I used to be really into Christmas. I had the tree, the decorations, I made everything look pretty. But after losing my brother-in-law in 2017 on the KC-130, I really haven't even bothered. Last year I put up nothing. This year I did hang a wreath, but only because it was "there."

I do still love the Santa movies and shows, but I don't go out of my way to watch them. My sister, on the other hand is all Hallmark this year, which I think is funny, but good for her.

Something I enjoy every year is the Paul Winter consort winter solstice concert. It's good, diverse music and celebrates the solstice. [solsticeconcert.com] should get you to the site.

That has been my intent for a few decades now, kind of quietly celebrating the solstice, as the reason for the season. I have my "axial tilt" and "happy sostice" shirts I wear out and about, used to send solstice cards, had a solstice tree (or just holiday tree in mixed company) and so on. I just couldn't get too many people on board with me. Thinking of giving it a fresh try this year, but again quietly and elegantly as I can. Maybe I'll look for a "happy solstice" pin to wear.

Problem for me is that I often spend the holidays with my daughter and son-in-law, now, and my son-in-law's birthday happens to be on December 21st, so I can't take anything away from that. This year, as my grandkids are 2 and almost 5, I might start sharing my little (private) tradition of celebrating the 12 days between Dec 21-Jan 1, as I did when my kids were little. Maybe by keeping it kind of private, but sharing why I do it anew, it might have a stronger impact than trying to impose it on my family, as maybe I tried to do when my kids were little. They knew nobody else celebrated the solstice like me, and likely thought it was an odd quirk. Now that I'm older, I have more license to be odd and quirky, and maybe it will be seen as endearing.

You've given me a good idea, since this year, I'll be spending the week of the solstice with daughter's family, maybe I'll give my grandkids solstice cards, along with a children's book I bought years ago to explain the seasons. (If I can find it - I put it away until the time was right - have no idea where it is - haha.)

Christmas was put where it is because the christians wanted to hijack the established pagan celebrations. So I say why not? The solstice celebration far out dates christmas and is actually based on a real thing.

I just opt-out and wish everyone a good day as I do every day.