How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice With Kids
A Hearthblossom Family Guide to Welcoming the Light
As the longest night of the year settles softly over our homes, something ancient stirs — a sense of pause, rest, and quiet magic. Children feel it deeply, even if they don’t have the words for it. The Winter Solstice is a gentle moment to remind them (and ourselves) that light always returns, and warmth always finds its way back to the hearth.
Celebrating Yule with kids doesn’t need to be elaborate or mystical. It can be as simple as a candle flame, a warm loaf of bread, a walk through crisp winter air. Here are a few cozy, child-friendly ways to welcome the Solstice together.
1. Light a “Return of the Sun” Candle
Choose a single candle—yellow, gold, or any color your child feels drawn to.
When you light it, explain:
“Even on the darkest night, the light always returns.”
Let it glow during dinner or quiet storytime.
If you’re building a seasonal altar, here’s my guide to making a witchy Yule altar.
2. Take a Yule Nature Walk
Bundle up and wander outside together. Invite your child to collect bits of winter beauty:
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pinecones
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evergreen sprigs
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acorns
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smooth stones
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winter berries (safe ones!)
These can become simple altar decorations or offering pieces later that evening.
3. Make Sunshine Paper Crafts
Kids love symbolism that they can see.
Let them draw or cut out suns, stars, or rays of light with crayons or construction paper.
Tape the suns to windows or place them near your Yule candle to “welcome the sun back.”
4. Bake a Little “Sun Bread”
Any round bread will do — a sweet roll, a simple loaf, even pre-made dough.
Tell your child:
“This bread looks like the sun. We’re baking the light back into the sky.”
A sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar adds a touch of sparkle.
5. Share Gentle Gratitude
Keep it simple and sweet. Ask:
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“What made you happy this year?”
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“What was your favorite memory?”
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“What are you excited for next year?”
Kids express magic naturally when you give them space.
6. Hide Tiny Kindness Notes
Cut out small paper hearts or stars.
Write words like Joy, Hope, Peace, or even simple compliments.
Hide them around the house for family to find throughout the Solstice evening.
This is a beautiful way to teach children that kindness is a kind of magic.
7. Storytime by Candlelight
Turn off the overhead lights.
Light your Yule candle and curl up with blankets and warm cocoa.
This is the perfect moment to read Yuletide Gifts: A Hearthblossom Tale, my own little winter storybook full of kindness, generosity, and cottage magic.
It’s written for this season of giving — a gentle tale to remind children that the warmest gifts come from the heart.
8. Make a Yule Wish for the Year Ahead
Invite your child to whisper a wish into their hands, draw it, or tuck it under a candle.
This can be anything — big or small.
Wishes become seeds, and Yule is a wonderful time to plant them.
Free Printable!
May your Solstice be soft, bright, and full of magic.
May the returning sun shine warmly on your hearth and your heart.
Want more ideas? Here are 10 Simple Yule Rituals for a Magical Winter Solstice.
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