Your Next Three Days

We know the holiday times can get a little hairy between shopping for last-minute gifts, traveling and spending time with family. But if you're looking for a break this weekend or have time to step away, we've got you covered.

It can be difficult to find things to do when Christmas is just around the corner. So you're hitting a wall while brainstorming, just peruse our event listings. Or look here, to Your Next Three Days.

We wish all of you a very merry and safe Christmas.

Friday

If you haven't had your fill of holiday giving yet this season, we've got an outlet for you. In the spirit of the season, Consider Holiday Donation to DuPage Forest Preserve. You can direct your donation to the district's conservation, education or recreation programs. You may also choose to support a favorite forest preserve or allow the district to determine where your gift is needed most. Gifts of any value will help the district accomplish worthwhile initiatives that benefit visitors and the natural environment. All donations are tax deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. To learn more about donations to the Forest Preserve District, call the Office of Fundraising and Development at 630-933-7097, or visit the Website and click on "Get Involved" and "Donate."
 
Seeking refuge from the bitter cold? Stay in and curl up with a good book by joining the that's ongoing Jan. 30. The program is built on a "Chill Out with a Good Book" theme and is geared toward children from birth through fifth grade. Kids can win prizes by keeping track of the time they read or listen to books. For more information, visit the library's Website.

Pretend you're in the warm weather for a few hours this holiday season. Wacky Water Week is back and ready to take on the stir-crazy days of winter break. So Bring your kids to Pelican Harbor to enjoy games with prizes on the hour beginning at 12:30 p.m. Maybe you'll have calmer, happier kids after hours of exercise and fun in the pool. Call 630-739-1705 for any more information.

Saturday

Only if you've been living under a rock for the past several months would you not know that today is Christmas. Stores, restaurants and even many gas stations are closed. So we hope you don't need to run out to get a stick of butter or a gallon of milk. If you don't celebrate the holiday—or do and are looking for an unconventional way to spend your day—we've compiled a list of . Check it out! We hope you have a wonderful day filled with memories you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Sunday

If you feel like taking a little cruise for some post-holiday fun, . The house is decked in greens and an aroma of holiday treats emanates through the rooms. Free tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago. Call 630-876-5900 for more information.

If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon, visit your local resource for great art. . Tom Linden's work examines the beauty of rural landscapes and the presence of man through Jan. 6 in the College's Oesterle Library Gallery, 320 E. School St., Naperville. The exhibit is free and open to the public.