As baleful as it can be to watch the sun go down at 4:30 in the afternoon, it’s difficult to believe the worst is almost over, and the daylight hours will begin to accrue again in three short days. Yes, the winter solstice (on this side of the equator) will be Thursday, Dec. 22. Soon, we’ll be strolling under puffy summer clouds, seeing fantastical things with our mind’s eye. Well, some of us.