Only a few short days until our national appreciation of marmots reaches its cumulative and explosive end. Groundhog day coincides loosely with the Celtic festival Imbolc, which marked a seasonal turning point. The holiday is also said to have its origin in the European tradition wherein a badger or bear was the weather forecaster of choice. It is our uniquely American decision to place the celebration squarely on the shoulders of a glorious land beaver. The clock is ticking. America’s no-holds, riotous, feel good, weather carnival is at hand. Prepare yourselves.
In other words, get your Groundhog Day shopping done early this year folks.