This post won’t resonate so much with antipodean friends but for us in the northern hemisphere yesterday was the shortest day. I find a difference in my mood and feelings at this time of year. I have a distinct sense of foreboding when the clocks are set back in October. It is the signal that winter is approaching and with it the long cold nights. Come the end of December the days start to lengthen again and although the worst of the cold weather and snow is yet to come the lengthening days bring comfort in knowing warmer weather and spring is coming.
I guess I am not alone in this. Throughout human history there have been celebrations at this time of year, celebrations that the sun has returned, that renewal is approaching. It is so deeply inbedded in to our consciousness that we have real feelings of depression (not the clinical kind for most) during winter months. No wonder our forebears celebrated this time of year with all types of celebration, it is only natural.
It is not wrong to feel good at this time of year and not wrong to celebrate a festival at this time of year. No matter what you believe this time of year is worth celebrating. It comes naturally. Have fun, enjoy time with family, reflect on the past but look forward to the future.
Whatever you do and whatever you believe have a very Happy Holiday.
Season’s Greetings from,
Thirdson