The winter solstice: It’s the shortest day — or the longest night.

Dec. 21 is the winter solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere experiences the least amount of daylight.

I revel in the summer solstice, June 21 — the longest day — despite the fact it means that the days will start to get shorter. It seems to take a while for the shift to happen in my mind. The twilight evenings stretch out, lighting the sky on warm summer nights.

Until, at last, I realize the nights are dark earlier, and the cold is creeping in. Once, when the sky would have been still pink and dusky purple at 9 p.m., it’s now fully dark by 7, with stars winking overhead.

In past years, I would have been depressed by the coming winter, the cold and dark. But a few years ago, I made a conscious effort to see the shortest day — or the longest night — for what it really is: the time when the days start getting longer. That shift in thinking helped me get through several long, cold winters. But I needed to focus on it, not just let it happen gradually like the shortening of days from the summer solstice.

Winters in Tennessee are not nearly as long or as cold as Wisconsin. The further north, the colder and darker it is, based purely on location on the planet. However, winter here is a far cry from summer’s sun, heat and humidity. I still need to focus my thoughts further out or the winter ahead will be daunting.

This thinking about the winter solstice is not unique to me. Countless humans have experienced it as the Earth circles the sun. Author Susan Cooper wrote a poem about it, which has been turned into a children’s book. Cooper and illustrator Carson Ellis discussed the book and illustrations on NPR’s Weekend Edition.

Perhaps it’s the promise of longer days and more sunlight that makes winter bearable. That’s what the winter solstice provides — hope that winter won’t last forever, and another, longer day will dawn.

How to Be a Better Writer Tip

Read children’s literature

If you don’t have children — or you haven’t had little kids in your house for some time — you may not be familiar with all of the fantastic books available for youngsters.

At one time, Dr. Seuss dominated the market. Granted, he still has a fair share. But many, many authors and illustrators have created quite lovely books for children. Peruse the shelves in your local book store or library, and you’ll be amazed at the breadth and depth of artwork styles and stories. Best of all, they tend to be short — less than 36 pages — so you can read an entire book before you even decide to buy it or check it out!

Like anything, of course, not every book will appeal to everyone, and the quality of the writing and artwork will vary. But it’s worth taking a look. It might even inspire you in some way.