The winter solstice is a "turning point" and a "resting time".
Hexagram 24.
Return: The Turning Point of the I Ching says:
"The winter solstice has always been celebrated in China as the resting time of the year--a custom that survives in the time of rest observed at the new year. In winter the life energy, symbolized by thunder, the Arousing, is still underground. Movement is just at its beginning; therefore it must be strengthened by rest so that it will not be dissipated by being used
prematurely. This principle, i.e., of allowing energy that is renewing itself to be reinforced by rest, applies to all similar situations. The return of health after illness, the return of understanding after an estrangement: everything must be treated tenderly and with care at the beginning, so that the return may lead to a flowering."
The Image of this hexagram simply states:
Thunder within the earth:
The image of THE TURNING POINT.
Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes
At the time of solstice.
Merchants and strangers did not go about,
And the ruler
Did not travel through the provinces.
It is easy to get wound up so to speak as we lead up to the Holidays.
So, as we lead up to this important time of the year, close your passes, i.e. calm the mind and rest the body, lessen your travels and thus let the full benefits of this period of dormancy and equanimity that nature has graciously obliged us as an occasion to turn within.
Treat everything tenderly and with care at the outset, being mindful and alert so that one truly investigates the principles the Dhamma has provided us "so that the return may lead to a flowering".
with metta for a calm abiding to all.