Although I agree with the interpretations that he has been neglecting his friends because of a relationship, I think more along the lines of what Mendie said: that he is broken-hearted and is trying to deal with his sadness, and it happens to be Christmas- a happy time of year, where he wants to be there for his friends, even if his heart is 'as cold as ice'. I believe he is apologizing to his friends for being distant from them, he realizes that he has been reclusive from the ones he loves, and wants to wish them 'all the best', but finds himself sad and wanting to be alone, perhaps in a state of seclusion, which I take to be 'sister winter' a dark, cold place. I love that so many different interpretations can come out of one song. I tend to interpret things in a way that relates to my own life situations. This song describes perfectly what I am going through right now. Sufjan is always there for comfort, a beautiful minded, and extremely talented artist in my opinion.
Although I agree with the interpretations that he has been neglecting his friends because of a relationship, I think more along the lines of what Mendie said: that he is broken-hearted and is trying to deal with his sadness, and it happens to be Christmas- a happy time of year, where he wants to be there for his friends, even if his heart is 'as cold as ice'. I believe he is apologizing to his friends for being distant from them, he realizes that he has been reclusive from the ones he loves, and wants to wish them 'all the best', but finds himself sad and wanting to be alone, perhaps in a state of seclusion, which I take to be 'sister winter' a dark, cold place. I love that so many different interpretations can come out of one song. I tend to interpret things in a way that relates to my own life situations. This song describes perfectly what I am going through right now. Sufjan is always there for comfort, a beautiful minded, and extremely talented artist in my opinion.