Winter in Northern Europe is usually quite cold. Temperatures are usually around freezing or below. When the weather is this cold, the trees are bare, rivers like the Danube freeze, and birds fly south for the winter. This winter, however, has been very different. Temperatures in some cities in Northern Europe are between 55 and 60 degrees. In contrast with a more normal winter, trees and flowering, rivers are still flowing, and birds are staying put. Although the warm weather limits some activities like ice skating, many Europeans are still able to enjoy some traditional winter activities like feasting, visiting family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.