Brrr! The Old Farmers’ Almanac comes with a winter warning for Denver and all of Colorado: Prepare for a “Season of Shivers.” With a record of 80% accurate forecasts since 1792, the Almanac says things west of Denver may not see as much snow as the Front Range and plains but, “Coloradans should have their coats handy all winter.” Denver typically has at least an inch of snow on the ground for 12 days this month. The snow normally accumulates to five inches or deeper on another two days.
To warm your heart even if the weather is not, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so the holidays’ harmony stays in your heart all year round:
3 Catch the season’s spirit by taking the family to hear baritone opera singer Bret Thom, entertain compliments of Heaven Creamery on Milwaukee St. in Cherry Creek North, Dec. 2 and 9, 5-7 p.m. Information: 303-635-6779.
3 Let the Jingle Bells rock by attending the White Christmas Ball at the Hyatt Convention Center on Dec. 3-4, 4 p.m. Information: 1940sball.org.
3 Enjoy the Sound of the Rockies a cappella chorus playing Holiday Harmony at the Newman Center Dec. 11, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-335-0825.
3 Feel the vibrations as the Colorado Symphony Brass play ballads, carols, and movie tunes at Boettcher Hall Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 303-893-4200.
3 To find the perfect holiday gift this season, shop Morgan Sonsthagen Jewelry located on South Downing St. near Wash Park since 1977. Select from custom jewelry plus ventage and antique jewels. Information: 303-733-1710.
3 Head to On Havana Street to shop and dine this season. Featuring more than 100 diverse restaurants, 20+ international markets, plus dozens of shopping centers; there’s something for everyone. Information: onhavanastreet.com.
3 Shop authentic German Christkindl Market in cozy wood huts at Civic Center Park for artisan gift giving plus tasty treats. Information: 720-772- 9530.
3 Take the family to see DCPA’s adaption of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre on the JCC campus, Dec. 26. Information: 303-893-4200,
3 End the season at December Delights on Dec. 27-Jan. 2 at Four Mile Historic Park enjoying ice skating, kids’ crafts, more. Information: fourmilepark.org.
3 Despite 2020 Covid-19 cancellations Denver’s Santa Claus Shop did not disappoint children last year. The shop provided toys to about 13,000 kids in a first-ever “drive-thru” distribution site. Trying to lurk yet again, make gifts go farther this year by dropping off new, unwrapped toys and books at metro spots on Dec. 7. Denver Mattress at 1243 S. Colorado Blvd. is closest location to the Glendale-Cherry Creek area. Information: givingfirst.org.
Because of snow’s starring role in the lore of yore — no matter how we celebrate or what our beliefs are — music makes this month special. It’s music of good spirit and warm feelings. Consider Jingle Bells and Silent Night. These are simple yet very moving songs in their own special way. They reaffirm family values, customs and traditions.
The inclusive character and images created by these songs are attractive to both kids and adults and have become part of the great nostalgia of the holiday season.
In the spirit of the freezin’ season, remember kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers. Wintertime will officially begin on Dec. 1 meteorologically and Dec. 21 astronomically. But the year’s end is neither an end or a beginning. Thus, when life becomes a snowdrift plan to walk down the lane singing favorite snow angel refrains.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.