The summer solstice offers the most hours of daylight all year. According to Space.com, the summer solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun. The summer solstice falls on June 20, 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.
The longest day of the year and the beginning of astrological summer is a source of celebration for many people. Come the summer solstice, the warm weather stabilizes and there are more days of sunshine and mild temperatures. Summer also is a season for school breaks and family vacations, representing additional reasons to look forward to the summer solstice. People can commemorate the start of summer in many different ways, including these fun ideas.
Plan a hike. With a greater number of daylight hours, the solstice is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sights. There’s no need to rush, as the sun sets late in the evening, giving those who have to work or attend school earlier in the day an opportunity to enjoy a hike after signing off.
Take a photo. Make it a tradition to take a “first day of summer” photo each year to catalog the years going by. Everyone can pose in their favorite summer garb or get coordinating t-shirts.
Change the decor. The first day of summer is a perfect time to change a home’s decor to reflect bright, summery details. Pull out bright throw pillows, switch to citrus or coconut-scented candles to establish a beachy mood and fill a bowl with limes, lemons and oranges for an easy summer centerpiece.
Make a summer treat. Spend the day trying a new summer recipe, such as homemade ice cream, s’mores, fresh lemonade, or a frozen cocktail (mocktail) like piña coladas. Enjoy in honor of the start of summer.
Take a plunge. Make an inaugural summer trip to the seaside, a pool or a lake and do your best cannonball into the water. Summer is a peak time for swimming, water sports and boating, so it pays to dive right into these activities.
These are some of the entertaining ways that people can celebrate the arrival of the first day of summer. Festivities can continue over the ensuing months.
