Hagerstown Almanack Newsletter

MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Mild and dry (1,2,3,4,5); rain, then turning seasonably cold (6,7,8,9,10; dry and seasonably cold (11,12,13,14,15): seasonable with a few flurries and sprinkles (16,17,18,19,20; dry then breezy with a heavy rain/snow mix (21,22,23,24,25); seasonably cold with periods of light snow (26,27,28,29,30). 

SEVERE WEATER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy snow and high winds in December’s forecast (24,25).  

FULL MOON: December‘s full moon falls on the 15^th. Because many Native American tribes noticed beavers scurrying to finish their dams and lodges before the lakes and ponds begin to ice over, it has been called ICE-FORMING MOON and BEAVER MOON It also has been referred to as COLD MOON by other tribes because of the lower temperatures during the month.  

SPECIAL NOTES: The Winter Solstice, signaling the beginning of Winter, will occur on Saturday, December 21^st. Remember that The Almanack makes a great gift, one that keeps giving throughout the entire year! Go to www.almanack.com/order, order a holiday copy or two (or three or four!).  

HOLIDAYS: In 2024, Advent Sunday is December 1^st. The first day of Hanukkah is the same as Christmas this year, Friday, December 25^th, and Kwanzaa begins on Saturday, the 26^th. Enjoy the holiday festivities with family and friends day and try to keep the that joyful and giving spirit alive throughout the coming year! Everyone at The Hagerstown Town & Country Almanack wishes all its readers (and followers on social media!) the happiest of holidays and again, pledges to continue to inform, inspire, and entertain as it has done for the past 229 years! New Year’s Eve falls on Tuesday, December 31^st. For a safe, family-oriented evening of fun, food, and entertainment on the very first night of the year, go to www.firstnight.com/cities to find a First Night Celebration nearest you.  

THE GARDEN: Utilize this time to do any major last-minute cleanup projects around the garden area. Haul away any debris that is too large or woody for the compost, build paths, turn the compost pile to keep it warm, and generally make the garden space tidy before it is under heavy use again in the spring. Turn your gardening attentions to those houseplants (and other plants you have moved inside for the winter). Remember that warmer indoor temperatures can quickly dry out most plants and they will need a bit more than usual. Consider a garden shop gift card, garden tools, or offering to clean or refurbish and 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 welcomed gifts.  

THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (23,24); weeding and stirring the soil (18,19); planting above-ground crops (7,8,9); harvesting all crops (10,11); the best days for setting hens and incubators (8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,30,31); transplanting (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,30,31); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,28,29,30,31); harvesting and storing grains (22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29).  

J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“The thought that goes into the giving of a gift to a friend or loved one, is so much more important than the value of the gift itself”