Celebrating the Darkest Days

This weekend, we hosted our annual Christmas party. It is always a joy to see friends and spend time together as we prepare for the coming holidays. Those of you who know me know that I love to geek out on technology. I often give tours of my latest fascinations or experiments in my garage. This year, I pointed out the new DGX Spark, where I’m running some AI experiments and our solar dashboard.

I love data visualization! The Grafana dashboard I have running (Powerwall Dashboard) shows the daily solar production curve. This year, we reached 52kWh/day during the summer. But right now, it’s barely reaching 15kWh/day. Such a dramatic difference! That’s right, there isn’t a lot of sun right now.

It’s dark, and getting darker. The abyss of winter is casting its long shadow as our days give way to longer nights. How are you feeling these days? Is the darkness wearing on you? These are the shortest, quietest days of the year. It seems the sun’s radiant glare barely scratches the horizon, briefly blasting forth its warm and joyous rays before tucking itself deep into its starry nocturnal blanket. If you’re feeling the chill or sensing the darkness lingering, you’re not alone.

Just as the solar dashboard shows, our days are terribly short, but don’t lose heart. Next week, a cosmic shift is near! The days will begin their march out of slumber. Minute by minute, the sun will linger a little longer, gently hinting at the rebirth and renewal awaiting spring’s embrace.

For now, let’s make the most of winter’s hush. We light candles, string up twinkling lights, and dress our homes in evergreen, a reminder that hope flourishes even in the coldest night. Yes, winter’s embrace will linger, but it can’t last forever. Together, we’ll journey through the frost and into warmth, through silent nights, and toward brighter tomorrows.

In the meantime, let’s celebrate! The holidays are here! It’s a time to invite merriment, sparkle, and joy into our lives. Go ahead, set out those glistening reminders. Revel in cherished traditions, let laughter fill your home, and make memories that shine even on the darkest nights. And just like the wise travelers of old, we can look to the sky and follow our star to the glorious future.

I know many of you have plans to take some time off this week or next. Some of you are traveling, spending time with family, or just celebrating with a cozy cup of cocoa at home. Whatever you do, I wish you a very happy and hope-filled solstice!

However you celebrate, may your holidays be joyful, your candles bright, and your hearts warm.

Merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year to all!