Christmas approaches. My advice? Don’t get caught up in the frenzy of what you think you should be doing. Take in holiday light displays in your town, enjoy the beauty of the season and join in the fun of the offerings below.
Dec. 14-15
It may be just about a week before winter officially arrives, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying a couple of special swims Dec. 14 and 15 in the indoor natatorium of the Asotin County Family Aquatic Center in Clarkston.
Attendees will have a chance to take a dip with Old St. Nick on Friday evening at the center. Santa Claus will be on hand for swimming from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and admission is $5 per family. Those who bring a new toy for donation to Toys for Tots will receive two free day passes to the indoor pool.
Saturday evening will feature the Holiday Flick n’ Float from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the center. The 1992 film “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (PG) will be shown, and admission is $2 per person.
Dec. 15
The Pullman Winter Market will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Brelsford Washington State University Visitor Center, 150 E. Spring St.
The market features handmade crafts, and artisan goods and foods for purchase. It is open every third Saturday through April at the visitor center.
Dec. 15-16
A Christmas open house is planned this weekend at the nonprofit White Spring Ranch near Genesee. The historical farmhouse will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15-16.
The event will feature vintage decorations and warm apple cider for visitors.
The farmhouse and log cabins on the property are a National Historical and Century Ranch site. Visitors can peruse some of the 135 years worth of books, letters, journals, receipts, photographs and artifacts collected by the three generations of pioneer historians who lived on the site since 1884, according to the ranch’s social media account.
The ranch is at 1004 Lorang Road, just off U.S. Highway 95 near Genesee.
Dec. 16
The third annual Ultimate Christmas Concert and Sing Along begins at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in Clarkston High School’s auditorium.
This year’s concert will feature performances by the Methodist Bell Choir, Jeanene Sanders and Stephanie Hennigan, Patricia Brinegar, Toni Pierce and James Payne, the Side Notes, John Van Vogt, Deedra Hasting and Mike Larson, and the Clarkston High School Jazz Choir.
The money raised benefits Interlink, based in Lewiston, a nonprofit organization providing volunteers who help the elderly and those with disabilities to live independently in their homes.
Tickets are $10 each, and a free ticket will be given to those who buy three tickets. They may be purchased at Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union branches in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley or the Interlink office.
CHS is at 401 Chestnut St.
Dec. 19
“Art Among the Trees,” a community-wide celebration in Colfax, will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Center at Colfax Library.
The event features 25 trees decorated by community members, the music of John Elwood and Sally Burkhart, refreshments and artwork. The artists exhibiting their work include Carrie Vielle, Rob Smith, Nancy Rothwell, Tom Mohr, Bob Krikac, Nona Hengen, Jacqueline Daisley and Ken Carper.
An awards ceremony will begin at 7 p.m., and during that time, the Libey Gallery will be dedicated in honor of Superior Court Judge Gary Libey and his wife Trudy. “Festival of Trees” participants and winners will be announced.
The library is at 102 S. Main St.
