to contact the dead

I had a dream last night about my grandmother. I think it's nearly 10 years ago since she died, and it was one of those dreams where it leaves you feeling, that it was real. Waking up with a feeling of happiness, that you met this person again. I've dreamt several times about my old dog, who died 8 years ago, and I now see her as one of my spiritual guides - who also protects me during magick. I was just amazed to wake up and think, that I visited my grandmother in a dream - and I am wondering why, there has to be a point with it.

so I am thinking about contacting her somehow again, through a little ritual of some kind (perhaps at the winter solstice next week)... have anyone here got any ideas or experiences in contacting the dead like that?