The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

'Tis the season to be merry! Or so they say. We all know that the holidays tend to be filled with the ex­tra stressors of high expectations and over-booked schedules. Arctic weather conditions (yes, I exaggerate) and icy roads only add to the tension. One way to combat the inevitable holiday anxiety is to take it easy by staying home. With a bit of creativity you can do much of your shopping and entertain yourself without trekking Walla Walla or Tri-Cities.

There is plenty of opportunity for festivity right here in town. On Thursday night Coppei Coffee is hosting a Commu­nity Caroling Party at 6 p.m. Instrumentalists will be providing music for community members to join in singing Christmas Carols in this fun family friendly event. Bret Moser will read the Christmas story and I'm sure Allison will have treats and warm drinks available as well.

On Saturday you might consider heading over to Dayton for a free steel drum concert at the Harvest Christian Center (on the left as you enter town from Waitsburg). If you haven't seen a steel drum concert before, they are quite fascinating. Again, this is something even the children will enjoy. The concert is free but folks are asked to bring a food item for the Community Food Drive.

And speaking of food, be sure and keep some (the heavy stuff!) to use as admission for the Battle Against Hunger: Day­ton vs. WP basketball games in the Waitsburg High School gymnasium. In this bit of healthy competition basketball teams will go head-to-head to raise donations for Dayton and Waitsburg food banks. Each community will have a trailer in the Waitsburg High School parking lot where admission do­nations will be weighed. At the end of the games the winning community will be announced. Donations will then be split equally between the two food banks. Game times: JV Girls, 2 p.m., JV Boys 3:30 p.m., Girl's Varsity 5 p.m., Boys Varsity 6:30 p.m.

Waitsburg's annual Christmas Cantata will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 22. This is always as special event, perfect for a relaxing evening of enjoyment and reflection. In Dayton, the Blue Mountain Assembly of God Church will perform their Christmas program, "Lo and Behold! Seeing is Believing!" at 10 a.m.

And while I'm sure more New Year's events are still in the planning stages, we know that the Coalition for Youth and Families will be hosting a family-friendly First Night Celebra­tion at the Seneca Building in Dayton.

When it comes to Christmas shopping, don't forget to "think local" as well. Waitsburg Hardware has a great assort­ment of gifts ideas and stocking stuffers (especially for Dad and the boys) and usually has some of the best poinsettias around. Stop in at Nothing New Antiques and Hugs, Gifts and Collectibles to find some truly unique treasures. In fact, I saw truly unique salt & pepper shaker holders out at the Midway Food Mart just today.

Waitsburg Grocery has a nice stock of adult beverages as well as some fun gift items. A baking supply kit or Christmas morning breakfast basket would make a special gift for friends or neighbors. And who wouldn't be pleased with a gift certifi­cate to jimgermanbar, Coppei Cafe or the Whoopemup Hol­low Café? Lastly, don't forget to check out the wood art and furniture at R & D Creations on the north end of Main. I've already purchased a couple of gift items there, myself.

So there you have it. Stay home, have fun and BE MERRY!