Winter solstice 2022: Shortest day of the year is long on pagan rituals

The sun sets at Ocean Beach in San Francisco on winter solstice 2020.

The illuminated Pont Alexandre III spans the Seine, adding to the magic of Paris in winter.

A view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for 2022. Many Christmas traditions have their roots in pagan celebrations.

Winter solstice 2022 brings the longest night of the year to Northern Hemisphere

Winter solstice 2022: Today is the shortest day of the year