Please don't hate us for what we're about to say, but there's just a few more weeks until the first day of winter.
It's hard to believe given the weather we've had of late. It's hard to find people who are complaining when the daytime high is close to the date on the calendar in November. If it's 13 C on Nov. 19, a lot of people will be in good moods, even if they want the much-needed moisture associated with snow, or if they look forward to having fun outdoors in the white stuff.
We endured an early blast of winter, we had nearly a foot of snow on the ground a few weeks ago, but that snow is gone. And while more seasonal temperatures are about to settle in, and we likely won't see 13 C again until March, a week or two of temperatures well above normal sure help this time of year go by quickly.
Just because the days are getting shorter, the sunset is at or before 5 p.m. and the leaves have fallen from the trees doesn't mean we can't have any fun. There is still lots to do. It just might mean spending more time indoors.
You'll still find plenty of events in the southeast each year, especially with Christmas approaching. We just had one of the most popular ones in Estevan with the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation's Festival of Trees. It provided two days of great activities that generated funds and created lots of awareness for the efforts of the hospital foundation.
If you're willing to venture outdoors in the coming weeks, you might enjoy something like the Miracle on Fourth Street event hosted by the Estevan Downtown Business Association which will have in-store specials at local businesses and activities on the street.
The Woodlawn Regional Park is hosting its Festival of Lights once again this year, and there will be a kick-off to that event in mid-December. CP Rail's Holiday Train will also be making its way into the community, bringing lots of holiday cheer while creating support for the Salvation Army's Foodbank.
Outside of Estevan, you have events like the Dickens' Village Festival in Carlyle on Dec. 1 and 2, which has become a tremendous showcase for that community's hospitality and Christmas spirit. Santa Claus parades are a popular activity at this time of year, too.
The coming weeks will also have all sorts of Christmas carol festivals, school assemblies and more to boost the Christmas spirit.
There'll be plenty to do once Christmas is finished and 2024 begins.
The hockey arena and curling rink play such an important role in so many communities. They not only serve as a place where we can gather to watch some entertaining sports, but they also serve as a spot to come together, socialize and enjoy some good food and drink during the game, regardless of whether you're a fan.
We have some really good hockey teams in Estevan this year that are well worth our support. And the Big Six Hockey League is celebrating its 65th season of delivering entertaining senior hockey to the southeast.
You can also visit your local library to check out the activities they have to offer. If your museum is open in the winter months, it will also have programming.
If the outdoors in the winter is your thing, then you can try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating or long walks in the snow, as long as you dress warmly, of course. Ice fishing certainly has its proponents, and it can be a fun way to spend the day in a heated shack. And then there's snowmobiling, which is always a popular activity, as long as there is enough snow on the ground.
If you're into photography, a picture of the sunrise or the sunset over the snow can be stunning.
And if you need help looking for things to do, be sure to check out Pages A8 and 9 for a list of activities to experience in the southeast in the coming weeks and months, as compiled by the City of Estevan.
So there's going to be lots to do in the coming months, even if you need your imagination to find these activities.
