The longest night of the year has arrived in Canberra and with it, some bitterly cold weather. Marking the astronomical beginning of winter, despite the darkness and chill there’s plenty to celebrate with the winter solstice.
Here in Canberra, we’re surrounded by cool climate wine country and one of the local wineries, Yarrh, puts on a Winter Solstice bonfire complete with wine tastings and food. The fire (and the wine too!) warm the night and standing in the fresh air watching the flames lick the sky is a magical and timeless experience.
The winter solstice has traditions rooted in nature and there are plenty of low cost ideas to help you celebrate at home. Try making pomanders by studding cloves into oranges for a fragrant and long lasting decoration, light a bonfire, chiminea or even some candles as a nod to burning the Yule log, make (and enjoy!) some wassail or put together some evergreen wreaths to bring some life inside. You can use the solstice as an opportunity to let go of grievances and set your intentions for the year to come or even just snuggle up with a warm blanket, some cocoa and a good book. However you decide to mark the longest night, it’s a great time to remember every season has its time and lighter, brighter days are on the way!
Tales From Canberra 
This year Matariki, the Maori new year, is a public holiday for the first time. A sign of midwinter, though no-one is that sure how to celebrate.
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