Ava's Antics: Groundhog Day

COMMENTARY BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

Everyone’s favorite holiday is always Christmas. And who can blame them? It’s a holiday of beautifully wrapped presents, a warm and fuzzy atmosphere, thoughtful presents, catchy carols... did I mention presents? However, I’ve come to realize that Christmas is the unsophisticated, plebian choice. The real superior holiday is clear: Groundhog Day.

Groundhog Day, for those who haven’t been enlightened, is held annually on February 2. Essentially, a glorious groundhog by the name of Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow and whether or not he sees his shadow determines if spring has arrived. Each year, I am counting down the months, days, hours and even minutes until that beautiful little rodent pokes its head out and predicts the meteorological fate of the world.

Does any other holiday have a mascot this iconic? Yeah sure, there’s the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, but neither are nearly as creative in species or name choice. Punxsutawney Phil is probably the coolest name I’ve ever heard, not to mention it’s alliterative. Groundhog Day has been around since 1886, meaning Phil is approximately 137 years old. What’s more impressive than a groundhog with a cool name? An immortal groundhog.

No other holiday has the versatility of Groundhog Day. Every Christmas, Easter, New Years, et cetera, you know exactly what to expect: layers upon layers of holiday cheer. It’s gotten predictable and insufferably boring. Groundhog Day breaks the status quo by adding in a chance of pure disappointment and heartbreak if poor Phil sees his shadow and hails six long weeks of winter. For this reason, among countless others, Groundhog Day is both mine and a gambler’s paradise.

If you couldn’t already tell, I have already marked my calendar for February 2 and am shaking with excitement. I have my money on an early spring, but we will all see this year when Phil decides.