The 12 days of Christmas are here. If you’re a fan of count-down Advent calendars, this is the homestretch to Christmas Day.

Advent calendars were always a tradition in my house when I was young. We had some beautifully crafted ones my mom had brought with us from Germany. The kind you used over again every year and filled with treats and small gifts. I went the more commercial route with my own kids, buying the cute cardboard ones with the little doors you open each day and find a chocolate behind. I had a very clever kiddo that found a way to get the back open and get all the candy out without having to open the little doors so mom wouldn’t know. This is the same kid that used to take the dried corn from the hamster food and put it in the tooth fairy pillow to try and trick the tooth fairy. She keeps us guessing even though she’s grown up and out exploring the world.

With just a few weeks left until Christmas I thought I’d share 12 ideas of things to do, see and enjoy in our beach community between now and Christmas Day.

On the first day of Christmas, why not take your true love to a romantic Italian Dinner at the new restaurant in town — Gustoso Italian, located at 749 Point Brown Ave. NW (360) 289-2535. Treat a loved one and yourself to authentic Italian cuisine or reserve a table to start your romantic night out right.

On the second day of Christmas, start a new winter tradition and join a bowling league. Thursday night is Merchant league. It is fun! Gets you out of the house for a few hours every week. You can meet new and old friends. Stop by Shores Bowl and get more information.

Why not pick up a special give certificate for someone special. Treat the ones you love with a massage for relaxation and rejuvenation. Namaste is offering a holiday special for an hour massage for $50. Massage gift certificates are great stocking stuffers and they are good for one year from Christmas Day. This special is available now through Christmas Eve. Stop by 676 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW or give them a call at (360) 986-0033.

Get out and watch Thursday night football. The Seahawks sure could use the support this week! When was the last time you visited the Elks Lodge? Thursday, Dec. 15 from 5-9:30 p.m. The LA Rams travel to face our Seattle Seahawks. Bar opens at 4 p.m., kickoff scheduled for 5:25 p.m. Menu is baked potato soup with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

Take the kiddos to an event at the Ocean Shores Library. All children ages baby through 6th grade are invited to drop in on Dec. 17 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to write a letter to Santa, do a holiday craft and get a free wrapped book from the Library Elves. Located at 573 Point Brown Ave NW.

Want to sing holiday songs but might need some liquid encouragement first? The Porthole Pub has Karaoke five nights a week starting at 9 p.m. each night. A full-service menu until closing is available. Stop by 893 Point Brown Ave. NW and get into the holiday spirit with some spirits.

Looking for a holiday program to take the family to? All are welcome to the Ocean Shores Baptist Church at 625 Point Brown Ave. NW on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Come and sing your favorite Christmas Carols along with the cast. The kids (and adults) are great to watch as they give the message of the true meaning of Christmas. Fellowship afterwards with food, desserts, etc.

A little farther up the coast in Pacific Beach Community Church, there is the 2016 Christmas Program. Sunday School starts at 10 a.m. followed by Sunday Service at 11:15. There will be a potluck following Sunday Service for some fellowship and good food before the Christmas Program starts: 1:30- 3 p.m. at 19 4th St. S, Pacific Beach.

On Dec. 20, visit Driftwood Plaza on the corner of Chance ala Mer and Ocean Shores Blvd. for a special evening from 5-8 of shopping and holiday fun. Refreshments and special offers form the merchants in the Plaza.

On the 10th day of Christmas, get yourself looking fabulous. Have you tried Volante Salon yet? Sit and enjoy a relaxing view of the water while you get a new cut, color and style. Located at 548 Point Brown NE, (360) 986-0819.

One final touch before the holidays is a facial, manicure and pedicure. Calisa has been working on some fun holiday nail art. Make an appointment before they fill up: 847 Minard Ave NW or call (360) 589-8554. Gift certificates available too.

On Christmas Eve, you can enjoy a special event at Seabrook Town Hall at 7 p.m. Ericka Corban and guests singing all of the holiday classics! Cash bar with holiday beverages. Fun for whole family. $5 per person, pay at the door. Doors open at 6:30. If you haven’t heard her sing yet, you are in for a treat.

Want a special Christmas Day dinner without the hours of cooking and dishes? The Quinault Beach Resort and Casino is serving a wonderful holiday buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Always a spectacular meal. Don’t forget to make reservations for Christmas Buffet by calling 1-888-461-2214.

How ever you choose to spend the next 12 days of Christmas, choose patience, choose kindness, and choose to make wonderful memories here “On the Beach”.

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