Every culture, religion and group of people to ever exist on Earth has recognized the significance of winter solstice. The solstice itself occurs only for a moment as the Earth's axis reaches its furthest point away from the sun. It is celebrated by festivals and revelry the world around. While there is no documentation on its actual use, Stonehenge is believed to have been built to celebrate the winter solstice. Julius Cesar declared December 25 to be the official day of winter solstice, and the ancient Germanic tribes brought an evergreen tree into their abode to acknowledge it. They even celebrate it officially in Antarctic research stations on December 21!
INVITATION TYPE
- Email, or build a temple or odd stone formation
DECORATIONS
- This may seem a little odd, but you could drag a live tree into your house and decorate it.
- "WINTER SOLSTICE" lettering. You may consider doing this in multiple languages!
FOOD AND DRINK MENU
- Appetizers: Cheese platter, Crackers, Mini Hotdogs, Stuffed Mushrooms, Shrimp Cocktail, Fried Ravioli…anything goes here! Feast how you want!
- Entreés: Hearty winter comfort food. Meat and Potatoes, Lasagna, Ziti, Meatballs, Polish sausage, German sausage, Fish, Roast Vegetables. Anything you want.
- Desserts: Warm Pie a la Mode, Cheesecake, Cannoli, Baklava – represent the world through dessert.
- Cocktails: Hearty Winter Ale, Mulled Wine, Whiskey, Vodka, Coffee Drinks
ENTERTAINMENT
- Celtic music
- Chant music
- Prayer to false gods
GAMES
- Decorate a tree as a group
- Build a giant rock formation
- Chess
ATTIRE
- Comfortable winter attire, or druid robes.
LAST MINUTE TIPS
So many cultures around the world celebrate this occurance that there is almost an infinite amout of ways you could trhow this party. Wikipedia has a very good variety of ancient and modern celebrations. There are literally dozens of traditions.
And as always, remember to bring your camera!
