Getting into the Spirit

Milwaukee already had its first snowfall of the season and all of us have probably just worked off those calories from Thanksgiving dinner. Then, before you know it, BAM! the Christmas season is upon us.

Milwaukee has a celebration for anything and everything – especially during the holidays – and each and every one is a 'can’t miss, got to be there' event like Candy Cane Lane, the Festival of Lights and Milwaukee's Holiday Parade.

So far, I’ve kicked off the holidays by attending Milwaukee’s Christmas tree lighting. Still, there’s a multitude of Yuletide events and activities all around Milwaukee to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Tomorrow, I'm going to the 20th Annual Christmas in the Ward. I’ll probably browse the shops and partake in the usual holiday fare: Tree lighting, caroling and a visit from Santa and his reindeer.

And because this is my favorite time of year, there’s a lot more I’m anticipating! Here is the rest of my holiday wish list:

• Take a ride on the Jingle Bus to see Milwaukee’s holiday lights.
• Attempt to ice skate on the "Slice of Ice" at Red Arrow Park.
• Drive down Candy Cane Lane and tour Country Springs Hotel’s Christmas lights display.
• Christmas shop at Bay Shore Town Center, Prime Outlets, the Third Ward boutiques, the shops of Grand Avenue and Downtown Cedarburg.
• Take a romantic sleigh ride in the country or horse-drawn carriage through the city.
• Check out Milwaukee Art Museum's display of 18th-century Neapolitan Crèche.
• Browse the East Town Holiday Market or Discovery World's Artisan Entrepreneur Holiday Market.

Also, I make it a habit every year at this time to give back to the community. Here’s a great link that provides a list of volunteer opportunities throughout Milwaukee. I think decorating houses for the holidays, volunteering at the Winter Wonderland Party for the Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or baking/delivering Christmas cookies for the Bay View Community Center all sound like a lot of fun.

You can check the online calendar for more information on ways to help bring Christmas cheer to the community. Otherwise, there are always food pantries and kitchens looking for a helping hand, as well.

In addition to my list there are a couple new things I’d like to do this year.

I’m contemplating finding a place to chop down a fresh fir to haul home and decorate on Saturday. Growing up, my family always had a real tree, but I’m positive we never actually took the leap to cut one down ourselves. Braving the cold to tromp around a farm with a hacksaw in hand, searching for the perfect tree – there’s just something more amusing about that!

I searched the web and found a couple places to consider:

• Noffke Tree Farms in Mequon
• Stumpf's U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm in Cedarburg
• Green Acres Nursery in New Berlin
• Bentz Road Farm in Pleasant Prairie
• Muskego Choose and Cut in Muskego
• Popular Creek Tree Farm in New Berlin

Coincidentally, on my lunch break I drove past Buffalo Bill’s Christmas Trees in Franklin, which is where I’d most likely go since I'm easily swayed by the promise of free hot chocolate and cookies. Still, there are several things keeping me from making the excursion: One, the actual cutting of the tree; two, the transporting; and three, the cold. But despite my minor qualms, I vow that someday I will participate in the cut-your-own-Christmas-tree ritual. If you feel inclined, check out this site for a you-cut tree farm near you.

Furthermore, I have a pair of tickets to the Milwaukee Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, which were a birthday present from Eric. I haven't seen The Nutcracker for about 10 years, so I'm very excited to go next Saturday. If you haven't seen the Milwaukee Ballet's rendition of this timeless holiday story, I highly recommend it. The Nutcracker runs from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 28 and tickets range from $14 to $64, so it's pretty affordable.

Looking at my list, by next weekend I should have the tree, handcut or otherwise, trimmed and garnished, Christmas shopping finished, and cookies – Chocolate Crinkles, lemon bars, Peppermint Bark, and Rocky Road Squares – baked and mailed to my long distance family and friends... Wow! It’s going to be a hectic month!

And speaking of cookies, after the holidays I ought to take another swing class at the Milwaukee Ale House or salsa dancing through Milwaukee Recreation to trim my waistline.

However you plan on spending the days leading up to Christmas, I hope you make the most of them and find a way to get into the holiday spirit!

Photo comes from gettyimages.com.