Winter Solstice is upon us, so I wanted to share some Winter Solstice craft ideas with you! Celebrated globally, by different cultures and groups, there are traditional and culturally specific ways to celebrate the Winter Solstice. I’m finding myself loosely inspired by Winter Solstice traditions that involve candlelight, feasting, and evergreens – three things I love. So let’s bake and make some crafts inspired by long, cozy evenings under the stars.
What is Winter Solstice?
In the Northern Hemisphere, December 21st will be the shortest day (and thus the longest night). While it will mark the start of winter (blah) and the cold, cold months ahead for many of us (like me, shivering on the shores of Lake Superior), it also markers longer, sunnier days ahead! Honestly, celebrating Winter Solstice resonates with me. I am solar powered. I struggle through long winters here, waiting to enjoy a brief moment in the warm sun. But long ago, I committed to celebrating the coziness of the long, dark nights with simple pleasures – and I think from now on I’m going to make a larger fanfare about greeting the sunnier days ahead.
(The Northern Lights here recently – the best “Night Sky” photos I have!)
Cake With Natural “Wreath” Decoration:
Winter Solstice is a time for feasting and you won’t regret baking this delicious carrot cake recipe. Full of wholesome ingredients and decorated with a natural “wreath” and “snow,” it’s a delicious way to celebrate the longest night.
DIY Felt Moon Ornaments:
Celebrate the longest night with these beautiful beaded felt ornaments. These felt ornaments are not just for Yule trees! Hang them as a garland or anywhere they can catch the (candle)light and sparkle. You could use this same tutorial to make beaded felt suns, as well…
Naturally Green Shortbread Cookies:
These delicious, melt in your mouth shortbread cookies combine your traditional holiday baking with an evergreen twist, thanks to their all natural green hue.
DIY Marbled Polymer Clay Moon & Stars Ornaments:
These marble ornaments need not be confined to a “Christmas tree”. Hang them as part of a seasonal wall hanging, string them into a garland, or add them to an evergreen wreath.
Stovetop Potpourri:
Speaking of evergreen, I love these stovetop potpourri ornaments! You could hang them up in lieu of evergreen branches to still capture the earthy vibe. Whether you want to gift them in this little vessel – or just get inspired to make your own stovetop simmer – the aroma is outstanding and it’s a beautiful way to bring the outdoors inside.
DIY Beaded Crescent Moon Ornaments:
If the goal is glowy and cozy, nothing beats these wire wrapped crescent moon ornaments! Push back the dark, by making these in a sun shape (here’s a metal frame to make it easier – just add beads!) to hang in the window as beautiful sun catchers…
DIY Etched Glass Jar Centerpiece:
Combining etched and/or vinyl stars and natural greenery topped with a floating candle, I think this etched glass jar centerpiece is the perfect addition to a Winter Solstice celebration.
Naturally Green Madeleine Cakes:
Tinted green naturally, with the same secret ingredient as my shortbread, these madeleines are made even more perfect for Winter Solstice feasts with an evergreen tree shaped cake pan.
DIY Starry Night Ornaments:
Inks swirled inside clear glass ornaments, plus some star shapes, create a gorgeously moody ornament inspired by the night sky! The perfect addition to your Yule tree.
Naturally Blue Tea Latte:
Maybe including this recipe is a bit of a stretch, but I think a cold, dark night could be warmed up deliciously with a tea latte the color of the sky – when the sun first wakes up…
DIY Soy Candle:
Candles are very important for many Winter Solstice traditions. If you can’t find the perfect candle – make your own! Soy candles are easy to make (just make sure you choose a vessel that can handle the heat!).
DIY Painted Birch Slices:
A perfect activity for the whole family: slice birch logs and paint beautiful, winter scenes. Paint evening scenes to celebrate the long nights behind us, or sunlit winter vistas to celebrate the sunshine filled winter ahead. Drill a hole for hanging or frame them under glass for rustic wall art.
DIY Cranberry & “Snow” Jars:
Filled with a secret (but easy to find) “snow” – plus cranberries and fresh cedar boughs – this upcycled mason jar centerpiece is cozy with votive candles.
I hope these Winter Solstice craft ideas help you celebrate the dark nights, while welcoming the longer and sunnier days.
