Celebrate the Winter Solstice, Bezoar stones, traditional wassail

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View in Browser | Almanac.com | Get a Copy Saturday, December 21, 2024   So the shortest day came, and the year died,  And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world  Came people singing, dancing,  To drive the dark away.  –Susan Cooper, The Shortest Day Who was born on this day? What happened today in history? Find our advice for today! 88 days until spring begins View our Moon Phase Calendar When is the Next Full Moon? Today is the Best Day To: Harvest Belowground Crops Have Dental Care Pick Fruit Plan ahead! See the best days for every activity. Question of the Day Is there anything I can do to stop the stairs in my house from squeaking? – Answer Puzzle of the Day What do we often return but never borrow? – Answer ADVERTISEMENT Snuggle Up in Alpaca Warmth Wrap yourself in warmth and softness with luxurious alpaca fleece—perfect for chilly days and cozy moments.   LEARN MORE   The First Day of Winter: Winter Solstice 2024 Welcome, winter! The winter solstice happened early this morning. So, what is the winter solstice, and why does it happen? Learn all about the shortest day of the year—and tell us what winter means to you!    READ MORE    ADVERTISEMENT Flavors That Feel Like Home Bring home country flavors from the Farmer’s Pantry—perfect for every kitchen and every occasion.   LEARN MORE   Plants of the Winter Solstice Many trees and plants were traditionally important to the celebration of the winter solstice. Think evergreens, yew, oak, mistletoe, holly, rosemary, pine, and ivy. Learn more about their symbolic meanings.    READ MORE    ADVERTISEMENT Cultivate Creativity! Embrace your love of nature with our gardening journal! Enjoy journaling pages, beautiful illustrations, and inspiring quotes to nurture your growth throughout the seasons.   LEARN MORE   The Healing Powers of The Bezoar Stone: What is a Mad Stone? Have you ever heard of a bezoar stone or a mad stone? This home remedy was used for centuries to heal, although it’s not a common practice today.    READ MORE    ADVERTISEMENT Handwarmer Mugs will Brighten Your Morning! Have you ever seen our handwarmer mugs? Each one features a soft curve to keep your fingers warm on cool mornings.   LEARN MORE   6 Ancient Sites Aligned With the Solstice and the Equinox Over time, people have marked the changing of seasons—sometimes in dramatic ways! In honor of the winter solstic, let's look at six amazing and ancient sites aligned with the solstices and equinoxes.    READ MORE    ADVERTISEMENT Take Your Pick! Our 2025 calendars are shipping now! Unleash your curiosity and find your ideal calendar for the year ahead.   LEARN MORE   Traditional Wassail For centuries, going back to Anglo-Saxon times, holiday revelers have wished each other “Wes hal!” (“Be whole!”) while sharing this spiced apple drink. Try making wassail to warm your body and soul!    READ MORE    ADVERTISEMENT Share Your Thoughts & Help Shape the Almanac! ☞ If you enjoy the Daily Almanac, share with a friend ☜ Shop The Old Farmer's Store Did a friend forward you the Almanac Daily? You can sign up here. Enjoy more Almanac wit & wisdom! Receiving too much email? Switch to weekly! You received this email because you signed up for updates from The Old Farmer's Almanac. If you do not wish to receive our regular email newsletter in the future, please manage your preferences. Please do not reply to this e-mail. Contact Us © 2024 Yankee Publishing Inc. An Employee-Owned Company 1121 Main Street | P.O. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444 View web version