Today, on the winter solstice, in London we enjoyed just 7 hours and 50 minutes of daylight. Compare that with the amount we get on 21 June (around 16 hours and 40 minutes), and it's no great surprise that some people feel the effects of seasonal affective disorder at this time of year.
On the positive side, the days will now start to get longer - gradually at first but by the time we get to February we will be gaining four minutes of extra daylight every day.
It is always good to have something to look forward to. For some of us, that might be Christmas (in either its 25 Dec or 7 Jan versions). Or it could be Hanukkah, New Year, the first (or last) snowfall or the next payday.
At Abbott Mansions, the three kings have started their journey. They have just passed the Samsung TV (which I suppose could count as the Orient) and are making their inexorable way towards an LED angel, hovering mysteriously over a spot where a manger is scheduled to appear. The Christmas cycle is in progress.
Personally, I like a routine and find it comforting to think that we are all part of a continuous cycle of seasons, dates and astrological phenomena that will carry on without any input from us. Whether we enjoy winter or not, it will come. And if we don't like it, summer will be along soon enough. Before long we will be complaining that it is too hot and we can't sleep because the sunrise woke us at 4am.
To help you keep your Pilates routine going throughout the festive season, I am keeping disruption to a minimum. There will be no classes on Thu 26 Dec (the public holiday known as Boxing Day in the UK) but all other classes will continue as normal.
I wish you, those close to you and even those poor misguided souls who don't subscribe to my newsletter, a merry Christmas and a happy new year that brings all you wish for. Especially if you wish for more Pilates. Talking of which, why not treat yourself to one of my online classes?
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