Today is Winter Solstice — the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year.
Because of the tilt in the Earth’s axis of rotation, the sun appears to rise and fall. Of course it’s not the sun moving but the Earth moving relative to the sun. Today the sun stops traveling southward, pauses, and then starts traveling northward. This pause is called “solstice,” from “sol” for “sun” and “sisto” for “stop.”
Many cultures have celebrated Winter Solstice for thousands of years as the day signifies the return of light.
While many of you are hustling about getting ready for the holidays why not take a pause today and start a new tradition. Here are some ways you can celebrate.
- Watch the first winter sunset – sunset tonight is 4:18
- Watch the first moonrise – moonrise tonight is 8:36
- Have a candlelight dinner
- Go for a hike
- Visit Fatima Shrine or Lasalette Shrine and view their light displays
- Have a fire in your fire pit and enjoy the night sky
- Brew a Wassail
- Turn off the electronics for an hour enjoy some quiet time
UPTON DAILY 