Debbie Croft: Winter festivities set in foothills

Recent storms dusted the mountains with much-needed snow. Thankfully the weather hasn’t been too frightful, though, allowing holiday events to take place in our Sierra communities. Maybe one of these festive activities will fit into your plans:

▪ Ski season is now open at Dodge Ridge in the Stanislaus National Forest. Fresh snow fell these past two weeks, providing a solid base for skiers. Most of the lifts and runs are in operation. The terrain park is also open, and lessons are available.

The snow phone line is updated daily. Call (209) 536-5300 or visit www.dodgeridge.com for more information.

▪ Christmas in Coulterville takes place today from noon to 5 p.m. Santa and his elves will arrive with the local fire brigade, bringing gifts for the children.

A complimentary community dinner will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the old school house. Storytime, music and shopping in the historic downtown area will fill the afternoon hours.

▪ The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert is tonight in the Fiester Auditorium at Mariposa County High School.

On the program are holiday favorites and symphonic classics:

“Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld” by Jacques Offenbach, Franz Schubert’s Symphony in D, the “Fantasy on Greensleeves” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Serge Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” and “Sierra Christmas Party” by MSO founder and conductor Les Marsden.

Doors open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. performance. Tickets are available at the door, at the Mariposa County Arts Council office, and at the Mariposa County Visitors Center. Call (209) 966-3155 or (209) 966-7081 for details, or check the MCAC website at www.mariposaartscouncil.org.

▪ A Winter Wonderland Carnival will be held on Dec. 28 at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. games, music, wagon rides, holiday treats and more surprises await visitors.

Tickets include park entrance fees, but have sold out ahead of time in the past. Park staff members recommend purchasing tickets soon for this popular event.

Cross-country skis and snowshoes are allowed, and there’s plenty of room for playing in the snow. Call (209)795-1196 or see www.bigtrees.org for complete information.

▪ Remember when we were little, and Christmas seemed so far away? While the days dragged by we thought it would never come. Now it’s here before we’re ready, and too soon it’s gone.

I could have used a few extra weeks to prepare for the holidays. But the tree is up (and decorated, finally), and I remembered to hang the wreath on the front door.

I did mail a few cards and packages. And I’m grateful for online shopping.

Although there aren’t as many gifts under the tree (with tuition bills to pay), our kids are home from college, and my fridge and pantry are full. And our son brought his skates for ice skating in Yosemite – a family tradition we enjoy every winter since moving here.

Whatever your holiday plans, I hope this season includes a glow of contentment from love and family, and time for reflection on that first holy night.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

This story was originally published December 19, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Winter festivities set in foothills."