The winter solstice is usually followed by days & days & days of rain, which in itself is not too bad but the thing that can be really oppressive is the low, extremely low, grey skies with very low light levels.
It's a level of grey which is not conducive to happiness & I'm sure it is why many people here are so grumpy & unsmiling.
Anyhow, I've been ignoring all the grey & working on some gorgeously fun colourful pieces using textile paints & cotton embroidery thread.