Winter Solstice has returned. Technically it’s in a few days but with the longer nights, it’s certainly being felt. This year I have been out tracking, indoor climbing and baking up a storm at home. It’s been a lovely, snowy descent into the dark.

Again, like last year, I have been reading, writing, listening to a lot of film soundtracks and watching silly movies. But I also try to make space for the reverence. Of course, this comes through the tracking, learning and sharing naturalist knowledge, and spending quality time outside, but I also celebrate through stories and songs, both new and ancient, and kept warm beside friends, old and new, nibbling on delicious baked goods. Every day is magical, but the spiraling year allows for seasons and celebrations to be longed for, and appreciated deeply when the those same seasons and celebrations return once again.

And, once again, I get to rebroadcast the 1985 radio play by Alison McLeay “Solstice” for the 8th year in a row. I am so grateful to get to air it again and celebrate the season of darkness with a deep dive into the origins of some of the celebrations and stories my ancestors may have participated in and shared this time of year.

Get yourself a nice warm drink, a cozy blanket, light a candle and enjoy.