Those of you who know me know that I am not very keen on religion, though some people say they think of me as being pretty spiritual. (I guess I’m OK with that, but I’m just not sure what “being spiritual” means.)

Regardless, I have come to love the pagan significance of the Festival of Lights, and since tonight marks the first day of Chanukah, the event deserves recognition.

Today is December 6. The date of the new moon is December 11, so the darkest night of the lunar cycle is also the exact midpoint of the eight nights of Chanukah. The Winter Solstice is December 21, the shortest period of daylight in the year.

Chanukah spans the eight darkest nights of the time of the year when the nights are the longest. What better time to burn candles and celebrate “light” than the eight darkest, longest nights of the year?

Happy Winter Season everyone, regardless of whether it be for Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, the Solstice, or just being alive.