Happy winter solstice!
Many of us may find it harder to keep our spirits up when the days are short. Honestly, I feel like in recent years that’s been more true for me than in the past. As much as I aim to lean into seasonal changes—and I am much more content to experience them than (in the midst of the climate crisis) to not—there’s no denying that the short, dark days can be hard.
I sort of love, then, that while the winter solstice comes somewhat earlier in the season—at least where I live, where we expect two or three more months of winter—it marks the days getting longer. We celebrate the shortest day, and winter itself, by lighting candles and engaging in warming activities, trusting that the days are getting longer, the sun will start setting later, and spring will come again.
And of course, winter has its own offerings—getting cozy, slowing down, looking inward.
There’s a natural ebb and flow to the passage of the seasons. Leaning into winter’s slowness, quietness, and darkness is a good reminder that we shouldn’t stay at the same speed and frequency all year, in all seasons and in all weather.
The holidays are here again. Are you supporting local businesses this gift-giving season? I hope so! Here are some of my favorite independent bookstores:
Crow Bookshop • H.A.S. Beane Books • Binnacle Books • Brookline Booksmith • Dogtown Books
Happy holidays to you and yours! I hope they are sweet.
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More soon, and thanks for reading.
♡ ETP