The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year. Generally this takes place on December 20th or 21st, and is celebrated by many different groups. Unfortunately it has come to be seen as strictly a Pagan religious occasion. Because of this, I have included only those books which represent the day from several perspectives. The ISBN is listed to aid in ordering through bookstore or library.
The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson. This book is appropriate for ages 4-8 years. Winning the Children's Choices Award in 1995 for it's tremendous appeal to children, this title is still a delight to parents, teachers and kids of all ages. Jackson offers information from cultural, religious, historic, and scientific viewpoints. ISBN: 0761302972
A Solstice Tree For Jenny by Karen Shragg. Appropriate for ages 4-8 years. Because Jenny's family isn't religious, she is feeling left out of the holiday festivities. She discovers the versatility of the solstice and uses it as an opportunity to talk to her parents about what they believe and why. This is an excellent book to use in explaining religious differences, and is respectful of both religious and non-religious families. ISBN: 1573929301
Iliana, A Winter Solstice Tale by Walter Fordham. Appropriate for reading to children aged 5 and up, read alone for ages 9-12 years. This is the story of one girl's mission to save the sunlight. It's an inspiring tale of bravery, and encourages children to explore their own greatness. ISBN: 0968000703
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales From Around the World by Carolyn McVickar Edwards. A great group of tales for the whole family from various cultures and religions. ISBN: 1569246173
While we attend the Christmas celebrations of family, we celebrate the Solstice here at home. We have decorations and a tree, and we do get presents from Father Claus. No, these aren't things we borrowed from Christianity, although our religions seem to have grown more similar over the years.
The night before the Solstice we decorate our tree, and stay up until midnight to welcome in the holiday by lighting our lights. This is a night of reflection, and of building up hopes for the new year. The season itself is a tribute to family and community, of helping those who need it and fully enjoying the people we have in our own lives.
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