For years I struggled with fall. No matter how many times I read or heard about the importance of embracing fall, I clung to the warmth, vibrancy and vivid colors of summer. Fall arrived anyway. I think most of my life I have been that last leaf clinging to the branch, thinking maybe if I just hang on tight enough summer won't pass away and fall won't come.

Experience has taught me year after year that clinging to the branch does no good. It actually makes the fall to the ground harder. It's as though instead of having the softness of the other leaves to land on, the leaves have been raked and I land on the hard, cold ground instead.

This time of year we experience an interesting juxtaposition. Nature is telling us to spend more time in our caves, slowing down and preparing for the hibernation days of winter.

Our culture, on the other hand, is winding up for the holidays. There are parties, cards, rich food, gift giving, card writing and the list goes on. Energetically this builds and builds until it is frantic right before Christmas Day. Then in January, our whole culture finds itself sluggish and hungover from all the activity and excess. Here in the northwest it is cold and wet. It was cold and wet in December, too, but we hardly noticed as we rushed from place to place in the glow of the holiday lights.

I wonder how it came to be this way and I don't know the answer.

What I do know from experience is that the more I honor the fall season and especially solstice, the easier the darker months are for me. Also, the more I live simply during the holiday season and maintain balance in my life, the easier January and February are. If I celebrate the holidays in my own way, with little hoopla, then I don't crash in January.

Regardless of your spiritual belief, I think the holidays can be a time of reflection and attention to what is really important. More pinecones and less glitter. More connections with people and less cocktail party-like discomfort. Attend to the richness deep inside you.