Winter Solstice

Here we are on the shortest day of the year. At least it can only get lighter from here.
We don't really do any special solstice activities (although it seems like a fun idea), but we did have a small celebration last night. December is a time for several family birthdays including my brother, nephew and grandpa, and then Mr. Charming next week. AND Happy Birthday today to Papa, my father-in-law. It's such a busy time but it's always fun to get together with friends/family and enjoy each together.
And thank goodness for the lights! I love the glowy bright colors and soft lights everywhere you go. It's one of the best parts of this dark cold time of year.
There is actually a name for this kind of lighting effect. I thought it was bocca, but I can't find a reference for it anywhere (I must have imagined it). So anyway, here are some fuzzy glowy shots from our tree...you can't even see where the strings are out due to small fingers pulling the tiny bulbs from THE SOCKETS.