We’ve just passed the darkest day of the year here in the Northern hemisphere. I’m also visiting my hometown where it is much colder and darker than my home of choice. I’m here for Christmas, which is a big deal for my family. Over the years, I’ve questioned why this holiday is so important and what my relationship to it is.

My family has always been attached to is lighting a fire, having a big meal, staying up late and sitting by the tree - all things that generate the “holiday spirit”.

Sometimes I forget now that I live in a warmer, sunnier climate, but the lack of sunlight has a huge effect on my life. The sun is our direct connection to spirit. I feel the energizing force draining out of me.

The traditions my family has kept are pretty typical, and the overarching theme is celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. We’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Son. Christmas Eve is focused on keeping a fire lit, honoring the strength to thrive through the winter like the evergreen, and staying up late together to observe the darkness with the comfort of community.

Without sunlight, the happiness, hope, and vitality slowly drains away. These dark days are a time we can be conscious about what is left in us without the energy of the sunlight. We’re left with fertile ground to plant new seeds of hope that will bloom in the more energetic days to come.

A celebration at this time of year is important to me to both honor the darkness and remember to keep feeding the fire of hope within me.

What are the traditions that help you through the dark nights?

I wish you much hope and happiness as we move into the longer days again!