How I know the sun is coming back

Because it is currently 4:45, and it is only dark out, not
pitch black. Why, I can't even see the stars!

Spring is just around the corner!
(maniacal laughter ensues*)

*This is probably only funny to other people in my climate zone, who
will understand that although the sun is, in fact, returning, spring is
a long long long long way off. Or possibly it's not funny at all.