Winter Solstice Celebration

A few weeks ago, I purchased a Groupon to visit the local botanical gardens during their Winter Solstice celebration. It made for a simple date night and it was just the kind of low key we needed before the craziness of Christmas began.

Side Note: It was HOT. Humid. I'm seriously thinking it was 80 degrees. At Night. We stayed for about an hour and enjoyed some free cocoa, but the entire experience might have been a little better if Florida's weather had cooperated and given us some chilly breezes!

All the pathways of the gardens were illuminated with tiki torches and Christmas lights.






The sky is so beautiful here. Just at sunset.





There was a station to make wish sticks to toss into the bonfire.


You wrote a wish, wrapped it around a stick, and used these colorful ties to symbolize what you're wishing for.

We didn't tell each other what we were wishing for, but he used "peace and stability" as his colorful tie. If my wish came true... there would be NO peace or stability...LOL. I'm curious what he wished for?


My stick ready to go. Love, energy, happiness, joy and health.




Nothing like a bonfire in humid 80 degree weather.


Bombs away!

And -- on the way out -- there was a terribly cheesy photo booth. I pretty much forced his participation. Who says no to a photo booth?!





I'm sure your local area has a botanical garden. Check it out and see if they have any fun events. I wouldn't have known about this place if it wasn't for Groupon (Hey, I am new to town!), but they have lots of events and concerts. It's kind of cool to hang out in a dark garden. :)