As nature's creatures, among many, we have been fortunate to inherit a world of wonders. The seasons come and they give way to others, each of which brings their very own fascinating transformations of the living theatre we call existence. Of the four discrete seasons, spring and summer likely rate as favourites for most people, but then, thinking about autumn's transition and winter's arrival our thoughts linger fondly on memories and landscapes both have brought us through the years.

In nature, immersing ourselves in our natural surroundings from time to time, we renew our relationship with the force that bred us. We happen to be personally irreligious, with no faith or belief in a deity, but perhaps it could be said that our veneration for nature is a type of faith; our creator, our nurturer. At this time of year the frenzy of believers and non-believers alike preparing for the festivals linked to religion that mark the arrival of the Winter Solstice, translated for Christians as the birth of Christ marks that great public holiday of Christmas.

We enjoy the excitement, the good feeling, the lights and celebration at a remove. For Jews, the festival of Chanukah, a time of historical Judaic deliverance and perseverance for a perpetually persecuted people, often corresponds in time with Christmas. It has, of latter years, been brightened up in reflection of that coincidental timing, from a tranquil remembrance of gratitude to one of excited joyfulness, lest all the fun and favour be exclusive to Christianity. A kind of inclusivity that children of all religions are able to share.

While many of our neighbours light up the night sky with colourful displays of lighting, the festive atmosphere encompasses those for whom Christmas is a majority time of happiness and nostalgia. The frenzied shopping excursions people fling themselves into is the less admirable function of the holiday, however, one we're happy to absent ourselves from.

We seek our daily comfort in the solace of the winter forest in the company of our two little dogs. There we amble about on snow-laden trails, the forest floor deepening in its winter snowpack, trees looming gaunt and unleafed above, and on a sunny day the golden rays of that life-giving orb illuminating the forest canopy as it begins to set in mid-afternoon.

This is our treasure-hunt, our daily ambulations through the forested ravine where each day brings us renewal and gratitude.