Religion

Religion is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as "Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe." Some people call it "faith"; some call it "church"; others call it a waste of time. No matter how you define religion, medical science continues to unearth the benefits of believing in something or someone higher than ourselves. Studies have shown that "people of faith" can expect to live longer and healthier lives than those who have no such belief at all.

Winter

The season we call "winter" begins at the winter solstice, a term that indicates the sun is moving to its lowest angle and thus the farthest distance from the viewer. Solstice comes from the Latin words sol for "sun" and sistere for "stand still." In the Northern Hemisphere, winter as we know it officially begins somewhere around December 21. For centuries, cultures around the world have observed traditions, festivals, and rituals to mark this season of snowflakes and snowmen, icicles and ice storms, wreaths and wrappings.