This year, Sunday, Dec. 21 marks the winter solstice, occurring at 8:03 a.m., according to Time and Date.
It marks the shortest day of the year and the first day of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
The ancient rituals and traditions we celebrate today link us to a time when the turning of the wheel, or year, were marked by these astrological events. Living close to nature and intention to bring back the sun, were foremost in the minds of the ancestors.
The Pagosa Unitarian Universalist (UU) Fellowship will mark this yuletide with a winter solstice gathering for the Sunday morning service. This will begin around 10 a.m. with an informal drum circle outside as we gather to “drum up the sun.” Those interested in arriving a bit early can bring their drums or other percussion instruments, and join in.
Join us at 10:30 a.m. as we move indoors for music and singing, ritual and reflection, and to honor both the dark and the light. With the theme of “The Spark Within,” we invite all to come and celebrate the return of the light, and join us as we gather in community to share a soup and bread lunch after the service. All will be provided; simply show up and share in a welcoming space.
The fellowship will resume our Action Sunday Book Group on the fourth Sunday of January, Jan. 25, 206, taking a Sunday of rest on Dec. 28.
We offer space for the building of community at our Community Hub, providing a place for ongoing groups to meet and connect. The Pagosa UU Fellowship is located at Greenbriar Plaza, Unit B-15, 301 N. Pagosa Blvd, near Park Avenue, on the north side facing Pagosa Peak.
Our monthly newsletter is a great source for information and upcoming programs. Check out PagosaUU.org to find out more about weekly Tara Meditation Group and Qigong practice, and bi-monthly Wise and Wakeful Circle, held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
A special play shop will be held on Jan. 10, 2026, as part of the Wise and Wakeful gathering, and no circle will be held Jan. 24, 2026.
We look forward to honoring the season with you, and gathering in the new year as we “Grow in Spirit, Make Friends and Do Good,” creating a world of peace and love.
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