{"product_id":"winter-solstice-at-alma","title":"WINTER SOLSTICE AT ALMA","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCACAO • RITUAL • SOUND • A SEASONAL TABLE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSunday, December 20, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 PM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Alma Sanctuary | Pelzer, South Carolina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e$69 per guest | Limited to 20\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn evening honoring the longest night—and the return of the light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is a particular kind of stillness that arrives at the winter solstice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe days have shortened. The natural world has drawn inward. And for one long night, we are invited to do the same.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis isn't about rushing toward a new year or creating another list of things to become.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is an invitation to pause.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo listen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo lay down what no longer needs to be carried.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd to make space for what may be waiting beneath the noise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn honor of the returning light, guests are invited to dress in shades of winter white, ivory, cream + champagne.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE EVENING\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eARRIVE + GATHER\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCome in from the December evening and settle into the warmth of Alma.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe'll begin slowly, allowing time to arrive, connect and leave the pace of the outside world behind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCACAO + INTENTION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTogether, we'll share a warm cup of intentionally prepared ceremonial-grade cacao.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou'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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo previous experience with cacao is needed. We'll approach it simply—with curiosity, respect and intention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRELEASE + RITUAL\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs we move deeper into the evening, Liz will guide a winter solstice ritual incorporating reflection, gentle embodied movement and a symbolic practice of release.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNothing performative. Nothing you need to \"get right.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimply space to notice, feel and let go.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSOUND + STILLNESS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThen, we become quiet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSettle beneath blankets for an extended candlelit sound bath designed to invite deep rest, spaciousness and integration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a little while, there is nowhere else to be.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eTHE SOLSTICE TABLE\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd then, we return.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA chance to ground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo eat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo talk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo laugh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo sit beside one another without rushing into whatever comes next.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeather permitting, the fire will be lit and you're welcome to linger as the evening comes to a close.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe gather.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe drink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe release.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe become still.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe return.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe eat together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHAT'S INCLUDED\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour Winter Solstice experience includes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Ceremonial-grade cacao\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Guided grounding + intention setting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Gentle embodied movement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Winter solstice release ritual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Extended candlelit sound bath\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Journaling + integration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-A warm seasonal meal at The Solstice Table\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Herbal tea + seasonal accompaniments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-A small take-home ritual element\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Time to gather by the fire, weather permitting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMats, blankets, pillows and everything needed for the evening will be waiting for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo yoga, meditation or cacao experience is required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCome exactly as you are.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHY CACAO?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor centuries, cacao has held significance far beyond its familiar place as chocolate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhole cacao naturally contains theobromine, flavanols, minerals and other compounds, and its warmth and richness make it a beautiful companion for intentional reflection and gathering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor this gathering, ceremonial-grade cacao will be thoughtfully incorporated as one element within a larger seasonal ritual.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is nothing you need to believe or experience for cacao to have a place at the table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimply taste. Notice. Listen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHY THE SOLSTICE?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe winter solstice marks the longest night of the year—and the beginning of the sun's gradual return.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe natural world offers us a rhythm we don't often allow ourselves:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDarkness before light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRest before growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStillness before becoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRather than arriving at the end of December asking what you need to accomplish next, this evening asks something different:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat are you ready to lay down?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat deserves to be carried forward?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat might become visible if you became quiet enough to notice it?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd perhaps most importantly—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat would it feel like to let this season be enough?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHAT TO BRING\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDress 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eATTIRE: WINTER WHITES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMats, 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBring a journal if you have one you love. Otherwise, reflection materials will be available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCome hungry enough to enjoy a light meal after our practice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd bring yourself exactly as you are.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA NOTE ABOUT CACAO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCacao naturally contains theobromine and caffeine and may not be appropriate for everyone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou do not need to drink cacao to participate in this gathering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A non-cacao alternative will be available upon request.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease share any food allergies, dietary restrictions or cacao considerations when registering so we can prepare for you thoughtfully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYOUR GUIDE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLiz McLaughlin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounder, The Alma Sanctuary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLiz is a yoga teacher, sound healing practitioner, breathwork and meditation facilitator, holistic wellness coach, and founder of The Alma Sanctuary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHer 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHer 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWINTER SOLSTICE AT ALMA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCACAO • RITUAL • SOUND • A SEASONAL TABLE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSunday, December 20, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5:30–8:00 PM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Alma Sanctuary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePelzer, South Carolina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e$69 per guest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimited to 20 guests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis gathering has intentionally been kept small. Once all 20 places have been reserved, additional spaces will not be added.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the longest night, we gather dressed in the color of returning light.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGather in the dark.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMake space for stillness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWelcome the return of the light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"The Alma Sanctuary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49868563218670,"sku":null,"price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/9058\/3022\/files\/Winter-Solstice-at-Alma-email-800x800.png?v=1793052036","url":"https:\/\/thealmasanctuary.com\/products\/winter-solstice-at-alma","provider":"The Alma Sanctuary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}