The letter to the editor discusses a proposal by Gabriel Lönnström to integrate the Christmas holiday and sports break into a single extended winter holiday in Sweden. He argues that this change could allow families to escape the long, dark winter and travel to brighter locations during this period. The current school holiday structure, which separates these breaks, is seen as a limitation for families wanting to spend quality time together during the winter months.

Lönnström highlights the correlation between Sweden's long winters and issues such as Vitamin D deficiency, winter fatigue, and mental health challenges. By restructuring school holidays to create a longer, more cohesive winter break, he suggests families could address these issues collectively, rather than viewing them as isolated problems. This would not only provide psychological benefits but also promote family bonding and well-being during a season known for its challenges.

The letter raises critical points about how societal structures, like the academic calendar, can impact family life and mental health. By advocating for a significant shift in holiday scheduling, Lönnström calls for a reevaluation of how we organize time in Sweden, allowing for greater opportunities for relaxation, travel, and togetherness during the winter months, which are otherwise marked by cold and darkness.