BRING BACK THE LIGHT

A moment of celebration, solidarity and reflection

Join fellow Alaskans by shining a light at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020

As we approach the shortest day of 2020, we encourage Alaskans to pause and celebrate the return of the light. This has been a difficult year for everyone in different ways, but Alaskans have shown considerable strength to adapt and take care of themselves and each other. During Bring Back the Light, Alaskans will come together to support one another and our communities, take pride in our resiliency and look forward to brighter days ahead.

How to PARTICIPATE:
In advance of the event, create lights or lanterns in your homes and neighborhoods. Visit the winter resiliency website to find simple instructions. At 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, step outside with others in your household and light a candle or turn on lights, flashlights, headlamps or a lantern. Choose a place where you can be safe and comfortable. Together, but safely apart, let’s bring back the light! Take time to reflect and feel gratitude. Celebrate the returning light and pending arrival of COVID-19 vaccines. Express your gratitude for our frontline workers, family, friends, teachers, local business owners, community, neighbors, faith and the beauty of Alaska. Remember those who have lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and everyone who has suffered losses due to the pandemic.

PLEASE JOIN US:
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) invites partner organizations and Alaskans statewide to join this event and make it your own. You can be quiet and thoughtful, or laugh, talk, sing or dance. Communities may choose to light candles for those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 or for those who have suffered other losses. There’s no one way to join the event. Just step outside and shine a light at 5 p.m. Dec. 20.

PLEASE SHARE:
Prior to the event, feel free to share photos or videos of your lanterns, ice candles or lights. During the event, please take photos or videos and share them on social media. Use the hashtag #WithYouAlaska.

You can learn more at the Facebook event or the Bring Back the Light website.