Every December, without fail, the question makes its return. It pops up in conversations at the store, in group texts, and while checking the forecast late at night: Are we going to get a white Christmas this year? Even here in southeast Missouri, where history usually says otherwise, hope never quite goes away.
The idea of a white Christmas is deeply rooted in tradition. Snow has long been tied to the season through stories, songs, and memories passed down from one generation to the next. It represents quiet, peace, and a moment when the world seems to slow down. When snow does show up on Christmas, it tends to leave a lasting impression, precisely because it doesn’t happen often.
Southeast Missouri has its own way of easing into winter. December rarely delivers the full package. Instead, it gives us a few cold mornings, a couple of gray days, and then quickly reminds us that winter here prefers to arrive on its own schedule. Our most reliable snow usually arrives in January or February, well after the Christmas decorations are packed away.
This year looks to follow that familiar pattern. As we head into Christmas week, a warming trend is expected to take hold across the region. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to climb into the 50s, and there is a real possibility we see a few days reach into the 60s. That kind of warmth makes it difficult for snow to stick around and all but rules out a traditional white Christmas.
The overall pattern also points toward dry weather. Storm systems capable of bringing rain or snow appear likely to stay away during the holiday stretch. That means clear roads, fewer travel issues, and a quieter weather backdrop for gatherings with family and friends. It may not be the snowy postcard scene many imagine, but it does make for an easier, more relaxed holiday.
Still, the dream never fully fades. Even in warm years, people will glance out the window on Christmas morning or check the forecast one more time, just in case. That hope is part of the season. It connects us to past winters, to family stories, and to those rare Christmas mornings when the dream came true.
This Christmas, though, appears set to be more green than white, more comfortable than cold. A calm, mild, and dry holiday that reflects the character of southeast Missouri winters as much as any snowfall ever could.
And as always, the best parts and reason for Christmas won’t be found in the forecast. It will be found in our hearts and the true meaning of what we celebrate — the birth of Jesus.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
—Dr. Nick and my four corgis, Willow, Mogwai, Winston, and Baxter
