I want to start off by saying that the groundhog is a little liar, and if he thinks that anyone is going to plan their schedule around his outrageous lies, then he’s got another thing coming. That being said, I think the world needs Phil (We’re on a first name basis). I think Punxsutawney Phil Sowerby (the groundhog) provides something that many people need. He supplies us with all of the feelings of a holiday season in just one day. First, there is the waiting for his decision, which is reminiscent of the waiting for a holiday to arrive. Then there is the moment before they announce the decision, which reminds me of waking up on the morning of a holiday. Last comes the moment of truth when they announce the decision, which can be like opening presents on Christmas or getting a scare on Halloween.
Now your view of the holiday may be easily swayed from year to year depending on the outcome and your view of winter. But through the good years and the bad, the point remains the same, to provide hope. Every year near the middle of winter every man, woman, and child sits at home, looks at the people around them, and thinks “We did it. We made it halfway through the darkness.” Phil gives us hope that we are closer to the end of winter than we think. This holiday is here to remind us that winter will come to an end. Sooner or later we will be able to walk outside with our families and enjoy our lives without having to worry about winter warnings (That’s the name of one of my other articles you should check out.) Or if nothing else, begin preparing for next year.