Winter solstice 2023

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(Edited)

This is the season for all things nice. I believe most people love this season. I certainly do. I appreciate the time spent with friends but most of all relaxing at home with my family. I appreciate not only the festivities but also the changing weather.
molen.jpg
source - courtesy of @friendlymoose

Poem
In the Northern Hemisphere, it is now cold and grey. As I listened to the wind whistling, watched the freezing hailstorm and rain today, I was reminded again of a poem I wrote some years ago. It was called:

December 21 - A short, dark day
.
Festivities lurking in the midst
and thoughts of feasts and laughter,
but malcontent sits chambers deep
in a heart which is now so sombre.
.
For beyond the window a pallid, icy mist
seems to hang about,
Dull, heavy, whitish-grey,
kissed by cold winter’s mouth.
.
Chilled to the bones by it’s frosty breath,
as it sneaks through padded clothes.
Warmed only by thoughts of family time,
hot chocolate and mistletoes.
.
Dancing flames in the fireplace,
herald messages within its blaze,
"This short dark day with the hidden sun,
has 24 hours,
then from tomorrow, longer days will come."
©MoMoGrOw

.

.

Winter solstice
In this part of the world, the winter solstice is today or tomorrow morning - depending on one’s time zone. Today has the least amount of daylight hours. Therefore, you can think of it as the shortest day or the longest night. WINTER officially starts. Today's temperature is between 7-12 degrees Celsius. It was wet and windy but not as cold as when I wrote that poem. However, it is still typical wintry weather.

Walks
All non perennials have shed their leaves - it is hibernation time. The ground is cold with frost, ice or snow in some places. I hope that the snow will stick around like in previous years. I like going for walks in the cold air - it is invigorating. I walk around the city,

through parks,

or go for a walk by the countryside. It would not be the same without spotting a windmill.

Maybe I will meet these wild ponies and feral cows again.

If it is too wet or there are scary hailstorms like today, the other option is to remain in the warmth of my home and snuggle up and read a good book. I could also binge watch my favourite christmas films.

Changing seasons-changing moods
As the weather changes outside, I feel as though some people change inside or at least they show another side to themselves. The Grinch might be around but not everywhere. I feel as though kindness is especially stored up for the Christmas season. It seems as though some people's nature changes as well. People are nicer, more loving and kinder. This year at my daughter’s school there was a record collection for the Food Bank. Everyone gave generously and I am sure the packages sent to those in need will be appreciated.

I do realise though that the changing seasons and darker days have a big influence on people's moods and mental health. It is not all bad during winter though as:
most people tend to sleep better and longer and some have less allergies. There is winter sports as well. However, as the poem tells you, the days will start to incrementally get longer and longer.....until spring arrives.

For those of us living in the North - we simply have to make the most of the seasonal phenomena. Let’s put on layers and remain warm and enjoy the best of what the season offers.


All photos are my own except the first photo which is sourced.



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45 comments
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A very beautiful place, I like cold places like this.

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I am happy that you appreciate the photos. I am really hoping for snow this winter.

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Beautiful poem beautiful pictures, really captured the mood. yours and @friendlymoose

The rebirth has begun, burn the Yule log bright for the sun will soon return.

Season's greetings to you and yours @momogrow

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(Edited)

Thank you @grindle. Indeed - I appreciate use the photo of @friendlymoose -a fellow Hiver than a random photo. The photo reminded me of my poem as well.

All the best for the season as well @grindle - have a wonderful time.

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Those are some lovely snowy impressions and thoughtful poem. I do love the winter solstace as now we can start to look forward to brighter/longer days again. I like the Christmas period as it is a time when things slow down and people have time to spend with family and loved ones and also reflect on the year past. Perhaps slowing down also makes people happier and think more of others.


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Yes I agree with you. It is certainly a slower period and you are right - that might allow for happier and as a result more thoughtful people. Thanks for selecting my post for OurPick.

Happy holidays to you.

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Es muy bello ese solsticio, espectacular lo malo el frío pero ya estaréis adaptada , acá en Venezuela hace 28 grados Celsius, aprovechó la oportunidad para desearle feliz Navidad a usted mi amiga y su familia.

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Aww temperatura preciosa. Las celebraciones en todo el mundo en los diferentes husos horarios son las que harán que el día sea especial. Que tengáis una maravillosa Navidad.

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Nice shots you have there. Was that from the snowfall from two weeks ago??

I am really not fond how of how winters in general in netherlands are. Grey, windy..Just like it is today.
With some crisp snow and cold air I would be totally fine, but apart from that..I will escape this weather any second.

Merry christmas to you next week!

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In totally here you and understand-but it’s the opposite here. Those photos are not recent as the snow did not stuck but I wish it did.
Have a wonderful Christmas- all the best wishes.

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I’ve never experienced snow but I’m sure I’d love it by the time I get to experience it
The pictures are looking beautiful

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Nice poem you got there, you’re really talented. You’re right about the Christmas seasons, I also had the thought that whenever Christmas is approaching people change and there’s always this happy feelings everywhere. Christmas indeed is about sharing love with your family and loved ones.

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Many thanks for the compliment @sabrinah
Yes Christmas is definitely nicer when spent with loved ones,

Have a wonderful Christmas

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We appreciate your work and your publication has been hand selected by the geography curation team on behalf of the Amazing Nature Community. Keep up the good work!

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Love to read the Poem, thanks for sharing.

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I love it at this time of year when things are cold and crisp outside. It's a good time for going for long walks. I also like Dec 21st because now the days start getting longer all over again with the promise of the new spring to come.

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Yes indeed you share my sentiments.

All the best wishes for Christmas and the holiday season.

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Very nice poem!
These short and dark days are atmospheric with all the decorative lighting and candles, buy I do miss the daylight sometimes. Especially when making long days when it's already dark at 5 PM and it's raining so I can't go for a lunch break walk.
But the days are getting longer again.
My picture fits your poems theme perfectly by the way 👍

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(Edited)

Thank you @friendlymoose - I appreciate using your photo which is a great fit indeed. It is nice that I could use a fellow hivers photo.

Yes the darkness at 5 pm always seems unwelcoming. I try to imagine my Swedish friends with darkness as early as 2pm. More light will slowly come our way but first we enjoy the offering of this season.

Have a wonderful Christmas!!

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You're welcome. It's nice to see my picture being used. If you ever need another one; I have an archive of thousands of photographs.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you as well!!

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Just like that people like winter more than summer when it snows it's such a beautiful weather one has more fun with friends and family.

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Salute from North-West of Croatia, Kvarner Bay. Before yesterday we had 7 Sunny days & 15-20 °C. Today came the clouds. It's a bit colder now by the sea & more colder in the mountains. I was walking around in short sleeves. Today we were picking magic mushrooms in the mountains approximately 800 m high. All the best for the holidays! Nice poem.

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Great job, beautiful natural spaces, thank you for making us see nature in this dimension.

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Beautiful photography. Happy New Year from Canada 🇨🇦

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