Nippy weather, long nights, and cozy gatherings – these are all signs that winter has arrived. And while you may celebrate the season during Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another major holiday, the winter solstice is one of the oldest yet most often overlooked opportunities to savor that winter wonder feeling.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, and in the Northern Hemisphere it lands between December 20 and 23, depending on the year. This day of little sunlight has been celebrated for thousands of years with festivities taking place all around the world. The winter solstice marks a symbolic end to the year, signaling that while dark days are here, warmer ones are awaiting in the distance. Because the day of winter solstice tends to be dark and cold in much of the Northern Hemisphere, many cultures have traditionally celebrated with light festivals, nourishing meals indoors with loved ones, and the cutting down and burning of yule trees – customs that can now be seen in many other winter holidays that developed later.
You can still find winter solstice celebrations around the world, too, from the annual sunrise viewing at Stonehenge to the Dongzhi Festival in China. But for those who have never formally partaken in these celebrations, why not take a cue from your personality type and try something new? Here are winter solstice practices for each Role group.
These ideas are not meant to encourage or conflict with any religious beliefs. They are merely an invitation to celebrate a notable part of Earth’s seasonal cycle.
Analysts (Intuitive, Thinking Personalities)
Analyst personality types – including Architects (INTJs), Logicians (INTPs), Commanders (ENTJs), and Debaters (ENTPs) – are the most likely Role group to call winter their favorite season. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the types most likely to get into the holiday spirit. For many Analysts, the highlight of the winter holiday season is having time away from work and school duties where they can tinker with hobbies and tend to individual passions. Exchanging gifts or attending large gatherings aren’t as high on their list of priorities.
People with these personalities are the least likely to say they celebrate more than one winter holiday. These Thinking types aren’t ones to give in to sentimentality or others’ traditions, and they may need a rational reason to celebrate. So when it comes to the winter solstice, a sensible and straightforward practice is the best way to go.
Thankfully, one of the most customary ways of honoring the winter solstice is also a practical one: increasing light (sort of a personal version of solstice lantern festivals like the one held in Vancouver, Canada). Analysts tend to be problem solvers, and let’s face it, the shorter, colder days can pose a lot of problems, from daily fatigue to a drop in motivation. These personalities can look for ways to bring light into their spaces just in time for the darkest day of the year.
Intuitive, Thinking personalities, who tend to gravitate toward a mix of scientific and creative problem-solving, can explore which types of lighting work best to solve their difficulties (like those late-afternoon energy slumps following early sunsets) and what options are available (mood-setting candles? A glowing fireplace? LED string lights? An uplifting sun lamp?). Lighting up their homes and workspaces is a task that these independent personalities can handle alone – though those around them will likely appreciate their efforts too.
Diplomats (Intuitive, Feeling Personalities)
The personalities that belong to the Diplomat Role group – Advocates (INFJs), Mediators (INFPs), Protagonists (ENFJs), and Campaigners (ENFPs) – are often led by their Feeling trait, putting great care into their relationships and prioritizing the feelings of their loved ones. That might be why Feeling personalities are much more likely than Thinking types to say they give gifts to seven or more people during the holidays.
Traditionally, gift-giving has been a cornerstone of winter solstice festivities, similar to other winter holidays that are commonly celebrated today. But winter solstice gifts are anything but materialistic – perfect for the overwhelming majority of Diplomats who say “it’s the thought that counts” when it comes to giving and receiving presents. Winter solstice gifts are often handmade using pieces sourced from nature, such as pine needles and winter fruits.
Diplomats interested in trying this winter solstice practice can forage for craft materials during a crisp yet leisurely walk or make use of their local craft store for convenience. (We won’t judge.) Candles, wreaths, wooden decorations and ornaments, and handmade blankets or scarves are all uplifting gifts during the cold and dreary winter solstice day.
Sentinels (Observant, Judging Personalities)
Sentinel personalities – including Logisticians (ISTJs), Defenders (ISFJs), Executives (ESTJs), and Consuls (ESFJs) – are traditionalists who stay loyal to their favorite holidays. If they haven’t started honoring the winter solstice already, they might be disinterested in the idea of setting up or attending a bonfire symbolizing the start of the season – a common winter solstice practice.
However, Sentinels can still get in on the winter solstice celebrations, only in a way that appeals more to their Observant and Judging traits. These personalities enjoy making plans and sticking to their goals, and the winter solstice offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the year and map a success strategy for the season ahead.
Sentinels can start by first making a list of what they’ve accomplished over the last six months and what they hope to achieve or build upon in the next six months, using the days spent hibernating indoors to ready themselves for what’s ahead. This may come naturally to Sentinels, as pausing to plan for future endeavors can give these personalities a head start on New Year’s resolutions, ensuring that they establish the continuity and structure that are important to them.
Explorers (Observant, Prospecting Personalities)
The personalities that make up the Explorer Role – Virtuosos (ISTPs), Adventurers (ISFPs), Entrepreneurs (ESTPs), and Entertainers (ESFPs) – are known for their spontaneity, choosing to follow the wind rather than a fixed plan. So when it comes to trying winter solstice practices, any custom that is highly organized or repetitive likely won’t work for this group.
Instead, Explorers might enjoy a winter solstice festival or party with plenty of stimulation and a bit of chaos. Saturnalia, an old Roman winter solstice celebration, was a rowdy festival that took place each year, where all businesses and schools shut down and an anything-goes party ensued in the streets for days.
These kinds of winter solstice festivals aren’t as easy to come by now, but for Explorers, who tend to crave flexibility and fun, a party or get-together can still have a similar effect. Introverted Explorers might prefer an intimate bonfire that allows them to dip out when they’re ready for some alone time. Extraverted Explorers can host a house party or attend a large family gathering, sharing food and dancing the night away. As long as the day allows for adventure and flexibility, the options for winter solstice celebrations are nearly endless.
Conclusion: Bringing Life to the Dead of Winter
Winter solstice practices celebrate the cold season and dark days ahead, but they’re anything but dreary. Observing the shortest day of the year is a chance to generate warmth and light while finding some fulfillment – or even just good ol’ fun – right in time for the long winter ahead.
Though this holiday has historical roots, carrying with it cultural traditions that have been passed down for hundreds and even thousands of years, there are countless ways to honor it and make it your own. Start with one practice that fits your personality Role group, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas and customs too. The (dark) sky’s the limit when it comes to celebrating this special day.