As we move through the heart of winter, many of us feel caught in a holding pattern—stuck between the deep rest of the Winter Solstice and the ever so slow return of the Spring Equinox. Midwinter can span from mid-January to mid-February. During this time the excitement and frantic energy of the holidays has faded, but spring still feels so far out of reach. For those experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Midwinter can feel especially difficult, marked by fatigue, low mood, exhaustion, and a deep yearning for warmth and renewal.
SAD can emerge like clockwork as early as October, peaking around January and February, and showing signs of improvement as the earth shifts closer towards the Spring Equinox. During these months, the lack of sunlight can disrupt our internal rhythms by causing a drop in serotonin (a brain chemical that affects mood); and disturb the balance of melatonin, which plays a role in our sleep patterns. Although it's not uncommon to feel a bit off-kilter when we have shorter days, for some, this seasonal shift can cast a heavy shadow on their well-being. This biochemical responses can lead to symptoms like fatigue, depression, agitation, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes, thoughts of suicide. As a therapist, I've witnessed the dramatic shift SAD can create, taking someone from having manageable stress to being disoriented and feeling of sense of defeat.
Nurture our Inner Light
Across cultures, Midwinter has been honored as a moment of quiet transition—a time to prepare for renewal, even when it’s not yet visible. One such tradition is Imbolc, a Celtic festival celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The name Imbolc translates to "in the belly," referencing both the pregnancy of livestock and the unseen stirring of life beneath the frozen earth.
Imbolc is not the only tradition that recognizes this seasonal shift. From Chinese New Year to Setsubun in Japan, Losar in Tibet, the Maya honoring Chak, Tu BiShvat in Jewish tradition, and the Slavic Dziewanna Festival, cultures across the world have long acknowledged this time as one of renewal, purification, and quiet preparation for the life that is to come.
While winter still grips the land, these festivals remind us that change is already underway. They share common themes—ritual cleansing, renewal, honoring the return of light, and preparing for new growth. This is especially meaningful for those dealing with SAD, who may feel stuck or hopeless in the lingering cold. Like these traditions, we, too, can engage in small acts to nurture our inner light as we move toward spring.
Midwinter Festivals of Renewal Across Cultures
1. Imbolc (Celtic, February 1st-2nd)
A festival honoring Brigid, the goddess of fertility, poetry, and healing. Traditionally, candles were lit to welcome the growing sun, homes were cleaned in preparation for new energy, and small offerings were made to encourage renewal.
2. Chinese New Year (Lunar Calendar, Late January to Mid-February)
The Lunar New Year signifies a period of significant change, celebrated with firecrackers, red decorations for fortune, and family gatherings. Prior to the celebrations, homes undergo a thorough cleaning to eliminate the previous year's bad luck, reflecting themes of purification and renewal.
3. Setsubun (Japanese, February 3rd-4th)
This festival signals the shift from winter to spring in the old Japanese calendar. People throw roasted soybeans (mamemaki) while shouting, "Out with demons, in with good fortune!" as a way of clearing out negativity and inviting in positive energy.
4. Losar (Tibetan New Year, Late January to Mid-February)
Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, involves ritual purification, offerings, and setting positive intentions for the year ahead. People clean their homes, make special foods, and visit monasteries to seek blessings for renewal.
5. Honoring Chak (Maya, Mesoamerica, February)
For the ancient Maya, February marked offerings to Chak, the rain god, in preparation for the planting season. It was a time of asking for abundance, knowing that life would soon return to the land.
6. Tu BiShvat (Jewish, Late January to Early February)
Also called the “New Year of the Trees,” Tu BiShvat marks the beginning of the agricultural renewal cycle in Jewish tradition. People plant trees, eat fruit, and reflect on the natural world’s quiet but steady regeneration.
7. Dziewanna Festival (Slavic, Early February)
This Slavic pagan festival honors Dziewanna, the goddess of spring and wild nature. It was a time to call forth her energy, asking for the return of warmth and vitality.
Rituals to Soothe Midwinter Blahs
These rituals and celebrations from around the world remind us that change is already happening, even if we can’t feel it yet. Instead of waiting for a sudden burst of energy or motivation, we can work with them to gently nurture ourselves. Here are five midwinter rituals to integrate into your winter healing practice :
Light a candle to acknowledge the growing light. Fire is central to Imbolc traditions, symbolizing warmth, inspiration, and the growing power of the sun. Lighting a candle can serve as a small but powerful ritual—acknowledging your inner light, even in dark times. As you do, take a moment to reflect on what you want to cultivate in yourself as spring approaches.
Clean a small area of your space to invite in renewal. In Celtic tradition, Imbolc was a time of purification—physically and spiritually. Cleaning your space, even in small ways, can create a sense of renewal. If tidying up feels overwhelming, start with one small act: open a window for fresh air, clear a single surface, or let go of something that no longer serves you.
Write down an intention for the coming season. Imbolc is about preparation—acknowledging that spring is on its way, even if it’s not here yet. Consider journaling about what you want to cultivate in the coming months. What parts of yourself need tending? What small steps can you take toward renewal? Your healing doesn’t have to happen all at once. Trust that the work you do now—however small—will blossom in time.
Notice small signs of change in nature, even if it’s just a shift in the air. Seasonal depression can make it hard to believe that things will change, but Imbolc is a reminder that transition is already underway. Even if you don’t feel it yet, the days are growing longer, and warmth is returning. Take note of small shifts—the earlier sunrise, the sound of birds, the first signs of new growth. These subtle cues can anchor you in hope.
Engage in gentle movement to help your body transition alongside the earth. Just as nature begins to stir, gentle movement can help shift stagnant energy. If depression has left you feeling heavy, small acts of movement—stretching, qi gong, or mindful breathing—can help reconnect you to your body. This isn’t about forcing productivity but about honoring your capacity in the moment.
Renewal is a Process
If you’re in the depths of seasonal depression, it's important to acknowledge that you may not feel a dramatic shift right away. Midwinter is a time for recognizing that change is happening slowly, much like the quiet stirring beneath the earth. Your energy and mood will shift in time.
Embracing rituals to soothe midwinter blahs serve as a reminder that renewal is a process, and our energy will eventually return. These small rituals can foster joy and connection, making the winter months more enjoyable. Trust that beneath the surface, change is underway. The days are growing longer, and your renewal is on the horizon.
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