Bundle up and celebrate the winter solstice

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, which also means it is the date with the longest night. The summer solstice, on the other hand, is the opposite — the longest day and the shortest night of the year.

A red-tailed hawk at sunset. (Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

The amount of daylight and darkness changes with each passing day because of Earth’s tilt. After the winter solstice, which marks the first day of winter, our days begin to get longer each day until the summer solstice, which is in June.

The summer solstice marks the first day of summer. This lengthening of days begins slowly at first but then ramps up with more daylight as we near the vernal equinox, marking the start of spring. The vernal equinox is in March.

Winter is a season of stillness and rest in nature. Plants and animals slow down to conserve energy. The outdoors tends to be calm and peaceful.  

Cold weather is no reason to stay indoors. Make a plan to spend some time in the woods and enjoy the longest night of the year.

People celebrate the winter solstice in many ways. Here are some ideas for you: 

• Watch the sunset. Close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on your face on a cold winter day. Think about the warmer spring days to come.  

• Look to the future. The winter solstice brings the promise of new beginnings. The days will now get longer and warmer in hopes of spring. Now is the time to make plans for future you!  

• Take a night hike to celebrate the longest night of the year. (Remember, the forest preserves close at sunset, so maybe you could walk around your neighborhood instead.)

• Look for animal tracks to figure out what animals are braving the winter weather alongside us. 

• Reflect on the past year before beginning the new year.  

• Enjoy a bonfire. Roast some marshmallows while you're at it.