The quick guide to your warm winter solstice celebration
Modern life can be busy and impersonal, but seasonal rituals provide a welcome excuse to come together. Sarah Heeringa brings midwinter Christmas into the 21st century
Photos: Sarah Heeringa
Cheesy midwinter Christmas celebrations were big in the 80s, but that’s no reason to skip a midwinter party. Now, as the days grow darker, why not gather friends or family to celebrate the passing of the longest nights with your own version of the ancient winter solstice?
First, a quick astronomy lesson. The winter solstice marks the moment between the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It occurs in the days just before Christmas in the northern hemisphere and around June 21 in the southern hemisphere—this year’s solstice will be at 5pm. Strictly speaking, the solstice only lasts an instant, but the term has come to mean the whole day.
Midwinter, on the other hand, is in July—typically New Zealand’s coldest month and also the halfway point between Christmases. For the purposes of entertaining, it’s perfectly reasonable to hold a winter solstice party anytime during these two months. 
Rosehip, fair trade paper and Bemrose Estate Wintermede
Roasted pumpkin and feta
Santa baby
Free-range turkey and spuds with rosemary
Sweet pumpkin pie
Seasonal music; $14 and $25 from www.mightyape.co.nz
In previous times, the months from the winter solstice to spring would have been the harshest and most uncertain period of the year. This dark season was traditionally a time for reflection and inward focus. Crops had been harvested, wines fermented and meat slaughtered. Winter stores had also been laid up, but would have to be rationed. The winter solstice was the last great feast before deep winter began.
We may not be in danger of starving this winter, but there are still plenty of reasons for a modern midwinter celebration. Seasonal rituals give us a chance to set aside our hectic daily routines and celebrate the moment. They add continuity to family life by providing a shared opportunity to reflect on the year and prepare for the months ahead.
Annual rituals remind us of our heritage, the people and places we came from, and the undeniable fact that life goes on, regardless of what has happened before.
Our topsy-turvy summer Christmas makes the New Zealand winter the best time for a cosy, communal gathering.
Tips for a memorable celebration
- Deck the halls
Hunt out a few favourite Christmas decorations, go collecting pinecones or create fragrant green arrangements from your winter garden. - Cook a feast
A shared meal and special food eaten only at certain times of the year are core elements of celebratory events the world over. Roasts are an easy way to warm the house and create a hearty meal. Yams, parsnips and pumpkin are in season; see page 79 for how to cook a succulent free-range turkey. For a local twist serve with cherry guava jelly. - Set the mood
Candles create instant atmosphere—but they’re not all created equal. Go for clean-burning soy candles, or a fair trade candle or tealights (as pictured). You needn’t spend much: Trade Aid’s ornate papers and multipurpose fibre wrap make attractive table runners. - Lay the table for extras
Children love a midwinter celebration—but you don’t necessarily need kids to enjoy the tradition. Relatives aren’t essential either. If Christmas is busy doing the rounds of extended family, your midwinter gathering is a chance to spend time with close friends. An old European Christmas tradition involves laying an extra table setting in case a stranger, family member or friend arrives unexpectedly. Consider inviting a lonely friend, or a homesick northern hemisphere immigrant. - Play seasonal music
If your taste runs from classical to Celtic, then Loreena McKennitt’s A Midwinter Night’s Dream includes an Eastern arrangement of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and ‘Emmanuel’ sung in Latin. For something a little less highbrow, the White Christmas album has Elvis cruning and warbling through classic gospel songs and other old favourites. For a modern twist, look for the Christmas compilation albums from indie label Nettwerk Records. - Start new traditions
Pick the highs and lows of the year so far; say grace or a blessing before the meal; go around the table and have everyone name something to be thankful for (kids love this). - Get historical
Talk with your children about the changing seasons and what their ancestors may have said or done at such a time. - Play silly games
‘Thieving Santa’ sounds innocuous but can be hilarious—especially after a few egg-nogs when the children are tucked in bed. Everyone brings a small gift, wrapped to disguise the gift and the giver’s identity. Take turns to open a new gift or steal a previously opened one. The number of times each gift can be stolen needs to be set before you start—or prepare for a full-on scrap! - Mix your drinks
Whisk up some spicy cheer—a jug of egg-nog (with or without brandy), mulled apple juice or honey wine.
