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It's the shortest day of the year. Things can only get brighter from here

Tuesday is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. That means from now till June, each day will be a little bit longer — and brighter. Here are some ways you can celebrate the season.
People walk their dogs along a narrow road as the first winter frost blankets the fields in Oudeland van Strijen in the Netherlands on Tuesday. It's the shortest day of the year and official start of winter.

Tuesday is the winter solstice, at least if you're in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition to marking the official start of winter, it's also the shortest day (and longest night) of the year.

That means from here until the end of June, each day will get a little bit longer — and brighter. Just 182 days to go until summertime!

In the meantime, here are some ways you can celebrate the solstice and prepare for the season:

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