Happy Monday! I am so glad to be at work! With cheerful people and all I have to think about is work-work and also I get to drink lots and lots of coffee because it is THE SOLSTICE. WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET THROUGH IT.
This is where you get to ask me anything you want! From “How many hours do you turn off the lights at all?” to “Have you considered just playing sunny Shahrukh songs on your TV at all times?” Just keep swinging back here all week as you think of things you want to know!
Now, question for you! Really just a general question because I am curious. Do you have any Solstice traditions?
I don’t! I mean, obviously Christmas is a Solstice tradition, but for the actual longest night, I never even thought about it beyond a sort of oddity of the calendar. But in the past 6 years, since my Seasonal Affective Disorder has gotten really bad, I am VERY aware of it. And my tradition is to feel increasingly horrible and then remember “oh right, Solstice!” and then get very optimistic for feeling happier and happier from then on. And sometimes unofficially stay up all night just because it is such a sucky night I am afraid to turn the lights out.
Does anyone else have any more magical ideas of things to do?
dontcallitbollywood 
Good morning! Fricking cold here today and gloriously sunny. No snow yet, but hope springs. The solstice turns me reflective. I think back on the year that is ending and forward to the one about to begin. There have been trials to be sure, and no doubt more will come. but there’s also my dog and my family, books and music, coffee with real cream, and Don’t Call it Bollywood.
LikeLike
Thank you, this is a lovely litany of good things that are happening, I will hold on to it as well.
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 7:45 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
Have you seen the new Gehraiyaan movie teaser/announcement? It looks like a mix of Piku and Cocktail and I am so happy Anyanya has a part in such a project. So different from the ones she is generally known for.
LikeLike
Oooo, it does look interesting! Who’s the not-Siddhant dude?
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 8:15 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
He’s part of Dharma’s new talent agency. His name is Dhairya Karwa and he apparently was in Uri and will be in 83.
LikeLike
BTW Koffee With Karan is back!!
LikeLike
LOL I had exact opposite reaction: Was excited for this project and suddenly: oh shit, Anyaya is in it also?
LikeLike
Then again if her part is the kind that is meant to have us want to protect her and help her, then she is perfect. She has that vulnerability in her.
LikeLike
Just came across more really cute Kat and Vicky pictures!
How adorable are they? Also, Margaret, Vicky seems appropriately taller than Kat!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
YES! Tall, kind, younger, and on the upward trail in his career. SUCH a step up!
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 9:49 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
Oh more exciting news!
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/news/bollywood/salman-khan-announces-bajrangi-bhaijaan-2-rrr-event-sequel-written-ss-rajamoulis-father-k-v-vijayendra-prasad/
LikeLike
Ooooooo! I hope they bring Kabir Khan back, I know Salman had a falling out with him, but I really like his directing.
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 9:53 AM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or the movie is at very very initial stage or it’s done without Kabir Khan:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/after-salman-khan-announces-bajrangi-bhaijaan-sequel-kabir-khan-says-idea-not-formed-yet-101640004020524.html
BTW Why Salman and Kabir are no friend anymore?
LikeLike
I think because Tubelight was a flop?
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 12:09 PM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
Many of Salman’s movies are flops. Does he cut ties with every flop director?
LikeLike
Are you trying to use logic in Salman-World?
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 12:45 PM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, its the most magical time of the year (at least in this hemisphere) when the light fades right down into the dark, and at the very darkest point is reborn. I dont go off into the woods anymore with a few friends to light a bonfire to help it on its way, but l still love love love it. Its the most exciting and ancient sacred time along with summer solstice, and is also why l love Chistmas really. I find the long haul of Jan-feb while we wait for the days to get lighter more sucky; this bit when the wheel actually turns is exhilarating!
LikeLike
I suppose there is an argument to be made for the excitement of it versus the long slow decline and then rise. But I still HATE it. I don’t know if I would hate it less or more if I were at a bonfire in the woods. I like hiding in my house with light and warmth and safety from the dark. But maybe a bonfire would defeat the dark for me?
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 2:19 PM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
Well years of doing them can remove all fear of darkness certainly, but it doesnt help that much with SAD seasonal undertow imo
LikeLike
When I first moved to my small town I was asked by a some women if I wanted to join their solstice Dance in someone’s backyard. I politely declined. Since working with a forest preschool the family has done night time lantern walks- except I forgot to go this year. It was kinda bad actually, I’m the main sub, I should have been there, and my kids would have liked it. Whoops.
LikeLike
My church group does a Solstice thing, only it’s inside in the coffee hour area, which sort of spoils the magic.
Come to think of it, we have a yard now! And a fire pit! We could have had our own all night bonfire thing going. But instead, we stayed cozy inside and watched Star Trek.
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 10:24 PM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
Dressing up as star trek characters around a fire seems like a way to celebrate!
LikeLike
I’m with Elin, I like the moment of transition from the long dark, the relighting of the sun. I don’t always remember, tend to get caught up in holiday prep and wrapping up work before vacation, but when I do I like to light a candle to burn all evening.
We have a set of books about Christmas and other celebrations of the season that we break out in December to read with the kids as a way if getting in the spirit (a tradition inherited from my aunt). This year the one that stuck with me was Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya. He talks about growing up in New Mexico and the traditions passed down from his parents that combined Native and Spanish customs – cutting a piñón tree to bring into the house as a symbol of life, burning fires outside to light the way for the Wise Men and shepherds, cooking delicious food to share with your neighbors or anyone who needs a meal. It all sounds warm and lovely. This year I’ll be burning some the piñón incense we got as a gift along with the candle.
LikeLike
My Christmas needs more fire. My parents have a real fireplace at their condo, only it’s the gas kind that you turn on with a switch. Not quite the same.
On Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 11:16 PM dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
Fire is cheerful.
LikeLike
I was reading about IMDB most popular Indian movies 2021 and was very surprised to see Shiddat on the list. I noticed it was on eintusian’s most watched for many weeks also. So strange. It released few months ago, there was a little buzz for week or two and then nothing. But seems that people kept watching the movie and also like it, If not so over the top, maybe it could be the return of the romances.
LikeLike
To answer your question, Margaret, I enjoy a very important memory related to the 21st of December: my husband and I chose it as our wedding day…the day with the longest night…
LikeLike
It brings warmth, it purifies, it keeps the sabre-tooths and other evils at bay, and if you light it winter solstice, it helps the sun rise again. All this fire chat has made me lay one specially, havent bothered for ages
LikeLike