The shortest day of the year was blessed with an open albeit frigid sky. I felt fortunate as I strode home in the pink afternoon glow. But every time I made an attempt to share my enthusiasm with the passers-by I was struck by the reticent gloom on their pinched faces. Perhaps they are going by another calendar? Perhaps their winter solstice is a long way off?

Addendum I (December 21, 1994)

Los Angeles is not the best place to savor the winter solstice. This morning among mornings is bursting with sunshine. Although this is the very reason Lauren and I intend to spend our Decembers in Los Angeles rather than in London, our friends here tell us that this is the best time to be in this city on account of heat and pollution. Two birds with one stone!

Addendum II (December 21, 2000)

As I write, Lauren and the children are flying to Los Angeles. For several reasons, I am staying in Reading. My mother is not well. She needs my help around the house, but she needs my love and attention even more. Our marriage is not well, either. The last time we split up was less than three weeks ago. Although we have managed to avert the disaster once again, the future together is an ever-greater mystery to us both. Besides, Los Angeles is not my cup of tea. The weather is fine in California, of course, but the people there are less to my liking than is the weather here in England. Anyhow, Lauren and I will witness the Winter Solstice in two different places. Three birds with one stone!

Addendum III (December 21, 2025)

As has been my habit the last five years or so, I have just wished all the best for today’s winter solstice to my children, children-in-law, and grandchildren. That is, Marko, Dorian, Maya, Lucie, Sumaya, Ryan, Aida, Max, and Frankie. And I have wished it to all of them by an electronic-mail text-message only. For better or worse, my own beloveds of times past—Darja, Elise, Lauren, and Anita—are nowhere on this surprisingly long list. Although I remember all of them with quite a bit of passion, I must confess that I do not miss any one of them at all. And no kidding. Not to beat around the bush, I feel outright fortunate of being alone of this holiday of all holidays. The new season is starting in earnest, and I am as alone as alone can be. Alone for true, as it were. The way this crazy world of ours has been shaping as of late, this is a blessing to celebrate as loudly as possible. Whence this addendum brimming with unbridled joy. Hugs and kisses all around!