Winter Solstice and What Follows is Ryan Fredric Steinbeck's ninth collection of poems, and third publication in 2014, following RISES IN THE EAST, and SETS IN THE WEST. SOLSTICE is a holiday inspired, lighthearted celebration set around Christmastime and the holiday season. The author stays true to his previous collections in that his poems are not directly holiday or Christmas focused, but it still captures the spirit of the holidays without being too trite or crossing into overly traditional holiday fair. Though one poem, "Christmas Morning" is admittedly a childhood memory. Topics include experiences through the eyes of a squirrel, a toy, an emerging Santa Claus competitor stationed in the South Pole, and even Santa Claus himself. Overall this collection embodies the feelings of excitement, appreciation, and wonder toward the season and the ones with whom we choose to share it.