December 2021

December 22, 2021 | Photos by Gordon Miller 

Gusty storms and power outages marked the early days of December followed by a burst of autumn-like weather that melted the first snow. Mother Nature turned the page last weekend with a solid snowfall followed by a sharp drop in temperatures that ushered in the winter solstice and official start to winter this week.

Photographer Gordon Miller has captured the sights around town from newly fallen snow to a magical visit from some Northeast Kingdom reindeer.

Photo by Gordon Miller

From afar, it’s a tree. The iconic beacon above the primary school in Waterbury village. Photo by Gordon Miller

The gateway to town glows in the light of traffic and the railroad bridge sculpture in the snow. Photo by Gordon Miller

Mother Nature gave Vermont a coating of white this week to show off the lights. Photo by Gordon Miller

Waterbury Rotary Club members decorated a tree from the Murray Hill Tree Farm for the holidays. Photo by Gordon Miller

From temperatures in the 50s at the end of the week to a Saturday snowstorm. Winter arrives. Photo by Gordon Miller

A glimpse of Waterbury Center after the snowfall. Photo by Gordon Miller

Reindeer Dasher and Cupid from the Vermont Reindeer Farm in West Charleston, Vermont, visit downtown Waterbury on Dec. 19. Photo by Gordon Miller

The reindeer delight holiday shoppers of all ages. Photo by Gordon Miller

It’s not every day you get to meat a reindeer in real life. Photo by Gordon Miller

The animals had a pen set up in the Bidwell Lane parking lot beside Bridgeside Books. Photo by Gordon Miller

Reindeer are magical, of course. Photo by Gordon Miller

Youngsters are captivated by the creatures. Photo by Gordon Miller

Stowe Street merchants sponsored the visit organized by Bridgeside Books owner Katya d'Angelo. Photo by Gordon Miller

Photo by Gordon Miller

Photo by Gordon Miller

D’Angelo is interviewed by WCAX TV Channel 3 at the “Reindeer Rendevous” event. Photo by Gordon Miller

Does Santa just live in Waterbury? He’s made many appearances this season. This one at the American Legion. Left to right: Loleta Perry, Santa (or John Christian?), Wanda Woodard, and Mrs. Claus (a.k.a. Sarah Touchette). Photo by Gordon Miller

You’d better watch out … Photo by Gordon Miller

This Frosty didn’t melt beside the heaters at Rusty Parker Park at the Rotary drive-through visit with Santa for area youngsters. Photo by Gordon Miller

Waterbury Rotary hosted Santa and many friends at Rusty Parker Park earlier this month for a drive-through visit. Photo by Gordon Miller

Inflatable holiday decorations and December wind and rainstorms don’t mix well. Photo by Gordon Miller

Santa, Frosty and friends have a hard time staying upright on North Maini Street. Photo by Gordon Miller

Harwood Union High School Nordic ski team skiers get in a training session at Dac Rowe Park before Mother Nature washed away the early December snowfall. Photo by Gordon Miller