Happy winter solstice to all of you skiers, snowshoers, winter hikers and backpackers, ice climbers, snowball throwers, snowman builders, and anyone else who enjoys the beautiful fourth season (official start time 7:04 a.m. EST).

I got a taste of the season the other afternoon, when I snuck out for a solo cross-country ski. Making lone tracks (well, lone human tracks) through the early-season snow was a great way to usher in winter.

Celebrate the shortest day and longest night of the year however you like, though any celebration should include getting outside.There are quite a few ancient and longstanding solstice rituals from which you can take your inspirational pick.

Here's my suggestion. Ski, snowshoe, hike, or climb. Then, be like some Norse sects and light a Yule log and feast with friends and family for as long as the log continues to burn.

For more information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice