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TCF's Winter Solstice Challenge
Mod
Re-reads are allowed; one book per task.Once you’ve read a book strike through it and rate it.Update your original post and occasionally post a general update if you want.No reading until 12/21 but you can reserve your spot and work on your reading lists right away. This will be a six-part self moderated challenge. Pick your level, then pick your books.Have fun and happy reading!Levels:
Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
Hot Cocoa: 3 tasks per category
Snowman: 4+ tasks per categoryCategory 1 By the Numbers
The date of the winter solstice varies from year to year, and can fall anywhere between December 20 and December 23, with the 21st or 22nd being the most common dates. The reason for this is because the tropical year—the time it takes for the sun to return to the same spot relative to Earth—is different from the calendar year. The next solstice occurring on December 20 will not happen until 2080, and the next December 23 solstice will not occur until 2303.
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments
The primary axis of Stonehenge is oriented to the setting sun. Some have theorized that the position of the sun was of religious significance to the people who built Stonehenge, while other theories hold that the monument is constructed along natural features that happen to align with it.
At Chaco Canyon in New Mexico where Ancestral Puebloans built an elaborate city more than 1000 years ago, the sun strikes a particular petroglyph called the Sun Dagger at the summer and winter solstices. The rock carving may have been part of the Ancestral Puebloans’ sophisticated practice of astronomy.
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 Festivals
Ancient Romans celebrated reversals at the midwinter festival of Saturnalia.
The holiday, which began as a festival to honor the agricultural god Saturn, was held to commemorate the dedication of his temple in 497 BCE. It quickly became a time of widespread revelry and debauchery in which societal roles were overturned, with masters serving the people they enslaved and servants being allowed to insult their masters. Mask-wearing and play-acting were also part of Saturnalia’s reversals, with each household electing a King of Misrule. Saturnalia was gradually replaced by Christmas throughout the Roman Empire, but many of its customs survive as Christmas traditions.
In China, they celebrate Dong Zhi at the winter solstice. Dong Zhi means “winter arrives” or “the arrival of winter” and is an important festival during which families gather and celebrate the past year. The festival is believed to have originated as a way to mark the end of the harvest season. Dong Zhi also correlates to the concept of yin and yang because of the season’s balance of day and night. The most popular food during Dong Zhi are glutinous rice balls called tang yuan. Dumplings, wontons, and mutton are also part of the festivities.
The pagan festival of Yule honored the winter solstice. Despite showing up in a variety of Christmas-related songs and traditions, Yule originated as an ancient pagan winter solstice festival. People would celebrate with a 12-day feast that marked the sun’s rebirth and would burn a Yule log, which stayed lit for all 12 nights. Some pagans consider Yule the beginning of the new year, a time when the days start getting longer. Druids would burn Yule logs for 12 days to eliminate evil spirits and bring about good luck.
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Ancient cultures viewed the winter solstice as a time of death and rebirth.
The seeming death of the light and very real threat of starvation over the winter months would have weighed heavily on early societies, who held varied solstice celebrations and rites meant to herald the return of the sun and hope for new life. Cattle and other animals were slaughtered around midwinter, followed by feasting on what was the last fresh meat for several months. The modern Druidic celebration Alban Arthan reveres the death of the Old Sun and birth of the New Sun.
Some traditions hold that dark spirits will walk the Earth on the winter solstice. Zoroastrian lore holds that evil spirits wander the Earth and the forces of the destructive spirit Ahriman are strongest on this long night. People are encouraged to stay up most of the night in the company of one another, eating, talking, and sharing poetry and stories, to avoid any brushes with dark entities. Beliefs about the presence of evil on the longest night are also echoed in Celtic and Germanic folklore.
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
The winter solstice happens at a brief, specific moment.
Not only does the solstice occur on a specific day, but it also occurs at a specific time of day, corresponding to the instant the North Pole is aimed farthest away from the sun on the 23.5° tilt of the Earth’s axis. This is also the time when the sun shines directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. In 2024, this moment occurs at 9:21 a.m. GMT in the UK on December 21 (3:21 a.m. Central Standard Time in the U.S.). Regardless of where you live, the solstice happens at the same moment for everyone on the planet.
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
The winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight hours grow shorter and shorter as the winter solstice approaches and begin to slowly lengthen afterward. It’s no wonder that the day of the solstice is often referred to as the “shortest day of the year” or “extreme of winter.” Helsinki, Finland, will get less than 6 hours of light. Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, will not have a sunrise at all (and hasn’t since mid-November; its next sunrise will be on January 22), while the North Pole has had no sunrise since October. The South Pole, though, will be basking in the glow of the midnight sun, which won’t set until March.
