Season 61: Grey Dawns and Daily Reflections
December 7 to December 11
Seasonal Characteristics
During this season, the mornings often dawn grey and subdued. Peak sunrise is noticeably lower with sunlight diffused through cloudy skies. Houses and other buildings become more visible as surrounding trees drop their leaves. Temperatures are steadily decreasing, although midday can still reach the high 70s to low 80s. On a clear day, snowfall at high elevations makes the San Gabriel Mountains to the north of the city appear taller than usual.
Flora and Fauna
The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is actually a tree. Yes, the small, bright red plants for sale at grocery and garden stores around the USA this season can grow into trees up to approx. 14' tall. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, Poinsettia can and do grow in Los Angeles. Keep a lookout for these brilliant shrubs this season the next time you're out and about.
Seasonal Foods
The 72 Seasons app lists Napa Cabbage and Daikon radish as noteworthy vegetables of this season in Japan. Both of these vegetables can be grown in Los Angeles and you might find them at a local farmer's market at this time of year. They can also be purchased at many Asian markets around the region. Napa Cabbage is most known for being a key ingredient of kimchi. It can also be used in salads, sautéed, grilled, or to wrap fresh rolls. Daikon can be eaten raw; sliced or grated and added to salads, and it is often pickled. According to healthline, Daikon has many health benefits, including high levels of vitamin C, folate (B9), and it is a low-carb, high-fiber vegetable.
Seasonal Activity
Whether calm and contemplative, or energetic and hurried, this is a season of reflection and planning as the winter holiday season begins. Social calendars begin to replace school and work calendars, prompting this season's activity: List making! Guest lists, gift lists, grocery lists. Packing lists for travelers, gear lists for winter sports enthusiasts, and wish lists for Santa. If all this list making has you feeling overwhelmed, there is a list for that! Try a Gratitude List: Take a moment at the start or end of each day and list three things you are grateful for. Or try a Mindful Senses List: Close your eyes and list the things you can hear, smell, taste, and feel in this moment.
Local Highlight
Shop local for all your list making needs. One of my favorites is local print shop, Shorthand, located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Other favorite places for acquiring stationary supplies include Kinokunya in Little Tokyo, The Social Type in Atwater Village, and Vroman's Bookstore. While technically Los-Angeles-Adjacent (located in Pasadena), Vroman's also has a magnificent selection of high quality pens.
“The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and dark.”
— John Updike