Lose yourself in the beauty of an orchid flower for just an instant and feel your blood pressure drop. Delight in the way the sunlight plays on the surface of a spiny cactus stem and sense your smile. Be amazed as an amaryllis reaches upward and stretch yourself inwardly as well. These are the moments that help us get through one of the most hectic and stressful times of the year.

These celebrations, rituals and observances often have roots in promise or self-sacrifice. We like to think that this seeming victory of light over dark as a metaphor for survival and rebirth.

Every family has their own holiday traditions that are practiced, and enjoyed, year after year. We bundle up and head to get to the same place to get the tree. We bake cookies from the same family recipes. We watch the same holiday special on television. There are some time-honored traditions that everyone practices. Have you ever wondered how some of them got started?

Baby, it’s cold outside, so winter is definitely here. Outside, seeds and buds are slumbering. The earth is still. Inside our homes, we’re warm and happy in rooms sparkling with bright lights, views of any impending storms softened by steamy windows. This time of year we gather together to celebrate family and friends. But don’t forget your indoor gardening chores.