Why do we do such weird things when it gets dark?

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December 22, 2025 Why do we do such weird things when it gets dark? By Veronique Greenwood Staff Writer, Health & Science In Switzerland on the night before Christmas, I witnessed an eerie, unsettling tradition. The darkest days of the year play host to numerous such rituals, and I asked an anthropologist and other scholars why. READ MORE » If you have a minute, please take our quick survey to help us better understand who you are and which health topics interest you most. Take the Survey WHAT ELSE TO READ How to Break Up With Someone in 5 Easy Steps Breaking up is hard to do, but this script will help you keep things simple.   Are Muscle-Building Supplements a Good Idea? You don't need to take muscle-building supplements like whey and creatine. But they can help some people.   Why No One Feels Like They Can Focus Anymore And what to do about it.   If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Veronique Greenwood and edited by Angela Haupt.   Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.         Subscribe to TIME TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS Questions? Contact newsletters@time.com Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2025 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved. TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508 Boone, IA 50037-0508, United States of America Terms of Service