With the recent mild temperatures here in Durham Region, the big question is—will we have a white or green Christmas? I don’t mind it either way, especially if it means safe driving for all!

The less driving the better, and last-minute shopping is even easier if you stay close to home. There’s everything here—Victorian villages, unique boutiques and shops, malls, chain and big box stores—all part of the mix to find the right gifts here at home.

Photo courtesy of Durham Tourism. Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week. Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

This week’s image is courtesy of Station Gallery in Whitby. This gallery is a community hub for visual arts and hands-on experiences. Best said in their words, “If you’re looking for an art-making, mess-making, spirit-lifting creative experience,” then they have the program for you. Why not consider giving a gift of art for someone on your Christmas list? It doesn’t matter what age, because we all like to make a mess!

Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week.  Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

Knox’s Pumpkin Farm just got a yuletide makeover!  If you haven’t bought your tree yet, there are plenty at Knox’s Pumpkin Farm. There are also garlands, wreaths and other decorations with country flare—even a chance to visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus if you call ahead, and add a name or two to their list!

Photo by Kristin McCrea. Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop.  My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week. Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

Durham Region’s museums celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way with a Lamplight Tour, Christmas Teas, Christmas in the Village, an Edwardian Family Christmas and more. It’s nice to change pace and travel back to simpler times—break out the mince pies please!

Photo by Kristin McCrea. Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week. Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

Tyrone Mills, one of Ontario’s oldest water-powered mills—dating from 1846—is a tempting stop on the Christmas in Clarington Country self-guided tour this weekend, from Nov. 23 to 25.

Very little has changed in the mill’s interior over the past 150 years—from the wide plank wood floors to the aroma of freshly milled wood and yummy goodies including stone-ground flour, mill-pressed apple cider, jam, cheese, honey and a variety of specialty baking including their doughnuts. There are eight other stops on the tour.

Photo courtesy of Robert Shafer. Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week. Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

It starts in mid-November when most events seem to be wrapped in the aura of Christmas.

Santa is making an appearance in Beaverton and Bowmanville this Saturday, Nov. 17. Don’t know how he’s getting there, but I’m told he occasionally travels on the York-Durham Heritage Railway, departing from Unionville on a rail line that was built in the late 1860s as the Toronto and Nipissing (T&N) Railway.

Each trip lasts approximately 45 minutes and has on-board entertainment for children of all ages (including the adults!). Santa will be visiting each child at their seat and distributing goodies as well.

Photo courtesy of York-Durham Heritage Railway. Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week. Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

If, and when, I splurge on a piece of original art, I steer away from winter scenes. Why bring winter into my home 24/7? I need the kind of warmth reflected in the image above, chosen for My Durham Desktop.

The artist, June Hayes, will be showing her work, along with fellow members of the Port Perry Artists Association at their Autumn Art Festival, taking place on Nov. 10 and 11.

Also on Nov. 10 and 11, another art form is on display—this time in Ajax—the Durham Potters Guild Annual Christmas Show. Over 30 potters, each with an individual style, have created a varied selection of both functional and decorative works. These are definitely not your mother’s pots!

Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week. Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

This works for the weather we’re having lately: “Rainbird Family” by Passmore Mashaya.

Mashaya is an artist of growing reputation from Zimbabwe; his works have been purchased around the world and his piece entitled “Princess” was purchased by Buckingham Palace.

Cultural Expressions Art Gallery in Pickering Village features Mashaya’s work as part of a diverse collection of original works of art and prints from different cultures and countries, as well as local artists. You’ll also find glass, pottery, photography, jewelry, home décor accents, and a surprise or two.

Pickering Village itself is worth a stroll; located in the west end of the Town of Ajax along Hwy. 2, it’s home to a collection of the community’s most historic homes and properties. During the early 1800s, small ships could travel up Duffins Creek all the way to Pickering Village. The village has also been home to two grist-mills (for the grinding of grains), a brewery, tannery, taverns and shops of shoemakers, tailors, a blacksmith and a wagon maker.

Today the area is home to numerous designated heritage buildings, the newly renovated St. Francis Centre, a new urban square, festivals and events and groups in the arts, music, sport, leisure and recreation.

Photo courtesy of Cultural Expressions Art Gallery. Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region via visual art and photography every week. Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

gh dynamic programming including pottery programs for all ages, as well as a diverse range of visual arts pr

 Finding the perfect pumpkin is almost as challenging as the quest for the Christmas Tree, without the subactic conditions! 

According to Wikipedia, the tradition is thought to come from the British Isles where turnips or beets were used.  Turnip lanterns were made on the Gaelic festival of Samhain (October 31-November 1) in the 19th century.  Samhain was a time when fairies and spirits were said to be active.  The purpose of these lanterns may have been threefold: to light the way while outside on Samhain night, to represent the spirits and otherworldly beings, and/or to protect oneself and one’s home from them.  

If the perfect pumpkin still eludes you, you could always go picking this weekend at a Durham Farm Fresh farm near you!   

Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region visual art and photography every week.  Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.