From the time I first heard "Now is the winter of our discontent" I have wondered what it is about human nature that makes us so prone to being unhappy with where/what/who we are and at the same time certain that when some specific event occurs, we will be happy. That discontent leads us to wander through the cold landscape of our minds in search of sunnier days.

Of course, such discontent is a metaphor for the physical struggles imposed by winter weather. The bitter cold, the deep snows that accumulate, the restrictions on activity, the worry that food and supplies may not last until spring—these are challenges that were more common to previous generations than they are to us. Those physical winters could be deadly, just as mental winters can kill our spirits.

In contrast to that bleak picture, we have scenes of quiet beauty, of stunning snowscapes, of laughing children playing in the snow, of holiday preparations, of loving, happy families. It can be strikingly beautiful.

Whatever your personal circumstances may be, I wish you the warmth of a crackling fire, the love of friends and family, and the bright hope of a coming spring. Unless you already live somewhere with warm breezes, blue skies, and pristine beaches, because that just makes me jealous. Happy holidays!