On December 21, the winter solstice arrives, bringing with it the shortest day of the year in London, where daylight lasts a mere 7 hours and 49 minutes. From this day forward, the light will begin to grow, slowly at first, until March when it will increase by three minutes each day.

Across the UK, various celebrations mark this turning point. In Ireland, Newgrange's inner chamber is illuminated at sunrise for 17 minutes. Brighton’s Burning the Clocks parade and Penzance’s Montol Festival pay homage to ancient midwinter traditions. Glastonbury Tor hosts gatherings to greet the solstice sunrise, bringing people together in reverence of the returning light.

The Digest, 12/20/2024 @1200AM, CDT

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