Bu Humbug to Buying Presents

I have to admit I don’t like buying Christmas gifts for my friends, parents, or husband. Bu humbug you may think.  Not exactly.  During this time of year I try to plan activities with the close people in my life  and enjoy  time spent together.  I also do the same for birthdays and other special events.  Past adventures have included  going  to see a show in Boston, dinner at a special restaurant, shopping in Boston, or a weekend  getaway.   In my opinion I would rather spend the time with my loved ones instead of exchanging some lame present we can either buy on our own or that will end up being re-gifted.   Sure gifts are fun.  In fact I would love it if my husband would jump out of a 15 foot Boston Whaler as our Christmas present.  He won’t….but I can be a dreamer.   However, memories and the time together are more important regardless of the holiday or special occasion.  Memories have a life time guarantee as long as one doesn’t experience some sort of memory loss. Alzheimer's disease  does run in my family…so I will  leave it at:  almost a  lifetime guarantee.

Here is a list of some fun activities I put together that you can do to celebrate the holiday season and make lifetime memories while also supporting local businesses.   We all know Scituate is a beautiful place so I am sure it won’t be hard convincing your friends and family to c’mon on down.

1.    Stroll Scituate Harbor and do your Christmas shopping local.  The perfect place to buy a gift for just about anyone or that Yankee swap your family does every year. Some stores will ship and hand deliver locally! Merchant Gift Cards can also be purchased at the Scituate Harbor Inn, Native, The Mill Wharf, and South Coastal Bank. Top it off having lunch on the Harbor at the Mill, TK’s or Satuit Tavern….or some stiff cocktails at Riva.  (They make one of the best cosmos I have ever laid my lips on)

2.    Dinner and a movie. Whether you are six or sixty I highly recommend seeing the Muppet Movie.  The Muppets never go out of style and can make one smile at any age.  The Mill Wharf Cinema is small, quaint, and full of charm. Oro is always a fun place to eat for a special night out!  http://www.sscinemas.com/

3.    Take a cooking class at the Roman Table. http://www.theromantable.com/Events.html

4.    Host a wine tasting in your home put on by the Front Street Gourmet.  Stay in your own home, invite some friends over, and have a night in.....while feeling you are having a night out.  OR Host a cocktail party for your friends and don’t worry about having to do the work.  Twist of Class is at your service and will provide exceptional service.

http://www.frontstreetgourmet.com/ordereze/1000/Page.aspx

http://www.twistofclass.com/

5.    Enjoy a night of entertainment at the River Club- Who says you have to go into Boston or to Foxwoods for good entertainment?  The River Club offers venues put on by great artists right in town.  Cheryl Wheeler is coming on 12/10 who I hear is a fantastic folk singer to see perform live.  http://www.ticketfly.com/venue/453

6.    Relax with a Spa day

My favorite: http://vinettedayspa.com/

I have never been but have heard good things:http://www.spascapedayspa.com/

7.    Don’t wait for the first of the year to get active and loose a few pounds.  Sign up sooner than later for an action packed class through the Scituate Recreation Department.  Learn some martial arts, tennis, fencing, or whatever it may be that interests you.  Sign up with a friend and learn something new or get back into something not so new with  good company. You can now register online for courses.

http://www.town.scituate.ma.us/rec/index.html

8.  Volunteer with a buddy .  The Scituate Animal Shelter is having an open house this weekend.  Learn more about where the lucky ones go.  http://www.scituateanimalshelter.org/

Open House: December 8 from 3:00-7:00, Dec. 9 from 12-5:00 and Dec. 10 from 10am - 5:00pm

PAWPRINTS 2012 calendars available for sale - give the gift that is 2 gifts in 1! Makes a great gift or stocking stuffer AND all proceeds go to a great cause: The animals of the shelter

DONATE TO THE ANIMALS FOR FREE! Click here before you shop AMAZON.COM or ENDLESS.COM!

9.  Arrange for an overnight and stay at the Scituate Harbor Inn.  Feel as if you are far away from home for a night.  Enjoy a cozy room with plush pillows, a heated indoor pool, coastal charm, friendly staff, and enjoy a night away.

http://www.innatscituate.com/

10.   Spend a Sunday afternoon at  the maritime and Irish Mossing Museum  learning about Scituate’s history and many shipwrecks.  Museum hours are Sunday 1-4pm

 http://www.scituatehistoricalsociety.org/sites_maritime.html