In Preparation for the Holidays

Photo courtesy of earl53

I assume many of you are busily preparing for the upcoming holiday as it is quickly approaching. Much like everybody else, the locals of the Berkshires are scurrying to shopping malls, Christmas tree farms and grocery stores checking off their holiday “to-do” lists. The holiday has snuck up on a lot of us, the gift wrap aisles look like they’ve endured a hurricane of their own and Christmas trees on car roofs whip by at record speeds this week. This afternoon however, has slowed down quite a bit as Mother Nature started sprinkling fluffy snowflakes over our valley. A steady fall left a white blanket over Berkshire County and everybody who got their snow tires early this season, got to put them to good use today. For those of you thinking you’re not visiting until later this week and you might have missed the snow, do not fret! We’re expecting one of our famous Nor’easter storms this weekend! Forget the cute Christmas sweaters I mentioned last week, you’re going to need shovels, snow plows, and don’t forget those ice-scrapers and brushes for the cars because we could be receiving anywhere from six to eighteen inches of snow this Saturday into Sunday! It will be very cold and very white, so to all of our visitors, brace yourselves!

Snow or no snow there are always lots of things to do for all ages here. This week we have everything from Holiday farmers’ markets to Shakespeare plays to pajama and pillow parties! I’m sure there will be something offered to ensure you will not have a boring trip! “But, Blair, what if there’s TOO much snow? What will we be able to do?” there, there my little motel visitors, there’s no such thing as too much snow! In such cases, ask me about local ski resorts and discounted tickets! Ask about local sleigh rides when you arrive or fantastic hills to take the kids sledding. I’m a fun-in-the-snow professional!

           

December 12

National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art

The Clark Art in Williamstown, MA presents, Benjamin Britten, sailing uncomfortably close to the wind with his new opera, Death in Venice, seeks advice from his former collaborator and friend, W.H. Auden. During this imagined meeting, their first in twenty-five years, they are observed and interrupted by, amongst others, their future biographer and a young man from the local bus station. Alan Bennett’s play reflects on growing old, on creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion’s spent: ultimately, on the habit of art.

The Outlet at Pine Cone Hill Pajama & Pillow Party!

Pine Cone Hill Outlet in Pittsfield, MA! Take an extra 20% off decorative pillows, sleepwear, and loungewear, including their fabulous Sheepy Fleece robes. Enjoy popcorn, movies, wine, maybe even a pillow fight. Wear your pajamas—they will be too!

December 13

Julius Caesar

On the 13^th and 14^th Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA presents, Julius Caesar! The visceral meets the intellectual in the psychological drama. Follow the conspiracy against the Roman dictator and the aftermath of his assassination. Featuring, The Conservatory at Shakespeare & Company, an audition-only three month intensive training program for professional artists to master their craft.

December 14

A Christmas Carol

Starting December 14^th and continuing weekly on Sunday, Friday and Saturday until December 29^th , Berkshire Theatre Group in Pittsfield, MA presents, A Christmas Carol. Revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is reformed and shown the error of his ways by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with terrific turns and infused with holiday music.

Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers’ Market

Berkshire Grown of Great Barrington, MA will be holding a Holiday Farmers’ Market on the 14^th and the 15^th. Featuring locally grown and produced foods, including fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread, pies, pickles, jams, and more, Also, enjoy live music and children’s activities. Saturday: Monument Valley Middle School, 313 Monument Valley Road, Great Barrington. Sunday: Williams College Towne Field House, 82 Latham Street, Williamstown.

December 15

Christmas at Trinity

Cantilena Chamber Choir of Lenox, MA will be presenting Christmas at Trinity.The performance by the Cantilena Chamber Choir at Trinity Church 88 Walker St., Lenox, will feature the Quartre motets pour le temps de Noel by Francis Poulenc and music for Christmas by Russian masters Rachmaninov and Titov. In continuation of Benjamin Britten’s 100th Birthday celebration, the choir will perform Hymn to the Virgin and his rarely heard Chorale on an Old French Carol. Also on the program are favorite John Rutter settings of French carols including Noel Nouvolet and Il est Ne le Divine infant.