Looking towards the next month I know that the days will continue to shorten. Luckily, December is a month filled with merriment and joy for Christians and Pagans alike. As the days get colder, we decorate our homes and make time for dinner with friends and family. The city too reflects our cheer as red bows, pine garlands, and bright lights cloak the city in merriment.

For me, the festivities culminate at the winter solstice. A joyful time as we can welcome the growth of the sun and take comfort in knowing that the daylight hours will extend. If I can manage, I like to wake up to see the sunrise on solstice morning. I take a mug of coffee out to the lake, find a good bench, and watch the sun illuminate the city. Our winter season in Chicago is long, but I take comfort through the months knowing that after the solstice each day becomes just a little bit longer than the day before.

As I walked home from work the other day I stopped to pick up a few items to make a certain winter brew. Something that will surely warm me and my friends through these upcoming winter months.