Clue #1: Brrrr

Does anyone recognize this mystery object?  (Not all of them come dressed in adorable little sweaters.)

What is it used for and why might I have found one in my bed each night?

Here's another hint: Fluffy has fur to keep him warm, but notice the way I'm dressed.  What temperatures would require such clothing?  Where on the globe would I experience such weather in June?  Think about our lessons about the earth, the sun, and the seasons! 

Yep, that's right.  While you celebrated Summer Solstice at home, I was celebrating my fourth Winter Solstice in a row (December 2008, June 2009, December 2009, June 2010) without any Summer Solstices in between!  Where on earth was I this year?