Day Twelve: So you waited ’til the last minute…

If you have stuck with us and are reading our twelfth day recommendation, firstly, thank you. Second, what were you thinking waiting this long to get that special something for that special someone? At this point your options have narrowed considerably, but there is one Hail Mary play which works in almost all situations: booze. Our preferred place of poison is Smoker’s Den & Discount Beverage Center.

Not that we are endorsing excessive drinking, and especially not driving. This is a family blog after all. But there is no crime in giving someone a little something in which they can imbibe in the comfort of their home. Being the biggest holiday of the year, going the extra mile is called for. If you’re going to get beer, spring for the Guinness or perhaps a micro brewery. And we don’t mean Genesee, or Koch’s, try Harpoon, Long Trail or Switchback. In the case of a real beer fanatic, the more obscure the better.

Unfortunately our wine purchasing decisions are based on whatever’s on sale at Price Chopper, so we really can’t help you there. If you can’t go for price on this, I suggest quantity.

Smoker’s Den & Discount Beverage Center is located at 340 North St, Bennington. For more information call 802-442-2861.

Seven Mountain has yarn and kits!

YARN FLASH! Stacey now has yarn at Seven Mountain Acupuncture and Creative Living Shop! There is a wide assortment, the colors are beautiful and it’s all oh so soft. If you are in need of knitting needles she has those too. Also new are some very fun and sweet embroidery kits that are worth checking out. So get ready for the long winter and stock up for all your knitting needs.

Kidspace, MASS MoCA, Dec 26, 27, 31 (MA)

Next week at MASS MoCA there are some fun art classes linked to the current exhibit, It’s Rude to Stare: Drawings and Sculpture by Richard Criddle.

• Mr. Goodbody’s House of Potions featuring mad scientist art-making, with paint, goo, slime and other magical creations with which you’ll be able to make art and play with at home.

Wednesday, Dec. 26, 10 to 11:30 am, ages 3-12

• Magical Memory Pop-Up Books Make a pop-up book filled with your memories. Bring photos to create collages or tell a story in your book.

Thursday, Dec. 27, 10 to 11:30 am, ages 7-17

• Magical Memory Pop-Up Books for Adults Don’t let the kids have all the fun! Come learn how to make a variety of pop-up books to house your photos or tell a story. A great workshop for teachers, parents or anyone looking to let their artistic side out for the night.

Thursday, Dec. 27, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Fantastical Face Your Fears New Year’s Hats Come to our annual New Year’s Eve hat making class. Afraid of spiders? The dentist? Heights? Create a magical hat to help you combat your fears as you ring in the New Year.

Monday, Dec. 31, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; ages 3-12

There is a $5 per person materials fee for each art class. Space is limited so register early. Call Kidspace at 413-664-4481, Ext. 8131 or email kidspace@massmoca.org

Seen Around Town, Rotary Brass Band, Dec 22

A local Rotary Club (there are two in town, ya know) had a brass band playing at the corner of Main and School, Saturday, December 22. It provided some nice open air music and helped with the holiday spirit most of us are feeling this weekend. It wasn’t totally free as it was to collect donations. Hopefully business was good for them.

Unfortunately I did not know this was going to happen, otherwise I would have recommended it GoBennington readers. If you have any tips or see things happening, please let us know and we will pass it on.

Apologies to the unidentified musicians, if someone forwards their names I will be sure to update this post.