Musings
~ by Mark Blackwell
winter holiday Proposals
Well, here we are, stuck between New Year’ s Day and spring with very few holidays to get us through this cold, dark time of the year. I know, I know, we have Martin Luther King’ s Birthday, and Groundhog Day, and President’ s Day, but they are mostly HINOs( holidays in name only).
New Year’ s Day is supposed to be a holiday but where is the celebration? All the celebrating took place the night before— last year! At best, I would describe New Year’ s Day more like a National Day of Recovery. For those who really get into New Year’ s Eve( you know who you are) New Year’ s Day is devoted to quiet contemplation, resolutions destined to be forgotten, and silent suffering.
About three weeks later we have Martin Luther King’ s Birthday. It is generally acknowledged to be a day of remembrance and service, as it should be. We need to have educational teach-ins and volunteering at community kitchens or homeless shelters as a way of honoring a great man. Maybe we could carve out a little time to celebrate his life with community parties, exchange meaningful gifts, and enjoy some tasty soul food.
Then there is Groundhog Day. A day barely celebrated outside of Punxsutawney, Penn., and not recognized by the federal government. This is a shame because it is the only“ quasi” holiday that features both wildlife and weather as reasons for festivity. The celebrations don’ t amount to more than some weird, old guys putting on top hats and pestering a large,
28 Our Brown County • Jan./ Feb. 2026