Top 10 Books About the Winter Solstice in Literature

1. The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas

by John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews. Thesophical Publishing House. From the publisher: "Many people long for an alternative to the commercial industry Christmas has become. This illustrated, full-color book, brimming with folklore, stories, recipes, games, activities, decorating ideas, and songs, will help families who are 'burned out' on Christmas create celebrations more in keeping with the heartful spirit of the original Winter Solstice festivals."

2. The Winter Solstice

by Ellen Jackson, Jan D. Ellis (Illustrator). Millbrook Press. From the publisher: "Presents facts and folklore about the shortest day of the year, a day that has been filled with magic since ancient times."

3. The Return of the Light

by Carolyn McVickar Edwards. Marlowe & Company. From the publisher: "Twelve stories - from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia - honor this moment, helping to renew our wonder of the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light."

4. The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice

by Wendy Pfeffer, Jesse Reisch (Illustrator). Dutton. From the publisher: "The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history."

5. A Celebration of Light and Warmth

by Dorothy Morrison. Llewellyn Publications. From the publisher: "The holidays are a time for reflection, resolution, and renewal. Whatever our beliefs, they provide us with rituals to celebrate the balance of light and dark, and for welcoming the healing powers of warmth back into our world."

6. Celebrate the Solstice

by Richard Heinberg. Theosophical Publishing House. From the publisher: "Seasonal festivals are not cultural relics. They are joyous, fun, mischievious, profound, life-affirming events that connect us deeply with the Earth, the heavens, and the wellspring of being within us. This engaging book tells the history and meaning of the Solstices..."

7. The Fires of Yule: A Keltelven Guide for Celebrating the Winter Solstice

by Montague Whitsel. 1stBooks Library. This book draws from world mythologies to explore the origins of the Winter Solstice in tradition and legend.

8. Seasons

by Gail Duff. Ulysses Press. From the publisher: "The author describes traditional rituals and offers meditations, chants, and spells that unite the theme of each festival."

9. In the Light of the Moon: Thirteen Lunar Tales from Around the World Illuminatin

by Carolyn McVicker Edwards, Kathleen Edwards (Illustrator). Marlowe & Company. From the publisher: "Organized into four sections corresponding to the waxing, full, waning, and dark moons, the book collects stories from Australia, Britain, ancient Egypt, the Maya, Korea, Polynesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, and the Amazon, among other lands and peoples."

10. A Solstice Tree for Jenny

by Karen Shragg. Prometheus Books. Here's a book about the meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the Winter solstice, and ancient traditions.