Tuesday the 21st is the Winter Solstice.  More specifically, at 6:38 pm EST. This moment, where the earth is farthest away from the sun is a turning point, to midwinter and the gradual lengthening of days as we begin the journey back towards the sun.

Celebrations of Winter Solstice have been traced back thousands of years, and linked to many different cultures.  While somewhere along the way we seem to have lost the connection of celebrating seasonal change, more and more people are seeing the value of including this day in their holiday rituals.  There is something so unifying in observing a day that is celebrated all over the world, no matter what country, culture, or religion you identify with.

There are many simple ways to observe this day.  For my family, Solstice means eating dinner by candlelight to appreciate this shortest night of the year,  then lighting a fire to symbolize the light that we are returning to.  I love throwing some evergreen herbs such as fir, pine, rosemary, and thyme into the fire to fill the house with delicious scents as well. One added bonus this year is that Winter Solstice falls on a total lunar eclipse!

For my yoga students, it means doing a whole lot of sun salutations!  Yogis traditionally go through 108 sun salutations at both summer and winter solstice.  The purpose is to simply create awareness and celebrate the natural cycles of the earth that each of us rely so heavily upon.  And nothing brings awareness (even exhausted awareness) like 108 sun salutations!  Sort of a meditation in motion.  Of course, any amount of sun salutations will do, as long as the intention is there.

How do you celebrate this season (whether it's Solstice or just the Winter season)?

Rituals and traditions are building blocks for strong and happy families; instilling values and creating a sense of family identity.  So no matter what traditions you choose to celebrate this season I wish you much health, wellness, and happiness in the coming year.

Namaste,

Kristin Henningsen, MS, RYT

This past weekend I hosted an herbal holiday gift making workshop.  A bit complicated  to say, but simple in concept.  Over herbal tea and scones, participants learned how to make soap, create tea blends, and make bath salts.  Then armed with recipes and supplies, they created herbal gifts for others (or themselves!).  Peppermint, lavender, and laughter flowed freely.

More and more people are turning to handmade gifts this holiday season.  Whether it is from the current economic climate, a greener conscience, or a brilliant burst of creativity, the trend is certainly catching on.  Handmade gifts are a great way to show simple appreciation for the ones you love.  And I'll tell you a secret, it doesn't have to be time consuming! 

I've shared a few herbal recipes below that make quick and easy gifts. 

• Muscle Ease Bath Salt

    1/2 cup Sea Salt                  1/2 cup Baking Soda
    1/2 cup Epsom Salt             20 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
    15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
    5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

    ~Mix all ingredients well.  Add to bath by tablespoons to desired strength.

•      Dreamy Bath Salt Blend

    1/2 cup Sea Salt              1/2 cup Baking Soda
    1/2 cup Epsom Salt         5 drops each of Rose, Chamomile,  Lavender, and Jasmine Essential Oil

    ~Mix all ingredients well.  Add to bath by tablespoons to desired strength.

•    FairyTale Tea

        1/2 cup Raspberry Leaf                             1/2 cup Lemon Balm
                      1/2 cup Chamomile                     1/4 cup Peppermint
                      1/4 cup Spearmint                        1/4 cup Rose hips
                      1/4 cup Lavender   

            ~Blend all ingredients together for a delicious and fragrant tea  blend
              *yields 20 oz.

•     Minty Magic Tea

    2 cups Peppermint        1 cup Spearmint
    1/4 cup Lemon Balm

    ~Blend ingredients together for an uplifting and refreshing tea blend
    *Yields 20 oz.


You can store Bath Salts and Tea in simple Ball Mason Jars (or any interesting jar you find!).  Hot glue pretty paper onto the jar for a label, tie a ribbon around the top, and you have a beautiful homemade gift for your family or friends. 

Make sure to make one for yourself as well! :)

Have fun!
Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T.