Today is Thursday, December 22nd, 2011 

Winter Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice! Autumn has officially come to an end. The winter solstice occurs when the sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance from the hemisphere, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. For the Northern Hemisphere, this usually occurs between December 21 – 23 each year. In the Southern Hemisphere it takes place between June 20 – 23.

Did you know that the word “solstice” means, “sun stands still”? This seasonal milestone has been celebrated since ancient times. The Romans, for example, honored Saturn, the god of time and harvest, with a weeklong feast called Saturnalia.

While the traditions surrounding the winter solstice differ from culture to culture, most recognize it as a symbol of rebirth. Various festivals, gatherings, and rituals take place today worldwide. To celebrate the winter solstice, attend a local festival or spend time with your friends and family around a cozy fire.

Today is also National Date Nut Bread Day

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

mages and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for December 22 1864 - During the American Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman sent a message to U.S. President Lincoln from Georgia. The message read, "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah." 1895 - German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen made the first X-ray. It was of his wife's hand. 1944 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington for a wartime conference with U.S. President Roosevelt.

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"The entire sum of existence is the magic of being needed by just one person."

--Agnes Repplier