The wish for a shorter winter lives strong in the hearts of many people, some years more than others. Cold, wind, snow, shoveling, wet mittens, winter boots … at one point or another, most of us call “Uncle”. Common sense or not, we pin our hopes on Groundhog Day. No matter where we live, by February 2, most of us are hoping against hope that Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow, thereby shortening our winter by six weeks.

Groundhog Day happens at the midway point between winter solstice and spring equinox and may have originally been based on the Christian celebration of Candlemas Day, as a traditional old English rhyme outlines:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,

Come, Winter, have another flight

If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,

Go Winter, and come not again.

It’s all in good fun, a nice distraction from the cold and snowy weather. And a good time to watch the “Groundhog Day” movie with the children. Other Groundhog Day activities for young children:

• Make shadows on the wall with a flashlight. Talk about what makes a shadow.
• Talk about each season and what determines the season.
• Explain that whether the groundhog sees his shadow or not does not determine the length of winter.
• The National Education Association has wonderful lesson plans https://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/groundhog-day-for-the-classroom.html for parents and teachers to use on Groundhog Day.

So, have a happy Groundhog Day. May the results be what you want!

Groundhog Day Greeting Cards

Is there a special someone who has a birthday or anniversary on Groundhog Day? Greeting Card Universe has you covered:

Anniversary on Groundhog Day

Birthday on Groundhog Day

Greeting Card Universe has a Groundhog Day Pinterest board