The Day the Sun Forgot to Show Up
So, you're wondering when Chicagoans officially become nocturnal creatures? Let's talk about the shortest day of the year, a.k.a. the day the sun apparently decided to take a long lunch break.
Winter Solstice: Not Just a Harry Potter Spell
You might think it's a made-up term for a magical ritual, but the Winter Solstice is actually a real thing. It's that special day when the Earth's North Pole is tilted farthest away from the sun. In simpler terms, the sun is like a lazy teenager who's overstaying their curfew.
Chicago's 15 Minutes of (Less) Sunshine
For us Chicagoans, the Winter Solstice usually falls around December 21st. Imagine waking up, looking out the window, and thinking the sun is still asleep. That's basically our life for a day. It's like the universe is playing a cruel joke on us, saying, "Hey Chicago, how about we give you less than 9 hours of daylight?" Thanks, universe, real thoughtful.
But fear not, fellow sunlight-deprived citizens! After this day, the days start getting longer. It's like nature's way of saying, "Okay, I've had my fun. Here, take back some daylight." So, while it might feel like an eternity of darkness, remember, there's light at the end of the tunnel (or rather, the end of the winter).
How to Survive the Shortest Day
- Embrace the Darkness: Light some candles, binge-watch your favorite shows, and pretend you're a vampire.
- Vitamin D Supplements: Because the sun is MIA, you might need a little extra help.
- Indoor Activities: Stock up on board games, books, and puzzles.
- Daydreaming About Summer: Visualize yourself on a beach, sipping margaritas. It's free therapy!
- Count Down the Days: Until spring, of course.
How to...
- How to maximize daylight on the shortest day? Open all curtains and blinds as soon as it's light out.
- How to stay sane during the shortest day? Plan indoor activities, stay connected with friends, and remember, it's temporary!
- How to prepare for the shortest day? Stock up on cozy blankets, warm drinks, and your favorite comfort food.
- How to make the most of the shortest day? Embrace the coziness, relax, and recharge.
- How to know when the shortest day is over? Mark your calendar for the Winter Solstice and start counting the days until spring!