The Winter Solstice occurs on Mon. Dec. 21 at 9:47 a.m. At that moment the Sun, in its apparent path around the Earth, reaches its farthest point in the South. This marks the beginning of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Winter will end with the Vernal Equinox on March 20, 2010.

It's been awhile since our neopagan days, but we recall that this is one holiday that doesn't seem to involve running around naked.  Stay inside with milk chocolate, cookies, and a warm blanket instead!