On this, the darkest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere that is),
Nancy and I wish you a joyous celebration with family and friends, warmth and safety, health and comfort.
Many Middle Eastern cultures make a party of the longest night of the year. It's bad luck to go to sleep before the sun rises, etc.
Since those same cultures have unbelievably lush (by American standards) traditions of hospitality, and cuisines that have been perfected for millennia, they are an experience everyone should have at least once. You young guys? Add it to your list.