Let's have a Solstice party!

Grab your candles and turn on all the lights! Today is the Winter Solstice here in the Northern hemisphere, the shortest day or longest night of the year! I checked out a few facts: "Winter solstice is when the Sun is at its southern most distance from the celestial equator. In the northern latitudes of the Earth, that means the sun is in the lowest position and we have the shortest daylight hours of the year." This day of the long night is an especially gloomy one here. The mighty Sun is hidden by a cloudy sky. And by the way, the word solstice means "sun standing still." The path of the sun in the sky over the past six months has finally reached its furthest southern position and now turns northward.

You can easily put together a few quick plans to celebrate the winter solstice. Because the day features only about 9 1/2 hours of daylight, set spots of light around your house. Bring warmth, light and cheer into every room. Build a fire in your fireplace. Light some candles on the table at dinner. Drink a toast with hot cider. Have everyone join hands in a circle and speak their hopes and good wishes for the year to come. Plug in your Christmas lights. The idea is to light up the day and the night in any way you can as we begin the long journey back to summer!!!