I always try to cheer myself up with the same thought at this darkest time of year - the 21st December is the shortest day in England, which means we will have turned the corner and are heading very slowly back to spring and summer. The winter solstice will go unnoticed by most, yet celebrated by druids and others who value the rhythms of the natural world; as the poet says:
the shortest day
gave me the longest
night with you
Christianity and other religions are really quite new on the scene in terms of our long evolution; humans have always felt the need to generate light (we don't have any street lighting out here) and warmth in the depths of winter, and this is how I view the many decorative efforts of fellow villagers, particularly the fashion to create elaborate light displays on the outside of houses.
The Village is taking a festive break from blogging until early 2010, so I can concentrate on challenging the stiff local competition to have the best glitter and light display (we haven't even got a tree yet). Warm wishes to all for a peaceful and prosperous time as the days gradually lengthen - after Monday the 21st.
(Above) The 'enchanted wood' at the Stockeld Park winter experience, near Wetherby