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
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my spot:)Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
I'm in! Level:
: 4+ tasks per categoryCategory 1 By the Numbers
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros - 779 pages - Date Finished: 1/24 - 5 stars
The Christmas Letter by Kathi Daley - 184 pages - Finished: 12/23 - 4 stars
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood - 373 pages - Finished: 2/1 - 5 stars
Category 2 Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros - 646 pages - Finished: 1/5 - 5 stars
An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette - 322 pages - Finished: 1/29 - 5 stars
Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 895 pages - Date Finished: 1/11 - 5 stars
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Death in Four Courses by Lucy Burdette 293 pages - Finished: 2/3 - Chair on beach is angled
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
The New House by Tess Stimson - 376 pages - Finished: 1/31 - 4 stars
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix - Finished: 2/4 - GH
‼️ hot cocoa - 3 tasks per category ‼️ONE: by the numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
TWO: alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
THREE: festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
FOUR: dark & light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
FIVE: oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
SIX: the long & the short of it
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
COMPLETED❄️❄️❄️Snowflake Level: 1-2 tasks per category❄️❄️❄️
6 - 12 books
Category 1 - By the Numbers ✔️
Task 1: Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number
Book:
Christmas with an Alien by Tana StoneRead: 21/12/24
Rating: 4★s
How it fits: 192 pages
Task 2: Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later
Book:
Earth Orbit: A Space Force Adventure by Merrin SladeRead: 23/12/24
Rating: 5★s
How it fits: Set in 3025
Category 2 - Alignments ✔️
task 1: Read a book set in England
Book:
The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime by Vicki DelanyRead: 26/12/24
Rating: 5★s
Now it fits: set in England - London and various settings in Yorkshire
Task 2: Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed
Book:
Gone Witch by Nova NelsonRead: 01/01/25
Rating: 5★s
How it fits: The MC is a witch and she and her coven perform a Clarity ritual during the summer solstice celebration
Category 3 - Festivals ✔️
Task: Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE
Book read:
Last Train Home by Laura StapletonRead: 21/01/25
Rating: 4★s
Now it fits: Title starts with L
Category 4 - Dark and Light ✔️
Task: Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN
Book read:
A Festive Featherwood Falls by Heather ReyburnRead: 14/01/25
Rating: 3★s
Now it fits: H & R
Category 5 - Oddities ✔️
Task: Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle
Book read:
The Songs of Magic by Kaelyn HammRead: 01/01/25
Rating: 5★s
Now it fits: The dragon on the cover is tilted at an angle as it banks around the castle
Category 6 - The Long and the Short of It ✔️
Task: Read a book with a very dark cover
Book read:
Haunting and Homicide by Ava BurkeRead: 28/12/24
Rating: 5★s
How it fits: Has a dark cover (night time)
December Solstice Challenge21/12/24 - 19/3/25
Level: hot cocoa (3/category)
15/15
✔Category 1: By the Numbers
**Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year - 1/1/21
The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry 2/1 3★
**Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number - 251p
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin 23/12 3.5★
**Read a book from a series with 20 or more books - #13/36
One Man Show by Michael Innes 25/12 3★
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
✔Category 2: Alignments
**Read a book set in England.
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff 27/12 4★ 132p
**Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
by Laura Greaves 1/1 3★Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
**Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson 19/1 3★
✔Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
**Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action - Martin decides not to complete the walk or attend the Trade Fair
Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist 22/12 4.5★
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
**Read a book where the MC has to balance two things - work & home
A Girls' Guide to Winning the War by Annie Lyons 16/1 4★
**Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You by Annie Lyons 29/12 5★
✔Category 4: Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
The Bookseller's Gift by Felicity Hayes-McCoy 2/2 4★
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
**Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Back on Track by Tricia Stringer 24/12 4★
**Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks 24/1 2★
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
✔Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
**Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
by Allison Lane 30/12 2★**Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time - all attend the same party
Emergency Exit Only by Michelle Upton 5/1 3.5★
**Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day - the Derby
Irish Thoroughbred by Nora Roberts 6/1 2★
✔Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
**Read a book where much of the activity happens at night - murders & thefts
Miss Silver Intervenes by Patricia Wentworth 13/1 4★
Read a book with a very dark cover.
**Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night
Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb 11/1 3★
**Read a book with an extreme character - the MC
Two Nights by Kathy Reichs 31/12 2★
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
TCF's Winter Solstice ChallengeDuration: December 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
*Re-reads are allowed; one book per task.
*Once you’ve read a book strike through it and rate it.
*Update your original post and occasionally post a general update if you want.
Level - Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
Completed: 12/12
Category 1: By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year. Beautiful Ugly - Alice Feeney 3/6/25 (published on January 14, 2025)
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books. Sizzling Sixteen - Janet Evanovich 3/14/25
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2: Alignments
Read a book set in England. Secrets of a Charmed Life - Susan Meissner 1/2/25
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON. Crome Yellow - Aldous Huxley 1/12/25
Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action. One Summer in Savannah - Terah Shelton Harris 3/9/25
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE. Undead and Unworthy - MaryJanice Davidson 2/20/25
Category 4:Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation. The Good Earth - Pearl S. Buck 1/27/25
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN. Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks 1/19/25
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Miss Morgan's Book Brigade - Janet Skeslien Charles 3/12/25Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time. Enchanted Magic - T.M. Cromer 3/5/25
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
How to Save an Undead Life - Hailey Edwards 2/18/25Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT Saturday - Ian McEwan 2/4/25
Snowflake ❄️ I’ll come back to build my TBR
Snowflake 1-2 books Back later to build my list
I'm in!Level: Hot Cocoa
Duration: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
Category 1 By the Numbers:
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments:
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 Festivals:
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light:
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities:
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It:
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
I’m going snowflake ❄️ ONE: by the numbers
✅Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year - Tattered Huntress - 15/12 - published 23 Jan ‘24
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
TWO: alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
THREE: festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
FOUR: dark & light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
✅Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN - Hailey Edwards - Fair Market Value - 29/12
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
FIVE: oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
SIX: the long & the short of it
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
Mod
Timeframe: December 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
Level - Snowman: 4+ tasks per category
Completed: 0/24+
Category 1: By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2: Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4:Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
I’m in!Starting as a Snowflake, may work my way up to hot cocoa.
