Weather watch: rain or snow (1), changing to windy and colder (2,3,4,5). Rain or snow showers (6,7) with fair and cool temperatures (8,9,10). Look for snow or rain (11,12) turning fair and colder (13,14,15). Chances of more snow or rain (16,17,18) with returning fair and cold weather (19,20,21). Again, snow or rain (22,23,24 turning to fair skies, windy and cold (25,26,27,28). Snow or rain, windy ends the month.

Tornado watch: no tornado activity is foreseen in December.

Full Moon: December's full moon has often been referred to as the beaver moon and ice-forming moon when beavers finish their dams and ice starts to form on the water. In 2004, December's full moon falls on the 8th.

Special notes: be sure to send all of your Christmas packages through the mail early this year and also notify recipients when the packages are expected to will arrive. Make moderation the watchword for this year's festivities. Try not to over-indulge in either food or drink and you will be sure to enjoy the holidays so much more (and then you won't have to include going on a diet as one of your new year's resolution!).

Holidays: Season's greetings from the Hagerstown Town & Country Almanac! Thanks to everyone who has continued to support us through yet another year of its 207-year history the years. Here's hoping everyone has a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year. Remember to donate to your favorite charity this season when so many that are less fortunate need your help. Try to keep that giving spirit alive throughout the coming year.

The Garden: Adopt a Poinsettia this season! You won't find a more colorful or festive plant anywhere. Place in warm, sunny room and check soil frequently. To enjoy again for another season, stop watering and store in a cool place after the leaves have fallen off. In the spring, water and cut stems back to 6" tall. Pinch back the stems as new leaves grow creating a short, compact plant. From October until blooming starts, keep plant in dark closet for 12 hours each night. Expose to sunlight or grow lights for the other 12 and you will be rewarded with bright, beautiful poinsettia blooms!