For millenia, humans have beheld the days with the least light as deserving the most reverence. From the Chinese to the Persians, from the Hindus to the Romans, from the Pagans to the 30-Rock-ians, the tradition of celebratory illumination during the darkest days of the year offers an enduring message of hope springing eternal.

The difference between succumbing to the darkness and lifting a hopeful gaze to the light is the quality of attention we pay to any given moment. It is light, after all, that creates shadow in the first place, and if we linger long enough in any moment, its shadows will point us to the beam shining at every tunnel's end.

The word solstice comes from two Latin words meaning "sun" and "stationary." While we understand that we are never actually sitting still as we orbit the sun, we know that certain moments shine out as ones to pause and acknowledge, most especially on the winter solstice, when the days have become as short as they ever will, and for six more months they'll only get longer and brighter.

Like the Druids snipping off a piece of mistletoe from the cold oak and offering the winter fruit as a symbol of life, we might find comfort and inspiration in small rituals on this solstice, when the heavy shadows of pandemic uncertainty may be clouding our innately shining hearts.

With a long, steady breath, and a grateful pause for each of you reading these words and finding hope in this world, we wish you a safe and peaceful winter holiday. Together, let's move toward the light and promise of a new year.

Love,
Annie, Amir, and the entire Sun & Moon family