Mod
TCF's Winter Solstice Challenge
Timeframe: December 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
Level - Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
Completed: 0/0
Category 1: By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2: Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4:Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
December Solstice ChallengeDates: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
Level: Snowflake (possibly hot cocoa)
Tasks Completed: 10/12
Category 1: By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2: Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger. The Road of Bones 1/5/24
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON. All In 1/23/25
Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things. Fair Catch 3/4/25 MCs have to balance football and college
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE. Love, Theoretically 2/20/25
Category 4:Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN. -- Rule of the Aurora King 1/10/24 Author Nisha Tuli
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it. Dawn 2/7/25
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
2/2/25Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time. Finding You 12/30/24 (all go fishing together)
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
1/23/25Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
2/1/25Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
December Solstice ChallengeDates: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
Level: Hot Cocoa
Tasks Completed: 01
Category 1 By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
✔️Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Civilizations (2019) by Laurent Binet; translated from the French by Sam Taylor (Hardback 310 pages) (12/28/24)
The Mixtec Nation (native of Mexico) in the 16th century performs a pagan ritual involving human sacrifice. Our main characters witness this.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
☃️☃️Snowman: 4+ tasks per category☃️☃️Category 1 By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
21/12/24 -19/03/25☃️4+ tasks per category
Category 1 By the Numbers 4/5
★Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year. When Breath Becomes Air 21/12
★Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number. Truth Teller 21/12
★Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Butcher's Nails 12/1 (Horus Heresy Series Short)
★Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Templar 12/1 (41st century)
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments 4/5
★Read a book set in England.
The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary 17/1
★Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Sunbolt 13/1
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
★Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Neues vom Räuber Hotzenplotz 27/12
★Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Hotzenplotz 3 27/12
★Category 3 Festivals 5/5★
★Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Beware of Chicken 3 15/1
★Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Born Different: A Monster Evolution LitRPG 2/1
★Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Ariadne 29/12
★Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
How to Be a Dad: The ultimate guide to pregnancy, birth & dirty nappies 24/12
★Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Little Horus 12/1
★Category 4 Dark and Light 5/5★
★Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
How to Betray a Dragon's Hero 2/2
★Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
The Complete Undead Apocalypse Series 25/12
★Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Cinnamon Bun 2: RavensDagger 3/1
★Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Beware of Chicken 6/1
★Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Diary of a Wimpy Zombie: Book 1 25/12 (technically an all day party but they are night creatures so same difference :D )
Category 5 Oddities 4/5
★Read a book about the North Pole.
Knights of the North Pole - Santa: A LitRPG/Cultivation adventure 26/1
Read a book set in the Tropics.
★Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly 23/12
★Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
SOS Hotel: Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendishly Fabulous 2/1
★Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Cinnamon Bun 5 10/1
★Category 6 The Long and the Short of It 5/5★
★Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Diary of a Wimpy Zombie: Book 2 29/12
★Read a book with a very dark cover.
Die kleine Hexe 1/1
★Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night
Magic Study 29/12
★Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Quest for a Maid 31/12
★Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
Raven's Flight: Gav Thorpe 12/1
December Solstice ChallengeDates: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
Level: Hot Cocoa
❄️❄️❄️Snowflake Level: 1-2 tasks per category❄️❄️❄️
Tasks Completed:
Category 1 - By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year
Category 2 - Alignments
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 - Festivals
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE
Category 4 - Dark and Light
Category 5 - Oddities
Category 6 - The Long and the Short of It
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
December Solstice ChallengeDates: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
Level: Snowman: 4+ tasks per category
Category 1 By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
December Solstice ChallengeDates: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
I will start at: Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
❅❅❅❅❅
Category 1 By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
🗸Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.-The Secret of the Old Clock 12/24/24
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments
🗸Read a book set in England.- To Say Nothing of the Dog 12/2/4/24
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
I will join most likely at snowflake level:✔️Category 1 By the Numbers
The date of the winter solstice varies from year to year, and can fall anywhere between December 20 and December 23, with the 21st or 22nd being the most common dates. The reason for this is because the tropical year—the time it takes for the sun to return to the same spot relative to Earth—is different from the calendar year. The next solstice occurring on December 20 will not happen until 2080, and the next December 23 solstice will not occur until 2303.
📔Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Out of My Mind Sharon M. Draper 25 Jan (March 9, 2010)
📔Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Bibliolepsy Gina Apostol 1 Mar 201 pages
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
✔️Category 2 Alignments
The primary axis of Stonehenge is oriented to the setting sun. Some have theorized that the position of the sun was of religious significance to the people who built Stonehenge, while other theories hold that the monument is constructed along natural features that happen to align with it.
At Chaco Canyon in New Mexico where Ancestral Puebloans built an elaborate city more than 1000 years ago, the sun strikes a particular petroglyph called the Sun Dagger at the summer and winter solstices. The rock carving may have been part of the Ancestral Puebloans’ sophisticated practice of astronomy.
📔Read a book set in England
The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde 21 Feb
📔Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Milkman Anna Burns 8 Feb
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
📔Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
The Nakano Thrift Shop Hiromi Kawakami 26 Jan
✔️Category 3 Festivals
Ancient Romans celebrated reversals at the midwinter festival of Saturnalia.
The holiday, which began as a festival to honor the agricultural god Saturn, was held to commemorate the dedication of his temple in 497 BCE. It quickly became a time of widespread revelry and debauchery in which societal roles were overturned, with masters serving the people they enslaved and servants being allowed to insult their masters. Mask-wearing and play-acting were also part of Saturnalia’s reversals, with each household electing a King of Misrule. Saturnalia was gradually replaced by Christmas throughout the Roman Empire, but many of its customs survive as Christmas traditions.
In China, they celebrate Dong Zhi at the winter solstice. Dong Zhi means “winter arrives” or “the arrival of winter” and is an important festival during which families gather and celebrate the past year. The festival is believed to have originated as a way to mark the end of the harvest season. Dong Zhi also correlates to the concept of yin and yang because of the season’s balance of day and night. The most popular food during Dong Zhi are glutinous rice balls called tang yuan. Dumplings, wontons, and mutton are also part of the festivities.
The pagan festival of Yule honored the winter solstice. Despite showing up in a variety of Christmas-related songs and traditions, Yule originated as an ancient pagan winter solstice festival. People would celebrate with a 12-day feast that marked the sun’s rebirth and would burn a Yule log, which stayed lit for all 12 nights. Some pagans consider Yule the beginning of the new year, a time when the days start getting longer. Druids would burn Yule logs for 12 days to eliminate evil spirits and bring about good luck.
