With multiple holiday fetes and socials nearly everyday, a change of pace was just what I needed to slow things down and escape from the shopping bacchanal that is the gift giving season.

One way to reconnect with the spirit of December's festivities is to rekindle what was inner loop Houston: A rich and biodiverse ecosystem. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center's Winter Solstice Wine and Cheese Night Hike on Saturday did just that with a welcomed glass of wine to warm up, complemented by delightful amuse-bouches.

After just a few steps, the buzzing urban hum faded into the distance, joining the sounds of critters, crunching leaves and footsteps as hikers trekked through the heavily wooded trails of the Arboretum.

With lighting kept to a minimum, guests had to rely on their senses to amble through the meandering path, curving through the 155-acre nature sanctuary and landing on the Meadow Deck alongside the serene pond accompanied by a waning crescent moon and the hideaway's canopy.

Tensions disappeared as a clear night sky twinkled with bright stars. Worrisome thoughts vanished in favor of savoring the sights, sounds and musky smells.

Celebrating the winter solstice

As temperatures dropped down to the mid 50s, the setting was optimal to experience the cultural traditions that celebrate the winter solstice, the moment when the tilt of the Earth renders the northern hemisphere farthest away from the sun. That will actually happen on Thursday exactly at 5:30 a.m.

The celestial phenomenon has inspired many festivities for longer than 150,000 years, according to tai chi master and 25-year practitioner Greg Illich, who was on hand to demonstrate ritual choreography appropriate for the time of year. He also teaches the Chinese custom on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Arboretum and at his studio, Serendipity Tai Chi.

"The solstice is an occasion to get together and party, for fellowship and to offer devotion," Illich explained. "Many names are used to label its observance like Christmas and Yule by Germanic and Viking cultures."

Add to that list the Beiwe Festival in Finland, Sweden and Norway, Chawmos in Pakistan, Goru in Mali, Hogmanay in Scotland and Inti Raymi in Peru. Located in the English countryside, the Stonehenge ruins pays homage, notwithstanding any metaphysical elements, to the solstice and other astronomical functions.

Illich's interest in tai chi began with back pain that other doctors and wellness methods failed to address, beginning a lifelong dedication to pursue and perfect the martial art form.

The goal of tai chi is not enlightenment as it is typically in yoga philosophy, he said. The martial art seeks acceptance and relaxation through the practice of meditative movement.

Alongside two students, Illich demonstrated slow, continuous flowing narrative gestures — both at a basic and highly advanced level — and encouraged visitors to join in. More wine and nibbles led to relaxed chit chat during which new and old friends commingled comfortably.

The Wine and Cheese Night Hike is one of the center's Arboretum at Night adult programs. May I suggest Tapas on the Trails? It's the answer to another uninspiring Valentine's Day, set for Feb. 11.