This is winter

You will know it by its coldness

Its dark

It's almost unbearable loneliness

You will know it by its quiet

Its stillness

Its patience

You will know it by its miracles

Its ways of bringing seeming strangers

Together

You will know it by its colorful lights

Its gatherings

Baked bread sweetened by honey

The thought of snow

Maple syrup

Eggnog

peppermints

Songs of joy and connection

That are only recited

On the cold breath

Of 

Winter