📔Read a book where a character wears a mask.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare 24 Jan
📔Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
In Five Years Rebecca Serle 16 Feb
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
✔️Category 4 Dark and Light
Ancient cultures viewed the winter solstice as a time of death and rebirth.
The seeming death of the light and very real threat of starvation over the winter months would have weighed heavily on early societies, who held varied solstice celebrations and rites meant to herald the return of the sun and hope for new life. Cattle and other animals were slaughtered around midwinter, followed by feasting on what was the last fresh meat for several months. The modern Druidic celebration Alban Arthan reveres the death of the Old Sun and birth of the New Sun.
Some traditions hold that dark spirits will walk the Earth on the winter solstice. Zoroastrian lore holds that evil spirits wander the Earth and the forces of the destructive spirit Ahriman are strongest on this long night. People are encouraged to stay up most of the night in the company of one another, eating, talking, and sharing poetry and stories, to avoid any brushes with dark entities. Beliefs about the presence of evil on the longest night are also echoed in Celtic and Germanic folklore.
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
📔Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Horse Geraldine Brooks 22 Feb
📔Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Table for Two Amor Towles 16 Feb It's good guys and bad guys in a noir crime story
✔️Category 5 Oddities
The winter solstice happens at a brief, specific moment.
Not only does the solstice occur on a specific day, but it also occurs at a specific time of day, corresponding to the instant the North Pole is aimed farthest away from the sun on the 23.5° tilt of the Earth’s axis. This is also the time when the sun shines directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. In 2024, this moment occurs at 9:21 a.m. GMT in the UK on December 21 (3:21 a.m. Central Standard Time in the U.S.). Regardless of where you live, the solstice happens at the same moment for everyone on the planet.
Read a book about the North Pole
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
📔Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
How to Read a Book Monica Wood 20 Jan
📔Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
A Match Made for Thanksgiving Jackie Lau 25 Jan
✔️Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
The winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight hours grow shorter and shorter as the winter solstice approaches and begin to slowly lengthen afterward. It’s no wonder that the day of the solstice is often referred to as the “shortest day of the year” or “extreme of winter.” Helsinki, Finland, will get less than 6 hours of light. Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, will not have a sunrise at all (and hasn’t since mid-November; its next sunrise will be on January 22), while the North Pole has had no sunrise since October. The South Pole, though, will be basking in the glow of the midnight sun, which won’t set until March.
📔Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
The Whisper Sister Jennifer S. Brown 6 Jan
MC owns a speakeasy, it is open from 4PM to 2-3AM
Read a book with a very dark cover.
📔Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Still Alice Lisa Genova 8 Jan
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
reply | flag
TCF's Winter Solstice ChallengeDuration: December 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
*Re-reads are allowed; one book per task.
*Once you’ve read a book strike through it and rate it.
*Update your original post and occasionally post a general update if you want.
Level - Snowman: 4+ tasks per category
Completed: 0/24+
Category 1: By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2: Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4:Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation). Ho Ho Homicidal Maniac by K.A. Merikan, 12/28/24
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
TCF Winter Solistice's ChallengeDuration: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
🎉 COMPLETED! 🎉 6/6
Have fun and happy reading!
Levels:
❄️ Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
✅Category 1 By the Numbers
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books-
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
✅Category 2 Alignments
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
✅Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
✅Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
✅Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Cover:
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
✅Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
- Read 20/01/2025Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
Winter Solstice ChallengeDuration: December 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
Level Hot Cocoa: 3 tasks per category
READ: 20/18+
Category 1 By the Numbers
✔ Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Promise Not to Tell - Jayne Ann Krentz ( January 2, 2018) 1/26
Category 2 Alignments
✔ Read a book set in England.
The Tees Valley Killings - C.J. Grayson 1/30
✔ Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Come Shell or High Water - Molly MacRae 2/26
✔ Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Not Quite Dead - Lyla Payne (Mrs LaBadie) 12/25
✔ Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
You Can Kill - Rebecca Zanetti 12/23
Category 3 Festivals
✔ Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Blood Orchids - Toby Neal 1/4
✔ Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Stop Dragon My Heart Around - Susannah Scott (Tallulah) 12/28
✔ Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Plantation Shudders - Ellen Byron 12/24
(keeping plantation solvent and a second job)
✔ Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Exile Trust - Vincent H. O'Neil 12/30
Category 4 Dark and Light
✔ Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
The Last Outpost - Hannah Ross 1/6
✔ Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Autopsy of a Fairytale - Nicole Scarano 2/1
✔ Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
The Dragon of Sedona - Genevieve Jack 1/15
Category 5 Oddities
✔ Read a book set in the Tropics.
Torch Ginger - Toby Neal (Hawaii) 1/9
✔ Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Highland Dragon - Genevieve Jack (sword) 1/17
✔ Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Murder at a Cape Bookstore - Maddie Day 3/4
(all characters attend a town meeting)
✔ Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
The Last Dragon - Genevieve Jack 1/22
(the rebels plan an assassination at a specific date and time)
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
✔ Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
The Foxglove King - Hannah F. Whitten 2/2
✔ Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night.
