Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Fair and cool (1, 2, 3) turning windy and colder, lake-effect snow (4,5). Nor’easter, snow heavy in the northern part of the region (6, 7, 8, 9) returning to fair and cold weather with periods of more lake-effect snow (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17). Fair and cold (18,19) with more snow, some rain in the south (20,21); fair and cold again (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) with heavy snow (27, 28) ending the month with fair but very cold temperatures (29, 30, 31).

Full Moon: December’s Full Moon occurs on Sunday, December 3rd. For obvious reasons, it has been referred to as Cold Moon and also Ice-forming Moon because of the ice forming over many lakes and ponds in the region during the month. Some Native Americans called it Beaver Moon because beavers are most active in December, scurrying to finish building their dams and lodges before winter sets in.

Holidays: Hanukah begins at sunset on Tuesday, December 12th, the Winter Solstice occurs on Thursday, December 21st, and Christmas falls on Monday, December 25th. Have fun with family and friends but also resolve to keep that joyful and giving spirit alive throughout the entire coming year! New Year’s Eve falls on Sunday, December 31st. For a safe and family-oriented evening of fun, food, and entertainment on the very first night of the year, consider attending a First Night Celebration. If your town or municipality doesn’t hold one, check regional and metropolitan newspapers for one being held near you.

The Garden: Utilize this time to do any major last-minute cleanup projects around the garden area. Haul away any debris that is to large or woody for compost, build paths, turn the compost pile to keep it warm, and generally make the garden space tidy before the spring returns. Make sure that your beds (especially ground beds) are properly protected from any erosion with leaves, mulch or other organic materials. Consider a garden shop gift card, garden tools, or offering to clean, refurbish, or sharpen garden equipment for the gardener in your life. Books on their favorite type of plants, or a gift card to a popular gardening catalog are also welcome gifts.