Winter is here: Winter solstice marks shortest day & longest night of the year

With Christmas just days away, another special day of the year is here. Today marks the end of a season. While the days are shorter and the temperatures are colder, autumn is officially o-v-e-r. It’s the Winter Solstice, an annual event that occurs in the Northern Hemisphere between Dec. 21 and Dec. 23.

Today is the shortest day, and the longest night, of the entire year. Many Americans will only get about nine hours of daylight today. But folks in Alaska will only enjoy about four hours of daylight! People who live in the Southern Hemisphere will enjoy the longest day of the year today.

Celebrated since ancient times, solstice means “sun stands still.” Thousands of people from all over the world travel to Stonehenge to celebrate the occasion as the sun rises above the famous stones. While some embrace the occasion, others may feel downright depressed. If the winter blues have got you down-and-out, you aren’t alone. The lack of sunlight and being cooped up in the house all day can bring on. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can cause anxiety, fatigue, irritability, appetite changes and other symptoms. Many believe exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, a little sunshine or light therapy can help get you back on track and help put a little “spring” in your step again.