There are two ways to define winter. One is meteorological winter and the second is astronomical winter. They differ primarily in what criteria are used.
Meteorological winter is based on temperature cycles and is aligned with the calendar. December 1 is the start of meteorological winter.
Astronomical winter is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun. December 21, at 2:21 am is when winter starts in Helena- that’s the moment that is referred to as the Winter Solstice. Solstice is rooted in Latin and generally translates as ‘Sun stands still’.
The sunrise has now moved as far south on the horizon as it is going to, and it will begin to creep back to the north for a few months.
Helena will have 8 hrs, 33 minutes, 47 seconds of light tomorrows. That’s 7 hours and 16 minutes less light tomorrow than we will have on the Summer Solstice.
Winter solstice celebrations occur in many cultures and most share common themes of community and the celebration of light overcoming darkness.
I plan to be outside as much as possible in the next few days to celebrate renewal, the return of sunlight, and the changing of seasons. I hope you can find the time to do so as well.
Nature, every day. 
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