Solstice

Solstice...'O Glorious Solstice!

Today is the shortest day of the year, with the least sunlight of the year. It also marks the beginning of winter. So why be excited? Because the days only get longer for the next six months so each day is just a little brighter, filled with just a little more joy.

Let Mr. Wikipedia explain it: link

For my location the following:

        Sunday  
       21 December 2008      Mountain Standard Time        

                        SUN
       Begin civil twilight       6:45 a.m.                
       Sunrise                    7:15 a.m.                
       Sun transit               11:59 a.m.                
       Sunset                     4:44 p.m.                
       End civil twilight         5:14 p.m.                

                        MOON
       Moonset                   12:17 p.m. on preceding day
       Moonrise                   1:59 a.m.                
       Moon transit               7:25 a.m.                
       Moonset                   12:43 p.m.                
       Moonrise                   3:01 a.m. on following day

I shall light a candle after the sun sets and keep it burning all through the night. A touch of spruce oil vapor will fill the air. There is much to let go of and much to welcome in the coming year.