December 21, 2025
Here’s a Few Fun Facts surrounding our Winter Solstice
Did you know ……
In Latin, ‘solstice’ translates into ‘sol’ meaning the sun, and ‘sistere’ meaning to stand still.
“For only one brief astronomical moment in time, the sun stands completely still.”*
*In reality, the sun never stands still. If it did, from our perspective, that would mean the earth suddenly stopped orbiting and rotating. Not desirable!
Did you know ……
The winter solstice is often called midwinter, the longest night, or the shortest day. It refers to a moment in time in which the period of daylight is at its shortest. In the Northern Hemisphere, this always happens between December 20 and 23. On this day, the 23.5 degree tilt of the earth’s axis of rotation engulfs the North Pole in continuous darkness or twilight.
Did you know ……
Yule is an ancient pagan season rooted in Norse, Germanic, and Celtic traditions, originally celebrated around the winter solstice. It honored the rebirth of the sun, the endurance of life during deep winter, and the protective power of fire and community. Yule symbolically bridged darkness and the gradual return of light. Today’s modern holiday customs, such as candles, feasting, evergreen decorations, and gatherings, have been influenced by those Pagan rituals of the past. And today, the blending of Yule’s myth and cultural memory appeals to those seeking grounding rituals, nature-based practices, and a deeper connection to seasonal cycles.
For more fun facts about Winter Solstice, check out these past posts shared on December 21, 2022 and 2024.
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Thanks to all for following my creative adventures over the past year(s). Your thoughtful comments and likes are truly appreciated. I’m looking forward to another full year of learning and sharing information about our fascinating natural world. As always, thanks for coming along!
Wishing everyone all the best this winter season and brilliant sunshiny days in the coming year.
a curious nature 
Happy Summer Solstice from the other side of the world. Happy Holiday Season to you. Love reading and seeing all your drawings. Cheers from Sara and Tiny, hi Kat.
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Oh Sara! It’s always so wonderful to hear from you and Tiny, and to think about the land down under, so bright and warm! Flambé loves always to know Tiny is still having so much fun exploring your art! Such a clever little Aussie mouse. Thanks so much for reaching out and for continuing to follow my posts. Also wishing you the best of holiday seasons, whether you’re at home in Perth, or enjoying the holiday in Queensland. And wishing you an exciting 2026, full of family and creativity! Cheers!
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Barb –
Just love your post! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year. Dee
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Thank you very much, Dee! Personal wishes to you as well, and thanks so much for continuing to follow my posts! Happy Happy!
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Barb, your art piece inspires so much cheer with its radiating sun rays! Such a great reminder to celebrate the return of the light. I am burning candles every evening now starting around 4pm when it starts getting dark, just to add a flicker of warm glow. Happy, happy holidays to you, dear friend and looking forward to seeing where your creativity leads you in 2026!
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