# 379: Winter Solstice 2025

An intention for kindness as the year comes full circle.

It’s nearly Winter Solstice, the time of the year when Earth’s poles are at maximum tilt away from the Sun. This is the season to slow down and reflect. Replenishing has moved to the top of my list. With the dark, I go to bed earlier and often wake hours before the sun comes up. In the quiet, I pad out to the living room with Mr B and strike a match to give flame to a candle for light and the wood-stove for warmth. I love this special time.

Come rain or shine Mr B gets me outside for walks, too. Our nighttime strolls to the overlooks above the harbor have become favorites. When the sky is clear I see stars above and the moon shining as it rises to the east. The air is fresh with the scent of rain and the glow of the warm light shining through windows on our way bring a smile to my face. This afternoon I put strands of multicolor holiday lights up in my windows. Perhaps they will bring a smile to others as they walk by.

Photo by Joyful on Unsplash

This week I’ll have tea with a friend … a yearly event we both look forward to … share a Chanukah celebration with neighbors, enjoy the kindness of another who is taking me to a music performance, and on Winter Solstice I will light candles, tell stories, and sing songs with women I have known for decades.

I think about the year that has passed and also set intentions for the coming one.
‘Try and make life a little kinder for others’ is one I will carry forward.

Say good morning to strangers, offer an arm to an oldster crossing the street, bring a pie or plate of cookies to neighbors and shopkeepers, deliver a bottle of wine to new folks moving in just a few blocks away. My favorite is also the easiest one to do. ‘Smile at the next person I see.’

Acts of random kindness make us human and they can make a difference in another’s day, too.

Smile at the next person you see.

What I’m Listening To

Those Who Wait by Tommy Emmanuel

What I’m Baking

If you are looking for a last minute gift for a newbie or experienced baker in your life or for yourself, I’m offering video replays of A Pie Maker’s Dozen. 13 pies. 24 hours of instruction. Read more about it at the link below.

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