I have a thing for Solstices.  Starting at 12:30 on December 22nd, EST, the northern hemisphere becomes as dark as it ever gets, and then, just like that, it starts to get brighter.  Ever day, for the next 6 months, there's a little more light at dawn, and a dusk lasts a little longer.  And that makes me cheery.  Sure, tonight is dark, but tomorrow?  Brighter.  And the next day?  Even brighter.

Is that an uplifting prospect or what?  With that astronomical incident in mind, I think about 2012 with a whole heap of optimism.  Peeled Snacks has had a great year- we've grown, we've successfully launched a new line, we've brought on some wonderful new team members (you know who you are!).  And we may have, probably, in all likelihood made some headway in our main corporate goal of giving people the option of better, easier snacks.  And that feels good.  Real good.

But as good as 2012 is likely to be to Peeled Snacks, the economic climate in general is brightening.  The world didn't fall apart as was often predicted, the US pulled OUT of Iraq, the world lost 2 of its crazier leaders (who we hope won't be succeeded by even crazier leaders), and though the race for US president is in full swing (and ample fodder for the late-night comedians), we KNOW it'll all be sorted out by 2012's end.  And that's a comforting thought.

On a more personal note, in 2011 my wife and I welcomed our 2nd child, a cute and cheery daughter, and now that we're getting back to sleeping somewhat regularly, life's pretty sweet.  Babies mean hope.  Even if you don't want one for yourself, cool, no problem, just remember that all the late-night comedians of the world started as babies.  So hurray for babies.

Come 2012 we've got a lot of work to do- new products, new markets, new customers, new procedures, and hopefully soon even a new office.  In spite of all the hard work, it's actually getting EASIER to get our good snacks out there, and for that I'll say thank you to YOU.  Isn't that an uplifting thought?  You, yeah YOU, make my life easier.  I hope I'm doing the same for you.  Happy New Year, and happy darkest day of the year.  I guarantee, tomorrow will be brighter.

Peeled Skinny, who loves this time of year