It’s December 21st, the shortest day of the year; either the middle of winter or the start, depending on your view (here in Ireland, 
winter really only kicks in from mid-December onwards). The lucky annual lottery winners had a fantastic clear frosty morning to witness the solstice dawn in Newgrange, but the view I experienced from the hill fort in Glending, Co. Wicklow this morning was just as rewarding.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Update: My sister (the teacher) informs me that the modern spelling for Nollaig Shona Dhaoibh (i.e. Merry Christmas to you (ye)) is Nollaig Shona Daoibh, well you learn something new every day!
