25 Merry Days: December 11-17

Make Shopping Fun
Face it. You’re going to be shopping a lot this month. There’s no getting around the annual ritual that is emptying your wallet to fill the space under the Christmas tree. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a way of getting around the annual drag-a-hundred-heavy-bags-around-the-mall routine. Get your holiday shopping done in Tiverton Four Corners at Winter’s Arts and Artisan Fair, where local vendors will be selling their unique, handmade, completely outside the big box wares on December 10 and 11. The event is free, but donations to benefit Tiverton Four Corners will be accepted. The Meeting House, 3850 Main Road, Tiverton. www.tivertonfourcorners.com

Read All About It
Get the little ones in the spirit at a book signing and holiday crafts event at Barrington Books. On December 11, local illustrator Cathren Housley will be signing copies of her book, The Christmas Cats. After, Peacock and Parade, the new arts hub upstairs from the bookstore, will be hosting a holiday crafts workshop. Tea and treats will be served. The workshop is free, but advance registration is required. 184 County Road, Barrington. 401-245-7925, www.barringtonbooks.com

Green Your Home
Feeling creative? The Caratunk Wildlife Refuge invites you to bring your stylish sensibilities to their Holiday Centerpiece Workshop on December 13 at 7pm. They’ll provide the materials – including fresh greens – and instruction. Soon, you’ll have both a traditional centerpiece and boxwood topiary that you can be proud to place atop your dining table. Your home will be smelling fragrant long after dinner’s been cleared. 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk. 508-761-8230, www.asri.org