We thoroughly enjoy winter! It could be a peaceful and quiet time … or a festive time to gather … possibly a time to reflect … or perhaps a time to plot and plan! Maybe it’s spurts of busyness interrupted by stretches of calm hiding out.

Undoubtedly a time for hockey games … interrupted by a “Teddy Bear Toss”! At some point in the game, eager fans start tossing teddy bears of all shapes and sizes onto the ice. Of course, game play stops, and trucks come on the ice to gather the bounty (6,825 teddies this year) – which are distributed to kiddies in need.

In 1963 … a very long time ago … Andy Williams recorded “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you “be of good cheer”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings
And gay happy meetings when friends come to call
It’s the hap-happiest season of all

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time
Yes, the most wonderful time
Oh, the most wonderful time
Of the year

Hidden in the evening fog the largely empty boat slips are lit up! It is a wonderful time of the year.

And for those looking for the quiet side, there’s the gentle falling of snow …

… covering all with its peaceful blanket.