The Dragons of Paragon - Genevieve Jack 1/18
(the three sisters, witches save Paragon)
✔ Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Make Them Pay - Allison Brennan 12/31
(Liam absolutely obsessed with hidden treasure where nothing else matters)
✔ Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
Blood Orchids - Toby Neal 1/4
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Levels:❄️ Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
Category 1 By the Numbers
🗸Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett - Pub Jan 10. 7/01/2025
🗸Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number. The Promise of Happiness by Betty Neels 192. 31/12/2024
(view spoiler)
Category 2 Alignments
🗸Read a book set in England. A Sicilian Seduction by Michelle Reid. Set in London. 24/12/2024
(view spoiler)
Category 3 Festivals
(view spoiler)
🗸Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE. - Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell 03/01/202
Category 4 Dark and Light
(view spoiler)
🗸Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN. - Unperfect by Susie Tate 30/12/2024
(view spoiler)
Category 5 Oddities
(view spoiler)
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
(view spoiler)
🗸Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT - The Governess Game by Tessa Dare. 29/12/2024
Winter SolsticeDecember 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
I'll start with ❄️ (1-2 tasks per category)
Category 1 By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year. ==> 01/01
A Sparkling Case of Murder 01/02Read a book from a series with 20 or more books. ==> #36
Death of a Green-Eyed Monster 01/15Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Murder at King's Crossing 01/06Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Now or Never 01/03Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Galaxy Cruise: The Maiden Voyage 01/13Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Yvonne Goes to York 01/10Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN. ===> Robert Thorogood
Death Comes to Marlow 01/06Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
The Teller of Small Fortunes 02/17Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
The Kona Shuffle 01/11Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle. ==> a gravestone
An Occupied Grave 01/07Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Murder on Astor Place 02/16Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries 02/01
Snowflake Level: 1-2 tasks per categoryCategory 1 By the Numbers
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2 Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
Avid's Winter Solstice ChallengeDuration: December 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
Hot Cocoa: 3 tasks per category
Completed: 18/18 Books
*Re-reads are allowed; one book per task.
*Once you’ve read a book strike through it and rate it.
*Update your original post and occasionally post a general update if you want.
Category 1: By the Numbers
Category 2: Alignments
Category 3: Festivals
Category 4:Dark and Light
Category 5: Oddities
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
TCF's Winter Solstice ChallengeDuration: 12/21/24 - 3/19/25
Level: Snowflake (1-2 tasks per category)
Progress: 10 of 10
Completed: 2/14/25
*Re-reads are allowed; one book per task.
Category 1: By the Numbers
❄️ Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong (1/22/25)
❄️ Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Drown Her Sorrows by Melinda Leigh (1/20/25) ~ 312 pages
❄️ Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Play of Passion by Nalini Singh (1/30/25) ~ Psy-Changeling #9 of 24
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2: Alignments
❄️ Read a book set in England.
The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (1/1/25)
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
❄️ Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (1/8/25)
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
❄️ Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Broken by Rebecca Zanetti (1/24/24) ~ balancing friend's death & revenge for betrayal of team
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4:Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
❄️ Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Vampires Rule by K.C. Blake (1/31/25)
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
❄️ Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Wildcard by Marie Lu (1/31/25) ~ when the neural implants go online
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
❄️ Read a book with a very dark cover.
by Kay Hooper (2/14/25) Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
❄️ Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall (1/11/25) ~ Aunt Cora is a bit much vgup
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
December Solstice ChallengeDates: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
Level: Snowflake
Tasks Completed: 0/12
Category 1: By the Numbers
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Category 2: Alignments
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Category 3: Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4:Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Category 5: Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
TCF's Winter Solstice Challenge
December 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
My Winter Solstice Challenge (msg 36)
Level ❱❱ Snowman ❱❱ 4+ tasks per section
Category 1 By the Numbers
☑️Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year
🔺All I Want for Christmas Eve ❱❱ 12.22 ★★★
☑️Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number
🔺Spark ❱❱ 12.23 ★★★
☑️Read a book from a series with 20 or more books
🔺Christmas Moon ❱❱ 12.21 ★★★
☑️Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later
🔺System Collapse ❱❱ 02.11 ★★★★
☑️Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year
🔺Bride ❱❱ 03.18 ★★★★
Category 2 Alignments
☑️Read a book set in England
🔺Once a Duchess ❱❱ 12.22 ★★★
☑️Read a book that has a sunset on the cover
🔺Scrimmage Gone South ❱❱ 01.11 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed
🔺Bound ❱❱ 01.29 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where a character uses a dagger
🔺Through the Glen ❱❱ 12.25 ★★★★
☑️Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON
🔺His Hardest Choice ❱❱ 12.24 ★★★
Category 3 Festivals
☑️Read a book where a character wears a mask
🔺Grind ❱❱ 01.02 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action
🔺Kiss of a Duke ❱❱ 12.29 ★★★
☑️Read a book that includes a crop harvest
🔺Return to Destiny ❱❱ 03.14 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where the MC has to balance two things
🔺How the Grump Saved Christmas ❱❱ 12.27 ★★★★
☑️Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE
🔺You Can Kill ❱❱ 01.18 ★★★★
Category 4 Dark and Light
☑️Read a book that mentions Druids in it
🔺Say Yes to the Marquess ❱❱ 03.15 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation
🔺Nathaniel ❱❱ 01.15 ★★★
☑️Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN
🔺Irish Rose ❱❱ 01.29 ★★★★
☑️Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it
🔺Dark Angel ❱❱ 01.19 ★★★
☑️Read a book where characters go to an all night party
🔺My Liege of Dark Haven ❱❱ 01.18 ★★★★
Category 5 Oddities
☑️Read a book about the North Pole
🔺Sweet Destiny ❱❱ 03.13 ★★★
☑️Read a book set in the Tropics
🔺Songs for Perri ❱❱ 01.04 ★★★
☑️Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle
🔺Nobody's Perfect ❱❱ 12.31 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time
🔺Christmas in Destiny ❱❱ 01.07 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day
🔺Avenged ❱❱ 01.23 ★★★★
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
☑️Read a book where much of the activity happens at night
🔺The Crawling Darkness ❱❱ 01.13 ★★★
☑️Read a book with a very dark cover
🔺The RSVP ❱❱ 12.28 ★★★★
☑️Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night
🔺Zander ❱❱ 12.30 ★★★★
☑️Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation)
🔺Driven ❱❱ 01.26 ★★★★
☑️Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
🔺The Royal Pain ❱❱ 03.16 ★★★★
COMPLETEDDecember Solstice Challenge
Dates: 12/21/24 - 03/19/25
Level: Snowflake (1-2 task)
Tasks Completed: 12/12
✅Category 1 By the Numbers
➡️Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
by Rebecca WintersFinished 1/12/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Book was published 2/10/2009 which falls between Dec 20 and Mar 19
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
➡️Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
by G.A. McKevettFinished 1/18/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: This is book #26 of A Savannah Reid Mystery Series Number 26 is greater than 20.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
✅Category 2 Alignments
➡️Read a book set in England.
