Tomorrow, June 20th, marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day and shortest night of the year. It’s the sun’s big moment, the official start of summer, and a perfect time to slow down, reset your mindset, and maybe even dance barefoot in the grass.
If you’ve ever wanted to celebrate the solstice in your own way—without needing a druid robe or a plane ticket to Stonehenge—this post is for you.
Let’s Enjoy the Summer Solstice
🌞 What is the Summer Solstice, Anyway?
The Summer Solstice happens when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and we get the most daylight of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s been celebrated for centuries across cultures as a moment to honor light, life, and the turning of the seasons. Think bonfires, flower crowns, and sun rituals. Or iced tea on the porch, reading your favorite summer romance novels, and a sunset walk. They all work.
🌼 Summer Solstice Traditions
Looking to infuse your day with some seasonal fun? Here are a few time-honored (and totally doable) solstice traditions:
- Sunrise or sunset watching – Set your alarm early or make time for an evening wind-down under golden skies.
- Bonfire gatherings – Invite a few friends over, light a backyard fire, and toast the season.
- Flower crowns – Gather wildflowers or herbs and create your own wearable celebration of summer.
- Gratitude journaling – The solstice is a beautiful time to reflect on what’s blooming in your life and what you’re ready to release.
- Outdoor meals – Picnic in the park or dinner on the patio? Yes, please.
- Nature walks or barefoot grounding – Connect with the earth and let your body catch up with the season.
🪴 5 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
- Make sun tea with fresh mint or lemon balm.
- Create a simple herb or flower arrangement on your table or porch.
- Write down one thing you’re proud of from the first half of the year, along with one intention for the second half.
- Light a candle at sunset and say a quiet prayer or thank you to the season ahead.
- Dance in your kitchen or backyard to your favorite summer playlist.
💫 Why the Solstice Matters
You don’t need a telescope or a crystal grid to honor this day. The Summer Solstice is a natural pause point, a chance to breathe, realign, and lean into joy. It’s a reminder that light always returns… and that life is cyclical, not linear. So whether you’re tending a garden, planning a summer romance, or writing your next chapter (literally or figuratively), the solstice is a great time to plant the seeds of whatever comes next.
🌻 Final Thoughts & A Checklist
You don’t have to “do” anything fancy to honor the Summer Solstice. You just have to notice it. So step outside and feel the sun on your skin. Let the long light stretch time a little, then enjoy the longest day of the year.
🌞 Start the Day with Intention
- Watch the sunrise (coffee optional, awe required)
- Set one seasonal intention for the months ahead
- Meditate or pray to quiet your heart
- Do a quick stretch or grounding exercise outside
- Make homemade scones with seasonal ingredients
🌿 Connect with Nature
- Take a barefoot walk in the grass or on sand
- Water your plants or garden with extra gratitude
- Collect herbs, flowers, or natural items for a mandala
🔥 Light a Fire
- Light a candle or small bonfire at sunset
- Burn a slip of paper with something you’re ready to release
- Write down something you want to grow this season
🌻 Celebrate the Season
- Make a fresh batch of sun tea
- Create a flower crown or mini bouquet
- Play your favorite summer playlist and dance like it’s 1999
- Rewatch the movie Practical Magic based on Alice Hoffman’s novel. (the sequel movie comes out next year!)
🌙 End with Reflection
- Journal one thing you’re grateful for right now
- Watch the sunset and say a quiet thank you
- Go stargazing or simply enjoy the night breeze
- Make a wish for the rest of the year
