The stretch of days between December 21 and January 6 has long been a time that calls us to connect with the quiet wisdom that comes when we slow down. These are days of deep winter—a season of hibernation and introspection.
In today’s world, though, this sacred pause often gets lost. January hits, and we’re told to push full steam ahead—new year, new you, right? But what if we chose something softer?
What if we gave ourselves permission to approach the new year with gratitude and wonder rather than expectations?
The Twelfth Night
Depending on which roots you stem from, and what day you begin counting, Twelfth night falls on either December 31st or January 6th.
Originally, Twelfth Night marked the twelve-day journey that begins on the eve of the winter solstice (Dec 20) known as Mother Night, and ends on December 31, what most people now consider New Years eve.
The Twelfth Night honored the transition from the darkest days of the year to the return of the light, an ending to the yuletide celebrations and a time to let go of the old and prepare for the future.
Today, what is more well known, is the 12 days of Christmas, beginning on December 25th and ending on January 6th, aka Epiphany (the night the three kings visit newborn Jesus)
Some believe this change of dates was made to distance the Christian holiday from its pagan roots. It’s also worth noting that January 6 was what was originally celebrated as Jesus' birthday and sometimes referred to as “old christmas”, before the Roman Church designated it December 25.
In truth, there’s no wrong day to celebrate. I don't think it was ever meant to be about a singular date, or twelve specific dates, but rather a season—a transition. Whether you observe it through Pagan or Christian traditions, it invites us to honor time for reflection and spiritual insights before leaping into the future.
Celebrate when it makes the most sense for you.
New Year’s Eve Reimagined
For many, New Year’s Eve is associated with loud celebrations and grand resolutions. But what if we reimagined it as a softer, more reflective time? What if this New Year’s Eve, instead of making a list of goals, you lit a candle, closed your eyes and said thank you? Not just say it, but feel it. What if you toasted not to changing yourself but to settling in more deeply to who you are?
Most new beginnings don’t start with grand gestures. They are small, tender sparks of awareness. Growth doesn’t always mean leaping forward; often, it’s about spiraling inward, revisiting old lessons with a new perspective.
This New Year’s Eve, as you celebrate the transition into 2025, give yourself permission to rest. Let the night be a time of reflection and dreaming, not pressure or performance.
Ring in the new year with the understanding that growth doesn’t have to be forceful—it can be soft, intuitive, and aligned with nature.
Twelfth Night has always been steeped in magic, mystery, and connection. It’s a reminder that endings and beginnings are intertwined, that the quietest moments can hold the greatest power.
Take time to pause, reflect on the year that has passed, and dream about the one ahead.
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