December Solstice, 2025

 

 

 Now it's December and winter is here. Meteorological winter began on December 1. Astronomical winter will begin with the solstice on December 21. Crowds will gather at Stonehenge and other historical sites to celebrate the shortest day, and the return of longer days. 

The year turns, and we begin again.

You can read more about the December Solstice here, from EarthSky 2025 December solstice: All you need to know,

Season's Greetings to all, this is the season of light.  Amid wars and plagues, climate change and political uncertainties, may this also be a season of hope, and peace.

Snows of November

 Now it's  December, the end of the Hurricane season, and the beginning of Meterological Winter.

There is snow on the ground in the Chicago area from the snowstorm on Saturday,  and record high totals for the month of November. Nearly 9 inches of snow fell at O’Hare Airport---the most snow to fall on a single day in November in the area’s recorded history! More snow is expected Monday. 

The snow totals were higher further south with areas reporting as much as 11 inches!  That's alot of snow.

 It seems like a winter wonderland now, with the holiday decorations and lights, but Friday was also a leaf-raking day, bags of leaves covered with snow waiting on the curbs, as cars passed by with evergreen trees tied on the roofs.

Now its December, and the Thanksgiving weekend is passed. It's holiday season now. There was a Lights Parade on Michigan Avenue. There will be Holiday trains running.  Festive lights at the Zoo.

Now we get out the Advent calendars. Countdown to the Winter Solstice on December 21! These are the shortest days, now. Then little by little, the light increases again. 

However you celebrate, Happy Holidays!