility. It’s a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the gifts of the season.

Here are eight gifts to embrace for yourself and others this winter:

1. Step Outside

Even on rainy, gray days typical of Western Washington, stepping outside can refresh your mind and lift your spirits. Pull on a waterproof jacket, boots, and gloves, and take a slow walk. Feel the mist on your face, listen to the patter of rain, and notice the subtle changes in light. Share the moment with a friend, a pet, or simply enjoy it on your own; nature is big enough for everyone. The outdoors offers a grounding pause that the indoor bustle rarely provides.

2. Step Inside

Take a break from routine. Notice your assumptions, question habits, and explore new ways of seeing the world. This gift is about curiosity, openness, and fresh perspective -- letting yourself imagine what life could look like beyond the familiar.

3. Sing, Dance, and Play

The best way to remember joy is to step into it fully. Dance like no one is watching (or why not, even if they are?), sing, doodle, paint, play games, or create simply for the fun of it. Even during the longest night, celebrate spontaneity, delight in small pleasures, and remember: joy doesn’t have to be earned, it simply “is.”

4. Give Yourself an A

Borrowing from The Art of Possibility, try giving yourself a little grace. Celebrate effort, curiosity, and creativity, even when things aren’t perfect. The “A” isn’t a grade to earn; it’s a reminder to notice what’s going well and hold yourself with the same kindness you’d offer friends and family.

5. Celebrate Your Winter Hibernation

Winter is nature’s invitation to slow down and cozy up. Take delight in quiet moments: sipping a warm drink, reading a favorite book, wrapping yourself in blankets, or simply enjoying the rhythm of the season. Hibernation isn’t a retreat; it’s an elongated pause, a

chance to restore energy, savor life’s small pleasures, and emerge refreshed for the brighter days ahead.

6. Be Better Next Year -- and Today

The solstice is a natural checkpoint. Reflect on what matters most, reconnect with your values, and take small steps forward. Being better isn’t about perfection; it’s about connecting with others and staying curious about the world around you.

7. Give and Receive Generously

The shortest day invites warmth and connection. Extend kindness, gratitude, and presence to others -- and allow yourself to receive in return. Generosity of spirit is a gift that multiplies when shared.

8. Honor the Gift of Sleep

The longest night is nature’s gentle reminder to rest. Give yourself permission to slow down, embrace early nights, and savor restorative sleep. Quality rest clears the mind, nurtures creativity, and strengthens resilience. Sleep is a gift that prepares you for the year ahead, honoring the natural rhythm of light and dark.

Closing Thought

The 2025 Winter Solstice reminds us that even in darkness, light is returning. Step outside, pause, reflect, celebrate joy, extend generosity, and rest deeply. This season, may you give yourself and others the gifts of presence, delight, and renewal.