Ben Lowry: A sense of optimism after the darkest point of the year is past

Another reason to be optimistic is that we have reached a point in the calendar that seems full of promise.
By Ben Lowry
Published 26th Dec 2020, 15:01 BST
Updated 26th Dec 2020, 15:39 BST
Bright early winter, pre Christmas weather this year in Edinburgh. Despite the short days, the skies can be wonderfully clear this far north. Pic: Jane Barlow/PA WireBright early winter, pre Christmas weather this year in Edinburgh. Despite the short days, the skies can be wonderfully clear this far north. Pic: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Bright early winter, pre Christmas weather this year in Edinburgh. Despite the short days, the skies can be wonderfully clear this far north. Pic: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

The time between the winter solstice, December 21, and the new year, is one when there is a festive spirit of goodwill and when the days have begun to get longer.

In some respects the worst of winter is past. Yes, the weather will get colder for the next couple of months, but the darkest moment is gone.

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The scope for reflection at Christmas (increasingly apparent in the Queen’s December 25 addresses to the nation, such as yesterday, when she referred to the ‘light’ of the Christian message) and the celebratory moment of New Year is then immediately followed by a period in which the days begin to get noticeably brighter: ever so slowly at first but by late January the increase in daylight begins to gather pace.

Has anyone noticed that in December the sunny days have a particularly bright quality?

Someone, perhaps an artist, once told me that while the days are short in December and January this far north, the quality of light is better. Does any reader know why that might be? Please email me if so.

Certainly, it is a joy when it is sunny in December, as it has been many days this month.

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The low angle of the light means it can penetrate far into the interior of a home.

• Ben Lowry (@BenLowry2) is News Letter deputy editor

• Ben Lowry: Some positive developments from 2020 for which to be thankful

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/opinion/columnists/ben-lowry-there-have-been-positive-developments-2020-which-be-thankful-3079096

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Related topics:Ben LowryQueenNorthern Ireland