It's beginning to look a lot like you-know-what!

The Christmas Holiday season used to start on the day after Thanksgiving (now referred to as Black Friday). However in the past decade or so, holiday decorations, commercials, lights and even bell ringers sneak their way into November...stretching the holiday season from Halloween to New Years.

It's okay really, especially knowing how hard retailers are working to entice shoppers in an effort to end this dismal year on a good note. Hopefully shoppers are aware how important it is to shop local and keep your holiday gift dollars (even if limited dollars) close to home.

As we approach mid November in Gig Harbor, the events and activities to get you in the holiday mood are multiplying. You can find a list of all the events and activities in Gig Harbor at http://www.gigharborguide.com/. But here is a taste of some of the fun things in the next couple of weeks:

• LADIES NIGHT OUT at Gig Harbor Ace Hardware, Point Fosdick Store, Wednesday November 18th 6-9p.m. Ace is a great gift store and on this night ladies can enjoy refreshments, door prizes and free gift wrapping.


• GIRLS NIGHT OUT at Healthy Reflections Medical and Day Spa, Point Fosdick, Thursday November 19th from 5:3o-8:30pm. Enjoy delicious hors d' oeuvres and wine, try the latest products and sample treatments. Event is $15. To RSVP call 800-342-9919


• GIG HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND presents "As American as Apple Pie" Thursday November 19th at 7pm. Help the band raise funds and enjoy a wonderful night of Americana


• OLIVER AT ENCORE THEATER, the first holiday play of the season opens on November 20th at Encore Theater. The beloved "Oliver" runs Friday - Sunday through December 6th. Learn more and get tickets at http://www.encoretheater.org/


• A CHRISTMAS STORY AT PARADISE THEATRE, this hilarious production opens November 27th and runs through December 13th. Learn more and get tickets at http://www.paradisetheatre.org/


• WINTERFEST ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR, at Peninsula High School is Saturday and Sunday November 28th & 29th. So much to see and do at this annual holiday event, including getting your holiday poinsettias from the Peninsula High School Band.

So there is no looking back...its the holidays in Gig Harbor! Go forth and celebrate!

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