Dec 20 2008
Winter Solstice a New Beginning
Winter Solstice is a New Beginning
For years I have observed the winter solstice as the beginning of the Sun’s return. December 21st this year at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (-5 GMT).
I look forward to the solstice each year because I always get depressed as the daylight hours become fewer and fewer in November and December. Perhaps I suffer from SAD, the seasonal affective disorder that affects some people more than others. (also called winter blues) I hate to see the annual end to daylight saving time because that is such a sudden change to our daylight hours. I have an increased craving for sweets during this time, I sleep too much, and don’t have a lot of energy. I recently read that those are all symptoms of SAD. (Wonderful! Now I have an excuse for “sleeping in” and eating candy.)
So, just the other night I was e-mailing back and forth with my Mom and found out she feels the same way! Exclamation point because she is 81 and I am 61 and we just discovered this about each other!
You may be able to guess that one of my favorite days is the day that daylight saving time begins again in the spring. Another favorite day is June 21, but not because that is the longest day (it also marks the beginning of fading daylight again), but rather because that is my Mom’s birthday, and she will be 82 in 2009. Still vibrant, still sharp as a tack, still full of piss and vinegar and doesn’t take crap from anyone.
So we will enjoy the solstice and then Christmas and then look forward to longer days again.
Hooray! I am another SAD.In winter the dark hours make me depressed and moody.Come the spring,and I almost bounce with energy.Here on the other side of the world,we approach the summer solstice.The consolation is that the warm weather will continue for several months.
You mother sounds a hoot,good on her. Best wishes for your Festive season.