against a dark background an open book releases light and letters. From Barbara Cotrell, via Facebook.

Opened magic book with blowing black letters

Scientists achieved a breakthrough with nuclear fusion.

Today is solstice. In the northern hemisphere, it’s winter solstice, the longest night of the year; in the southern hemisphere it’s midsummer. Whatever holidays you observe during this week, I hope you enjoy them with friends and loved ones, with joy, health and safety.

Hanukkah started this Sunday and runs through December 25. This festival symbolizes hope and resistance against tyranny. The miraculous bottle of oil that burned for eight nights was not part of the original story of Hanukkah, which depicted the Maccabees’ resistance to the Syrian occupier Antiochus and was added later.

“The Holly and the Ivy” is a Christmas song, but it has plenty of respectful pagan imagery. Enjoy the Medieval Babes singing.

“In the dark of night, the candles stand for hope.” StandFour sings about Hanukkah.

Author

  • Marion Deeds

    Marion Deeds, with us since March, 2011, is the author of the fantasy novella ALUMINUM LEAVES. Her short fiction has appeared in the anthologies BEYOND THE STARS, THE WAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE, STRANGE CALIFORNIA, and in Podcastle, The Noyo River Review, Daily Science Fiction and Flash Fiction Online. She’s retired from 35 years in county government, and spends some of her free time volunteering at a second-hand bookstore in her home town.

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