They’ll also be at the Alki Masonic Hall (4736 40th Ave. SW.) from 10:00 – 2:00.

Here are more details:

• Suggested donation is $5.00.
• No flocked trees please.
• For more information please contact Jan Hunter at 206-849-7906.

Check out the Rainbow Girls by going to www.gorainbow.org.

I spotted the words written with crooked vinyl letters in a giant picture window of a ramshackle house. Those two words that not only caught my attention, but commandeered my thought processes.

Displayed proudly in a house that had seen better days, decorated haphazardly for the season, they invoked the magic of hope. The house and those who lived within its walls seemed to challenge the status quo while demonstrating that what they already had was, at least on some level; working for them. It was humble. The driveway was half gravel, half weeds. Cars were parked askew, and with no particular order. The paint was weathered in some spots, bare in others, and the lawn (such as it was) was dead. The entire viewable property announced a lack of regular maintenance, and an absence of a Homeowners Association (Bless them!) But in the midst of all the imperfection was unmistakable celebration.

The festooned twinkly lights were uneven and dangling precariously in a couple of spots, as if the lightest breeze could take them all out. The Christmas tree was prominent, and enthusiastically adorned with tinsel. Lots of tinsel. Tinsel that would at any other time, be sufficient to use as reflective markings for the third runway at SeaTac Airport. The visual assault was unmistakable. These folks were ready for Christmas, and they were not afraid. They were prepared to ask for and receive abundance, and in the meantime  stayed steadfastly grounded in the reality of their surroundings. They inspired me. Their words triggered an unexpected mental analysis. For the rest of the day and well into the night I pondered the implication of that brief missive: Wish Big. What was my wish? Should I even be wishing for myself? How big is “Big?” Are we talking monetarily, or otherworldly? I have already been blessed with more than I deserve: a home, a healthy loving family, a job that I love, supportive friends…the list goes on. Sure, this year has had its share of ups and downs, but whose hasn’t? Where do I get off wishing for anything? But if I dared to, how ‘Big’ would I wish…?

• World Peace. Hmm besides being cliché, it’s terribly unrealistic. If I could wish for and achieve peace on any level, it would be for my teenagers. Siblings still living together are fighting factions under parental governance. Yet, there is seldom an agreeable treaty, and almost never any honoring of a cease-fire.  I need to get it local before I can go Global. Wishing for it anyway.

• A Cure. Whether cancer, AIDS, or (insert another disease or disorder here); I wish that we as humans did not have suffering. That ought to just be a  given. No pain, no agony, no hurt. With the exception of gas and hangovers; because both serve as reminders for us not to overindulge. Wishing for it anyway.

• Love. I am very fortunate to have found it with the person whom I share my life, and also with so many friends and family. It is a reassurance to me when I feel sadness or self doubt. No matter what sucky thing may happen, I know…I know…that I am loved. Not everyone experiences this. Wishing for it anyway.

As for anything else…I’ll keep an open mind…right alongside an open spot on my Big Wish List.

As for everyone else I wish you a wealth of Wishing Big!!

If you saw convoys of fire and rescue vehicles driving around Burien today, don’t panic! It was the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department and a small army of volunteers delivering the fruits of the annual “Light Up The Holidays” outreach program.

Every year leading up to the Christmas holiday, the fire department works with businesses and the community to gather donations of food, gifts and cash. These donations are used to give a helping hand to local families struggling during the holiday season.

The annual effort ends in one frenzied day of activity when the results are boxed, bagged, loaded into trucks and delivered by Santa and his helpers to families all around our community. By the end of the day, each family on the list received the makings of a complete turkey dinner, along with pie for desert and toys for each child.

This year an extra “santa” was added to the mix to allow two teams to work simultaneously to speed up the delivery. Joining Santa John Nielsen this year was Santa Mark Adler, a lieutenant with the Fire Department.

BTB photog Michael Brunk joined a team making deliveries today and shot the following photos. You can click individual thumbnails to view the full-sized images.

As they have been doing for several years now, local Boy Scout Troop #375 will be recycling Christmas trees the weekend of Jan. 7th and 8th, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Herr Backyard Garden Center, located at 1st Ave South and SW 160th in Burien.

It’s just $5 to donate your tree(s), which get recycled.

“This is one of two major fundraisers we do every year,” said Scoutmaster Mark Ufkes last year. “Along with our annual dinner at St. Francis, the money raised today will go towards scholarships for camps for scouts. And people should know that a kid can be a Boy Scout without having to pay much money.”

