Winter officially begins Dec. 21. That will be the day with the fewest daylight hours. Dark, dark, dark. Ah, but we have come a long way in the history of the human race and can artificially light up the dark days. We know how.

It doesn't always have to be high-tech light with fibre optics and halogen light bulbs. We have the knowledge of how to make lanterns and such. Semiahmoo Arts is offering two events for this Winter Solstice (the short daylight days): Winter Solstice Lantern Making Workshop this Saturday, Dec. 15 and Winter Solstice Celebration of Light on Saturday, Dec. 22.

The workshop on the 15th is family-friendly, costs $15 per person and all the basic supplies are included. The tools, supplies (bring your own extra decorations like glitter, feathers, etc.) and instructions await your arrival at the event, from noon to 4 p.m. at Semiahmoo Arts, 14600 North Bluff Rd., White Rock. Children 10 and under must have adult companion.

Whether you make a lantern or not, you can still join in the Winter Solstice Celebration of Light, held from 5 to 7 p.m. Lots of lanterns will guide your path from the Semiahmoo Arts studio in Centennial Park to the wooded area next to the building. Entertainment along the way includes melodies from Soul of the World Community Choir, dancing from XBa DanceCo and a fire-spinning performance by Vancouver Fire Collective. Afterward, warm up at the arts studio with warm beverages and tasty treats. Those who attended the lantern-making workshops will be able to light their lanterns to join in the celebration. Additional lanterns will be available for purchase at Semiahmoo Arts (call 604-536-8333 for more details).

Still wanting a Christmas concert? First Capital Barbershop Chorus member Leigh Anderson would like the choir's annual Christmas concert added to the list I had last week. Sure, Leigh.

No problem. The award-winning First Cap Chorus provides a great show all on their own, but they include lots of other music makers at this time of year.

The group's 2012 Langley Christmas Bureau benefit concert is Saturday, Dec. 15, 7: 30 p.m. at Chandos Pattison Auditorium, with many groups involved. Tickets are $20/$15/$5 at the door, with all proceeds to Langley Christmas Bureau. For more info, contact Gord Harris at 604-530-4795. This is a big auditorium; you should be able to get tickets at the door, no prob.

OK, so the days are still dark and Christmas Day is fast approaching. For those still seeking the perfect gift, here are two ideas:

I always appreciate tickets to live theatre - and you must have someone on your list who enjoys these outings as well. The Arts Club's Surrey Spectacular Series continues in the new year with two hit shows. You can purchase a four-ticket flex pass for $99 - use all four tickets for one show or split them between the two, at Surrey Arts Centre. Great gift! But you have to do it now, as this offer is valid only until Dec. 23 (call 604501-5566). The two shows offered are winners: Henry and Alice: Into the Wild (Jan. 15 to 26) and Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps. (Feb. 26 to March 9). Wow.

Here's my last suggestion for a super gift: Give someone a membership to the Arts Council of Surrey. The cost of membership is as low as $22.40 for the year. ACS is a very large, active and growing arts council, and it has done wonders for the City of Surrey and its arts and cultural endeavours. You don't have to go to meetings, attend any events or help fundraise - although that is always an option. Membership includes a sleek, informative monthly news magazine with pages and pages of very useful information. For membership forms, email info@ artscouncilofsurrey.ca, phone 604-594-2700, visit www. artscouncilofsurrey.ca or drop by the arts council's office at Newton Cultural Centre, 13530 72nd Ave. Betcha they can even gift-wrap a membership if you need that service, too.

melminty@telus.net