December is a month with alllllll the holidays. In our house, we observe Hanukkah, Christmas and Yule (also known as Winter Solstice).
All of these holidays include rituals that work with light. We light the menorah for Hanukkah, we string lights around the Christmas tree, and for Yule, we use the darkest days to better work with the stars and see the light within ourselves.
What do all of these things mean? To me, they mean hope and faith in a brighter future. There’s comfort in knowing that every day going forward brings more light, literally and figuratively.
For this year’s Solstice feast, I’ll be crafting with the dried rosemary I harvested from my herb garden during the Autumn Equinox. Dried rosemary is great to use in cooking, as well as in homemade bath salts, as seen in the recipes below.
Click here for the recipe for my all-time favorite winter side dish: roasted Japanese sweet potatoes.
Click here for the recipe for the bath salts I’ll be giving as gifts to my friends who observe Yule: the perfect Winter bath soak.
Darkness evokes a sense of fear, and fear helps us to see opportunity and potential (I see you New Year’s Resolution makers!). On a much more superficial level, because there’s less sun exposure, it’s also an opportunity to try cosmetic treatments. 😂 Click here to see my Clear & Brilliant review.
If cosmetic treatments aren’t your thing, but you’re looking for a New Year’s pick-me-up, Sakara to the rescue! They are doing a 30-day wellness reset in January with four different start weeks. This special program includes:
- 4 weeks of Sakara’s signature plant-rich, science-backed meal delivery program (choice of 3 or 5 days per week, at least 2 meals per day)
- wellness essentials—including a 30-day supply of Metabolism Super Powder, rechargeable electric frother, and insulated tote bag
- a program guide to inspire your transformation.
Starting on Monday 12/20, you’ll be able to sign up here, and if you’re new to Sakara, use code XOJEN for 20% off your first order.
May your light shine bright this Winter.