Gratitude in the Dark

In the five elements theory in Chinese medicine, and also in most indigenous cultures, all of the seasons of the year flow one from the other, and each serve a purpose, symbolically as well as literally.

There’s no moment or season that’s not purposeful and rich if taken in this context. We just need to look closely, sometimes with fresh eyes. This is especially critical if we have challenging historical events or experiences we associate with a particular season.

Transition to winter

In the Northern Hemisphere, December is a transitional month between fall and winter. Regardless of the climate in our particular locale, the daylight hours are diminishing and it becomes cooler―if not cold. Although we may tend to think of ourselves as separate and distinct from animals, we too are sentient beings impacted by the changes that come with this season.

The quality and nature of this impact varies from person to person, with some folks settling in for a cozy retreat, while others mourn the loss of summer and all that it entails.

The cyclical context

As we move into December, it can be helpful to consider the distinctive features of this phase in nature’s cycle. Late fall and early winter are a period during which growth slows or halts, harvesting is completed, supplies are established, and attention tends to shift inward.

This is the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, honour, rest, and restore. There are numerous approaches to this, so you can consider what fits best for you―no need to make this a new to-do list! Just see if there’s something that seems interesting, and give it a try.

Familiar territory

Our body, mind, emotions, and spirit can all be impacted to varying degrees by the approaching winter. We may literally experience our bodies differently as the temperatures drop in the following ways, for example:

• Seasonal flus and viruses must be contended with.
• The darkness may contribute to lower energy or less positive mindset.
• We may feel deflated or even trapped if the weather is restricting our usual activities.

In addition, there’s the possible collision of two or more of these, resulting in a sick, grumpy, isolated concoction that makes living with ourselves tough! Fortunately, we can minimize the chance of this happening, and when it does, we can find our way through.

It can be helpful to face this head-on by following these suggestions:

• Do what you can to care for your physical health with diet, exercise, and supplements.
• Intentionally create activities and connections that are positive for you.
• Remember to keep things in perspective―the value may be less obvious, but it’s still there if you look for it.

This is your time to recalibrate, let go of what isn’t working, and begin to include what’s been missing in your life.

Winter solstice practices

Kristina Campbell is a registered clinical counsellor and artist based in BC’s Comox Valley. “As an artist, [I] draw heavily on [my] Norse background for inspiration,” Campbell says. “[My] fascination with mythology, poetry, and symbolic imagery is a unifying theme throughout [my] work.”

Campbell says she continues many of the winter and solstice traditions she experienced as a child with her Danish parents, as well as creating new rituals that she finds meaningful. People from northern climates do tend to find ways to make the most of what nature is serving up!

A single candle

With others, or in solitude, light a single candle and sit in silent reflection. Consider the year that has passed: where you’ve struggled, when you were surprised, and what you’ve discovered along the way. Then look to the new year and consider what you look forward to, what you intend, and how you can leave space for the unexpected.

Advent candle wreath

Based in Swedish tradition, a table centrepiece is created with four candles in a greenery wreath. Each week one more candle is lit in a clockwise pattern until all are lit on Christmas Eve.

“In Scandinavia, the candle colours represent red for the Holly King, green for the Oak King, and white for the cold,” says Campbell. “Yellow or gold candles can be used to represent the sun.” You can also try a variation of this to reflect your own values and beliefs; for example, colours can represent hope, peace, joy, and love.

Winter solstice poetry reading

Campbell has hosted poetry readings with a twist for winter solstice. She invites a select group to bring a candle and a poem or brief reading. Each person lights their candle as they enter the darkened room, together forming a circle of light. They then take turns reading whatever they’ve chosen to mark the occasion.

The arms of nature

A favourite tradition for Campbell, when weather permits, is to gather outdoors with friends around a tree which has been prepared with pendulum candle holders (to allow single candles to be safely supported by individual branches). This style of tree-lighting will be familiar to many of European descent. The group can sing as they slowly circle the tree.

Reflection, gratitude, and connection

All of these rituals share essential elements―grounding, intention, introspection, gratitude, and connection. They are chosen because they resonate for those participating. They reflect an honouring of life, both respecting its mysteries, and appreciating its lessons. And they are preparing a clear path forward for whatever will be next. This may never be your favourite season; however, you can make it a richer one with some focus and creativity.

Our soul is waiting

In whatever way we choose to approach this season, know that we can make it a positive and nurturing time for us and those around us. We can light a fire or a candle; think of one thing we accomplished this year; remember one person who made a difference in our world; or consider one thing we might do to make this world better, at least for today. And we can relax―knowing that our blankets will still be there when we need them.

This article was originally published in the December 2025 issue of alive magazine.