The sun goes down by 4 p.m. and does not reappear until the next morning. Street, holiday, and hallway lights remain on to illuminate the sidewalks and dark corners of your home. Researchers say that Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is needed during this season. It is said that sunlight activate hormones in your brain which trigger a sense of euphoria.

But I don’t rely on the sun for my happiness. My happiness is a choice not a destination, or a vitamin. My happiness lies in every deep breath I take that brings oxygen to my organs. It lies in my husband’s smile and morning kisses, my parent’s ceaseless love and my sisters “sunshine song.”

Written by Nicole Murray

Photography by OzImages