Concerts and pagents and plays (oh my). The early weeks of December seem to be filled with various holiday events. I have a friend performing in a solo recital on Sunday in one town and another friend playing a flute concerto with an orchestra in another. Both are at the same time, of course. Sadly I will miss one.
Our local community theater also has a production this week. Historically I have a pretty bad record of attendance. My work causes me to be gone from home a lot so when I get here I tend to stay here. But that's a pretty lame excuse from a guy who urges everyone else to attend.
I live in a fairly rural area. The entire county is only about 50K people. But we have an orchestra, community theater, and an art gallery or two. And the local musicians are way better than you might expect. It's an embarrassment of riches.
The holiday season is always a busy and stressful time and it's easy to dismiss the arts right now. "I don't have time" or "I'm just too busy" are our standby reasons. But some might argue that those are also some great reasons to make ourselves (I'll include myself here) attend. And if you take the kids they will get in the habit of supporting the arts also. Plus they will have some pretty terrific memories.
These are just the civic events. However many churches and synagogues have concerts or plays that are open to the public too. You might try taking in one or two of these as well.
Most of these organizations, including the colleges do a poor to only fair job of advertising, so you will probably have to do a bit of digging to see what is available in your area. Some will have websites you can check, others may take out a small ad in the local paper.
While you're out and about you might consider shopping at the art galleries in your area. Not just for gifts, although I'm certain you will find some perfect items in your price range, but also things like "Thank you" cards or knick knacks to help you decorate your home or office. The big box stores and malls have a mind-numbing array of things made in off-shore factories. In short order they all start to look or feel alike. Hand made arts and crafts are different. Generally better quality and always distinct in character.
It is my wish that these little adventures in local art will lift you up this season and help you to enjoy the process as much as the finale. Simultaneously you will be supporting local artists and art organizations who nearly always give back more to the community than most folks will ever know.