Countdown to Christmas

By Ruth A. Ringelstetter

It’s just 3 days until Christmas, but looking out the door in southern Wisconsin, there is no hint of snow. We’ve had several snows, but after each one, warm weather returned and any snow we received has melted.

Lighted Christmas Tree, Dane County, Wisconsin

It’s a little easier to believe it’s almost Christmas if you go out at night and look at the Christmas lights around town. Many larger cities have a light display in a park that you can drive or walk through. They’ll usually have Christmas music playing to help bring on Christmas cheer.

Pink Flamingo Pulling Sleigh, Christmas at Village Park, Waunakee, Wisconsin

According to the weather forecast, there is little chance of a white Christmas in our area of the country, in fact, in most of the eastern United States. (Most people know I don’t put all that much faith in the weather people, but in this case, I fear they are correct.)

Christmas Decoration at Watertown Moravian Church, Jefferson County, Wisconsin

The good news is, any driving people will be doing will be over clear roads. The bad news for us is we probably won’t get many, if any, new Christmas photos this year. We’ll just keep adding to our list of places we want to go in a year when we do get Christmas snow.

Wisconsin State Capitol at Christmas, Madison, Wisconsin

We’re sure to get some snow eventually, but for now, you can do other things to get into the Christmas spirit. Watch some favorite Christmas movies, listen to your favorite Christmas music, bake some of your family’s favorite cookies and candy, or get a group of friends together and go caroling in your neighborhood.

Christmas at Fair Valley School, Built 1910, Sauk City Historic Park, Sauk City, Wisconsin

Whatever you do, we hope your Christmas is filled with joy and happiness, and that you spend time with family and friends.

Merry Christmas and Happy Shunpiking!
Ruth