I was born in the UK, and I embrace the roots of my ancestors from this island. However, I spent many years travelling to the other side of the world to Hawai‘i, drawn to work with the ancestors of the sacred land of rainbows. So this month, I felt called to write about both traditions: the ones rooted in my homeland and the ones that shaped me across the ocean, and how each brings its own wisdom to this time of year.
While their landscapes differ, Celtic and Hawaiian traditions meet beautifully in spirit. Both cultures honour the land, cherish community, celebrate renewal, and approach this season with reverence, joy, and gratitude.
Embracing the Light in the Dark – The Winter Solstice & The Celtic December
At the heart of the Celtic December sits Alban Arthan, “The Light of Arthur,” the longest night of the year and the sacred turning point where the light is reborn. For the ancient Celts, this time marked with rebirth and renewal.
The Sun child rising from darkness, and by honouring this, people would gather around fire, sharing blessings and gratitude for what has gone and for what is to come.
Then, as the minutes, hours and days follow, the slow lengthening of days after the Solstice was seen as a miracle, a promise that the sun would return. A non-negotiable turning of the tide between light and dark. A reminder to us all that we live with both light and shadow.
Yule Fires & Evergreen Magic
So many modern Christmas traditions come from Celtic and Norse winter rites, such as:
The Yule Log Decorated with holly, ivy, and herbs, it symbolised: Protection, good fortune and strengthening sunlight (The energy of Holly is protective, male, sun and boundaried, whereas the energy of Ivy is connected, moon, female and receptive).
A piece from the Yule log was saved to light the next year’s log – a reminder that we always carry a spark forward.
Evergreens, such as Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe, and Fir, were brought indoors to welcome nature spirits and vitality:
Holly for protection, Ivy for resilience, Mistletoe for peace and divine connection and Fir for eternal life.
The Winter Stag in Celtic Tradition
Long before Christianity spread through Europe, Celtic peoples honoured the Stag as a sacred, mystical creature.
It symbolised:
Intuition and guidance through the dark winter nights
Transformation and rebirth
The wild spirit of nature
A guardian or messenger between worlds
In some Celtic and British folklore, the White Stag appears at turning points of the year – especially the Winter Solstice – to lead seekers toward wisdom or spiritual awakening. These myths pre-date Santa by many centuries
A Celtic Invitation
This season invites you to:
- Light a candle for the returning sun.
- Place holly and/or ivy on your altar.
- Journal on what to release before the year ends.
- Offer a blessing to your home and loved ones.
In honouring these traditions, we honour our longing for stillness, connection, and meaning.
Hawaiian Traditions — A Celebration of Aloha through the Festive Season
While northern traditions turn inward, Hawaiian Christmas celebrations burst with sunlight, ocean breezes, and the warm embrace of aloha.
What makes a Hawaiian Christmas special isn’t just the climate – it’s the deep sense of connection to nature, ancestors, and ‘ohana (family).
The Spirit of Aloha at Christmas
Aloha is a way of living – a commitment to kindness, unity, and compassion.
During the holidays, Aloha is expressed through:
- Generosity (lokomaikaʻi).
- Unity (lōkahi)
- Gratitude (mahalo)
- Respect (ho‘ohanohano)
These values guide everything from gift-giving to shared meals and gatherings.
Island Traditions & Festivities
Mele Kalikimaka you may be aware is Hawaiian for “Merry Christmas” and the song Mele Kalikimaka was famously sung by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters in 1950 spreading the joy of Christmas throughout the world.
Island-Style Decorations Homes are adorned with beautiful flowers and other sacred items such as:
- Plumeria or ti-leaf lei
- Shell ornaments & driftwood Hibiscus or kukui nut wreaths
- Palm trees wrapped in lights.
Nature is at the heart of the celebration.
Hawaiian Christmas Feasts
Families gather around tables filled with Kālua pork from the imu, Poi, lomi-lomi salmon, poke Haupia, guava cake, and fresh fruit. Hawaiians love their food it is embracing Aloha.
Food is seen as a blessing of the land (‘āina) and is shared in gratitude.
Music & Hula
Ukulele, slack-key guitar, and festive hula tell stories of joy, ancestry, and seasonal magic.
But during the festive season their is another season of celebration called Makahiki.
Makahiki
Makahiki marks the Hawaiian New Year, beginning around October/November and lasting 3–4 months, typically ending in January/February. It follows the rising of the Pleiades (Makaliʻi) and the start of the rainy season.
The season celebrates:
Abundance and harvest
Peace and rest (war and conflict were strictly forbidden)
Gratitude to the land (‘āina)
Spiritual renewal
Community unity and generosity
Key Elements of Makahiki
1. Honouring Lono
Ceremonies and offerings were made to the God of Lono to give thanks for harvests and ask for blessings in the coming year.
2. A Time of Peace
No warfare, arguments, or major disputes were allowed. It was a season to restore balance and harmony.
3. Rest from Hard Work
Farmers rested from planting and harvesting. Communities slowed down, celebrated, and focused on well-being.
4. Games & Competitions
Makahiki is also famous for Makahiki games, including:
ʻUlu maika(stone rolling)Mōlī(spear throwing)Haka moa(chicken fighting stance)Swimming, surfing, strength contests
Music, storytelling, and hula
These games honoured physical skill, agility, and courage.
5. Processions & Offerings
A ceremonial staff representing Lono was carried across the individual islands, collecting offerings of food and goods that supported temples and communities.
Its Deeper Meaning Today
Makahiki is still celebrated today across Hawaiʻi as:
A reminder to slow down
Honour the land and ancestors
Practice gratitude, peace, and community
Welcome a new cycle of growth and renewal
It beautifully mirrors themes found in Celtic Winter Solstice traditions – rest, rebirth, and the return of light – but with the warmth and vitality of the Hawaiian landscape.
