Perihelion

The perihelion is the day that earth is closest to the sun. This year it occurred on January 5.

That we are closest to the sun in the winter throws my nonscientific mind into a tailspin. If we are closest to the sun, then why is it cold? Because earth's distance from the sun is not what causes the seasons. It's the tilt of the earth on its axis that does that, and in winter the northern hemisphere tilts away from the sun.

Ahh, I get it. Sort of. Anyway, it's the metaphorical aspect of this that strikes me most. That all through the cold, dark months we're closest to the star that gives us life — I like to think about this. It gives me comfort.