It’s remarkable how the darkness of November grows. If you’re a light-loving Photogen, it is noticeably oppressive by Thanksgiving, celebrated by Americans as a national Holiday dedicated to celebrating gratitude. This day, in American culture, is often the kick-start to the holidays.
And yet, overlapping the holidays is a time of great darkness. Wintertime is hard for many people, for a variety of reasons. As the earth orbits around our sun, in these wintry months our northern hemisphere tilts farther from her warm, cheerful rays.
And while the wintry months bring darkness, cold, and depression, those of Danish influence bring in a little something extra that can make one actually look forward to the trials of the season.
Hygge. Hygge is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”
In seasons of darkness, those things that give off more light make us more grateful for those star-like, fire-like glimmers. And with gratitude, acceptance, and contentment in the present moment grows.
As the darkness of the season builds to the winter equinox, I will share with you in the following weeks a small series of reflections on finding contentment in the contrast of this season. There is no light without the darkness.
May these following weeks bring forth more heartwarming flames into the darknesses of your life. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, filled with light and beautiful contrast!
Now, to go find a match to light my candle…
This book is one of the sources of inspiration for this topic (Note: when you click the link below, I may receive a commission at no extra cost. Thanks for clicking! )
The story behind these reflections on darkness and light: The abrupt nightfalls of November, overhung by dreary, cold weather have always brought panic in my little sun-loving heart. Some of us struggle with the depressive blues that November and February often bring on top of our ordinary struggles. Inspired by the Danish concept of Hygge, I determined to prepare myself with ways to brighten the dark nights. This coincided with Advent, a preparation for the coming of the “Light of the World.” May these reflections of darkness and light cheer you on in your life’s journey.
Bridget Bryan 