Christmas Day forecast, Queen Elizabeth II's address, NBA action: 5 things to know Wednesday

Editors, USA TODAY

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Here's the forecast

Sorry folks, but for most of the country, Christmas will be green or brown — but not white. Mild temperatures will continue to melt much of the snow that fell last week in portions of the north-central USA, ending the hopes for a white Christmas in that region, AccuWeather said. On the bright side, those who have places to get to on Christmas Day won't have to worry about dealing with weather headaches to get where they're going. "Tranquil weather conditions through Christmas Day will make for a nice stocking stuffer from Mother Nature for those traveling through the holiday," National Weather Service meteorologist Peter Mullinax said.

Prefer to listen? Check out the 5 things podcast below and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts:

Queen Elizabeth II to acknowledge year 'full of pitfalls' in annual speech

In her annual pre-recorded Christmas Day address to the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II is slated to acknowledge a rough year for both her country and family. She intends to call on the British to overcome their divisions after a year "full of pitfalls," interpreted as a muffled reference to Brexit tearing apart the country and the scandals shaking her own family, according to excerpts made available in advance. This year's address was filmed by the BBC at Windsor Castle and is set to air Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST. The annual speech is significant because it is her own words, the only public address she ever makes that isn't written or edited by the government. It's a tradition dating back to 1932 when her grandfather, King George V, delivered the first festive royal message on BBC radio. The queen made her first Christ mas speech in 1952 and the message graduated to TV screens in 1957.

NBA's annual Christmas Day showcase features five games

The NFL may rule on Thanksgiving Day, but the NBA shines on Christmas Day. Wednesday's five-game slate was more impressive when it was announced in August, but it still features several intriguing matchups. Most notably, the battle of Los Angeles between the Clippers and Lakers will put four of the biggest names in basketball — the Lakers' LeBron James and Anthony Davis and the Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and Paul George — in the spotlight for potential playoff preview (ABC, 8 p.m. ET). Also, reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will carry an NBA-best 27-4 record into Philadelphia to take on the 76ers, another Eastern Conference contender (ABC, 2:30 p.m. ET). Rounding out the action: The Boston Celtics playing in Toronto against the defending champion Raptors (ESPN, noon ET); the Houston Rockets taking on the struggling Golden State Warriors (ABC, 5 p.m. ET) and the Denver Nuggets hosting the New Orleans Pelicans (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET).

What's open and closed on Christmas Day

As Americans celebrate Christmas on Wednesday, most offices and businesses will be closed. This includes banks, schools and all federal offices. National parks and U.S. financial markets will also be closed. Christmas, which falls in the middle of the week this year, is a federal holiday recognized nationwide. For last-minute gifts, forgotten ingredients and dining out, options are limited as many major retailers and restaurants are closed including Walmart, Target and Best Buy. CVS, Walgreens and convenience stores are open along with several convenience store chains and restaurants including Waffle House, Denny's, Dunkin' and Starbucks.

Need a holiday movie guide? We have you covered

Like most of us, you probably need time away from the decked halls and dining room table. But what should you see? If the Force is compelling you, then "Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker" is an easy choice. Or perhaps try watching critically acclaimed films like "Bombshell," "1917" or "Knives Out" to get you ready for awards season. If you want to see a movie with your whole family, the animated "Spies in Disguise" hits theaters Wednesday. You certainly have options — so much so that you don't have to leave your living room couch. Happy watching!

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christmas Day forecast and store openings: 5 things to know Wednesday