I know what you're thinking: Another Christmas; another year rushing out trying to find gifts for your loved ones that actually mean something; another year of trying to avoid the mall; another year of trudging through the dark and cold for a tree, and then dragging the ornaments down from the attic (or up from the basement) to decorate it; another year of those interminable Christmas ditties; another year of chaining yourself to the kitchen stove in indentured bakery-slavery. Why not give you and your family a break from all of that? You can, at the Holiday Market and Lighted Santa Parade in downtown Puyallup Saturday. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Holiday Market in Pioneer Park Pavilion, where you'll find a variety of artisan crafts and unique gifts, as well as holiday home decor and specialty food items. The Lighted Santa Parade begins at 5 - so-called because Santa got lit and wasn't able to drive his sleigh. OK, not really. He just wanted to a break from the elves and reindeer, and decided to hitch a ride on a fire truck instead. The parade culminates in the lighting of the community tree. I can't guarantee, though, that interminable Christmas ditties won't be sung.

DOWNTOWN PUYALLUP HOLIDAY, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pioneer Park Pavilion, 330 S. Meridian, Puyallup, free admission, puyallupmainstreet.com 

See Also

South Sound Holiday Command Center

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife