It's a "Murphys Law" kind of thing: the minute we send out the newsletter, a dozen more events come our way. For new posts, check our Calendar > Holidays, then click on a day.

Follow us on Facebook to get events that don't make it to our Calendar until after the newsletter is out.

We've added some free winter camps and more holiday events on the Calendar. Returning for Christmas is our list of locals' favorite places to buy tamales! I daresay our delight in tamales is a tradition shared by ALL of us.

It may be difficult to choose from the many events on our Calendar. What should I choose for this Friday, see The Hobbit, take a Gingerbread House class or something else? Saturday and Sunday are equally challenging.

The holidays we celebrate serve as an important reminder to be thankful for what we have –including each other. However, holidays can also be a difficult time for many families, and heightened stress and tension can highlight our human flaws.

Although many people are looking forward to gathering in person with friends and family, others might be feeling worried or anxious about the increased risk for illnesses, social awkwardness, or heated debates turning into arguments and hurt feelings. Holidays can quickly become something “to get through” instead of a time for reflection and celebration. Sound familiar?

“There are several types of tamales, but they all rely on the same base: fluffy, steamed dough pockets wrapped in either corn husks or edible leaves, filled with anything from meat to veggies, and often eaten with salsa, guacamole and sour cream. They’re usually a special-occasion food because they take a bit of time to prepare — all the stuffing and folding has to be done by hand.

Check out these winter camps (downloadable) for children whose parents’ jobs require them to work or who want to try a new experience. We know there are more available. Email us if you know of one not on our list. Updates will be on our facebook page.