Groundhog Day Canceled in Milltown Again

Some things are very necessary if you’re planning an event. For example, if you’re having a pizza party, you’re going to need to have some pizza. Similarly, when you plan a fun day of bowling, you’ll need to make sure you have access to at least one bowling ball.

That is why Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania’s first item on their Groundhog Day checklist is a groundhog. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Milltown, New Jersey. They may be able to get some pizza or a bowling ball, but they’re having trouble locating a groundhog.

Actually, it's a sad story. Milltown celebrated Groundhog Day for many years with Milltown Mel. Mel was their annual rodent for a long time, but unfortunately, he passed away in 2021, leaving Central Jersey’s Milltown without a marmot for their celebration.

Again this year, the fifth year in a row, Milltown won't be able to celebrate Groundhog Day for 2025. The reason given is due to local laws preventing them from getting a new February 2^nd furry friend. New Jersey law prohibits importing any animals that can carry rabies.

As reported by The Patch,  there is one exemption that says “provided that every effort is made to replace the groundhog with a woodchuck found in the State or imported from a state in which a variant of rabies other than raccoon rabies is not endemic as provided for in the bill.”

Until the law is changed, it looks like Milltown won’t be able to bring back its yearly tradition.

In other groundhog news, PETA has a clever idea for Milltown, New Jersey official, or any town that wants to use real groundhogs for their celebrations. PETA suggests replacing groundhogs with a vegan weather reveal cake.

The cake would have blue or pink filling to “reveal” either Winter or Spring predictions. PETA says groundhogs are very shy and prefer to avoid humans. Subjecting them to crowds, noise, and flashing lights is cruel. Officials in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, say, “Thanks, but no thanks, we’re good.” Maybe one New Jersey town will make a bakery stop for February 2^nd.

I don't know about you, but I hate January. It's cold, it's dark, and, unless you have a birthday this month, there's usually not a whole lot going on. To me, January has always felt like just a month-long hangover. We just had all the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving then the winter holidays and then the New Year. And then boom, here we are. A whole bunch of nothing.

Generally, this is the time of year when we should be slowing down and resting. I'd guess that's the reason for the complete slowdown this month. The trees don't create new buds right now, so why should we be starting new things? But it gets boring and we still need to do things to pass the time.

So if you've started this January off feeling completely uninspired, don't worry, you're not alone. I put together a list of things you could try that might make the cold of this month move by just a little bit faster. I know I'll certainly be doing a few of these. And if none of these pique your fancy, that's ok. Maybe just take a nap, it's a great time of year for it.

So far, in 2025, I've read 4 books. You don't have to do it like that. But, nothing makes me feel cozier than putting on my fuzzy socks, making a cup of Earl Grey tea, and reading a really good book. So I'll always recommend it, especially this time of year.

I'll be honest, planning my next vacation is usually a February thing for me. But I'll do it in January if the winter blues really get to me early. Researching warm places and then booking tickets to those warm places really helps get me through the winter. Maybe it'll help you too. Plus, there's the added bonus of having something to look forward to.

Everybody I know who spends their winters either skiing or snowboarding absolutely love the winter. And you know what they say, time flies when you're having fun.

The one thing I genuinely like about January is that we are in the heart of soup and stew season. Your comfort meal of choice doesn't have to be soup, but the cold is a great excuse to eat your favorite comfort meal more than you normally might.

When it's so cold out and I feel like I'm stuck inside, I like to spend some time writing down all the things I'm grateful for. That especially include the sun and summertime :) but honestly, feeling stuck is the best time to practice gratitude for the people and things you do currently have. It makes the winter feel a little less blue when I can see on paper just how full my life is, even in the freezing cold.

This one feels kind of obvious, but connecting with loved ones always makes the time go faster and warms the soul. Have a movie night, try a new restaurant, or just hang out.

If you don't mind splurging on yourself a bit, book some time at the spa. Get a massage and use the sauna. It's a great time for rest and relaxation, after the bustle of the holidays. So go recharge, you deserve it.