December 21, 2022 - Winter Solstice | Humbug Day

Welcome to December 21, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate an ancient tradition and turning your holiday frown upside down. One of the oldest celebrations still in existence today is the Winter Solstice. Ancient ruins like Stonehenge were even built around this event when the Earth’s poles are at their maximum tilt. If you don’t have a giant sundial in your yard, have no fear, you will likely notice that the day feels remarkably short. Unless of course you live in the Southern Hemisphere, where you are experiencing the peak of Summer. The festivities of Winter Solstice vary widely but still include decorating an outdoor tree to feed wildlife, gathering indoors for hot mulled cider and lighting lanterns for the longest night of the year. It’s all designed to inspire hope for the “birth of the sun” as we mark a new year’s voyage. The word humbug dates back to the 1750s when it was used to describe anything false or deceptive. Charles Dickens made the phrase popular with his character of Ebenezer Scrooge. To this day, anyone who scoffs at looking at the bright side is synonymous with the name of Scrooge. We all know it took some ghostly interventions to turn Ebenezer around. If the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is filling you with humbug, take the cue to find time for yourself. And if that’s not enough, try ditching all the stuff that makes you crabby and focus on what brings you joy! On Humbug Day, celebrate your own transformation into all things bright and beautiful. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices