Wintering

Victoria, BC - December 14, 2008

Solstice in winter is a nice break for everyone both secular and non-secular. Cultural celebrations and winter solstice celebrations cross over at this time of year. However, solstice predates many of them as it is based in astrological phenomena. 

Winter solstice, which is really the beginning winter, is a time when the light of the sun comes just a little earlier. This year, the date is December 21st, so still 11 days of the heavy darkness of this ‘pre-winter’ season when the darkness is nudged aside toward spring. My opinion? Spring is still is too far away. That opinion is reserved for every foggy, rainy day beckoning hibernation indoors with a cosy pillow and blanket. My memories of the prairie freezer temperatures are absolutely the same. Getting outside to make a good snowman or snow angel is impossible, let alone starting a car to get to the warmth and companionship of the skating rink. But the winter solstice, with the light edging earlier, is a reminder that winter, as beautiful as it can be, does not last forever. Rain and fog soaks the red trunks and branches of Victoria’s arbutus trees and willows against our ever green lawns. Gently falling snow on the vast expanse of prairies and scattered small farms, the arching elm trees of Regina’s city streets creates Christmas card vistas. Whether fog or snow, if the temperatures dip too far life slows, whether we like it or not. 

Winter-like weather at least two or three months before December 21st, will not last forever. It only feels like forever. Winter solstice tells us differently. Our excitement about the lightening of the sky in the morning has transcended centuries, cultures and history. If I have to hunker down in my home, without  crawling under the covers, Christmas time, Hanukkah and other sacred winter traditions, join hands with candles, good food, family and coming together. Books, toys, gifts all kinds ~ maybe even a new pair of pyjamas only worn at Christmas. All to celebrate the return of the light in whatever form chosen. Winter solstice stops the pall of winter, wherever a person resides. 

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”

~ Hal Borlund