by Clare MackintoshFinished 3/20/25 ⭐⭐
Fits: Takes place in English Territory - "Lloyd owns a holiday resort on the English side of the lake," p24
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
➡️Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns
Finished 1/26/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: This book title begins with C and can be found in the word CHACO CANYON
✅Category 3 Festivals
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
➡️Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
by Cora SetonFinished 2/4/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Colt had to get married to save the family ranch. He sent an e-mail requesting a temporary wife and his lost love responded and another female. He agreed to marry Melanie (to save the ranch) and then divorce her after a few months. Prior to them meeting up Heather (lost HS love) and Colt rekindled their love and he decided to marry Heather instead. And we are marrying for the right reason and no plans to divorce.
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
➡️Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
by Colleen HooverFinished 2/6/25 ⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Holden has figured out that Sky is the same person he knew 13 years ago as Hope. He has to balance knowing who she is an not telling her who she was. That her mom (Karen) is not her mom but the person who took her from her family. Also balancing his life as her grieves for his sister and feeling responsible for Hope going missing and his sister committing suicide he should have been able to save her.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
✅Category 4 Dark and Light
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
➡️Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
Finished 2/28/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: A woman on the train spoke about the Great Famine in Ireland. "Everyone in County Down called that time the Great Famine. Gram, who defiantly spoke Gaelic until her dying breath, called it An Gorta Mor. The Great Hunger, as if to say it wasn't the lack of food that is remembered but how that stretch of years made people feel. Ravenous and empty and wanting." p 9
After the earthquake when people were forced from their homes, the were placed in recovery camps and food was rationed. " The talk in the queue for breakfast..." p184
➡️Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Adam & Evie's Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen
Finished 1/24/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Author initials can be found in RETUREN OF THE SUN ... Nora Nguyen
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
✅Category 5 Oddities
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
➡️Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
by Brenda NovakFinished 1/2/25 ⭐⭐⭐
Fits: the stockings are hung on an angle
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
➡️Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
by John GrishamFinished 1/4/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: The plot revolves around Christmas. The Kranks were planning on going on a cruise and did not prepare for Christmas, when their daughter Blair called and said she was surprising them for the holiday and bringing her fiancé they hustled around to decorate and prepare for her Christmas homecoming. Their daughter said, "I've told him all about Christmas on Hemlock, the kids, the Frostys, the big party at our house. You're doing the party, aren't you mom?"
Everything they did not do but had in the past they put together in 12 hours.
✅Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
➡️Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
by Colleen HooverFinished 1/11/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Sky remembering her past and what her father had done to her, she takes comfort with Holden. "We spent the rest of the night taking turns expressing how we feel without uttering a word. By the time we finally reach the point of exhaustion, wrapped up in each others arms, I begin to fall asleep in a wave of disbelief." p 767
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
➡️Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
by Debbie MacomberFinished 1/6/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: The author initials are found in MiDnight - Debbie Macomber
Duration: 12/21/24 - 03/19/257/12
Levels:
Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
Hot Cocoa: 3 tasks per category
Snowman: 4+ tasks per category
Category 1 By the Numbers
The date of the winter solstice varies from year to year, and can fall anywhere between December 20 and December 23, with the 21st or 22nd being the most common dates. The reason for this is because the tropical year—the time it takes for the sun to return to the same spot relative to Earth—is different from the calendar year. The next solstice occurring on December 20 will not happen until 2080, and the next December 23 solstice will not occur until 2303.
Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (born December 2nd) 11/02/25
Category 2 Alignments
The primary axis of Stonehenge is oriented to the setting sun. Some have theorized that the position of the sun was of religious significance to the people who built Stonehenge, while other theories hold that the monument is constructed along natural features that happen to align with it.
At Chaco Canyon in New Mexico where Ancestral Puebloans built an elaborate city more than 1000 years ago, the sun strikes a particular petroglyph called the Sun Dagger at the summer and winter solstices. The rock carving may have been part of the Ancestral Puebloans’ sophisticated practice of astronomy.
Read a book set in England.
Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
23/02/25Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo 24/01/25
Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
Homecoming by Kate Morton 20/01/25
Category 3 Festivals
Ancient Romans celebrated reversals at the midwinter festival of Saturnalia.
The holiday, which began as a festival to honor the agricultural god Saturn, was held to commemorate the dedication of his temple in 497 BCE. It quickly became a time of widespread revelry and debauchery in which societal roles were overturned, with masters serving the people they enslaved and servants being allowed to insult their masters. Mask-wearing and play-acting were also part of Saturnalia’s reversals, with each household electing a King of Misrule. Saturnalia was gradually replaced by Christmas throughout the Roman Empire, but many of its customs survive as Christmas traditions.
In China, they celebrate Dong Zhi at the winter solstice. Dong Zhi means “winter arrives” or “the arrival of winter” and is an important festival during which families gather and celebrate the past year. The festival is believed to have originated as a way to mark the end of the harvest season. Dong Zhi also correlates to the concept of yin and yang because of the season’s balance of day and night. The most popular food during Dong Zhi are glutinous rice balls called tang yuan. Dumplings, wontons, and mutton are also part of the festivities.
The pagan festival of Yule honored the winter solstice. Despite showing up in a variety of Christmas-related songs and traditions, Yule originated as an ancient pagan winter solstice festival. People would celebrate with a 12-day feast that marked the sun’s rebirth and would burn a Yule log, which stayed lit for all 12 nights. Some pagans consider Yule the beginning of the new year, a time when the days start getting longer. Druids would burn Yule logs for 12 days to eliminate evil spirits and bring about good luck.
