Winter Solstice

I thought the winter solstice came on December 21st. I discovered that no, the sun doesn't necessarily adhere to our calendar.  The winter solstice can occur anywhere from December 20 through the 23rd whenever the North Pole decides to tip to it's maximum point away from the sun.

I'm sure it's more sciencey than that. But I like thinking of the North Pole as it's own independent entity getting a peek at the sun on December 21st and saying, "Nah, y'all have to wait til tomorrow when I'm darn good and ready to tip." (Three weeks soaking in South Carolina sprinkles my imaginary speeches with Ma'am's, y'all and how do? like colored sugar on Christmas cookies.)




Solstice comes from the Latin solstitium - sol, the sun, and sistere, to stand still.  

The earth, once tipped, holds this position for a couple of days, lengthening shadows all day, giving us long nights to ponder the meaning of life.

If we weren't all rushing around trying to get the last minute Christmas shopping and baking done, we too could hold our breath for just a minute and listen to the winter silence creeping in with the lengthening shadows. 

Let that old, stale breath out, and take in a new clean breath.

Marveling that we do this a million times a day without thought; never noticing the miracle of fresh air in, stale air out.

Why not take a minute right now?  Take a breath. 

Hold it. 

Let it out. 

Breath in.  

Feels remarkable doesn't it?

The Universe abounds with miracles like this in the midst of our busy, ordinary days.  Here's wishing you a Christmas miracle, the gift of unconditional love, a peace that fills your soul and a joy so complete that simply breathing in and out fills you to the brim with love.

 Merry Christmas!