Are We There Yet?: Take A Moment to Breathe This Weekend

The snow is lovely on the trees. Doesn't it put you into a Christmas mood?

No, I don't mean shopping and baking and hurrying around. There are lot of places to see Santa and buy lovely presents, but this weekend, I'm going to recommend taking the family to enjoy some quieter holiday activities.

The First Baptist Church of North Adams will set up a living nativity on its front steps Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. The nativity will include live animals and there will be Christmas music as well.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, kids can get some invaluable outdoors time on a hike with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon at Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield, learning about nature and winter wonders. Parents can grab a cup of hot chocolate or tea while the kids share their wish lists for the season. The cost is $20 for child; RSVP 413-229-8600 or bcobble@ttor.org.

And on Sunday, Dec. 14, the First Congregational Church will hold a Christmas concert at 4 p.m.

At 6 p.m., the second annual Cheshire Church Christmas Walk will kick off. Sponsored by the three Cheshire churches - Cheshire First Baptist, St. Mary of the Assumption, and Cheshire United Methodist Church - the walk will begin at the Cheshire First Baptist Church.  Experience the joy of the Christmas story as you progress through town, with stops at Town Hall, St. Mary’s Church and the Cheshire United Methodist Church, ending with a living nativity at the Cheshire Elementary School.  Along the way, between stops, there will be caroling with a hayride available for transportation. Following the last stop at the living nativity, hot drinks and refreshments will follow at St. Mary’s Church. In the event of a snowstorm, the walk will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21.

And from 7 to 9 p.m., the New Hope United Methodist Church will host a Christmas Carol Sing-a-long at the Purple Pub on Spring Street in Williamstown. The event is planned in cooperation with The Purple Pub of Williamstown and the Berkshire Jazz Collective. Enjoy great food, beverages, and fellowship and sing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs accompanied by the Berkshire Jazz Collective.  The Berkshire Jazz Collective includes some of the regions finest jazz musicians and is anchored by Andy Wrba, Bill Chapman, and Ben Kohn.

Embrace the true spirit of the season. Happy holidays!