Father Sun and the Winter Spirits.

Like every year, after a full summer of bright presence, Father Sun was taking some rest. After shining as much as it could during all summer, Father Sun was now waking up later in the morning and going to bed earlier every night. 

From his bed, he was slowly falling asleep while watching Mother Moon and Daughter Night together cover the land with their beautiful, dark dresses embroidered with delightful, shining stars and a radiant, ever-changing moon.

But if Father Sun could rest so well during those months of fall and winter, it was not only thanks to Mother Moon and Daughter Night, it was also because he knew that the light he shone upon all men, women and children during the month of summer was now shining bright in their hearts.

He could see it from his bed high in the sky. The light that was during summer coming from here to the people was now coming from them to him. From his bed, Father Sun could see the candles, the lights at the windows, the bonfires in the gardens... The people were generously sharing their lights, creating a charming chain of lights.

But beyond the presence of Mother Moon, Daughter Night and the lights of the people, if Father Sun could sleep so well during those dark months, it was because he knew that the Spirit of Fall and Winter, also called the Spirit of togetherness, was marching from the sky to the land.

This spirit had for centuries been called by different names....some called them Sinterklaas, others Santa Claus, or the birth of Jesus Christ...But in the eyes of Father Sun, they were all the same. They came to remind people of their lights within and of the delight of sharing their lights by being together. 

Through its window, Father Sun could see family, friends, strangers gathering together in the evocation of these spirits for a cup of tea, a meal, a song, a moment to share gifts ... all guided by the joy of being together. This joy and togetherness, inspired by the Fall and Winter spirit, was creating the most beautiful light of all for Father Sun: the light of love. 

With the radiance of love, for sure Father Sun could have a good, nourishing rest and come back strong and bright four days after the winter equinox.