Holiday Happenings

The town of Standish invites all residents to a Tree Lighting Celebration at the Standish Town Hall on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

There will be live music, Christmas caroling, and maybe even a “special guest.” Refreshments will be served, and everyone in the SAD 6 district is invited. This year’s tree was donated by Dana Wescott of Standish, and planted at the municipal center on Nov. 14.

Standish Recreation and St. Joseph’s Super Kids have made arrangements for Santa to call children in the Standish area on Thursday, Dec. 6 between the hours of 6-7:30 p.m. Forms are available at Town Hall and online if you would like your children to receive a call. Forms must be returned no later than Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. And no worries, there’s no charge for this long-distance call from the North Pole.

Out and About

The Steep Falls Library offers a craft and story hour every Wednesday at 10 a.m. The story for Dec. 5 is “Polar Bear Night” by Lauren Thompson.

Friday

• The Schoolhouse Performing Arts Center presents Little Women at 7:30 p.m.

•Memory Lane Music Hall welcomes Zacc Tyler. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Saturday

• Community Bean Supper at the Steep Falls Library from 4:40-6 p.m. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children.

• The Schoolhouse Performing Arts Center presents Little Women at 7:30 p.m.

• Memory Lane Music Hall welcomes Riot Act. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Heidi’s Take

Be careful out there

For most of us, this time of year signifies family and friends, peace on Earth, joy to the world, and all that is holy, or maybe not.

I was at the mall last week, which by the way has been decked out in silver bells and red velvet garland since October, shopping for a much-needed winter hat, when I saw it. The true meaning of Christmas for the material-obsessed.

A certain upscale store was offering a one-day-only sale on some very expensive sweaters when I watched two women grab for the last sweater on the almost-bare table. I must admit, I could have walked away or sent a perfume-clad saleswoman to their aid, but I didn’t. I watched with the intensity of a hunter on the last day of the season.

Each woman tugged on the corner of this lonely sweater ever so gently pretending not to see the other. After neither woman let go, the tugging became more of a grab, and then of course proceeded to a full-on yank with neither shopper giving an inch. The women quietly continued this pulling match until the weaker of the two gave up, muttered something under her breath and proceeded to another sweater table down the hall a bit.

The victor of this cashmere tug-of-war glided on air to the check out counter where I heard her say, “I love a good bargain. The only thing better than getting this on sale is knowing someone else will have to pay full price tomorrow.”

What concerns me the most is what will happen when the season really gets into full gear this week. Will the grabbing turn into pushing? Shoving? Fist-fighting? I’m afraid to ask. Will the Christmas crowds be so ruthless this year that people will risk life and limb for XBoxes and cell phone vouchers?

I fear for you readers, I really do. So please, I beg you, before your holiday shopping excursion this year make sure your life insurance is paid up, your protective gear is in place, and please, please, just be careful out there.