We can celebrate the season in many ways, on many levels. Though rebirth might be rejoiced in at other times, these are largely private matters; at the end of the year (the darkest time, for half the world), renewal is something that most people are giving thought to... I love the idea of creating a party around this so-vital concept (but you can also just bring it into play as one of the threads of the tapestry of enjoyment that you're planning). Here are some ideas to ponder on...

It’s the depths of winter (if you’re in the northern hemisphere)... Why not celebrate the lengthening of the days and the eventual coming of spring by having a garden party? Share garden-planning and garden-growing tips, exchange flower and vegetable seeds... Perhaps even make some row stakes or plant tags? (What more obvious symbol of rebirth than a seed?)

(And if you’re not in the northern hemisphere, you can have the other kind of garden party - outside.)

Celebrate the warmth of the sun by making solar cookers for the solstice! And maybe cooking in them? Let everyone copy recipes from a solar-cooking cookbook. (Guys like to cook with solar cookers!)

So many who live in the northerly northern hemisphere can especially appreciate the ancient honoring of the "turning of the year" that holds promise of more and more light and warmth. Celebrate light! (A wonderful thing to celebrate any old time, no matter who or where you are.)