Happy December!
As the days get shorter and shorter (at least up here in the northern hemisphere) this time of year, I find myself looking for light and hope wherever I can find it. My family lights Hanukkah candles and Christmas lights and finds joy in all the different celebrations of light this time of year. However you celebrate, I wish you joy. I took the picture above last year on December 26th, in the field across from our house, as the sun set very slightly later than it did the day before. I love the winter solstice, the celebration of both the shortest day of the year and the hope of longer days to come.
I got a new perspective on the solstice this past month during a wonderful research trip to Ireland, during which I checked off an item on my bucket list and visited the neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange in County Meath. There's much more about Newgrange and my trip below. As I listen to the news this morning I am feeling so grateful I was able to do the trip when I did and that I was able to travel safely.
There is a lot of darkness at the moment, but there's light too and I hope you can find some glimpses of it this holiday season. As I think about the many things for which I'm grateful, my readers are right at the top of my list. Thank you and please take care. I'll see you in 2022!
Sarah
