Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for December 21, 2016

not too cold yet

It’s no mere coincidence that people have wanted to celebrate a happy festival of lights at winter solstice ever since ancient times. It takes away the dread of the coming time of darkness and cold, and raises the people’s morale to handle the hardships of winter.

Thanks to our pagan ancestors!

Yes, the lights, sounds, and smells do ease the strain of winter for some. For me, I love winter anyway, so all the celebration is just icing on the cake!

New Year’s Day used to be in April, which makes a lot more sense than trying to make things “new” in the middle of winter. April is much more enthusiastic than January could ever hope to be.

The time of darkness is OVER. Welcome to the sun.

The anticipation of Christmas makes the longest night special.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus this time of year, but if one chooses to celebrate ancient pagan rituals, it’s one’s own business. Just don’t try and marginalize the Christian aspect of it for those of us that believe.

The longest night may be in December, but unless you live somewhere that is warm year round, you haven’t “gotten through the worst of it” when you’re talking about winter. Up here in Michigan, we could use a Christmas-like celebration in February or March. For some, Valentines Day leaves the un-mated feeling depressed and unloved, and St. Patrick’s Day Parades don’t seem all that festive in the middle of a snow storm.

Nice touch on the red and green sweaters Jimmy.

Arlo is just sayin’ February 14th is not a favorite night.

It’s really cloudy here today, so the longest night is going to seem even a little bit longer.

By February most of us have long since had our fill of winter.

gir63

No blizzards in Dallas in late April, so I got to come in a thunderstorm instead.

Tree looks pretty dark!?!?