To everyone marking the Solstice, I wish you a happy and blessed Solstice.

In the northern hemisphere, the December Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night. From here on, the hours of daylight increase and the nights shorten, as we return to the warmth and more pleasant days of spring and summer.

Long before Christianity reached our shores, the Winter Solstice was a significant time in the lives of Europeans, a time of reflecting back on the year, and looking forward to the new year ahead. A time to come together with family, celebrate and count our blessings. Many of the cultural traditions we now celebrate as part of Christmas and New Year derive from these pre-Christian celebrations on and around the Winter Solstice.

In the southern hemisphere, the December Solstice marks the longest day and shortest night.

Whichever solstice you’re celebrating, may it be filled with blessings and happiness.