articlesforchristians

Weather and Sunlight

• Temperatures drop, and the weather grows colder.
• You can see your breath when you breathe, speak, or sing.
• Morning frost appears all around.
• Rain, hail, or snowfall fall to the ground.
• Icicles are often found hanging from rooftops, trees, and other structures.
• In the northern US, the water in ponds, lakes, brooks, and rivers begin to freeze.
• The blanket of snow on the ground grows thicker if you live where it snows.
• Each day becomes shorter and shorter before the winter solstice.
• After the solstice, the days grow longer.

Garden and Plants

• Some trees lose their leaves, and some grass turns brown.
• Grass doesn’t grow as fast.
• Winter flowers such as Hellebores, Winter Jasmine, and Snowdrops can be found in bloom.
• Unless you have a greenhouse or live in an area that stays warm all year, the garden stops growing.

Wildlife Signs

• Pets and other animals shed less and grow thicker winter coats.
• Animals such as groundhogs, bears, hedgehogs disappear and go into hibernation (sleep for the winter).
• Birds and some animals, such as robins, geese, swallows, hawks, and cranes, migrate south to warmer areas for the winter.
• Invertebrates such as butterflies and ladybugs also disappear into hibernation until the spring.

Other Signs

• Gas and energy bills start to rise as the thermostat is turned up to increase the heat in the house.
• Smoke can be seen and smelled emanating from chimneys.
• People are bundled up in warm winter gear when outside.
• Snowballs can be seen flying, and you might get ambushed!
• Christmas and holiday decorations are everywhere.