CHRISTOPHER KELLEY
NEDERLAND – The Winter Solstice was celebrated on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Caribou Village Shopping Center. This ancient tradition of recognizing the longest night of the year, heralding the return of the sun and of nature’s rebirth, was honored by Nederland’s local businesses, who held special events and sales.
“Solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol,” meaning sun, and “sistere,” which means “to stand still.” The winter solstice, which always occurs in late December, has been celebrated as the pagan holiday Yule. Familiar Christmas traditions originated from Yule, including decorating inside the home with evergreen plants and enjoying a large meal with family and/or community.
Wiccan traditions celebrating the winter solstice included adorning one’s door with wreaths to honor the Holly King; and Celtic tradition highlighted the importance of the sun with the burning of the Yule Log.
The businesses of the Caribou Village Shopping Center celebrated the solstice in their own creative ways, welcoming locals and visitors to come shop, mingle, and be merry by offering a variety of things to do.
Families with young children enjoyed a ride on the Carousel of Happiness. Then made their way to Wild Bear Nature Center where Nature’s Educators facilitated kids meeting, and learning all about, Archimedes the Great Horned Owl and Icarus the three-year old female Bald Eagle, before rounding out their day with a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Train Cars.
Any last minute Christmas shoppers could visit The Shop for a special sale on their vintage clothing, look for unique glass mugs and other specialty gifts at O’Neil Rocky Mountain Art, get your guitar restrung at a discounted price at Brightwood Music, or make a handmade holiday ornament to gift to your loved ones at Spinning Silica.
And those looking for a relaxing evening full of impeccable holiday vibes were offered many choices, from a nice mid-afternoon yoga session and Chai at Tadasana Mountain Yoga, to enjoying delicious mulled wine at Augustina’s Winery, to treating yourself to the chicken, bacon, ranch taco special at Tres Gringos, or sipping wine while painting a masterpiece at Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery, or indulging in a potluck dinner while listening to the classic sounds of Strangebyrds playing live at Very Nice Brewing Company.
A special thanks to all of the shopping center’s businesses for providing the community the opportunity to celebrate the majestic cycle of nature, to celebrate the holiday season, and to celebrate each other at their Winter Solstice Celebration.