It's that time of year when we hear the phrase "Lake Effect" bantered by the local weather pundits. But what does it really mean? Just what is "Lake Effect"? In short, it's when cold air passes over warm water, bringing the moisture when it when it makes landfall.

Although best known around the Great Lakes, the phenomenon also occurs on Utah's Great Salt Lake and even on lakes in Scandinavia. Read more about Lake Effect Snow.

For tips on staying safe in winter, see:

Getting married in Cleveland need not be stressful. Below are just some of the About resources for planning your special day:

• Wedding Planning Checklist
• How to Get a Marriage License in Northeast Ohio
• Planning an Affordable Wedding
• Cleveland Area Florists
• Cleveland Area Caterers and Party Venues
• How to Plan a Honeymoon
• Northeast Ohio Bridal Fairs

^{(Photo © S. Miric/istockphoto)}

To me, one of the most beautiful places during the Christmas season is the Arcade in downtown Cleveland, just off of Public Square.

If you'd never ventured into this magnificent structure, built in 1890, you're in for a surprise. The five-story glass-topped atrium runs between Superior and Euclid Avenues and sports marble floors, intricate metal work railings, and unique shopping.

For the holiday season, the railings are wrapped with greenery and adorned with red velvet bows. From December 4 until December 23, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the atrium will be filled with the sounds of live holiday music during lunchtime, from 1130am to 130pm.

^{(photo courtesy of travelcleveland.com)}

Throw that pre-lit, artificial tree in the attic this year and go out and cut your own real live Christmas tree. There are dozens of tree farms around Northeast Ohio, from Ashtabula to Medina, specializing in Christmas trees. Many even offer refreshments and holiday accessories. For a list of these farms, see Christmas Tree Farms in Northeast Ohio.

^{(Photo © istockphoto; licensed to About, Inc.)}

Are you looking for something uniquely "Cleveland" to give this holiday season, perhaps to a displaced Clevelander or your business counterpart in another city? It's easy to create a fun gift basket, filled with NE Ohio goodies, such as Stadium mustard, Great Lakes Brewing Company Christmas Ale, and pasta sauce from Little Italy. For a step-by-step guide, read How to Create a Cleveland Gift Basket.

^{(photo © 2007 S. Mitchell)}

As hard as it is to believe, the holiday season is almost here. Public Square was lighted for the holidays on Saturday, but that's not the only lighting display in town. Read about the many holiday lighting displays in the Cleveland area.

For holiday lights, just outside of town, see:

• Oglebay Park Festival of Lights (WV)
• Hartwood Acres Festival of Lights (PA)
• Best Places in the US to See Holiday Lights

^{(Photo of Blossom Lights courtesy of Live Nation)}

Looking for something to do after your Thanksgiving dinner? Head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

The park is offering free admission on Thanksgiving and is open from 10am to 5pm. In addition, there will be special animal feedings and enrichment demonstrations.

^{(photo courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo)}

The Cleveland Metroparks Toboggan runs are ready for the season and will open for business on November 27 (2009). The "Chutes" are located on Valley Parkway in the Metorparks' Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville. The refrigerated runs are open Thursdays through Sundays until the first weekend in March, with additional hours during the holiday season.

A one-day pass is $8 for adults and $6 for children 11 and under. Single rides are $3 each. Riders must be at least 42" tall.

For other winter activities, see:

• Ski Ohio
• Boston Mills Ski Area
• Winterhurst Ice Rink
• Skating in Northeast Ohio.

^{(photo courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks)}

Gun season for deer in Ohio begins November 30 and lasts through December 6 with an extra weekend December 19 and 20. For more about getting an Ohio hunting license and how to prepare your venison, see the following resources:

• How to get an Ohio hunting license
• ODNR hunting regulations
• Venison pot roast recipe
• Peppered Venison Steak

^{(photo courtesy of ODNR)}