WeSA国际影视传媒檙e officially in the new season because the winter solstice came on Dec. 21 at 10:27 a.m. EST, or 8:27 a.m. Mountain Time, to be precise. The city should set off a big siren every year to mark the exact date and time of the shortest day of the year. That is a significant event.

Every year, I have to look it up because every year, its time is different and that is astrology for you. The sun rose today at 10:07 am and it will set at 3:04 pm. So, we have four hours, 57 minutes and 29 seconds of daylight. The rest of the time itSA国际影视传媒檚 dark and night.

I am going to round it up to five hours of day and 19 hours of night. At least thatSA国际影视传媒檚 what it feels like sometimes. This helps to explain why people nap more in winter. The one good thing up here is that there is snow on the ground and that makes it a lot lighter, especially with all the light we have on day and night.

If you spend time in one of the communities or out in the bush and you come into Yellowknife, it really is the city of lights. There are street lights, business lights, house lights, security lights and Christmas lights. It is one bright place and on a foggy night, there is a glow over the town. So maybe that would be an interesting name for Yellowknife: the City of Lights.

Now all we need is a hologram in the sky of a glowing golden knife studded with diamonds. That would be interesting, especially for the nights when the Northern lights arenSA国际影视传媒檛 out. It could become a great tourist attraction.

Also, this year there will be a full moon on the Dec. 25 when it rises at sunset. So if we have clear skies, there will be an almost full moon on Christmas Eve. All the better to see SantaSA国际影视传媒檚 sled and its reindeer.

If you look at cultures around the world, you will see that there are many mid-winter observances, festivals, and holidays. So why not incorporate some elements of them in yours?

I certainly observe the solstice and yuletide when one spends some time appreciating nature. I also like to keep track of the moonSA国际影视传媒檚 cycle because with snow on the ground a full moonSA国际影视传媒檚 light can be spectacular. Then there are the Northern lights. There is the whole Santa Claus folk lore and, of course, remembering the birth of Christ. Plus, all sorts of other things happening around the world for various religions, cultures, and traditions.

It also marks the start of winter on our seasonSA国际影视传媒檚 calendar. What it all comes down to is itSA国际影视传媒檚 a good time for peace, sharing and goodwill. The world could use a lot more of those things right now. Also, you can mark or celebrate several different things at the same time.

The idea is making the holiday your own, celebrating the parts you like and avoiding the rest in a nice way but donSA国际影视传媒檛 try to convince everyone it is only one thing. It is many things. And like all human inventions, it changes with time and customs. I like the fact that there are those who try to ensure everyone has food for a good meal and a chance to get out of the cold.

I also like the fact that several people and groups try to ensure that all children get at least one toy for the holidays.

Also, one needs to remember that for some it is a trying time, and they would rather be alone and meditate or just get distracted from the holiday. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 OK as well.

So, whatever you call it, however you celebrate it, try to enjoy the mid-winter holiday and before you know it, we will be starting a new calendar year.