The days have begun their slow climb to more and more daylight. The winter solstice has always been a day of optimism for me. Similarly, I always have a slight pang of sadness on the summer solstice, knowing that the days are beginning to shorten and we are beginning our slow descent into winter. But that would seem a ridiculous comment to make in late June with the promise of summer ahead of us – so you won’t ever see that in this column in June!
The difference with the winter solstice is that the promise of longer days is more than offset by the outlook of winter weather before we get there. I am choosing optimism here, too. (I got a pair of rose-colored glasses for Christmas).
For many, the promise of a good snow cover and sustained cold temperatures means skiing, snow-shoeing, ice fishing, ice skating and other fun winter activities.
