Winter Solstice Rituals

Cozy Up This Winter Solstice with Flowers

Happy Winter Solstice from Allen's Flower Market! The days have been getting shorter and the temperatures dropping for several weeks – and it all culminates today! This is officially the shortest day of the year, meaning that from here forward, you can look forward to a slight increase in daylight every day and a complete sense of all of the cozy delights that winter has to offer.

Winter Solstice is a great time to reflect, get together with family and friends, and be intentional about the holidays and the New Year's celebrations to come. Here are some rituals that might surprise and entice you to celebrate this solstice:

• Light a bonfire. In Scandinavia, people revisit the pagan origins of the solstice by singing songs and gathering by firelight. Bring some fun and heat by bundling up, heading outdoors, and joining up with loved ones around a big fire. To amp up the delight, serve ginger cookies and mulled wine. In England, a festival called "burning the clocks" takes place, featuring a parade of masked people who dress up as clocks and carry lanterns to the seaside. The paraders toss their lanterns into a large bonfire, symbolizing the passage of time and the burning of old fears. Whether a bonfire is symbolic or simply a nice way to stay warm, you can draw on many exciting traditions by cozying up around the fire.
• Decorate your space. In many cultures, from Persia to Japan to Canada, lighting candles is core to observing the winter solstice. Canadians have a beautiful tradition of burning candles in paper bags called luminaria. Use them to light up your yard, patio, or balcony. The more luminaria you set up, the more magical they are.
• Roast a squash. Japanese cultures enjoy eating delicious Kabocha squash on the winter solstice, which would have been one of the only fresh foods available in early civilization. If you want to get indulgent, a bath in citrus fruits is another Japanese specialty that will both refresh you and boost your immunity. 

Whether you're hanging out under a warm blanket at home or gathering with friends and family, the winter solstice is a great reminder to take advantage of the changing seasons to set intentions, take care of your space, and take a break from the hectic details of the holiday season. Brighten up the shortest day of the year with flowers! Winter whites make a tasteful statement in any room – our Forever Calla Lilies define cheer with elegance. The playful White Wizard arrangement pairs lilies with hydrangeas, roses, and green foliage. Channel warmth, vibrancy, and good energy with Peony Pleasure, a lush combination of white, purple, and pink peonies nestled in a glass cube vase. Bring a little pastel into your solstice with Peachy, a happy blend of pink roses, gerbera daisies, fern leaves, and fluffy foliage.

At Allen's Flower Market, we are proud to be a family-owned business and have been serving our customers for over 40 years. We offer fast, easy delivery to accommodate your busy life and help you stay focused on your festivities, celebrations, and rituals. Have a look at our impressive variety of flowers, gifts, plants, and floral arrangements online.