Yalda Mobarak! Happy solstice!

[captains]

Shab-e Yalda Mobarak! Wishing everyone here at Susan's a very happy winter solstice. Traditionally, in Persian culture, as friends and internet family, we would all spend the night together: staying awake, eating pomegranates, and waiting for the sun to overtake the dark.

I'm posting this because tonight is the longest and darkest night of the year -- and not to be too cheesy, but I know many of us have been through a few dark nights ourselves. I hope that everyone here feels the turning point as the light gains ground. Literally, things are getting brighter from here.