Read a book where a character wears a mask.
Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
The Other Americans by Laila Lalami 10/01/25
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
Category 4 Dark and Light
Ancient cultures viewed the winter solstice as a time of death and rebirth.
The seeming death of the light and very real threat of starvation over the winter months would have weighed heavily on early societies, who held varied solstice celebrations and rites meant to herald the return of the sun and hope for new life. Cattle and other animals were slaughtered around midwinter, followed by feasting on what was the last fresh meat for several months. The modern Druidic celebration Alban Arthan reveres the death of the Old Sun and birth of the New Sun.
Some traditions hold that dark spirits will walk the Earth on the winter solstice. Zoroastrian lore holds that evil spirits wander the Earth and the forces of the destructive spirit Ahriman are strongest on this long night. People are encouraged to stay up most of the night in the company of one another, eating, talking, and sharing poetry and stories, to avoid any brushes with dark entities. Beliefs about the presence of evil on the longest night are also echoed in Celtic and Germanic folklore.
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Private Rites by Julia Armfield 10/01/25
Category 5 Oddities
The winter solstice happens at a brief, specific moment.
Not only does the solstice occur on a specific day, but it also occurs at a specific time of day, corresponding to the instant the North Pole is aimed farthest away from the sun on the 23.5° tilt of the Earth’s axis. This is also the time when the sun shines directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. In 2024, this moment occurs at 9:21 a.m. GMT in the UK on December 21 (3:21 a.m. Central Standard Time in the U.S.). Regardless of where you live, the solstice happens at the same moment for everyone on the planet.
Read a book about the North Pole.
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
The winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight hours grow shorter and shorter as the winter solstice approaches and begin to slowly lengthen afterward. It’s no wonder that the day of the solstice is often referred to as the “shortest day of the year” or “extreme of winter.” Helsinki, Finland, will get less than 6 hours of light. Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, will not have a sunrise at all (and hasn’t since mid-November; its next sunrise will be on January 22), while the North Pole has had no sunrise since October. The South Pole, though, will be basking in the glow of the midnight sun, which won’t set until March.
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan 19/12/24
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT
21 december 2025 to 21 march 2025 14/ 12
Snowflake 1 a 2 tasks
ONE: by the numbers
✔️◾️Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Alexander McCall Smith 256 p. Read 26 january 2025 4 starsPublished 1 january 1998
✔️◾️Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Bezonken rood
Jeroen Brouwers 152 p. 2 march◾️Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
◾️Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
◾️Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
TWO: alignments
✔️◾️Read a book set in England. De kleuren van magie
Victoria E. Schwab 416 p. 19 february 2025◾️Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
◾️Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
◾️Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
✔️◾️Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton 276 p. 31 january 20255 stars
THREE: festivals
◾️Read a book where a character wears a mask.
✔️◾️Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
De bijzondere levens van Violette
Valérie Perrin 480 p. 10 february Violette changes planned action a few times, all of a sudden going with Gabriel to a wedding, suddenly leaving for the cemetary without giving it a lot of thought
✔️◾️Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Rouwdouwers
Falun Ellie Koos 235 p. Read 30 january 20254 stars
the family is poor and they harvest their crop which is important to feed themselves
✔️◾️Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Stabbed Hunting Zero
Jack Mars 332 p. Read: 6 february The MC has to balance between risks for his daughters and trying to find them by making contact with others ◾️Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
FOUR: dark & light
◾️Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
✔️◾️Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Paris: de memoires van Abel Sikkink
Bert Wagendorp 386 p. Read: 5 februaryThe population of Paris is threatened by starvation during the German- French War in the 19th century.
✔️◾️Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
8. The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life—Before 8AM
Hal Elrod 224 p. 9 february 2025◾️Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
✔️◾️Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Isaac's Song
Daniel Black320 p. Read: 3 february Published january 2025
FIVE: oddities
◾️Read a book about the North Pole.
◾️Read a book set in the Tropics.
✔️◾️Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Alan Bradley 386 p. Read 4 february 2025 Stamp✔️◾️Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
Het woud (Bodenstein & Kirchhoff Book 8) Nele Neuhaus 535 p. Read : 8 february 2025They all attend the press conference of the police
◾️Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
SIX: the long & the short of it
◾️Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
◾️Read a book with a very dark cover.
✔️◾️Alles is nu
Amy Giles 366 p. Read 27 january 2025(view spoiler) 3 stars
✔️◾️Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Onze Moeder was een Seriemoordenaar
Gregg Olsen 442p. 12 february The mother who kills and tortures people.
◾️Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
Winter Solstice ChallengeDecember 21, 2024 - March 19, 2025
Category 6: The Long and the Short of It
❄ Snowflake: 1-2 tasks per category
Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
Read a book with a very dark cover.
What Lies in the Woods - 1/26/25 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
*Starting late, but here goes
Finished Hot Cocoa at msg9
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Completed 13. Done.✔️Category 1 By the Numbers
The date of the winter solstice varies from year to year, and can fall anywhere between December 20 and December 23, with the 21st or 22nd being the most common dates. The reason for this is because the tropical year—the time it takes for the sun to return to the same spot relative to Earth—is different from the calendar year. The next solstice occurring on December 20 will not happen until 2080, and the next December 23 solstice will not occur until 2303.
📔Read a book published between December 20 and March 19 of any year.
Out of My Mind Sharon M. Draper 25 Jan (March 9, 2010)
📔Read a book with 2 and 1 in the page number.
Bibliolepsy Gina Apostol 1 Mar 201 pages
Read a book from a series with 20 or more books.
Read a book set far into the future - 2080 or later.
Read a book by an author who was born in December of any year.
✔️Category 2 Alignments
The primary axis of Stonehenge is oriented to the setting sun. Some have theorized that the position of the sun was of religious significance to the people who built Stonehenge, while other theories hold that the monument is constructed along natural features that happen to align with it.
