Dec 22, 2011 — If the early evening gloom is getting to you, take comfort that the days are about to start getting longer. The winter solstice began at 12:30 this morning, marking the shortest day of the year and the start of winter.

Most of the customs, symbols, and rituals associated with Christmas -- holly, mistletoe and pine boughs -- actually are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. Winter Solstice has been celebrated in many cultures for thousands of years.

A Solstice family celebration will be held tonight (7 pm) at St. Lawrence University's Herring-Cole Hall with music, merriment, science and revelry.

A few years ago, a group gathered at St. Lawrence to celebrate the Solstice with songs, poems and candles.