Editor’s note: Joyce Tumea sharing lyrics from her new song, “Father Winter.”

“Oh, hark ye, hark ye, hark ye, all; Old Father Winter has come to call.” Yes, winter has arrived. Flurries have been spotted, and the temperature has several times dropped down into the thirties, if not lower. And there was snow in Iowa (and probably elsewhere) over Thanksgiving.

“By his chill air, all of nature now knows that this is the time for quiet repose.” Right. That is to say, in places where it gets cold in winter, bears hibernate, much of the outdoor plant world becomes dormant, and even humans are likely to engage in more cozy nesting between bouts of holiday celebrations and other activities.

“We bid you welcome, dear Father Winter, and beckon you to join us hither — along with the many consorts of cold, your Snow Queen and Frost Faerie friends of old.” Well, we don’t look forward to shivering, or slipping on ice, or having visibility or traction impaired by snow while we’re driving, and so on – but let’s face it: Winter has its upside, too.

For one thing, it offers some variety. Would we appreciate the other three seasons as much as we do if we didn’t have winter weather for contrast? Also, being indoors more also can encourage us to clean out our closets, finish home repair and other projects, and yes, regroup, restore our energy.

Snow, frost and ice crystals can transform the outdoors into a — pardon the cliché — winter wonderland. Its beauty can lure young and old into a walk in the woods, or sledding, skiing, ice skating and snowman making, among other wintertime outdoor pursuits.

In any case, “none should bemoan cold winter’s harsh way, for wintertime also brings Christmas Day.” And Hanukkah, and Kwanza, and New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.

Some of the celebrations held in this area have changed in nature over the years. This topic will be touched on during the PriMerry Players upcoming Dec. 9 presentation for the public, sponsored by the Downers Grove Historical Society. That program will primarily include profiles of some notable people in Downers Grove history with some additional information on ways Christmas was celebrated during their lifetimes.

The PriMerry Players recently presented a program on Women of the West for the Scarlet Bloomers chapter of the Red Hat Society. This was held on the Lincoln Center stage, coordinated by member Beth Dreiling. Participants included Christine Myles, Debbie Guptill, Marti Sladek, Shirley Hiddleston, Susan Estall and Kimberly Thompson.
Downers Grove Noon Lions Club members may be supplying their own entertainment at their annual holiday luncheon in December —a do-it-yourself sing-a-long, perhaps? Whatever form it takes, it will still be a celebration of winter and upcoming holidays.