In Timothy Steele’s poem “Toward the Winter Solstice,” the speaker notes how everyone, regardless of beliefs or religious affiliation, recognizes the change that comes with this time of year: “We all are conscious of the time of year; / We all enjoy its colorful displays / And keep some festival that mitigates / The dwindling warmth and compass of the days.”
As winter officially begins and brings with it a period of festivities and merriment, it is through our words—our happy holiday greetings, our words of thanks, our joyful songs—that we give voice, and life, to the season. Browse our selection of poems about winter, Christmas, and Chanukah, as well as other holiday features from the archive.