Next week is the Winter Solstice, and I can feel it. It will be the longest night of the year. I’m always encouraged by the idea that after that, the nights will be shorter and the daylight hours will get longer. I’m thinking a lot about the things that bring me comfort during long nights – and between some delicious snacks, a score from my childhood memories, and some creativity, I’ve got some suggestions to share.

It’s here: December. The month of merriment, where folks expect you to be holly-jolly all the time. And yet, as a part of the cancer community, it can be much harder than that. We are observing holidays and traditions without those that we’ve lost. We’re ringing in the new year, and we thought things would be different by now. We may be approached with that all-too-common question “how are you doing?” by our great Uncle Malcolm who just does not get it.

Did you get to see the beautiful full moon this week, or the eclipse? With the clocks turning back, it was so comforting to have an enormous bright moon shining in my yard. I’m as woo-woo as the next vegetarian former yoga teacher, and there are many traditions in which moon cycles are indicators of specific actions, rituals, or thoughts.

There are few things I like more than being cozy. Coziness is a state of mind: while we often think of cool weather and Hallmark movies, I’d argue it’s something you can find in warmer climates times as well. This weekend is about the pursuit of cozy: things that nourish us, make us feel comfortable, and bring a smile to our faces.