Discover Intriguing Things about the Winter Solstice

 

The Winter Solstice is the term used to describe the exact moment when half of the Earth is tilted farthest away from the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, it usually happens on December 21 or 22. 

The Winter Solstice has been a symbol to me for the rebirth or reappearance of the sun, inviting hope, creativity, and new beginnings. This change is evident, as each week afterward has more light minutes than the week before.

This year the Winter Solstice occurs on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 10:03 a.m. (EST). Here is an in-depth post about this special day from The Old Farmer's Almanac.

People who live in the Southern Hemisphere, honor the Winter Solstice in June. That’s because the seasons are reversed below the Equator.

Traditional Colors of the Winter

 Solstice are:

Deep green of evergreens, mistletoe, and pine representing life.

🌲

Red and gold of candles, fire, holly berries, and the sun, as a symbol of warmth and light.

🔥

White and silver to signify snow, frost, and the moon

⛄

Why not check out “How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice: 8 Spiritual Ways to Honor the Return of the Light” from Erin Bruce and The Seasonal Soul Blog for ideas and activities related to the Winter Solstice?

Perhaps you'd like to mark the day with a guided meditation. Then see “Winter Solstice 2025: Meditation and Spiritual Meaning” from Nikki Dyer.

Ancient and modern cultures around the world celebrate this day which symbolizes the "death" of darkness and the rebirth of light, with festivals and celebrations to commemorate it.

Tradtional foods are hearty and warming. Things like flavorful soups, stews, and root vegtable dishes are warming and satisfying. Hot apple cider and ginger tea, and baked goods made with ginger and cinnamon are favored too.

 

Festivities acknowledging this time often involve candles, bonfires, feasting (like dumplings in East Asia), and rituals for renewal, with themes of hope and new beginnings. 

Native American tribes celebrate the Winter Solstice as a profound time of renewal, honoring the "New Sun" and the return of light after the year's longest night, with traditions including storytelling, feasting, dancing, and prayers for spring.

Ceremonies signifying rebirth, connection to the Earth, and ancestral guidance are also an important part of this special day. 

Specific events and public gatherings for 2025 will be announced by individual tribes and cultural centers, but generally focus on spiritual reflection and cultural continuity.

Stonehenge (built between 3100 BC and 1500 BC) is an ancient structure that predates Christmas, and illustrates its builders were clearly aware of the Winter Solstice as an astronomical phenomenon. The main axis of this structure aligns with the setting sun of the Winter Solstice, and shines directly into the heart of the stone circle at the correct time and date each year.

This time of year provides us with an opportunity to pause to remember our connection to the natural world and celebrate the change of seasons.

Have you ever thought about the idea of celebrating the Winter Solstice or practiced any of its traditions? Please share in the comments section below.

Would you like to adopt any of the Winter Solstice practices to help you slow down, treasure the moment, and appreciate the gift of being alive right now?

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I'm so glad you came by for a visit to Colors 4 Health. I appreciate your support, and am grateful for you.

No matter what holiday you celebrate, wishing you a beautiful December.

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Vegan Minestrone Soup, Packed with Flavor

 

Minestrone soup was conceived in ancient Rome, as a peasant dish made from leftover ingredients. This hearty soup has evolved over the centuries to become a staple of Italian cuisine. 

Originally a "poor man's soup" using ingredients like beans, onions, celery, and herbs, it grew in richness with the expansion of the Roman Empire and the eventual introduction of ingredients including tomatoes and herbs from the New World. 

Today, regional variations are common yet still economical, often incorporating seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and a hearty broth.

 

My version is an original that's tried and true. It consists of an array of produce that is delicious, colorful, and healthy. No need to go on an extra food shopping trip for ingredients. I use up fresh veggies, canned beans, canned tomatoes, and leftover pasta or rice I have on hand.
 

I’ve noticed the longer this creamy soup simmers, the more intense the flavor gets. This is a great one dish meal, and with the addition of some crusty bread for dunking, it's tops.

