Mid winter solstice time ...

The 21st of December is always a turning point in my mind - the Winter Solstice marks our shortest day & longest night.

2012: 21 December at 11:12am GMT - Royal Observatory Greenwich

It is the turning point when the days will gradually lighten again as the darkness wanes & the light waxes - the balance shifts as the light triumphs over the darkness & it is enough to lift the spirits!

Many northern countries mark this time with Festivals of Light

I like to mark Winter with evergreens brought into the house over the Christmas - holly & ivy wreathes, laurel, rosemary, mistletoe which all represent the circle of life.

The ancient carol of The Holly and the Ivy echoes this:

The holly and the ivy

Now are both well grown

Of all the trees that are in the wood

The holly bears the crown
 

 

I always have lanterns  & candles in the house in winter to bring light & warmth to our home  - I suspect we all have a little Druid bit in our souls which wants to honor the passing of the seasons ....

Whatever you do, enjoy the waxing of the light & celebrate Mid Winter knowing that the light of Spring is coming or in the Biblical sense with the Holly thorns & the blood of Christ represented by the red berries ....

Unlike the Mayans, I have every confidence that the sun will rise in the east & set in the west on that day - just like every other day!

How are your festive preparations going? Are you ready for the holiday season?

Thanks for stopping by, please follow or leave your link so I can return the visit!
Dee ~♥~