AS WINTER IS ABOUT TO BEGIN, SOME EVENTS AND THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER

Imminent Sunset. Taken by PKSenagore November 2018. All rights reserved.

LOOK FOR A CHRISTMAS ‘STAR’ ON THE EVENING OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE
NOT SINCE THE 13th CENTURY HAS THIS BRIGHT SIGHT BEEN VISIBLE IN THE WINTER SKY. An article in the NYPost.com explains that while the conjunction of the two large planets Jupiter and Saturn occurs about every 20 years, this year’s spectacle will be, well, spectacular!
 
The two shining celestial bodies’, although hundreds of millions of miles apart in reality, will follow paths that cause them to appear very close together to earthlings looking up in the sky.  The last time this close alignment occurred was in 1226! 
 
NASA says to “look fast” because “both planets will set shortly after sunset” on December 21, 2020. Their instructions are to watch for the planets, that may almost appear to the naked eye as one giant star, “above the western horizon after sunset” if clear skies are expected.
 
A reference is not provided in the NYPost.com piece, but it says that some astronomers believe the Star of Bethlehem reported by watchers thousands of years ago at the time of the Nativity story, was the conjunction of three planets, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.
 
It will be a wonderful sight for those blessed with a cloudless starry night.
 
https://nypost.com/2020/12/04/rare-christmas-star-to-light-up-sky-for-winter-solstice/
https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/event-view.cfm?Event_ID=114511
 
 
UPCOMING NATIONAL UGLY SWEATER DAY
https://www.earned-runs.com/blog/running-in-ugly-sweaters-national-day
An Earned Runs blog post in 2016 identified National Ugly Sweater Day (USD), the third Thursday of December, as falling on the 16th. In 2020, the date for the cross-country celebration of unsightly warm knit tops, is set for December 20. This is the day before the winter solstice, the official beginning of the astrological winter season.
 
If looking for an activity that can be performed safely with those in your own household or in spirit with others living apart from you on that day, an USD Walk or Run might be fun. Kids and adults may enjoy finding an unfashionable Christmas- or winter-themed piece of clothing, even if not officially a sweater, to wear on an outdoor 5k aerobic exercise session. 
 
I must admit the edgy fun of this official day has been slightly diminished by the now purposeful manufacture and sale of “ugly” sweaters specifically for holiday display.  In earlier days, before marketers embraced the concept, a good deal of effort was required to find such a clothes item. 
 
It was usually a sweater purchased new, years and sometimes decades before, that had been packed away and forgotten. It may have been a personal garment or one belonging to a family member or friend, which the owner is ashamed to wear in public. It’s perfect for USD!
 
Unfortunately, I no longer own an ‘ugly’ holiday sweater. The trend to organize, tidy up, and live cleanly has meant any decent contenders were donated to charity.  However, after this year I plan to save apparel selections showing exceptionally poor taste as potential candidates for future years’ celebrations. 
 
Perhaps rather than shopping for/buying one, decorating a sweater, sweatshirt or t-shirt with old holiday tree ornaments or decorations would serve the same purpose if everyone can’t find something truly ugly for the outing.
 
https://nationaltoday.com/national-ugly-sweater-day/
 
A BEAUTIFUL REFLECTION ABOUT OUTDOOR WINTER EXERCISE
Jonathan Beverly provides a lovely perspective on running outside on the snowiest of days for PodiumRunner.com.  Some who have memories of running on days when the air was brisk and crowded with snowflakes will wish they could have described their experiences as well.  Those who have not or cannot because of the climates in which they live might long for such opportunities this year after reading his piece. 
 
Running is one way to find the magic, but walking, hiking, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking are other means.  The reminiscences and mental images Beverly created are worth the read for inspiration, and motivation to NOT automatically head for the treadmill or stationary bike when the weather outside seems frightful. In my case as with the author’s, it is true that some of my most vivid memories of running are in winter wonderland conditions.
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Thanks to Jonathon Beverly for sharing.
 
https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/the-magic-of-winter-running
https://www.podiumrunner.com/training/5-reasons-to-run-outside-all-winter/
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RATHER THAN DREAD THE COMING OF WINTER,  perhaps there are reasons to welcome its arrival in this pandemic year. So many have experienced dark fears and darker days over the past months and seasons.  Cold weather, snow, and icy rain may be signaling the beginning of the last season this disease will hold so many in its terrible grip.

RUN & MOVE HAPPY!