New Year, New Beginnings: The Beekeeper's Year Starts on December 21st

As we bid farewell to one year and embrace the possibilities of the next, the world around us rings in a fresh start filled with hope, dreams, and resolutions. For most of us, the new year kicks off with the turning of the calendar on January 1st. However, for beekeepers, the new year begins a bit earlier — on December 21st, the Winter Solstice.

At Appalachian Wax Works, we understand that the life of a beekeeper follows the rhythm of nature, and this special time of year marks the beginning of a new cycle for bees and beekeepers alike. Let’s take a closer look at why December 21st is significant for those tending to these tiny, yet mighty creatures, and what new beginnings await as the new year unfolds in the apiary.

A Solstice of Reflection and Renewal

While much of the world is caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle, beekeepers are reflecting on the past year’s successes and challenges. The Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, offers a unique moment of pause. It’s a time for introspection, for assessing hive health, honey harvests, and the careful planning of the seasons ahead.

For bees, this time is a quiet one. Their colony is in a state of rest and dormancy, clustering together to stay warm and conserving their energy. But even during this seemingly still period, changes are already underway. The queen bee’s slow reproductive cycle resumes as daylight begins to lengthen, signaling that it’s time to prepare for the busy months ahead.

Beekeeping in the Winter Months

Beekeepers know that winter isn’t truly a time of rest. While the bees may be quiet, they are still alive and vital — and so is the work of a beekeeper. December is a crucial month for checking hive conditions. This means ensuring the colony has enough stored honey and other provisions to make it through the cold months, and checking for any signs of disease or distress.

For Appalachian Wax Works, we are busy caring for our hives and preparing for the months to come. We continue to monitor temperatures, humidity, and even consider supplemental feeding if necessary. It’s also a time to review our goals, which can range from expanding hives, refining honey production processes, or even crafting new wax products.

New Beginnings for Bees — and Beekeepers

December 21st marks the official beginning of a new cycle, not just for the bees but for us as stewards of the hive. With the return of sunlight and the gradual warming of temperatures, the bees will start to stir, and the busy spring season will soon be upon us. The early months of the year are all about setting the groundwork — repairing equipment, cleaning tools, and investing in new beekeeping supplies. For us, it’s the ideal time to plan for the upcoming year of beekeeping: which flowers to plant, how to improve hive management, and how we can better support our bee population.

A Fresh Start 

At Appalachian Wax Works, our commitment to our bees, the environment, and our craft is a reflection of this spirit of renewal. As we enter a new year, we focus on how we can better promote sustainability, offer quality beeswax products, and continue the important work of educating others about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.

New products are always on the horizon, whether it’s natural beeswax candles, skincare items, or other handcrafted goods. Each of these products tells a story of the year’s harvests, the dedication of the beekeeper, and the deep connection we have with the land. The bees may be resting now, but their work is far from over, and neither is ours.

Looking Forward

As we turn the page into the new year, we’re filled with excitement about what’s to come. The bees will soon be buzzing, the hives will once again hum with activity, and the natural world will awaken. Just like the bees, we’re always looking forward — to the new beginnings that each season brings, to the lessons learned from the past year, and to the commitment to keep moving forward with purpose.

At Appalachian Wax Works, we invite you to join us in this celebration of renewal, growth, and connection. Whether you’re a fellow beekeeper, a customer, or someone who simply cares about the wellbeing of our planet’s pollinators, the new year is a time for all of us to reflect on the beauty of nature and the ways we can support it.

Here’s to new beginnings, a prosperous year ahead, and the busy, buzzing world of the beekeeper.

Happy New Year from all of us at Appalachian Wax Works! 🐝