Even though I’ve never been diagnosed with SAD, I think I suffer from it.
My mindset and temperament change massively during Winter. Especially at the start of the New Year. I can cope with Autumn now as it’s pretty mild and dry as a rule.
I always look forward the shortest day of the year which is normally the 22nd of December, as I know after that date it starts getting lighter again. But it does take over 4 weeks after that date before you really start noticing the lighter hours. Only another 3 weeks to go! :-(
On the flip side, I love and hate the longest day of the year, which is normally on the 22nd of June, as it’s light until about 11pm on a clear and dry night, but you know the days start getting shorter the next day. The other plus point is Summer officially starts the next day and the weather gets better for at least 3 months, especially if we have a long hot Summer like this year.
Ideally I’d like to live in a Mediterranean country. Hot Summers, mild winters, and a lot less grey, cloudy skies and rain. Maybe one day?