The Winter Solstice is nearly here—December 21^st. It signifies the start of winter, and is also the longest day of the year. Solstice occurs when the sun is directly overhead of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere.

Part of the word “solstice” is derived from the Latin word sistere, meaning “to stand still”. (The reason for this is because to many it appeared as though the sun and moon had stopped moving across the sky.)

Celebrating the Winter Solstice in your hot tub is a terrific way to take some time to quiet yourself, reflect, and place yourself outdoors to enjoy your place in the universe we call home. It can be a great annual ritual. Creating a new tradition like this can help bring peace and heart to the holiday season.

Light a few candles and place them by your hot tub. Enjoying the flickering candle light while immersed in the warm peaceful water of your hot tub will really enhance the experience. Play some soothing music (I like George Winston’s December). Or, if you prefer, simply soak in silence and reflect. The quiet of a dark winter night can certainly instill a sense of peace, and allow your mind to purge itself of so much “muck” that fills it during the course of a busy day.

Water itself is known for its renewing properties, which is a perfect place to spend the Solstice. The day is the start of the renewal of the sun, and nature’s start to return to warmer and livelier times ahead.

During the holidays, who doesn’t need a reason “to stand still”?