The first week of February is very important in North America. That's because we usually find out how long winter will continue. Do you know about Groundhog Day on February 2nd? On that day, a cute animal named a groundhog wakes up from its hibernation (冬眠) and comes out of the ground. This is what groundhogs look like:
We believe that if the groundhog sees its shadow (影) when it comes out, it will be scared and go back into the ground to sleep some more. Then winter will continue for 6 more weeks. But if the groundhog doesn't see its shadow, it will stay outside and start preparing for spring. That means that winter will end soon! It might sound strange for us to believe that groundhogs know when the new season will start. However, animals are very sensitive to small changes. That's why many people are sad when they hear that the groundhog has decided to go back to sleep, and they are happy when they learn that the groundhog decides to stay outside!
This year, the groundhog saw its shadow. It went back into the ground and continued its hibernation. So, many Canadians and Americans are preparing for cold winter weather until the middle or later part of March. Too bad! By the way, have you seen the famous Hollywood movie "Groundhog Day"? It's about a man who hates winter and isn't very nice to other people. He has a terrible Groundhog Day on February 2nd, and then goes to sleep at night. When we wakes up the next day, it's February 2nd again. He has to live the same day over and over! Every time he gets up in the morning, it's always February 2nd. The movie is very funny. I hope you can see it someday...
For me, February is a great time of year. The weather is usually cold at the beginning, but it gets warmer by the end of the month. And Valentine's Day comes about halfway through the month. It's fun to eat chocolate on that day. I hope everyone is enjoying the longer days and is watching the Winter Olympic Games which just started. Go Japan!!
- Peter 
