Feeling Worn Out From Prepping for the Holidays in Southern New Hampshire?

If the effort of getting ready for the holidays has you feeling worn out, here are some Southern New Hampshire activities to put the spring back in your step and the holiday spirit back in your heart:

*Download one of the free scenic NH wallpapers from NH.com. 

*Take a sleigh ride at Charmingfare Farm in Candia, NH featuring a Horse-Drawn Ride, Christmas Lights, Holiday Displays, Nativity with Live Animals, Costumed Characters, Petting Zoo, Santa & Reindeer. The Lighted Winter Wonderland package is available tonight, Christmas Eve, December 24th as well as Saturday the 26 & Sunday the 27 for $20.00 pp when you purchase online or $23.00 at the box office. (Children 1 year and under FREE) Or, for a more romantic excursion, take the VIP Sleigh with no lines or waiting for $125.00 (Seats up to 4 passengers) Reservations are strongly recommended.  Location: Charmingfare Farm, 774 High Street, Candia, NH.  Information: 603-483-5623 or visit www.VisitTheFarm.com

*Visit the outdoor ice skating rink in Merrimack, NH located in the town center section of Merrimack adjacent to Merrimack High School and Middle School behind the tennis courts on O’Gara Drive.  The ice-skating rink will be open to the public, as weather permits seven days a week with the lights on from 4:00 – 10:00pm.  For evenings when the rink is being groomed, it will be closed to skaters at 9:00 pm.
Please call the Merrimack DPW at at 603-423-8551 (Hours of Operation: 7:00 - 3:00 Monday thru Friday) for current ice conditions or the Parks and Recreation office at 603-882-1046 with your questions.

*For the more athletically inclined, check out Liftopia.com, where you can buy discounted ski passes!  Recent deals include $44 for Pat's Peak on Saturday January 9th or Sunday January 10th, $50 for Gunstock on Saturday December 26th or Sunday December 27th, $51 for Waterville Valley on Saturday January 9th or Sunday January 10th.  Naturally, the cheapest tickets are for weekdays (often in the $20's!), so if you have a weekday off, check it out!  And check out www.SkiNH.com for a map of all the New Hampshire mountains!

*Finally, consider making a special holiday donation to your favorite charity for those who are having a particularly rough year.  If you don't have a favorite charity, use the Charity Navigator to pick one, or here are some local New Hampshire charities:
 The Nashua Soup Kitchen
Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity
Home, Heath & Hospice Care
Humane Society for Greater Nashua

May you find much joy and peace this holiday season with friends and family!