It’s going to be a long night tonight. That’s because at 12:47 pm (EST) today, the Winter Solstice occurred for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Conversely, the Winter Solstice means it’s the shortest day of the year when the sun appears at the lowest point in the sky.

According to Infoplease.com, “solstice” comes from the Latin word “solstitium,” which combines “sol” for the sun and “stitium” for stoppage. This means that during either the winter or summer solstice, the sun at midday appears to be in the same position for several days prior and after the solstice.

For centuries, cultures all over the globe have celebrated the Winter Solstice in a wide variety of ways. Yet, a common thread in many of these cultures is that the marking of the longest night brings with it the optimism of increasing amounts of daylight to come.

This year seems particularly fitting to note the passing of the Winter Solstice and what at times felt to be a very long night.

Here’s wishing all of you a safe and healthy holidays, and the hope of brighter days ahead in 2010.