Most Canadians should expect a green Christmas

TORONTO -- Waking up to a winter wonderland on Christmas Day will be more of a dream than reality for many parts of the country, cautions Canada's top weather man.

Environment Canada's senior climatologist David Phillips says he hates to be the grinch, but the chances of having snow on the ground on Dec. 25 are looking bleak for many Canadians.

"It's one of the things where we're seen united as Canadians, in wanting it to be a white Christmas," said Phillips.

"We want it on that day to put us in the mood. It's almost like (having) turkey and toys. It's just part of the feeling at Christmas time."
But the reality is that only about a quarter of the population will have that wish come true -- especially if you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba.
"There are some areas in Canada that are clearly a done deal," he said. "Out west, not only is it going to be a white Christmas, it's going to be a white Easter. They've been buried in snow."