It just warms my heart that it’s almost the winter solstice. This has become a special time in my life since I largely view time as cyclical, not linear.

I love the calm and clarity winter brings. For me, it is the season when I think most clearly. Oh, and the quiet dark hours is the perfect time to study and learn new things.

The winter solstice has been celebrated through time in many different cultures. I’ve always wondered why Christmas was on December 25th instead of the 21st or 22nd, which is the usual day of the solstice. So I was happy to learn that to the naked eye, the sun appears to stand still for around three days surrounding the solstice, and its northward movement becomes apparent on the 25th. It all makes sense now.

Just a fun tidbit of information for you!

While my family does celebrate Christmas on the 25th, we also celebrate the beginning of winter. We give small gifts, and make a fire outside. My children look forward to it, especially since we eat s’mores!

I look at it as a time to prepare my heart for Christmas, which to me is symbolic of the light of God inside of each and every one of us. Oh friend, I hope you understand how brightly your light shines!

It’s a time to ponder God’s gift of divine love, joy, and peace. A time to choose to see the beauty and good in this world, instead of the bad.

We don’t have to pretend that everything is perfect, but let’s remember that there are many things to enjoy and appreciate in this life. No matter how dark the world becomes, there is always hope. (And it’s also helpful to remember that dark isn’t the same as bad. So much beauty comes from darkness, and it’s regenerative, too.)

I’ve slowed down the last few days to prepare my heart for this special time. But I wanted to make sure to find time to write to you, too.

May winter wrap you in rest, and give you the grace to breathe deeply, pause, and remember how special you truly are.

With love and joy, I wish you a wonderful season full of happiness. Thank you for reading, and may you feel comfort and joy during the winter solstice and beyond.

Blessings, Nicole