Winter Solstice
Blue Christmas
Find Comfort in Elvis’s Classic Beach Party Movies
About Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year, a time traditionally associated with spiritual reflection. For some, St. Thomas the Apostle offers inspiration. An original disciple of Jesus, St. Thomas overcame doubt and devoted himself to spreading light in dark times. Lighting a candle in his honor or meditating on perseverance and faith can bring peace and meaning to this solemn day. For everyone else, there’s Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll, with his breezy beach movies like Blue Hawaii and Clambake, offers the perfect antidote to winter gloom. His sunsoaked antics and effortless charm provide an escape from the darkest day of the year. You can also choose to combine your St. Thomas-inspired spiritual renewal with a sandy Hawaiian daydream; Winter Solstice has room for both.
Ways to observe
(A) Low effort
Watch Blue Hawaii or Clambake and let Elvis’s smooth voice and tropical antics transport you to warmer climes.
(B) Recommended
Light a candle to honor the solstice and enjoy a quiet evening watching one or two Elvis movies. Reflect on what brings light to your life, whether it’s the King of Rock and Roll, St. Thomas, or the hope of longer days ahead.
(C) High effort
Host a dual-themed solstice party: one room dedicated to Elvis’s beach party movies with Hawaiian snacks and leis, and another for a candlelit evening of reflection inspired by St. Thomas, complete with readings and meditative moments.
Inspiration
Without going to Wikipedia, my understanding of St. Thomas is limited to the moment he stuck his finger into Christ’s wound. On the other hand, I have twice toured Elvis’s dilapidated 747 in Memphis (an optional part of the Graceland tour, but honestly the best part), and I’ve seen Blue Hawaii five times. Obviously there’s a pretty sharp asymmetry in my understanding of these two men. While I would very much like to draw comparisons between them in order to illustrate their uncanny similarities, I’m held back by plain ignorance. And, in any case, there’s only one reason they’re cohabiting in the day’s festivities: I’m an Elvis fan.
St. Thomas, sometimes called “Doubting Thomas,” refused to believe in Christ’s resurrection until he could see and touch the wounds for himself. When Jesus appeared and invited him to do just that, Thomas believed and, according to tradition, went on to preach as far as India, supposedly founding communities that still exist today. On this darkest day of the year, I find it strangely comforting to honor both men, one who demanded proof of miracles, and one who swiveled his hips like he was performing one. St. Thomas reminds us that the price of conviction is a lifetime of service. Elvis reminds us that some souls are lifted to a great height by nothing more than sunshine and surf music.
Adornments
Watch
Clambake (1967)
Elvis returns in this 1967 beach romp as a millionaire playboy posing as a waterski instructor to find someone who loves him for more than his money. Packed with racing boats, romcom misunderstandings, and musical numbers, Clambake is delightfully corny and endlessly sunny.
Blue Hawaii (1961)
Elvis Presley stars in this breezy 1961 musical comedy set in the Hawaiian sun. As a former G.I. enjoying island life, Elvis surfs and serenades his way through a lightweight plot filled with upbeat songs and postcard-perfect scenery.
Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)
A classic 1965 surf-party romp starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Beach Blanket Bingo foregoes plot in favor of beachside dance numbers, slapstick gags, skydiving stunts, and lots of youthful energy.
Listen
Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
Elvis’s 1957 holiday lament drapes Christmas in a mellow, blue haze. “Blue Christmas” is a slow, crooning ballad about missing a loved one at the holidays, backed by gentle drums and woeful guitar twang.
Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby
This cheerful tune from 1950 is basically a Hawaiian Christmas card set to music. Bing Crosby, with the Andrews Sisters harmonizing, sings “Mele Kalikimaka” (meaning “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian) with relaxed island charm.
Read
The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
This fantasy novel (1973) begins on Midwinter’s Eve, when 11-year-old Will discovers he’s destined to battle ancient forces of darkness. The Dark Is Rising turns the year’s blackest nights into a mystical adventure steeped in English folklore.
The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas by John Matthews
An informative look at how people have celebrated the longest night across different cultures. From ancient solstice fires and Yule customs to early Christmas rituals, this book tours the winter traditions that light up the darkness.