Miller Minutes
It’s that time of year ... when everyone you know will ask you what you need or want for the holidays.
As a child, it seems we can’t stop thinking of items we want. As an adult, it’s a whole different story.
I know there are things I can’t bring myself to spend money on (for example: socks), but where’s the fun in asking for boring trinkets when the real satisfaction is in giving?
The older I get, the more concerned I am with finding the perfect gift for someone else. It consumes me; I’ll lose sleep over a Secret Santa idea! Maybe that’s the way it should be, so I’m considering this chapter of my Christmas experiences a shift in perspective.
If you are struggling to find the perfect gift, some ideas of where to find it are listed below.
Miracle on Main in Zelienople will get anyone in the holiday spirit. From 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, experience children’s activities, visits with Santa, a Christmas parade and even carriage rides.
The classic “Christmas Carol” story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his night with Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come is at the Butler Little Theatre from Friday, Dec. 2, through next weekend. Tickets are available for purchase at butlerlittletheatre.com.
“Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical” opens at the Comtra Theatre, 20540 on Route 19, Cranberry, Friday, Dec. 2. For information and tickets, visit comtratheatre.org.
The Slippery Rock University Dance Department will present its Fresh Moves Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Stoner West Dance Studio Theater on campus.
Eat breakfast with Santa at Evans City Public Library, 204 S. Jackson St., at 9 or 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
If you can’t make it to breakfast, have lunch with Santa at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township.
Moniteau School District’s fifth annual Warrior Rumble will foster friendly competition, a craft show and auction at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Show up to 1810 West Sunbury Road to support the cause.
Get your pet photographed with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Butler County Humane Society. Proof of a pet’s vaccinations is required.
The Handmade Christmas Craft show lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at North Washington Social Hall, 2225 Oneida Valley Road, Washington Township. Get gifts and baked goods all homemade!
Run as fast as the speed of light during the Reindeer Race at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, 205 Currie Road, Slippery Rock. Hooves hit the ground at noon Saturday, Dec. 3.
Visit beautifully decorated homes during Zelienople Historical Society’s Christmas House Tour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
Watch “The Polar Express” for free at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, during a Grace Wellness Center event at 123 E. Diamond St. Reserve seats by calling Cheryl Martin at 724-452-4453, ext. 1277, or by email at cmartin@gladerun.org.
The inaugural cookie tour will take place inside a decorated Senator Walter Lowrie House, 123 W. Diamond St., from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Pay $10 to fill a bakery box with your favorite goodies!
The Seven Fields Santa Caravan & Light Up Night will have hot cocoa, carols, food trucks and more from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Seven Fields Town Park, 380 Castle Creek Drive.
“Holiday Traditions,” a concert by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, is being performed for one night only at the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium, 511 Fairground Hill Road. Hear your favorite holiday time classics at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. A pre-show lecture will take place at 6:30 p.m.
Kids Night Out at Skate Castle, 182 New Castle Road, will benefit the Selfridge family. RSVP by Thursday, Dec. 1, by texting 724-712-6460 or 724-256-6655 for the event at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
Breakfast with Santa at St. Wendelin Catholic School, 211, St Wendelin School Road, runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.
You can also eat Breakfast with the Grinch from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at The BackAlley, 540 Fairground Hill Road.
