The big holiday of the year, Christmas, is over and we’ve moved into winter. The weather has settled in, cold and windy, possibly dreary, as winter settles in. We’ve looked to a groundhog for hope or despair on how much longer winter will last. On sunny days, we hope for spring, then find more cold, rain, snow and other signs that winter isn’t going away any time soon.

The end of January is almost here, a month that has been an eventful start for 2021. In the meantime, Mother Nature continues her work, with nature sleeping in the cold, waiting to wake up for the spring. In some places, the plants and animals are resting beneath a blanket of snow, curled up and waiting for warmer weather before they awaken.

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The official start of winter is approaching, the days gradually changing from autumn to the next season. Colder temperatures, shorter days, in a time when many prepare for celebrations of upcoming holidays. This year so much of that has changed, I suspect many may find it difficult to plan for festivities. This has been a year to gain a better understanding of uncertainty about our routines, work, school, shopping, social lives and our health. We’ve taken for granted a level of control over our lives that was suddenly yanked away by outside forces.

This very strange year is getting closer to its end. As part of the yearly cycle this time of year is associated with harvest, preparing for winter and holiday celebrations. The days are cooler, animals growing fatter as they prepare for the winter months while farmers bring crops in and prepare their fields for a time of rest.