The most special day

December 21st, 2022

Of all the calendar days — the 21st of December is for me now the most special and wonderful day of the year. It wasn't always like that for me — for a long while, my birthday, Christmas, and the last day of school before summer vacations were the SPECIAL DAYS in my life. Days marked with colorful pencils way ahead of time, and with me counting off the days until they would finally, and always late, arrive.

Now, on my birthdays I still enjoy getting gifts, but cannot be bothered with celebrations and all the people around me. On Christmas, I still enjoy getting gifts, but cannot be bothered with celebrations and all the people around me. Hmm. I start noticing a common theme here — gifts are nice, but being around people is not nice. And on the same note — since my vacations can last at best two weeks only — I can only just start enjoying them before the cold reality of going back to work sets in and around all the fun.

So, for several years now — the 21st of December, the Winter Solstice — is that amazing and dearly awaited day. Finally, the shortest day and the longest night are here. And once this day is over, starting tomorrow day will be longer! For a few seconds first, but then there will be some more seconds the day after, and soon the day will be longer by minutes! And soon after that by hours! And even though that change will be so minuscule and almost unnoticeable to the eye, it will be very noticeable in my emotions. Another threshold was passed, and another winter will now (very slowly) turn into a new awaited season. The fact that there are still at least two more months of snow and cold has no bearing on my feelings. Today is the day when we start our journey to the sunshine and warmth and growth and greenery. That is all I need — the knowledge that now every day, little by little, will have more daylight and (hopefully) more sunshine.