Today is the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. While it is easy to get caught up in preparing for the holidays with shopping and special programs on TV, WildernessU-Georgia is offering you an alternative this year. Instead of getting lost under a bundle of shopping bags or entranced by the glow of the flat screen, try these fun and winter inspired activities to celebrate the Winter Solstice!
- Take a walk and collect pine branches and pine cones (since we are in Georgia, the land of the pines this shouldn’t be a difficult task) and make your own winter wreath. You can add berries and flowers from the store to make it extra festive and hang it on your door for all to see your handiwork.
- While you are outdoors collecting bits of nature to decorate your home, watch the sunset. The hectic tasks of the holiday season will melt away and you can really appreciate what nature has to offer us every single day, even when we take it for granted.
- Invite your friends and family over for a bonfire. Since the weather is still pretty tolerable here (no snow at least), a controlled bonfire is the perfect way to gather everyone together to enjoy the outdoors in a warm and natural setting. Pass around s’mores and hot cocoa for some great winter nosh. Just think, this is how people celebrated the Winter Solstice centuries ago. Keep the tradition of natural heat alive!
It’s the shortest day of the year today, but that doesn’t mean we have to go to bed early and let the day be forgettable. Start a tradition this year and make the first day of winter something you will look forward to from now on!
– Amanda Keuler
WildernessU-Georgia 