Six hours of daylight: how the north does winter

In the depths of winter, southern Norway gets only around six hours of daylight, and much less further north. You might expect gloom. What you often find is candles, wool socks and a quiet cheerfulness.

The locals' trick is to guard the daylight hours. Take the walk at noon, not after work. Eat lunch by a window. Treat sunlight as the precious thing it is.

Winter isn't something to get through. It's its own season.

Then, when it gets dark, lean in. Warm lamps, a slow dinner and a book instead of a scroll. Winter isn't something to get through. It's its own season, with its own pleasures.