It seems hard to believe but the holidays are just around the corner. Before you know it, we will be ringing in the New Year and the countdown to the holiday season will begin again. It is a favorite time of the season for many families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. There are so many fun events to attend and family traditions around the home. But the fun doesn't have to end with the holidays. There will continue to be events offered around JBLM for all ages.

The Northwest Adventure Center is offering various family friendly trips around the Puget Sound area. Sunday, Dec. 27, the entire family can ride along with the Outdoor Recreation Program to visit the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market. Children and adults alike will enjoy all of the exhibits found at the popular Seattle Aquarium. When you're done visiting the aquarium, head on over to Pike Place to check out the amazing shops found throughout the area. Transportation departs from the Northwest Adventure Center at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $40, $35 ages 4-12, and $15 ages 0-3. The fees include parking, admission to the Seattle Aquarium and fuel charges.

If you're looking for a day in the snow, take advantage of the White Pass Mountain Day trip. This event also takes place Sunday, Dec. 27. The ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If you have never been skiing or snowboarding, this may be the perfect opportunity to try it. A special package is available for purchase that includes a two-hour lesson. This package includes skiing or snowboarding, transportation, gear, two-hour lesson, and full mountain lift ticket for $115. Snowshoes are available for $45 and if you have your own gear already, the cost of the trip is $35. There are two departure times: 5:45 a.m. from McChord Field's Adventures Unlimited and a 6 a.m. from the Northwest Adventure Center at Lewis North.

Are you looking for family friendly events to attend for New Year's Eve? The McChord Library will be hosting a Noon Year's Eve party for children ages 1-6. The children are welcome to come to the library for story-time and games, then count down to noon while wearing fun New Year hats! Once the clock strikes noon, everyone will celebrate with a sparkling cider toast, and throw confetti into the air. Registration is required and is limited to 24 children. Guests can register on their website at: http://www.jblmmwr.com/library_mcchord.html.

Families can get together at Sounders Lanes for New Year's Eve bowling and a party. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and for $20 will feature all-you-can-eat pizza, party favors, sparkling cider, and fantastic door prizes. Everyone at Sounders Lanes will be celebrating the arrival of the New Year on East Coast time in order to give families an opportunity to get home to ring in the New Year at home as well. Registration is required and is limited to 72 people. For more information, please call 253.982.5954.

BOSS is hosting a New Year's Eve Halo 5 Tournament. As of press time, it is still in the planning stages but there will be a DJ and dance floor along with a raffle to give away six XBOX Ones. It is a free event and registration for the tournament will be the day of the event. It is tentatively planned to begin at 8 p.m. and end at 1 a.m. Check with them for updated information, 253.967.5635.

There are many wonderful, fun, and family-friendly events to keep you busy well into the new year. Whatever you choose to celebrate, always remember to stay safe.