Christmas is upon us once again, and a lot of us who still have that child inside us have been looking forward to the holiday season with all its sights, smells, sounds and tastes.

But with the season comes the possibility of being overstimulated — the commercials, the lights, the Santas everywhere, the groups looking for donations, the shopping, the wrapping, the cards . . .

Even the things we all look forward to — renewing relationships, decorating, holiday music, baking, getting the tree — can test our sanity.

To help out, today we offer up a variety of ideas to get you in the moment . . . and the spirit. This is only a partial list. Check out your own town for goings on. Take part in a church dinner one night when you are too tired to cook and make some new friends or meet up with old friends there. Volunteer in your community and see what a difference one person can make. Or get up and get moving — a snowy walk in the woods, skiing, skating or snowmobiling.

The choices are endless. There are so many ways to enjoy the season. Just remember to slow down, and make it a happy one.

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport

Home

967-0587

This is Kennebunkport’s annual Christmas festival, held from Dec. 2 to 12, and includes candlelight caroling, arts and crafts shows, the tree lighting and Santa arriving by lobster boat. Visit this beautiful coastal town and enjoy all it has to offer. Visit their website for more information.

Christmas in Harrison

http://harrisonmaine.org/cih.php

583-2241

Come to this small village and be a part of a family-oriented celebration happening from Dec. 3 to 6. There is a parade with horse-drawn wagons, floats and Santa on his way to the town hall for the Christmas tree lighting. The local merchants open their doors and offer free hot cocoa, coffee and refreshments. Check out the website for dates and times.

Country Christmas in Bethel

http://www.bethelmaine.com/

Bethel

824-2282

Running from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24, Country Christmas in Bethel events include the Taste of Bethel food tasting, Theme Wreath Silent Auction, Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 4 at dusk and the arrival of Santa at 5 p.m.. There will also be free horse-drawn wagon rides from 2 to 4 p.m. on most Saturdays, along with shopping specials and open houses. For more information call 824-2282 or visit their website.

Sparkle Weekend

http://www.freeportusa.com/

Freeport

865-1212

This event takes place from Dec. 3 to 5 with events going on all weekend including the Talking Christmas Tree, hot cocoa stops, craft fairs, old-fashioned carriage rides and, of course, visits with the Jolly Old Elf. And it all begins with the parade of lights. While you’re visiting Freeport, don’t forget L.L. Bean’s Northern Lights event, which runs from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, including product demos, crafts for kids, horse- drawn rides and much more. Visit the website or call for more information. http://www.llbean.com/shop/retailStores/calendar.html?qs=5677065-RDevents

Christmas in the Valley Parade

http://www.rivervalleychamber.com/event%20pages/citv.html

Waldo Street

Rumford

364-3241

If you are going to be in the mountains near Rumford, visit this annual event that happens on Dec. 3 this year with a parade of lighted floats that begins at Hosmer Field and ends at the head of Congress Street with Santa lighting the tree.

Annual Harbor Lights Festival in Boothbay Harbor

http://chamber.boothbayharbor.com/events/details/harbor-for-the-holidays-nov-20-dec-31

Boothbay Harbor

633-2353

This is the place to be if you want to see Santa and Mrs. Claus along with a flock of elves, Mr. Moose and the Christmas Lobster at the 28th annual celebration from Dec. 4 to 6. But wait, that’s not all they have to offer. The Harbor for the Holidays runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31. For more information on events check out the website or give them a call.

Candy Cane Train — Bath Train Station

http://www.candycanetrain.org/

15 Commercial St.

Bath

443-6384

The 5th Annual Candy Cane Train departs from the Bath Train Station on Dec. 11 and 12. Four 90-minute trips are scheduled each day. Departure times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Passengers meet Santa and his elves, listen to storytellers, sing songs, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. The price of the train is $17 per person. To purchase tickets, go to the website above or call (800) 838-3006.

Ullr Fest

http://www.shawneepeak.com/calendar/

119 Mountain Road

Bridgton

647-8444

And to relax after Christmas is over, go to Shawnee Peak in Bridgton on Dec. 28 for the Ullr Fest (named for the Norse winter god, Ullr [OOOL-er]), which is an evening event welcoming winter complete with “The Beating of the Drums” ceremony, fireworks and torchlight parade (starts at 7 p.m.). For information call 647-8444.

Go get a tree!

Now if all of these are just too much — or not enough — than choose a tree farm from this list http://pickyourownchristmastree.org/MExmastrees.php or this one http://www.mainechristmastree.com/. Get some kids, family or friends together, and spend some time finding just the right tree to decorate your home.

Stay home and celebrate

Or forget all of the above and get some movies and sit at home in front of the TV with a plate full of holiday treats and veg out while watching all your favorites. (Don’t forget your local library for videos; many have a selection worth perusing.) And to help you enjoy, here is the easiest recipe in the world for some of the best peanut butter fudge you’ll ever eat: Buy one bag of vanilla candy melts and one jar of peanut butter (Skippy creamy is very good). Microwave the candy melts till they are melted and creamy, then add the peanut butter and mix well. Put in a baking dish and refrigerate. When they have set, just cut and serve. A never miss! Refrigerate if there happens to be anything left. Happy holidays!

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