It’s December and there is much to do.  Do you send cards?  Do you have many people to buy for?  Have you decorated yet?  We all have our own story and experience and what is tradition for one may not be so for another.  Or maybe you’ll start your own tradition.  There are options for fun this time of year whether you’re on a strict budget or you’re not.  I have already done some of these on the list below.  Others I won’t.  Here is a list of possible holiday options this month:

Visit a local nursery – Swansons, Molbak’s, Wight’s, Squak Mt., and more – the gift shops and decorating possibilities abound

Put up your own decorations – a little outside light with the indoor poinsettia and/or tree

Seattle Center –  a sample itinerary might be 1) Space Needle  2) Armory – grab a snack and check out the train 3) see a play at the Bagley Wright Theater (Seattle Repertory Theater).  I can attest that The Hound of the Baskervilles is a great choice – open till Dec 15^th 4 & 5) enjoy a dinner at Collections Café.  Chihuly exhibition is extra special this time of year  6) walk the grounds to view the lights and take to ice skating to celebrate Winterfest

Woodland Park Zoo or Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium– lights!  Note:  Bellevue Botanical Garden is still under construction and they are having a smaller display this year.  And don’t forget the Issaquah Reindeer Festival at the Cougar Mountain Zoo

Bake cookies, spiced nuts or other holiday treats

Get a jump-start on your healthy New Year’s resolution and hit the gym, go ice skating or head outside

Watch a holiday movie (or one that is popular this time of year) – Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, Holiday, Christmas with the Kranks, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Andy Williams Christmas, or catch one on the Lifetime or Hallmark channel

Make a point of getting together with friends

Check out Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection with its 7 pm nightly show

Take in the theater, ballet, symphony, orchestra.  This is an especially good time of year to check out a local company

Shop Downtown Seattle – the lights, hustle and bustle are especially fun.  Snowflakes at Pacific Place, the Holiday Carousel, Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel, take a Ride the Ducks tour or take a whirl on the Seattle Great Wheel, check out Pike Place Market, and there is a new attraction this year – SnowGlobe Live!  Step inside the globe and get your picture taken – what a treat!