Winter Manifesto

Writing and crafting a seasonal manifesto connects me to my senses, my word of the year and intentions for the season ahead. I started writing seasonal manifestos in 2016 sharing them on my personal blog lucyellenhill.com each season, allowing me to find a way I wanted to frame the time ahead. Over time they have helped me cultivate and live a more intentional life, forming an important part of the rhythm of my year.

Creating a manifesto at the winter solstice

The Winter Solstice falls on Sunday 21st December this year and marks the moment in the Northern Hemisphere when we experience the shortest amount of daylight and welcoming in the return of the light which gradually will reach equal light and dark hours by the Spring Equinox in March. The time around the Winter Solstice is one of my favourites. As a family we appreciate the festive build up, the comforting and cosy atmosphere at home and sinking into the winter season with crafting, cosy hobbies and comforting food.

At the astronomical marker points of the seasons I like to create a rhythm. A chance to reflect, plan and connect to the time ahead. Each season I create a manifesto, a set of phrases full of meaning to help me intentionally focus on what I want to lean into, appreciate and feel each season. The manifestos I write sometimes hold an obvious meaning when read, and sometimes these phrases hold extra layers of meaning for me personally. My manifestos gently connect with my word of the year to weave in additional wisdom, intent and direction.

Having a seasonal manifesto helps me decide on a way I want to be in the world and how I want to approach the season ahead. For me creating a manifesto is about connecting with the energy of the season and writing intentions to help frame that energy. Winter for me is about slowing down, hibernating and gently preparing or exploring ahead of the light returning in the months ahead. I choose to write a manifesto as it supports the softer connection with the season and allows me to choose each year what I most want to focus my intentions and approaches on. 

What is a seasonal manifesto?

A manifesto creates a big picture view of the season and a set of themes for the season ahead. Rather than create a list with lots of detail I create statements which layer metaphorical meaning, using the themes I connect to in nature as a lens to help support what life may hold during the months ahead. After almost 10 years of creating manifestos I love how much these still play a role in helping me live more consciously and intentionally.

My Autumn Manifesto served a purpose and created an anchor for the season which I very much needed. I navigated the meanders and the ebbs and flow and appreciated the space to add new layers. It felt like a magical list which I created and having it there was helpful to consider the bigger picture of the season. Looking back at it I feel deep appreciation for connecting to my hopes for the time ahead and knowing how I could support myself.

Connecting to metaphors within the winter season

Winter is a season I’m learning to love. I appreciate the cosy time but struggle with the lack of light, the dull days and not feeling the pull to be outdoors more. My working day always feels like it is shorter because of the light levels dropping mid afternoon. I love the tone of the sunlight as it shifts through the year and during winter can feel gentle and soft. 

During winter I love thinking about the metaphor of the roots below the surface, preparing for the growing season ahead, gently growing and creating an anchor for what has been planted. Winter sees activity in the bulbs planted during the late autumnal months, growth below and slightly above the surface. There is a feeling during Winter in trusting what is to come and the winter solstice marks the turning point as the light continues. 

My winter manifesto this year feels like a pause and a place to allow space for preparation for the months ahead. 

My Winter Manifesto

This year my winter manifesto holds connection with my word of the year, and my word of the year for 2026. I purposefully connect my manifesto with my word of the year to flow through a sense of grounded intentions and hopes, finding new ways to connect with my word allowing it to support each season.

My winter manifesto this year is

Sink into the cosy season with grounded intention and enjoy the glow

Savour the slow, quiet moments to think and rest

Allow my roots to ground me and be ready for growth

Appreciate the soft light as it returns, and let the light flow in.

Allow clarity to arrive gently without the rush but with a warmth and focus of attention