Bring on the Light - 9 Ways To Enjoy Winter!

The nights are drawing in earlier and we’re just over a week away from the clocks going back. This is normally the time of year that SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) starts for some people and sunny skies and light evenings seem but a dream away...

But it’s when you’re in the dark that you really appreciate the light and for many cultures the next few months are all about celebrating light. Here are SharedCity's favourite 9 light-related celebrations for the Autumn/Winter.  And we won't even mention the 25 December C-word. You may not be religious but it's no reason not to celebrate the many wonderful cultural ways of bringing light, warmth and feasting to the dark days of winter.

1)    23^rd October, Diwali – The Hindu, Sikh and Jain Festival of Lights, a good excuse to stuff yourself with delicious Indian food and sweets and set a few fireworks off.

2)    31^st October, Halloween – Be artistic with a pumpkin and make it glow from within - and then make some delicious pumpkin pie.

3)    1^st November, All Souls Day – Light a candle to remember a loved one by.  The way candles flicker and dance can ignite wonderful memories.

4)    1^st November, Dia de los Muertes – Do the above Mexican style.

5)    5^th November, Bonfire Night – Forget the gruesome effigy-burning and enjoy a giant bonfire.  Our canine friends might not like fireworks but it suddenly feels very quiet when you no longer hear that Whoosh, Bang and Huzzah!

6)  11^th November, St Martins Day - Germans celebrate the feast of St Martin's with a children's lantern procession around the neighbourhood. Make your own lanterns and take to the streets. 
7)    27^th November, Thanksgiving – We're not in America but perhaps this is a good time to bring out any left over Halloween pumpkin?! A splendid excuse for a mid week roast.

8)    17^th December, Hannukkah – The Jewish Festival of lights. Go get yourself a menorah and enjoy the excuse to eat donuts.

9)    21^st December, Winter Solstice – The days will start getting longer again. Hoorah! Light yourself one last candle and celebrate like a true Pagan.