There’s something about the way the sun sets in the new year (provided it’s not overcast and you can see the sun sets). We’re nearly 14 days into longer light and you can tell. It’s like the seasonal depression is already beginning to dissipate.
Also, if you’re unfamiliar with Christian holidays and the Church calendar, give Sacred Seasons a read. It feels a bit chaotic in the arrangement at times, but it makes the liturgy and holidays extremely approachable. You would think a book about traditions and history and keeping time would be stuffy and rigid. But there’s an overarching feel to the book that the practice of centering Jesus within your calendar is just that – a practice.