December 21, 2005
Solstice

Turnaround.  The winter solstice has always been a personal favorite.  In my life, winter rocks.  So does sunshine. Unfortunately, come November, December and January these two personal favorites don’t necessarily walk hand in hand.   Aah but today, this morning around 11:30, the winter sunshine thing starts heading in a favorable direction.  Come February we’ll all be enjoying the extra rays at the end of the day allowing outdoor fans to pull off the Western Slope “double-double”, skiing Powderhorn in the morning and heading down the hill for a quick 18 holes of golf that afternoon. 

Winter begins today?  You might be laboring under the mistaken idea winter started when your heating bill suddenly inflated to an amount somewhere in the neighborhood of a banana republic’s defense budget, but today is the really-o, truly-o official start of winter.  Long ago in high school science, we learned the earth’s 23.5-degree tilt somewhat toward the North Star caused a change in seasons. But perusing the Internet, it becomes apparent many folks are into more serious business than extra sunshine with the winter solstice. 

Like JPC Artworks, a company wanting to sell “Solstice” cards.  “May the Lady of the Deer warm your winter nights” is one thought you can send a friend although you might not want their spouse to read the message as the question is sure to be asked just what “dear lady” is under discussion.  In the interest of marital harmony one would be better off to opt for “May you feast on the Golden Apples of the Sun”.  Keeping in mind “it’s the thought that counts”, you’re probably better off e-mailing the Jacquie Lawson card.  Ms. Lawson’s animated messages combine Christmas fairies for women and children with a Labrador for the guys.  Tinkerbelle and Old Blue make for thoughts way less weird than whatever “Golden Apples” are supposed to signify.   

The Internet also hosts a solstice site urging us to set aside some time today and contemplate self-improvement.  “What am I endeavoring to manifest now in my life?” is a long way from my thoughts about how winter is perfect for chili and beef stew.  Other thoughts we’re to ponder on December 21^st include “How can I change my thought patterns to empower my goals?”  Could split pea, cream of potato or tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches be the answer?  I hope so.  

Solstice questions of a touchy-feely nature pale in comparison to the ancient Greeks and their welcoming of winter.  The early Greek solstice celebration was named the “Festival of Wild Women.”  Some lucky guy (not) was elected to represent the harvest God Dionysus and once crowned was torn to pieces and eaten by a gang of women on this day.  Not only was this the early Greek celebration of winter but is also thought to be the first NOW convention. 

Since the start of winter falls so close to December 25^th, many of the solstice celebrations became intertwined with Christmas.  For instance, the Druids were into decorating trees in a big way just as we do every Christmas.  And the ancient Scandinavians believed Thor, a grizzled spirit with a long white beard, flew through the night and delivered gifts.  That’s also become a tradition in our lives as every week of the year we celebrate Thors-day.  Happy Solstice!