The Winter Solstice occurred at 9:47 am Pacific Standard Time.  It marked the day with the fewest hours of sunlight this year, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. The event owes its existence to the tilt of Earth’s axis as the third rock from the Sun revolves around its parent star.

In 46 BC, Julius Caesar in his Julian calendar established December 25 as the date of the winter solstice of Europe.  Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time.

National Geographic: Winter Solstice 2009: Facts on Shortest Day of the Year

Wikipedia: Winter Solstice

I’m grateful for my health; my father; Nicole, Collin and another on the way; all the wonderful friends thoughout my life; SK; the good, the bad and the ugly that made me who I am today; U2, John Coltrane and the blues; the right to vote; peace, love and understanding; a roof over my head and food to eat; and most importantly, the GRACE of the Great Spirit.