And to feed the spirit when hope is challenged: I like this Huffington Post article surveying the way in which cultures around the world commemorate the winter solstice, which is today--though I'm baffled that the article speaks of these celebrations as "pagan." Particularly when it notes that many of these celebrations in Western cultures are rooted in pre-Christian religious celebrations (as Christmas itself is, and this is why the Puritans in both England and New England sought to outlaw the feast). And when it mentions that the Talmud takes note of the winter solstice and even has a name for the event.
It appears that some folks' "pagan" may well be other folks' real religious practice--and therefore the use of this highly perspectival (and prejudicial) term to characterize other folks' winter solstice celebrations ought to be avoided by the secular media. But that kvetch aside, I recommend the article and its fascinating slideshow, and hope you'll enjoy it. Along with the solstice.
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