Winter solstice gifts and traditions

The winter solstice falls on 21 or 22 December in the UK, depending on the year. It is the shortest day and longest night, after which the days slowly start to lengthen. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions.

At the solstice the Sun reaches its lowest midday height of the year in the northern hemisphere. Astronomically it marks the start of winter; in tradition, the rebirth of the sun. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions.

Stonehenge is aligned with the midwinter sunset and Newgrange in Ireland with the midwinter sunrise. Opening arrangements change, so check with the site before travelling. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect.

Sun and star decor, a candle to light on the longest night, citrine or clear quartz, or a journal for new-year intentions all suit the solstice. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect.

Many people switch off the lights at dusk, light a candle, reflect on the year and greet the sunrise the next morning as a symbol of returning light. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions.

Lighting candles on the longest night is an old custom across many cultures, a way to keep the dark at bay and welcome back the sun. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect.

In modern pagan practice Yule is celebrated at the winter solstice, so the two are closely linked; Yule also names a wider midwinter season. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect.

Sunny stones such as citrine, sunstone and clear quartz are traditionally linked with the returning light, and dark stones such as obsidian with the long night. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect.

It is a short wish or goal for the coming year, often written down and kept on an altar or burned safely, as a way to welcome the returning light. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions.

The long nights around the solstice give the most hours of darkness of the year, so it is a good time for stargazing if the sky is clear. Read about Yule and UK dark skies. Customs vary between families and traditions.