Mark your calendars for December 21, 2024, when the winter solstice arrives at 4:21 a.m. ET, kicking off the longest night of the year and our annual search for the sun's lost light!

As the Northern Hemisphere gears up for the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year and astral cue to stockpile blankets and hot cocoa—December 21 promises a chilly reminder of the Earth's tilt and our collective obsession with chasing sunlight. From Yule celebrations that honor the sun’s return to modern Christmas traditions tracing back to ancient Pagan customs, this day marks not only a celestial phenomenon but also an occasion for us to awkwardly gather and revel in the dark.

The winter solstice, which gracefully signifies the first official day of winter, has been captivating stargazers and sun worshippers alike since before anyone decided staying indoors was more comfortable. As the Earth wobbles around the sun, we experience the shortest period of daylight between sunrise and sunset, ensuring that darkness will reign supreme for the longest time of the year. So, if you’re feeling less than motivated to step out from under your electric blankets, you might blame an astronomical alignment rather than your seasonal laziness.

When the clock strikes 4:21 a.m. ET on December 21, 2024, the solstice will officially commence, and the sun will play its unceremonious game of hide and seek, which peaks in enthusiasm just before each successive sunset. After this point, however, daylight hours will begin their gradual ascent, gaining about one minute more of sunlight each day, much like a toddler trying to stretch their bedtime just a little longer.

The most hygienic way to celebrate the winter solstice is by participating in Yule, a Pagan holiday that celebrates the return of the sun and the rebirth of the land. This might involve a bit of feasting, some rituals involving the forest-dwelling creatures (or perhaps just your local squirrels), and lots of merriment. Some may even argue that this festive spirit, coupled with a yearning for more light, is the true origin of our obsession with holiday parties and lights—no better way to brighten up the sun-starved dark than with string lights that could potentially rival the solar system.

For those seeking the authentic winter solstice experience, you can remove yourself from the comforts of your home and spend the day at sites like Stonehenge or Newgrange. These locations, known for their ancient winter solstice celebrations, offer a spectacular show of enthusiastic stone alignment and crowd enjoyment, reminiscent of a family reunion where no one quite knows how they’re related but everyone agrees that snacks are vital. Millions flock to these sites, drawn together by their shared reverence for the cosmic event and a healthy dose of curiosity about standing in a field with a lot of rocks.

These celebrations are not limited to one type of faith; rather, people from various backgrounds come together to bask in the winter magic—some will chant, others will pray, and a few will simply enjoy the weather-induced adrenaline spike of being outdoors in the freezing temperatures, all while producing clouds of breath that echo the very huffs of Olaf the snowman.

Interestingly, many of our present-day Christmas traditions, including the use of Christmas trees and wreaths, stem from ancient Pagan customs associated with the winter solstice. While the story goes that we adopted these practices to celebrate the birth of a slightly better-known figure, it appears the real winner here is the evergreen tree, which has somehow secured a permanent place in our holiday homes despite knowing full well that most of us will be removing its needle-encrusted carcass come January. Nothing like the visual of a dried-out tree to remind you of the annual heartache as the lights come down.

So, as December 21 approaches next year, prepare yourself to navigate family gatherings, perhaps awkwardly explain the significance of various decorations, and mourn the daylight that feels like it's on a permanent vacation. As we huddle indoors sharing tales of sun-soaked dreams while sipping our hot cocoa, we will realize that the winter solstice is not just about the loss of daylight but an annual reminder that even the sun loves a good long nap now and then.