Troop #375 serves boys in areas including Des Moines, Normandy Park, Burien, White Center and West Seattle. For more information, check out their website here.

We here at The B-Town Blog highly recommend that all Readers recycle your tree with these kids, because everything stays local, from the donations, which fund scout activities, to the firewood (which will be sold to raise funds) to the mulch made from the tree chippings (which will end up in a local yard).

Burien’s New City Dance Company will be performing two shows of ‘The Nutcracker And the Land of Sweets’ on Saturday, Dec. 17th at the Burien Community Center.

The performances will be 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and the Burien Community Center is located at 14700 6th Ave SW.

Admission is $8.00 for Adults, $6.00 for Students 3 and up as well as Seniors 56+.

Tickets available at the door or by clicking here.

Burien’s Highline Christian Church will be holding seven performances of ‘The Outdoor Living Nativity’ in the parking lot of its campus the weekend of Dec. 16 and 17.

“Merry Christmas from Highline Christian Church!” reads an announcement. “Please join us for the live, 20 minute story of the birth of Jesus. This outdoor nativity play includes live animals and cast.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Christian Church’s Outdoor Living Nativity

WHEN: Seven 20-minute shows over two nights:

• Friday, Dec. 16th at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 17th at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

WHERE: The performance takes place in the Highline Christian Church Parking Lot, so dress warmly!

Highline Christian Church is located 14859 1st Ave South, Burien, WA (map below).

For more information, call 206-243-4333.

View Larger Map

Imagine having photos with Santa without waiting in line at the mall or downtown in bad weather. This year it’s happening right here in Burien at Photography by Steven.

But you’d better act fast – because this is the final weekend! Just click here to schedule your completely private photo session for your kids or family before Santa gets too busy!

This will be the final weekend that Santa and Mrs. Claus are stopping by at Photography by Steven’s Burien studio at 243 SW 152nd Street:

• Friday December 9th – Sunday December 11th

Packages start at $20 and Christmas cards are available.

Steve and Ann have been providing professional photography in the Highline area for over 10 years. They specialize in high school seniors, babies, family and wedding photography.

With their state-of-the-art digital studio they also offer immediate viewing. Yes, you’ll get to see your picture of your special time with Santa and the family right then and there!

No lines… no malls… photos… cards… all starting at just $20.

Remember your Santa photos are just a click away.

Complete package pricing is online.

For more information call us at 206-433-0988.

Here are the details from their invitation:

Normandy Christian Church invites you to the 11th Annual
DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS STORY
December 10 and 11 | 6:00-8:30pm

For 10 minutes this Christmas season, you and your family can be transported to Bethlehem while driving through the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church. Scores of volunteers, thousands of lights, and full-size sets bring to life the Nativity Story. You will visit live scenes of angels, shepherds, a donkey, some sheep or goats, guests at the inn, wisemen, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

Normandy Christian Church invites you and your family to DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS STORY on Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. Free admission.

Normandy Christian Church is located between Des Moines and Burien. For directions: www.normandychristian.org or 206-878-4740.

The 2011 Toys for Tots Collection is now taking place at the Normandy Park Towne Center through December 14th, where new unwrapped toys can be dropped off daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

New owner Tom O’Keefe graciously donated the space in the Towne Center for the use by the US Marines.

Towne Center is located at 19900 1st Avenue South in Normandy Park.

Contact at the donation site is US Marine Christopher Mahoney at 206-304-3043.

Imagine having photos with Santa without waiting in line at the mall or downtown in bad weather. This year it’s happening right here in Burien at Photography by Steven.

You can call it a “virtual” line, as all you have to do is click here to schedule your completely private photo session for your kids or family.

NOTE: The good Elves suggest that if you want to book your Santa Photos, you’d best be like Donner and Blitzen and act fast, as there’s limited space and this will be the final weekend!

This will be the final weekend that Santa and Mrs. Claus are stopping by at Photography by Steven’s Burien studio at 243 SW 152nd Street:

• Friday December 9th – Sunday December 11th

Packages start at $20 and Christmas cards are available.

Steve and Ann have been providing professional photography in the Highline area for over 10 years. They specialize in high school seniors, babies, family and wedding photography.

With their state-of-the-art digital studio they also offer immediate viewing. Yes, you’ll get to see your picture of your special time with Santa and the family right then and there!

No lines… no malls… photos… cards… all starting at just $20.

Remember your Santa photos are just a click away.

Complete package pricing is online.

For more information call us at 206-433-0988.