CACAO • RITUAL • SOUND • A SEASONAL TABLE

Sunday, December 20, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 PM
The Alma Sanctuary | Pelzer, South Carolina
$69 per guest | Limited to 20

An evening honoring the longest night—and the return of the light.

There is a particular kind of stillness that arrives at the winter solstice.

The days have shortened. The natural world has drawn inward. And for one long night, we are invited to do the same.

Join us at The Alma Sanctuary for an intimate evening gathered around cacao, ritual, sound and a candlelit seasonal table as we honor the turning of the season—the quiet threshold between what has been and what is beginning.

This isn't about rushing toward a new year or creating another list of things to become.

It is an invitation to pause.

To listen.

To lay down what no longer needs to be carried.

And to make space for what may be waiting beneath the noise.

In honor of the returning light, guests are invited to dress in shades of winter white, ivory, cream + champagne.

THE EVENING

ARRIVE + GATHER

Come in from the December evening and settle into the warmth of Alma.

We'll begin slowly, allowing time to arrive, connect and leave the pace of the outside world behind.

CACAO + INTENTION

Together, we'll share a warm cup of intentionally prepared ceremonial-grade cacao.

You'll be guided through a grounding practice and reflection as we consider the season behind us, what feels complete, and what we're ready to carry forward.

No previous experience with cacao is needed. We'll approach it simply—with curiosity, respect and intention.

RELEASE + RITUAL

As we move deeper into the evening, Liz will guide a winter solstice ritual incorporating reflection, gentle embodied movement and a symbolic practice of release.

Nothing performative. Nothing you need to "get right."

Simply space to notice, feel and let go.

SOUND + STILLNESS

Then, we become quiet.

Settle beneath blankets for an extended candlelit sound bath designed to invite deep rest, spaciousness and integration.

For a little while, there is nowhere else to be.

THE SOLSTICE TABLE

And then, we return.

After sound, we'll gather around the candlelit table for a simple, seasonal meal—something warm and nourishing served alongside rustic bread, seasonal accompaniments and herbal tea.

A chance to ground.

To eat.

To talk.

To laugh.

To sit beside one another without rushing into whatever comes next.

Weather permitting, the fire will be lit and you're welcome to linger as the evening comes to a close.

We gather.
We drink.
We release.
We become still.
We return.
We eat together.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Your Winter Solstice experience includes:

-Ceremonial-grade cacao

-Guided grounding + intention setting

-Gentle embodied movement

-Winter solstice release ritual

-Extended candlelit sound bath

-Journaling + integration

-A warm seasonal meal at The Solstice Table

-Herbal tea + seasonal accompaniments

-A small take-home ritual element

-Time to gather by the fire, weather permitting

Mats, blankets, pillows and everything needed for the evening will be waiting for you.

No yoga, meditation or cacao experience is required.

Come exactly as you are.

WHY CACAO?

For centuries, cacao has held significance far beyond its familiar place as chocolate.

Whole cacao naturally contains theobromine, flavanols, minerals and other compounds, and its warmth and richness make it a beautiful companion for intentional reflection and gathering.

At Alma, we approach cacao as students—with curiosity, respect for its origins and an understanding that cacao carries cultural histories and traditions that are not ours to claim.

For this gathering, ceremonial-grade cacao will be thoughtfully incorporated as one element within a larger seasonal ritual.

There is nothing you need to believe or experience for cacao to have a place at the table.

Simply taste. Notice. Listen.

WHY THE SOLSTICE?

The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year—and the beginning of the sun's gradual return.

The natural world offers us a rhythm we don't often allow ourselves:

Darkness before light.

Rest before growth.

Stillness before becoming.

Rather than arriving at the end of December asking what you need to accomplish next, this evening asks something different:

What are you ready to lay down?

What deserves to be carried forward?

What might become visible if you became quiet enough to notice it?

And perhaps most importantly—

What would it feel like to let this season be enough?

WHAT TO BRING

Dress warmly and comfortably in layers. The Alma pavilion is covered and heaters will be provided, but December evenings in South Carolina can still be chilly.

ATTIRE: WINTER WHITES
In honor of the returning light, we invite you to dress in shades of winter white, ivory, cream or oatmeal. Think warm layers, beautiful textures and whatever makes you feel comfortable enough to settle in for the evening.

Mats, pillows and blankets will be provided. You're welcome to bring an extra favorite blanket if you'd like to be especially cozy during sound.

Bring a journal if you have one you love. Otherwise, reflection materials will be available.

Come hungry enough to enjoy a light meal after our practice.

And bring yourself exactly as you are.

A NOTE ABOUT CACAO

Cacao naturally contains theobromine and caffeine and may not be appropriate for everyone.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a cardiovascular condition, are particularly sensitive to stimulants, take medications that may interact with cacao, or have another health concern, please consult your healthcare provider before participating.

You do not need to drink cacao to participate in this gathering. A non-cacao alternative will be available upon request.

Please share any food allergies, dietary restrictions or cacao considerations when registering so we can prepare for you thoughtfully.

YOUR GUIDE

Liz McLaughlin

Founder, The Alma Sanctuary

Liz is a yoga teacher, sound healing practitioner, breathwork and meditation facilitator, holistic wellness coach, and founder of The Alma Sanctuary.

Her work centers around creating beautiful, grounded experiences that invite people out of the noise of everyday life and back into relationship with themselves, one another and the natural world.

Her approach to cacao is rooted in practice, ongoing study, curiosity and respect—honoring its cultural history while thoughtfully exploring its place within intentional gathering and the evolving Alma practice.

WINTER SOLSTICE AT ALMA

CACAO • RITUAL • SOUND • A SEASONAL TABLE

Sunday, December 20, 2026
5:30–8:00 PM

The Alma Sanctuary
Pelzer, South Carolina

$69 per guest

Limited to 20 guests.

This gathering has intentionally been kept small. Once all 20 places have been reserved, additional spaces will not be added.

On the longest night, we gather dressed in the color of returning light.

Gather in the dark.

Make space for stillness.

Welcome the return of the light.