Are we still away with the fairies?

BEFORE Christianity appropriated this time of year, the winter solstice on Dec 21 was one of the important dates in the Irish calendar.

This year, Dec 21 also marks the end of the Mayan calendar, so some people believe the world will end today.

In ancient times, Dec 21 marked the turning of the year, the end of the dark days and the confinement of winter, and the promise of a new spring.