Don’t know about you guys, but we’re excited in our household. Tomorrow is winter solstice for those of us living north of the equator. It’s something we celebrate in our household, we like the idea of welcoming the sun back, and the longer periods of daylight that are to come, but it’s also a meditative experience. My wife and I generally observe it privately, practicing habits and traditions discovered while attending other winter solstice celebrations. Stole them, you could say. You could say that, but I never would.

My wife mentioned our practices to others, which generated some excitement. People urged her to host a Winter Solstice dinner at our house. She, after debate and thought, capitulated. A few friends are coming over. It’s a potluck sort of affair. We’re serving some cheeses, breads, crackers and fruit as appetizers. Others will bring additional fare. My wife is making several soups, which will be served with more bread. It looks like her lentil soup and cheesy tortellini soup is on the menu. Wine will be available, along with spiced apple cider, with a shot of brandy in it, if you desire. Dessert is a bûche de Noël, purchased at a local store. I hope it lives up to its appearance, because it looks delicious.

Afterward, we’ll write wishes and hopes on small slips of paper, and colorful ribbons will be used to tie them to the Yule log. Then we’ll go to the fire pit in the backyard, set the Yule log with our wishes and hopes on fire, and reflect on life as we watch the log burn. Maybe we’ll sing “Stonehenge,” by Spinal Tap.

The weather often adds interest. Some years, it’s snowed on us as we’ve lit our log. Other years, gusting winds worried us. Tomorrow is forecast to be about twenty-eight F when we’re out there lighting the log, but rain and snow are not expected.

Should be a good time. Hope you have a good one, too. Happy winter solstice!

Doesn’t really roll off the tongue, does it?