Just like that, September has come and gone and fall is in full swing.

I know this not only by the piles of yellow, red and brown leaves collecting on the sidewalks, or by the arrival of the incredible wind storms that are common for this time of year, but also by my own preparations for the changing seasons.

I begin each fall by digging through my closet with the purpose of pulling out the things that I have come to identify with autumn.

I am not in search of seasonal clothing, as I would be if I were in Canada at this time of year, because in Iceland, sweaters are a staple of my wardrobe all year round.

What I am looking for is the box that contains the secret to make waking up to dark skies a little easier, a sunlight lamp.

Even if I don’t have the time to use the lamp according to the directions (sit facing the light for 20 minutes at a time), just turning it on to have a bit of “sunlight” in the bedroom can ease the transition from lethargic to lively (or lively-like, at least).

It’s that time of year again. The time when it is no longer possible to pull back the curtains in order to light up a room, as it was during the summer months.

I know the sun’s routine well. On the car ride to work in the morning the sun now shines directly into my eyes but before too long the only source of morning light will come from the street lights. Soon I will arrive to work in the dark and leave in the dark as well.

The onset of this darkness is always accompanied by my longing to hibernate. The energy and enthusiasm that I had for social gatherings in May and June has long gone. By this point there is nothing more I would rather do in the evening than curl up on the couch.

These “kósí kvöld” (cozy nights) are complete with mounds of blankets, a cup of tea and of course the most important component of all: candles.
 
Anyone who spends a winter in Iceland will notice that candles are a huge part of the season. It is not easy to explain, but candles are not only a decorative accessory in the homes here, they become an essential part of the room from October to March.

I always have at least one or two candles burning in my family room throughout fall and winter. It’s these candles, along with my fireless fireplace that create the perfect “kósí” effect.

With the predictable unpredictability of the weather this time of year (last week I experienced hail, snow, wind, rain and brilliant patches of sunlight all in one day) why wouldn’t you want to stay in?
 
Every year it’s the same; there is just something in the air at this time. With the tourist season coming to an end it seems as if things are starting to quieten down. Iceland is settling in for its long winter’s nap.

Alana Odegard – odegard_a@hotmail.com