So why did we pick this day to get married? The vicar and church were free (after panto before the crib service), it was a memorable date (when we are old and forgetful we have a chance of remembering), a pallendromic date (21.12.2002), it would be dark (marriage by candlelight sounded romantic), and everyone would be in the party mood. In fact we did not put that much thought into the date. The decision that really mattered was to get married in the first place.

Most of us will have marked the coming of mid-winter. Houses adorned with lights and greenery in attempt to banish darkness and signs of death in nature. While some of the trees may be made of plastic or tinsel, the holly berries and mistletoe bought from the market rather than picked in the woods, and candles replaced by lights of the fairy variety, we still follow the rituals of our forefathers and mothers. To this I have added the ritual of marriage, so the shortest day will always be one to celebrate for me.