Groundhog Day-6 more weeks of Winter

Groundhog Day, in the United States and Canada, day (February 2) on which the emergence of the groundhog (woodchuck) from its burrow is said to foretell the weather for the following six weeks. Specifically, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, an early spring is expected. Historical records, however, indicate that the predictions are accurate less than 40 percent of the time.

The beginning of February, which falls roughly halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, has long been a significant time of the year in many cultures. Among the Celts, for example, it was the time of Imbolc, observed in anticipation of the birth of farm animals and the planting of crops, and February 2 is also the date of the Christian festival of Candlemas, also called the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. During the Middle Ages there arose the belief that animals such as the badger and the bear interrupted their hibernation to appear on this day. If the day was sunny and the animal saw its shadow, six more weeks of winter weather remained. If, however, the day was cloudy, it was a sign that the weather during the following weeks would be mild, leading to an early spring. German immigrants to the United States carried the legend with them, and in Pennsylvania the groundhog came to be substituted for the badger.

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Cold or Flu

As Flu season is still upon us, it is best to know what to be aware of when it comes to sickness...

Key Flu Awareness Points:

 

• Vaccination is Key:
   An annual flu shot (or nasal spray) is the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce severity
  .
High-Risk Groups: Young children, older adults (65+), pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions (heart, lung, etc.) face higher risks.
Constant Threat: Viruses change, requiring yearly vaccination for updated protection. 

Prevention & Awareness Tips:

• Get Vaccinated: Talk to your doctor about getting your annual flu shot.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands often, cover coughs/sneezes.
• Stay Home When Sick: Avoid spreading germs.
• Know the Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, etc..
• Bird Flu (H5N1): Avoid contact with sick birds/animals, don't drink raw milk, cook poultry properly. 

Resources:

• CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/flu)
• WHO: World Health Organization (who.int)
• American Lung Association: lung.org (lung.org) 
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 Indoor Play & Themed Events during the month of January

• The Monkey's Treehouse (Nashville): Offers specific January events like a Bounce & Glow Party (Jan 15), a Parents Night Out (Jan 23), and an Elsa & Olaf Visit (Jan 27), plus general drop-in play.
• Urban Air Adventure Park & The Treehouse Indoor Play: Good options for active fun, according to Nashville Guru and Yelp. 

Winter Outdoor & Holiday Fun

• Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery: Hosts Winter Break Family Days (Dec 29 - Jan 3) with crafts, games, and snowglobe making.
• Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center: Features synthetic ice skating with music and themed nights, check their schedule for January dates. 

Other Local Favorites

• Cheekwood: A great spot for seasonal beauty and family activities.
• Nashville Zoo: Always a family favorite for animal encounters.
• Lane Motor Museum: For unique vehicle exhibits. 

How to Find More Events

• Kids Out and About Nashville: A comprehensive guide to local family activities.
• Nashville Parent: Lists events specifically for families in the area.
• Nashville Guru: Offers lists of fun places for kids in Nashville. 

Budget-Friendly Fun

• Consider creating your own fun with winter crafts (snowflakes, cards) or scavenger hunts at home.

 

Last Minute Holiday Games for Families

We all know how crazy things can get around the Holiday's. Take a look at these last minute family friendly games to help keep everyone jolly!

1. Snowball Scoop:
   • Supplies: Cotton balls, spatulas, two bowls, blindfold
   • How to Play: Players are blindfolded and then using a spatula they race to “scoop” as many cotton balls into the bowl in 60 seconds. You can have two players go at the same time using different bowls, or just have one player go at a time and compare the number they scooped up.
2. Jingle Bell Shake
   • Supplies: Empty tissue box, jingle bells, belt, tape or ribbon
   • How to Play: Strap a tissue box filled with bells to a player’s waist (a wide ribbon works well, wound through slits cut in the tissue box). They have one minute to shake, jump, and wiggle all the bells out.
3. Candy Cane Pick-Up
   • Supplies: Candy canes
   • How to Play: Using one candy cane in their mouth, players hook and lift as many candy canes as they can from the table and transfer them into another container.
4. Snowball Cup Stack:
   • Supplies: cotton balls, cups and new years noise makers
   • How to Play: Line up plastic solo cups all along each side of the table, and place a cotton ball on each. Opponents line up facing each other across the table. It’s then a race to see who can blow all the cotton balls off of the cups with their noise maker and then stack all the cups on their side to finish.
5. Gift Wrap Race
   • Supplies: A small box, tape, wrapping paper, ribbon
   • How to Play: See who can wrap their box the neatest — one-handed!
6. Gift Unwrap Race
   • Supplies: wrapped boxes, oven mits
   • How to Play: Now try the reverse, see who can unwrap the present the fastest- with oven mits on!
7. Muffin Tin Lotto:
   • Supplies: muffin tins with numbers inside (can use little post it notes or just a slip of paper with some tape), ping pong balls, prizes
   • How to Play: Set up the muffin tin with a number in each spot. There is a corresponding prize for each number in the tin. Muffin tin is placed on the far end of the table, players line up at the other end and take turns trying to land a ping pong ball into one of the slots. When a player lands one they receive the prize that corresponds with that number. For fun you could make a few of the slots something bad- like dinner dishes duty.
8. Stocking Stuffer Race
   • Supplies: Christmas stockings, small items (candy, trinkets)
   • How to Play: Using only one hand, fill the stocking with all the items scattered on the table. Players take turn and the fastest time wins!
9. Christmas Sock Challenge
   • Supplies: socks for each player (Christmas socks is a bonus, or just ask people to wear Christmas socks to the gathering)
   • How to Play: Pull your socks off your feet a bit so their “floppy” in the toes. Then try to pull all your opponents socks off by stepping on their socks, you can only use your feet! Last person with a sock still on wins.
10. Swing the Ornament into the Cup
    • Supplies: large rubber bands, plastic solo cups, string, plastic ball ornaments
    • How to Play: Tie ornaments from long strings and then tape that string to the outside of a plastic solo cup. Then strap that cup to the players with a large rubberband. Then it’s a race to see who can swing their ornament into their cup first!
11. Reindeer Pick Up (bonus idea)
• Supplies: plastic solo cups, candy, paper plates
• How to Play: A pile of candy is put in the center of the table (try things like m&s, starburst or marshmallows). Players sit in a circle surrounding the candy and put the plastic solo cups on each hand. It’s then a race to see who can pick up the most candy from the middle with their “reindeer hooves” and place it on the paper plate in front of them.