Notes from a procrastinator

By Molly Harrison | Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Don't miss Roanoke Island  Festival Park's show on Sunday.

Anyone who read my blog in mid-November when I said I was going to get all my Christmas shopping done by the end of November can stop laughing now. Of course it didn't happen, not even close. I actually started shopping in November and had a pretty good roll going, but then it all just fell apart...

And I haven't even been trying! I've been going to parades and Christmas parties and yoga classes and decorating my house and writing letters to Santa and walking the woods trails and beach with my kids and planning school parties. And then the other morning my son got up and announced, "ONLY 12 MORE DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!" with pure glee. Can't say that it inspired the same feeling in me. Reality check. Add to that the fact that I haven't even ordered the Christmas cards (or decided on a photo). Yikes...

But instead of beating myself up about my yearly shopping procrastination, I'm just going to embrace it. I work best under pressure. I know this about myself so why fight it? This weekend I'll get a babysitter and zip around town like a bat out of hell and it will get done. No worries... yeah, right...

So while everyone else is out having fun (at least that's what I'm imagining), I'll be shopping. But I will find the time for WinterLights at The Elizabethan Gardens. I went last year and it was so beautiful. I'm actually waiting for it to get a little colder before we go. It just seems like you need to be bundled and scarfed and mittened if you're going to walk around looking at Christmas lights. WinterLights is held Tuesday through Friday nights from 6 to 9 p.m....

The Elizabethan Gardens is all about Christmas this month. They've got more than just the WinterLights show. On Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m., it's Dinner with Santa. Bring the little ones to have dinner and get your Santa photos (bring your own camera or you can purchase photos from the professional photographer). Tickets, which include the WinterLights tour, cost $40 for adults, $22 for youth (ages 6 to 17) and $6 for kids ages 5 and younger. Reservations are required; call (252) 473-3234...

On Saturday, Elizabethan Gardens has Kids Craft Day from 10 a.m. to noon. This one is for ages 5 and older. They'll do arts and crafts, have a snack and storytime and take a stroll through the gardens. The cost is $20. Reserve a spot early. There's also a Kids Craft Day on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. * Also on Saturday is The Art of Wreath Making from 10 a.m. to noon. Well-known wedding florists and designers Wes and Kim Stetson will teach you how to make a wreath, and they'll supply the base, greening pins and cuttings. You should bring your own ribbon, ornaments or other adornments. Cost is $20 and includes refreshments. Reserve a spot early; call (252) 473-3234...

On Sunday, Roanoke Island Festival Park has a holiday show for the whole family presented by UNC Greensboro. It's Amahl and the Night Visitors, one of the most frequently performed operas of the 20th century. The story is of a young lame boy who is cured with a miracle. The show is at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12, and free for 5 and younger...

Here's something else to get you in the real spirit of the season: the Second Annual OBX Family Carols program and Living Nativity Scene at Holy Redeemer by the Sea in Kitty Hawk. At 4:30 p.m., they'll start the caroling program with voices from many local choirs. After that, it's outside to view the Living Nativity Scene. Then it's back inside for hot cocoa, treats and a visit from Santa until about 7 p.m. Call (252) 261-4700 for info...

For something beyond the ubiquitous holiday celebration, you can go to the 108th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers First Flight on Saturday at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. They will be remembering, reflecting and celebrating with special events all day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m....

Want to hear some live music this weekend? The Fighting Jamesons at Outer Banks Brewing Station sounds good to me. So does Zac Mexico at Ocean Boulevard on Friday night. And that's not all by any means. Go check out our By Night page....

And if you're getting panicky about Christmas (like some people) and need some good gift ideas, go to our Shopping page. You'll find ideas and find out who's having the sales this week...

About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.