Present Tense

Ok, ok - Santa has made his way down Bedford Street, so I suppose I am done thinking that the holidays are far away. They're not! Yes there are fabulous things ahead as the season draws near, but there is also the annual "what the %^&*$ am I buying for everyone" freakout. If you've started down that road, perhaps this will help:

- The Stamford Town Center is opening at 8am for Black Friday, November 26th (some stores earlier!).

- On both Saturday, December 4 (10am-7pm) and Sunday, December 5 (11am-4pm), Greenwich Avenue hosts the Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend 2010. Performers, musicians and carolers will be on hand and select retailers will offer holiday treats. Read more on the Greenwich Blog.

- If you're looking for something a little craftier, visit Lakeside Pottery (543 Newfield Avenue) on Sunday, December 5 from noon-5pm. They are cleaning out their closet and selling pottery for $10, $15 and $25. Pieces available include vases, bowls, boxes, pitchers and platters. For more information, call 203-323-2222.

- If you'd like to give a gift with a crystal clear conscience, go to the Fair Trade Gift Bazaar on Sunday, December 5 at Bedford Middle School (88 North Avenue in Westport). There will be bagels and coffee at 9:30am followed by the bazaar and a lecture on fair trade starting at 10 am. Products for sale include jewelry, bags, clothing, scarves and coffee. Be sure to bring small bills or checks because they won't take credit cards or make change for $20.

(photo from shimelle, flickr.com)