People have all types of events and celebrations they do this time of year, most all because of the shortest day that occurs in late December. For me, this time of year, my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and then, secondarily, New Years Day. Everyone was together on the Thanksgiving feast day, we played some games around the family table, and the focus was on companionship and fun. Over the years, in my extended family, no one really cares if holidays are celebrated on specific days so sometimes celebrations go on weekend days or, if some are also doing a holiday with in-laws or other family, the day after or before or even some other week entirely. We sort of  celebrate a secular christmas that is scaled down, focused still on being together and enjoying each other's company; really it's more of an occasion to get together for a meal and bring handmade sweet gifts. This year, we decided to add a feast day, more on the romantic level, for winter solstice. None of what we do is religious, which has been quite freeing, I'm looking forward on New Year's Eve to light snacks, and then "lucky" foods on New Years Day while watching sports. I hope every winter holiday is as enjoyable as this one has been up to now.