At Chaco Canyon in New Mexico where Ancestral Puebloans built an elaborate city more than 1000 years ago, the sun strikes a particular petroglyph called the Sun Dagger at the summer and winter solstices. The rock carving may have been part of the Ancestral Puebloans’ sophisticated practice of astronomy.
📔Read a book set in England
The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde 21 Feb
📔Read a book that has a sunset on the cover.
Milkman Anna Burns 8 Feb
Read a book where a pagan ritual is observed.
Read a book where a character uses a dagger.
📔Read a book that has a title beginning with a letter found in CHACO CANYON.
The Nakano Thrift Shop Hiromi Kawakami 26 Jan
✔️Category 3 Festivals
Ancient Romans celebrated reversals at the midwinter festival of Saturnalia.
The holiday, which began as a festival to honor the agricultural god Saturn, was held to commemorate the dedication of his temple in 497 BCE. It quickly became a time of widespread revelry and debauchery in which societal roles were overturned, with masters serving the people they enslaved and servants being allowed to insult their masters. Mask-wearing and play-acting were also part of Saturnalia’s reversals, with each household electing a King of Misrule. Saturnalia was gradually replaced by Christmas throughout the Roman Empire, but many of its customs survive as Christmas traditions.
In China, they celebrate Dong Zhi at the winter solstice. Dong Zhi means “winter arrives” or “the arrival of winter” and is an important festival during which families gather and celebrate the past year. The festival is believed to have originated as a way to mark the end of the harvest season. Dong Zhi also correlates to the concept of yin and yang because of the season’s balance of day and night. The most popular food during Dong Zhi are glutinous rice balls called tang yuan. Dumplings, wontons, and mutton are also part of the festivities.
The pagan festival of Yule honored the winter solstice. Despite showing up in a variety of Christmas-related songs and traditions, Yule originated as an ancient pagan winter solstice festival. People would celebrate with a 12-day feast that marked the sun’s rebirth and would burn a Yule log, which stayed lit for all 12 nights. Some pagans consider Yule the beginning of the new year, a time when the days start getting longer. Druids would burn Yule logs for 12 days to eliminate evil spirits and bring about good luck.
📔Read a book where a character wears a mask.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare 24 Jan
📔Read a book where the MC reverses his or her planned course of action.
In Five Years Rebecca Serle 16 Feb
Read a book that includes a crop harvest.
Read a book where the MC has to balance two things.
Read a book whose title begins with a letter in YULE.
✔️Category 4 Dark and Light
Ancient cultures viewed the winter solstice as a time of death and rebirth.
The seeming death of the light and very real threat of starvation over the winter months would have weighed heavily on early societies, who held varied solstice celebrations and rites meant to herald the return of the sun and hope for new life. Cattle and other animals were slaughtered around midwinter, followed by feasting on what was the last fresh meat for several months. The modern Druidic celebration Alban Arthan reveres the death of the Old Sun and birth of the New Sun.
Some traditions hold that dark spirits will walk the Earth on the winter solstice. Zoroastrian lore holds that evil spirits wander the Earth and the forces of the destructive spirit Ahriman are strongest on this long night. People are encouraged to stay up most of the night in the company of one another, eating, talking, and sharing poetry and stories, to avoid any brushes with dark entities. Beliefs about the presence of evil on the longest night are also echoed in Celtic and Germanic folklore.
Read a book that mentions Druids in it.
Read a book where a population is threatened by starvation.
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase RETURN OF THE SUN.
📔Read a book with a battle between the forces of dark and light in it.
Horse Geraldine Brooks 22 Feb
📔Read a book where characters go to an all night party.
Table for Two Amor Towles 16 Feb It's good guys and bad guys in a noir crime story
✔️Category 5 Oddities
The winter solstice happens at a brief, specific moment.
Not only does the solstice occur on a specific day, but it also occurs at a specific time of day, corresponding to the instant the North Pole is aimed farthest away from the sun on the 23.5° tilt of the Earth’s axis. This is also the time when the sun shines directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. In 2024, this moment occurs at 9:21 a.m. GMT in the UK on December 21 (3:21 a.m. Central Standard Time in the U.S.). Regardless of where you live, the solstice happens at the same moment for everyone on the planet.
Read a book about the North Pole
Read a book set in the Tropics.
Read a book where something on the cover is tilted at an angle.
📔Read a book where the main characters all do something at the same time.
How to Read a Book Monica Wood 20 Jan
📔Read a book where the plot revolves around an important event that will happen at a specific time on a specific day.
A Match Made for Thanksgiving Jackie Lau 25 Jan
✔️Category 6 The Long and the Short of It
The winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight hours grow shorter and shorter as the winter solstice approaches and begin to slowly lengthen afterward. It’s no wonder that the day of the solstice is often referred to as the “shortest day of the year” or “extreme of winter.” Helsinki, Finland, will get less than 6 hours of light. Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, will not have a sunrise at all (and hasn’t since mid-November; its next sunrise will be on January 22), while the North Pole has had no sunrise since October. The South Pole, though, will be basking in the glow of the midnight sun, which won’t set until March.
📔Read a book where much of the activity happens at night.
The Whisper Sister Jennifer S. Brown 6 Jan
MC owns a speakeasy, it is open from 4PM to 2-3AM
Read a book with a very dark cover.
📔Read a book where the MC suffers from a very long night (could be emotionally or physically - does not necessarily have to occur in the deep of winter).
Still Alice Lisa Genova 8 Jan
Read a book with an extreme character (your interpretation).
Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word MIDNIGHT.
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The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Aldous Huxley (other topics)Ian McEwan (other topics)
Janet Evanovich (other topics)
Alice Feeney (other topics)
Susan Meissner (other topics)
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*Credit to https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/7... for information used in the creation of this challenge.