The first day of winter, also called the winter solstice, has the fewest hours of sunlight, making it the shortest day of the year.
A solstice, combining the Latin words sol for "Sun" and sister for "to stand still", is the point when the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest point in the sky for the year. Thus, ancient astronomers came to know the day as when the Sun seemed to stand still.
The winter solstice is a great day to take a nature walk or, weather permitting, stargaze at night to connect with nature. Admire the changing landscape and think about the upcoming renewal of spring.
After the winter solstice, the days start to grow longer until we reach the summer solstice, the first day of summer, which is the longest day of the year. While the winter solstice marks the beginning of winter, it also signifies the return of more sunlight. From this point forward, days get brighter!
It isn't quite time to bust out your snorkels and water wings just yet, but warmer days are ahead.