We’ve recently passed the Winter Solstice, and here in the Northern Hemisphere that means our days (or, rather, hours of daylight) are finally getting longer. After months of shrinking daylight, the sun will be with us a little longer each day, until the Summer Solstice in June.
I can remember a few years ago, feeling a bit like a mole. I left my house for work in the dark, and drove home in the dark. I had a window at the office, but to keep the heat in, we were asked to keep the blinds drawn… it’s no wonder people get depressed and suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) by this time every year!
It’s not just the shorter time in the light, but also the weather that contributes… We’ve had snow and rain fairly regularly, and snow clouds aren’t cheerful, white fluffy things…
So at this time of year, we’re grateful for any natural illumination.
If we don’t get sunlight by day, we’ll let ourselves be dazzled by the moon – especially if reflects on snow.
But nothing lasts forever. Spring will come, with ample blue skies, and a warming glow from the sun. Let there be light!
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For more info on SAD, see these posts:
- Into the Light: The Season for Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Real
- Can Winter Really Make You Sick? The Truth About Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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This post was written in response to the weekly Travel Theme challenge by Ailsa of WheresMyBackpack, Illuminated. To see other bloggers’ responses and get more info on the challenge, just click on the link above.
As an added bonus, enjoy this post on a very similar topic from about this time last year…. Illumination – Star Light Star Bright!
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The Retiring Sort 
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I am sitting in front of one of those lights right now. I do every morning in the winter. Cup of tea, look through my blog community, all in front of the light. Then I can really start my day 🙂
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lovely! Thanks so much for taking time to stop by and for commenting! 😉
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🙂
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I have used my happy light for the past two winters and it makes a huge difference. I put it on in the kitchen for about 15 minutes each morning and I notice a big difference. I also run outside too but the light really helps with our long winters.
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Interesting! I’ve heard about those lights – so glad it works so well for you!
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I’m dazzled by the moon, that’s for sure. Even though it’s white in a black sky (more black and white for us) it’s still amazingly inspiring as it rises full in the sky.
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Me too – and my sister swears she’s always happiest during a full moon!
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Beautiful photos 🙂 I also can’t wait until Spring arrives, although our winter has been relatively mild we’ve had lots of fog. The sun is shining now though so I can’t complain!
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Enjoy that sunlight when you can! 😉
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You are SO right – it’s one of the things I love about having moved south – we have much longer days here than we ever did in NJ. SAD is so challenging, but your photographs are lovely so clearly winter has its place.
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Why thank you… and thanks for coming to visit!
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What lovely photos, and yes I’m starting to crave the light of longer days. Even when the sun does shine, it’s low and weak in the sky!
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Thanks – I agree, it’s like the sun isn’t really trying!
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My eyes were doing a funny thing on that last one…almost as if the light (moon) was glowing…Beautiful!
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Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Gorgeous photos! It’s nice indeed to have some illumination, we finally have snow as well here:-)
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Thank you – so glad you stopped by!
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The last one is awe!
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Thank you, Amy!
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Still pretty dark here in Maine! Can’t wait for longer and brighter days myself..
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Hope you’re staying warm and dry up there! 🙂
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I can really identify with the statement “we’re grateful for any natural illumination.” I get almost depressed but definitely grouchy during the winter months! Glad someone else feels the same way! http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
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😉 Hang in there… you are definitely not alone!
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The ‘lights’ are bright, but those last two are the ‘brightest’. Love them!
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Thanks! I do love a full moon! 😉
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