Today is winter Solstice! It certainly feels like it is going to be the longest night and shortest day of the year already. It is 745 and daylight will not start to make itself known for a half hour and the sun will set at 5 pm. I am so happy that as the sun makes its shift that we slowly start to gain day light. I am ready for the sun.

It has been very dark and grey. To lighten the spirits I have been trying new things this year. I have gone out for drinks and dinner with friends and co workers. I have decorated two little Christmas trees and have been burning candles to bring light to my home. I have written my intentions for 2025 and plan to read them when the sun goes down tonight because this night is traditionally thought of as a time of renewal of the sun and renewal of our spirits.

The Shortest Day, by Susan Cooper
And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us—listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome, Yule!

I have a little shopping to do to prepare for Christmas. I also have a family dinner tomorrow at my brother’s home and I will have a chance to see everyone then. I am looking forward to it!

Today I have 2 blocks to sew for the Family Favorites quilt along with Sherri and Chelsi. This is month 3. This is the best low pressure quilt a long and the blocks and fun to make!

I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!! I will chat next week about plans for the New Year!

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Vicki