The Shortest Day Of The Year Will Be Here Soon

Winter is coming.... might be the most overused expression ever. But does that make it any less awesome or true? Nope, because the shortest day of the year will be Dec. 21, 2016, and it's also the first official day of winter. That's coming soon, y'all. Hold up, weren't we just drooling outside of Starbucks waiting for Pumpkin Spice Lattes to return? Fall always goes by way too fast. Before you know it, we'll be buying gifts for others instead of just for ourselves, trudging through snow, and ringing in 2017 with all the same resolutions you had at the start of 2016.

In any case, the winter solstice kicks off the winter season, and it also happens to be the day with the least amount of daylight. This solstice, as opposed to the summer solstice, gives us the most darkness, because the sun is at its southern most point over the equator. Embrace the darkness, because it is coming for us all. But it shouldn't bum you out. This is another reason to celebrate the upcoming holiday season! And now that you know when the official kick-off to winter will be, here's how to celebrate the shortest day of the year.

1. Embrace Impending Darkness

Even though this will be the shortest day of the year, the days that follow will be pretty dark, too. There will be more and more sunlight the closer we get to spring, but winters are generally pretty dark and dreary, so embrace the closed curtains and cozy evenings in super warm pjs.

2. Go to Bed Early the Night Before the Winter Solstice

The last thing you want to do on the shortest day of the year is sleep in. You only get so much sunlight, so don't waste it! Or do whatever you want, really. There's always tomorrow.

3. Have a Game of Thrones Party All By Yourself

Nobody feels the pain of an approaching winter season like Jon Snow. And you will never be as sad as him, because he's like Charlie Brown with beautiful curly hair. Plus, once you relive the sixth season, you'll be so inspired by the GoT ladies that you'll be ready to topple the patriarchy.

4. Open a Wrapped Present, To You From You

Buy yourself a gift now so that you can open it on the day that most people feel totally bummed out. The winter solstice typically triggers everyone's S.A.D., so it'd be wise to fight that head-on by giving yourself a shiny new treat.

5. Plan a Trip

You need something to look forward to, and the shortest day of the year is the perfect time to plan a getaway. Whether you take a trip within the month, or you plan something for the following summer, the trip itself becomes a light at the end of the dark winter tunnel.

6. Resist the S.A.D.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real mood disorder that is often brought on by the low light of winter. You might not be able to resist it entirely, because constant snowfall, early darkness, and breath-stealing chill is a complete drag. But at least on the shortest day of the year, do whatever you can to keep a smile on your face.

7. Look on the Bright Side

It's not all bad. You could be Jon Snow and Sansa Stark, about to face down an army of white walkers in the early days of a never-ending winter.

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