LOCAL FESTIVE EVENTS TO TRY OUT

Personally, December is the time of year where I like to spend a lot of time alone and reflect on the year prior. There’s nothing quite as cozy as nestling under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate, sitting by the gas-powered fireplace, and staring out at the gray sky while I contemplate what I did this year, what I didn’t do, and what I want to do in the future.

Too much of a good thing is never a good thing, though. And it is important that I don’t let myself become so isolated from my family, friends, and community that I lose sight of all the joy and blessings around me.

That’s why I’ve been searching for tons of winter events in our local area to keep myself engaged and connected – and hopefully help make your winter a bit brighter, too.

Saturday, Dec. 9: The city of Troutdale is hosting a Merry Movie Night at Reynolds High School from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring screenings of “Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury” and “The Grinch.” There will also be music and other family friendly holiday activities – including be hot cocoa and festive snacks. The event takes place in the RHS multipurpose room, across the parking lot from Columbia Park off Southwest Cherry Park Road.

Also on Saturday Dec. 9, It’s time for the annual West Linn Holiday Parade, with the theme “Holiday in Whoville.” The parade begins at 5 p.m. in historic downtown Willamette (1785 Willamette Falls Drive, in West Linn) and the city’s parks & recreation department will be accepting donations for the city’s food pantry during the event.

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 16, families, couples, and others can check out the new Woodsy Winter Village ice rink in downtown Portland! The rink will be open every day, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., through Jan. 28 (except for Christmas Day, Dec. 25). Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children aged 12 and under, and you can rent a “Bobby the Seal” plastic skating aid sled for an additional $10.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, the private Mt Hood Center in Boring (29450 SE Lariat Lane) will hold its annual Made for Christmas holiday market, featuring vendors from across the community offering handmade, specialty, and artisanal gifts for the season. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The holiday season is always full of events for families, couples, and individuals. I highly recommend searching through your local Facebook events page to find more and checking out other websites, such as MeetUp.com, to see even more activities available in our community.