Vegan Minestrone Soup, Packed

 with Flavor

 

Ingredients:

2 or 3 drops of water for sautéing veggies

4 cups of homemade or store bought veggie broth, or 4 cups of water, or combo 

3 large carrots thinly sliced or chopped

3 stalks celery thinly sliced or chopped

1 large yellow onion chopped

1 medium zucchini chopped

1 can (28 oz.) fire roasted or diced tomatoes

1 15 oz. can mixed three beans, rinsed and drained or sub any bean you enjoy. For more protein, add an extra can of beans

4 or 5 cloves of garlic minced

Handful of fresh basil, oregano, thyme,  parsley, and bay leaf or 2 scant Tablespoons of mixed dried Italian herbs

Fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste. Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat (optional)

Optional ingredient: sprinkle on two tablespoons of nutritional yeast before serving. This vegan ingredient has a cheesy flavor (I prefer those brands that are enriched with vitamin B-12)

Optional veggies: spinach, kale, parsnip, Yukon gold, russet, or sweet potatoes, string beans, sm. size pasta (gluten free, semolina, or whole wheat), cooked rice, and cooked (canned) kidney beans, chickpeas, and/or pinto or black beans
 

What to Do:

1. Prep the veggies and place on a cutting board near the stovetop. 

2. Heat a few drops of water in a large pot (Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots and zucchini and sauté for 5-10 minutes, until the veggies are starting to get tender. 

3. Add the veggie broth or water or a combo of both now. Add all dried or fresh herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley), beans and optional veggies of your choosing except for tomatoes.

Note: tomatoes slow down the cooking process, so add them the last half hour of the cook time. 

4. Stir pot. Bring to a boil, and cook on medium for ten minutes. Add tomatoes and cover, but remember to make a vent hole by leaving a small opening in the lid to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure from building up inside pot during cooking. Lower heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until all veggies are tender. 

Tip: If you want to add uncooked pasta or rice to the soup, read box directions, and cook separately. Add to soup bowls right before serving, when pasta is al dente or rice is firm but not undercooked. If you add these ingredients to soup pot, they may absorb too much of the liquid.
 
Tip: Do not overcook chopped spinach, chopped kale, or other greens. Put them in the soup pot during the last few minutes of the cook time.

Serve piping hot, as a warming, satisfying one pot meal at lunch or dinner. For those with a big appetite, serve with a tempeh or chickpea salad sandwich or protein rich salad.

Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and share on social media with a link back to this post.

 

Do you have a favorite recipe for Minestrone soup and is it scrumptious and simple? 

 

Please comment in the comment section below. 

What ways do you like to prepare veggies, beans, whole grains, and legumes? Please share your ideas and favorite recipes below.

 

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8 Tips to Simplify the Holidays for Less Stress and More Joy

2 Junior Bakers with Sticky Fingers

Here are 8 tips to help simplify the holidays and create less stress and more joy at this festive time of year.

1. Think about holiday traditions and pastimes that are important to you and your family, and write a to-do list with that in mind. Organize tasks including gift buying and food and meal shopping and planning details. Don't forget to include relaxing and refreshing activities in the mix.

2. Acknowledge the reasons you celebrate the season, and focus on the overall themes of gratitude, love, giving, and togetherness.

3. Consider the why of your celebration and use your breath to set yourself up for a calmer holiday season. Think about the past year’s accomplishments and challenges, and recognize what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Perhaps you will also reflect on future aspirations, focusing on who you want to spend time with and how you want to feel in the New Year.

4. Make self-care a priority. Maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercise, and time in nature. Release expectations that you can fit everything you want into each day. Instead of striving for perfection, set boundaries by saying "no" to over-commitment. Just remember your mental and physical health are impacted by the self-care choices you make.

Note: This post is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only, and is not intended as health advice. Speak to a health care provider if that is what you seek.

5. Share tasks to make holiday decorations, food prep, and planning a group effort.  Lighten your load and work with others, and get the bonus of providing space for connection with friends or family. Reserve time to relax and enjoy those people, places, and things you love. Also, don’t forget to rest and/or take breaks.

6. Go for quality over quantity. Don’t go overboard buying the fanciest decorations or an expensive toy for the kids. Be thoughtful about gift-giving. Be creative and give handmade food items or experience gifts rather than things. Memories are golden.

7. Update your vision of holiday gatherings, especially if your budget is stretched. Get together with friends for ice or roller skating, a festive lights tour, or a leisurely stroll after dinner. Companionship and sharing are real gems of the season. 

8. Laugh and play by hosting an ugly sweater competition or white elephant gift exchange. Find a relaxed, creative pursuit like making cookies or brownies to give as gifts. Why not partake of a simple holiday-themed outdoor activity like hiking or building a snowman? 

No matter when, where, or how you do it, try to pace yourself. When you want or need to kick-back, enjoy a cozy day indoors with a holiday movie marathon or a good book. Take extra time to pamper yourself by luxuriating in a hot shower, engaging in a spa day, or take a holiday yoga or Pilates' class.

Thanks dear readers and visitors for the time and attention you have given me this year. I am grateful for you.

Have you come up with ideas that simplify the holidays for you? Please share one or two in the comments section below.

What area or areas of holiday prep do you need to review or revise? Please share that below too. 

 

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Wishing you a festive holiday season and many moments of sheer joy.

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