I find Winter Solstice to be bittersweet.
I love the holiday, the meaning of it. I like the promise that the sun will return, the days will stretch until they are so long that I am weary when the dampened evening finally arrives, and the cycle continues to bring us back to Winter again. But, I revel in these dark days that only reach full brightness if the sun comes out at midday and, even then, the light slants us into tall shadows ... Nordic and strong.
So, the daylight will grow as if a seed was planted yesterday, but that does encompass my favorite season. Now comes a sure two months of struggles -- that deep snow, negative-numbered temperatures, being snowed-in at home, soup and roasted root vegetables and mugs of warmth. Throughout January and February, Winter will rear its head like an antlered female reindeer, shake the glittered snow from its coat, kneel onto the ground for sleep, and I will fold into my fetal self and rest in the curve of her warm belly.
Yesterday, we had a quiet family celebration of Winter Solstice and this morning I lit candles when I arose to welcome the first full day of Winter. Today, we shall bake and cook. Tonight, we shall feast.
May Winter pass ever slowly.
© JODI ANDERSON. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
