Not sure what that means? To give a brief definition, Winter Solstice is the day when the noon sun is at its lowest altitude and we have the shortest day/longest night of the year. (To learn more about the science, check out this explanation from UAF:
While I’m a big fan of Alaska’s long summer days, I’m not so much with the short winter ones. It’s the price we pay to live here. But I shouldn’t complain. Here in Southcentral Alaska, the shortest day of the year gives us about five and a half days of daylight. But in the Arctic towns like Utqiagvik, they don’t see the sun from November to February.
Many Alaskans celebrate Winter Solstice to welcome the increasing light we gain after December 21st. Festivities can vary from an evening gathering around a friend’s firepit or woodstove, to community functions like Anchorage’s Solstice Tour of Trees, to Fairbanks’ Winter Solstice week including fireworks and artistic events. Sometimes, it’s just my husband and me at home. This year, I am lucky to have a small gathering with a few family members and close friends.
Whether you celebrate Solstice or not, this is a good time to think back to the past and forward to the future, and be thankful for what we have. I am grateful for the people I love and the work I do, and for you all—I appreciate your joining me for this part of life’s journey!
May the coming light bring a better future. May you find peace and joy on Solstice and in the coming year.
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