From the classic children’s story The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
A Winter Solstice Responsive Reading
When the maple leaves have fallen…
When the apples are safely stored…
When the rowan berries are red…
When the dogwood stands bright…
the light returns
While the Canada Geese migrate…
While the cardinals fly to feeders…
While the raccoons sleep softly…
the light returns
While Laurel Creek freezes …
While the snow squeaks…
While the north wind blows…
the light returns
Out of winter’s chill …
After the longest darkness …
the light returns
I wrote the above litany for the winter solstice celebration at my Unitarian congregation several years ago. The Globe and Mail has an article today describing various celebrations of the darkest night across Canada, including a popular one organized by the Westwood Unitarians in Edmonton.
Last year Tor.com ran a series of posts filled with artwork depicting each season. These are just a few of my favourites from the winter solstice post, all capturing that stunningly beautiful quality of sunlight on snow . Enjoy!
Japanese painter Kano Sansetsu.
Silent Places by John Carlson
Like The Down of A Thistle by Bob Kuhn
Return from the Woods by Giovanni Segantini
The Empty Chalice 
What a beautiful ceremony today fiona! Congratulations on your ordination! I left this evening with my spirit uplifted! Thank you for sharing your day with us. Michelle
Winter Solstice is a memorable day for bees and beekeepers too, marking the longer march of days till spring.
Yes, I guess for all creatures that live by the light there must be a subtle shift at winter solstice. I’m enjoying reading about your bees on your blog.
Thank you. Hoping 2013 will bring happy stories about the bees.
This was my first email notification since November 22. The only other one I have in my inbox is from when I first subscribed in January! Marc