V18 N37

The Activity Column
Catherine Dugan’s guide to staying in... this week, be the judge of your holiday season!
At the risk o landing on the Naughty
list, I’m going to say it — Santa Claus
is hypercritical. I know that judging
is a big part o his job, but have you
seen Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
Santa is downright rude to Rudolph and the
residents o the Island o Misit Toys — his
hiring practices probably violate the North
Pole’s version o the ADA. This year, when the
world’s rugrats are having a rough time, I hope
he’s more tolerant. Kids are wearing their
masks, missing their friends and putting up
with Zoom school. Some slack, please, Santa.
Santa’s helpers share their boss’ judgmental
nature, especially that El on the Shelf,
who wields unreasonable power throughout
the buildup to Christmas. He may show up
to monitor the children’s behavior, but he’s
also judging parents on their ability to stretch
the Christmas magic over an entire month.
Shelie — the El assigned to Elaine’s — keeps
wandering of, and it’s up to participants in
their walking tour to ind him. Mrs. Claus
searched the entire North Pole with no success,
and she needs help. Tours run every
Saturday through December 26 from 1 to 5.
Tickets are $25, beverages permitted and this
“open air theater” event is suitable for all
ages. Group sizes are limited and masks are
required. Call ahead to conirm times and for
more information — 609-884-4358.
A little light judgment can be festive,
especially when you’re judging holiday lights.
Cape May’s homes and businesses are all
gussied up for Christmas, and the judges in
the “Light Up Cape May” contest will award
prizes to winners in the categories o Best
Residence, Best Business, Best Window, Best
Olde Fashioned Display, Judges’ Choice and
Peoples’ Choice. Stroll the streets and make
your own selection, then go to capemaystrong.com
to see i the judges agree. There’s
also a “Not Your Grandma’s Fruitcake Baking
Contest.” Maxed out on entrants, this event
will whet your appetite for the much-maligned
Christmas dish. I’m hopeful that the
winner’s recipe gets published — pandemic
bakers mastered sourdough and need a new
baking challenge.
For a judgment-free activity, check out
East Lynne Theater Company’s Yuletide Tales:
Stories and Songs for the Holidays available for
free — donations welcomed — on YouTube.
Sing and clap along with musicians and let
storytellers lit your spirits, even i you can’t
predict the ending. Enjoy this production dedicated
to medical professionals. Visit www.
eastlynnetheater.org for more information.
Hats Tees Tanks Sweatshirts Hoodies Zip-Ups Masks Art
15% off entire store December 11-17
Open daily December 11 through December 31
130 Park Boulevard • 609-884-2760 • theflyingfishstudio.com
December 10, 2020 EXIT ZERO Page 39