Illuminating And Enjoying

Winter’s Darkest Days

Walking through the cold, gray December woods in the afternoon brings back so many memories. There is a silence about the land while the sea sends its melancholy notes from afar, blowing them through the treetops. The odd squirrel or chipmunk breaks the spell as it rummages through the cast-off leaves looking for a morsel to fortify it through the bitter months to come. Though the day is far from over, the light fades as the sun sinks somewhere over the horizon. It seems like all is sleeping.

We step to the brightly lit entryway of our home, decked for the season in strings of lights. The gloom of December afternoons is held at the door. Inside is warm and bright, a welcome change from the woods beyond.

It is with this backdrop that many of us celebrate a season of light in the darkest days of the year. Astronomical fall closes by the end of the month, and winter takes hold. We bring greenery indoors and light candles to remind ourselves that even in these cold days, there are still things to bring cheer to hearth and home.

There is much to do in December, from baking to riding the Polar Express. We bundle up to watch a parade and buy presents for our families from the many wonderful local shops. In these pages, we hope you too will be inspired.

John H. Hough