Weekend Outlook: Jingle, jingle, jingle: Christmas is upon us

It's official: Winter begins today and we're four days away from Christmas.

This is your last weekend to take in all the Christmas-themed events Southeast Missouri has to offer ... until next year.

Christmastime is a season of togetherness; so grab the relatives you don't spend much time with, those neighbors you don't talk to often, and even those people you haven't necessarily wanted to hang out with since the last presidential election.

Let's commemorate the time of year we can all come together, travel the area, eat and be cheerful.

Merry Christmas!

It's alive!

You're invited to the fourth annual Living Nativity at First Midwest Bank in Cape Girardeau from 2 to 5 p.m. today.

Santa Claus will be there, too.

Now that's a big band

Get ready for a winter-themed big band celebration at 6 p.m. today at West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau.

Concert will be at the front of J.C. Penny and Old Navy.

Winter celebration

Stop by the Winter Solstice Celebration at Abbey Road Christian Church at 5 p.m. today. Bring the entire family; all are welcome.

• Bonfire and brief ceremony.
• Labyrinth walk for those who wish to do so.

Also: In case of rain, the event will be held indoors.

Time for a shindig

Safe Space Cape is hosting its "Holiday Shindig" from 5 to 7 p.m. today at 38 N. Fountain St. in Cape Girardeau.

You and the family will be able to decorate cookies, play holiday themed games and enjoy some merry music.

Holiday attire is encouraged.

A Christmas Tour

Hit the road and rediscover the magic of the Christmas Church Tour of Scott County from 4 to 8 p.m. today. It's a free, self-guided tour.

Participating churches will be decorated for the holiday season and several will have greeters and music -- some will have refreshments.

For the list of participating churches, contact Sikeston (Missouri) Convention & Visitors Bureau at (573) 471-2498.

Laughing it up

Start the weekend off right with JStreet Comedy at 9 p.m. today in downtown Perryville, Missouri, at 106 N. Jackson St.

• Hosts for the evening: Elijah Zion, Steve Beatty, Mark Hewkin, Nicholas Cuvar, Tommy Moslander III, Thor Valentine Harter, Tom Cook and Lucas Hinderliter
• Donations will be accepted for the Regional Family Crisis Center, a not-for-profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

(Disclaimer: If you are easily offended, this show is not for you.)

Let's sing

Marble Hill United Methodist Church in Marble Hill, Missouri is inviting you to a cantata at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The church is located across from the Bollinger County, Missouri Co-Op on Highway 34 East.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632

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