Get out, get going

Ho Ho Ho

This is it. It’s now or never. Today is your last chance to take a turn on Santa’s lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. Maybe it has taken you a long time to decide whether you want an Xbox 360 or a PSP, but it’s better late than never.

Santa will be at the Valley Mall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today on the upper level by Sears. Pictures can be taken while kids whisper their list in Santa’s ear. The smallest package of 11 pictures is $24.99, but parents don’t have to buy any photos if their child just wants a little lap time.

I can’t find my sleigh

Barnes & Noble at 15310 E. Indiana Ave. holds story time every Wednesday at 1 p.m. and every Saturday at 11 a.m. This Wednesday the event understandably has a Christmas theme, though all the toys will have been unwrapped (and a perhaps good portion broken) before Wednesday dawns. The story is “Dashing Through the Snow” by David Kirk.

Each story time is followed by a craft project and treats for the young ones and this week is no different. And while stir-crazy kids get to have a little fun, Mom and/or Dad can snag a cup of coffee and browse the book stacks.

I think I can, I think I can

The model railroad display being put on by the River City Model Railroaders is enough to make the most casual train buff sit up and take notice. The display includes 1,000 feet of main line and a 300-foot branch line over bridges and through tunnels, past miniature cities and towns.

The display will be open from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at 11811 E. First Ave. There is no admission charge. Watching a few locomotives chug around the track should be a soothing experience after all the hustle and bustle of Christmas.