Five Things You Need To Know Today, Dec. 27

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section.

Today is Monday, Dec. 27. Here are five things you need to know:

1.    The Blizzard of 2010?: The National Weather Service expects blizzard conditions to continue today. There will be blustery winds in addition to the snow, so if you venture out to shovel your driveway, make sure you're bundled up. 

2.   Hey, it's school vacation week: We're pretty sure you already knew that, but in case you didn't, it's school vacation week! The winter break means that the is closed and will reopen on Jan. 3, just like the public schools.

3.   It's fun to stay at the YMCA: The on Lexington Street was scheduled to be open for regular hours today. Due to the blizzard, morning classes and all childcare was cancelled. However, afternoon classes may still be on, as a decision is expected to be made sometime this morning. 

4.   What's open and closed today: Since the snow started falling Sunday afternoon, Woburn Patch has been your source for all things blizzard-related. Check out our list of closings and cancellations .

5.   Guilty pleasures: We here at Woburn Patch are not ashamed to admit that we watch soap operas—Editor is quite partial to General Hospital and the Young and the Restless. It was on this day in 1979 that network television premiered one of its best-known primetime soaps—Knots Landing. The show was set in Los Angeles and aired until May 1993, making it one of the longest primetime dramas in television history.

To find more things to do today, check out our event listings.