Winter, coldest season of the year; the name comes from an old Germanic word that means “time of water” and refers to the rain and snow  of winter in middle and high latitudes. The concept of winter in European languages is associated with the season of dormancy, particularly in relation to crops; some plants die, leaving their seeds, and others merely cease growth until spring. Many animals also become dormant, especially those that hibernate. 

In many cultures and societies, midwinter is a time when festivals of light are held, with feasting and festivities to brighten the darkest days.  We know that people in parts of Britain thousands of years ago were marking the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, which falls around 21 December. 

It's also a time of Christmas celebration, reflection, hunkering down in front of the fire, and storytelling. 

Join award-winning flash fiction writer and The…