The Shortest day.

And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, revelling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!

~ The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper The dark is already closing in here. It's been a rainy day with soft drizzle so I haven't seen the sun properly on this the shortest of days. We are all here inside though cosy with our own sparkle and lights. My son has returned from University and daughter and husband have finished school and work now for the festive break. There is food to bake, a 17th Birthday to celebrate and gifts to wrap before the 25th. In between time I shall sit by the fire and watch the flames dance and enjoy the quiet moments between the busy ones.       

Wishing you a Happy Winter Solstice and a very peaceful Merry Christmas.

~xXx~