Activity: Five Ways to Reclaim Imbolc
Late January sits on the threshold of Imbolc, the first Celtic festival of the year and a quiet turning point in the Wheel. Though Spring is still weeks away, something subtle shifts beneath the surface — a slow returning of the light, a sense of new beginnings stirring in the dark. It’s a time that can feel heavy for many, but also one rich with potential for rest, gentleness and quiet renewal.
Here are five slow, grounding ways to reclaim January and ease yourself toward Imbolc.
1. Honour the Instinct to Hibernate
These are the deepest weeks of Winter. Instead of resisting the urge to slow down, treat it as an invitation. Light candles, gather blankets, switch off earlier than usual, and carve out pockets of stillness. Set small, kind goals — things you want to do rather than feel obligated to. A good book and a warm corner may be all you need.
2. Celebrate Midwinter Feast Days
January holds more seasonal celebrations than we tend to remember — Burns Night, Lunar New Year, and the quiet approach of Imbolc itself. Marking these moments with a simple table setting, a homemade meal, or a few foraged decorations can lift the spirit and reconnect you to the seasonal rhythm.
3. Cook for Comfort (Without the Guilt)
Forget fad diets and January “resets.” Winter naturally calls for warmth: broths, lentils, citrus, spice. Try hearty soups with bright toppings, slow braises, or simple baking projects. Think nourishment over restriction — food that sustains you through the darker days.
4. Gentle Planning for Brighter Months
Not resolutions. Not reinventions. Just quiet intention-setting. Choose one or two things to look forward to: a mini trip, a day out, a creative project or even a “holiday-at-home” weekend in a nearby town. A tiny plan for future light can make the present feel easier to bear.
5. Step Outside When You Can
Even brief moments outdoors can reorient the mind. On crisp days, walk through woods or along the coastline; on wilder days, simply take a short loop around the block. Winter landscapes — bare branches, frost-edged fields, quiet wildlife — offer perspective and a deep, grounding calm.
A Seasonal Note
In the Celtic calendar, late January is the liminal space between Yule and Imbolc: a place of rest, reflection and gentle preparation. Reclaiming January is not about productivity but presence: noticing the light slowly lengthening, the first signs of life returning, and honouring your own need for stillness as you move toward the promise of early Spring.
