If We Make It Through December

"If we make it through December,
Everythings gonna be alright I know.
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the fallin' snow."
- Merle Haggard

FINALLY...The month I have been waiting for ever since, well ever since we boarded the plane to come over here! The month we get to go home.


Spring was dreary but exciting. Everything new and waiting to be discovered. Summer was beautiful, full of visitors, vacations and sunshine. Autumn was colorful. Smiles still covering strangers faces. Winter (even though it is not officially here yet) has been nothing but gray skies, constant drizzle, accompanied by VERY little sunshine. I now understand why Finland once led the world in suicide and alcoholism rates. The drab environment, lack of socialization, and never-ending darkness leave some people hopeless.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a serious diagnosis for many living in the Artic region. The lack of daylight is the perpetrator. Happy lights, increased consumption of Vit D, or a week vacation at a tropical destination are all recommended treatments.

We are all hanging on by a string but counting down the days until we get to come home. Everyone I have met claims November and December as being the "roughest months" and I now agree. Once we return in January, the days will be lengthening 5 minutes with each sunset and the ground should be covered in snow, illuminating the remaining darkness.