Spirit of Christmas 5:30pm. Community Human Services hosts their Spirit of Christmas community event to give gifts to needy children throughout the Peninsula. Light refreshments and local celebrities will be on hand for gift collection and tree lighting. Doubletree Hotel, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. 899-4131.

Gerson Therapy Seminar 6:30pm. Dr. Olga McVey leads this workshop on Naturopathic Healing techniques for serious illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases and cancer. Space is limited, pre-register. Naturopathic Medical Center, 350 Reservation Rd., Marina. 277-9856.

Writers Union Meeting 7pm. This month's meeting hosts the Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula, group authors of Monterey Shorts. Thunderbird Bookshop, 3600 The Barnyard, Carmel. 624-1803.

Argentine Tango Class 7pm. Marcelo and Valesa Solis teach this beautiful dance to all skill ranges. Beginners 7pm, intermediate class 8:10pm. $15. Pacific Grove Art Center, 586 Lighthouse, Pacific Grove. 649-8821.

friday 12|6

Manzanita Open Studios Today through Sunday. Join in this free self-guided tour of art in the Prunedale/Aromas area. Framers Corner in Prunedale, Avalon Beads in Salinas and Wild Rose Art Supplies in Watsonville all have maps of participating studios. Call 768-8997 or 726-3062.

Thomas Steinbeck Booksigning 6pm. Steinbeck autographs and speaks about his book Down to a Soundless Sea. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Monterey. 840-4880.

Inner Work 7pm. Jung Friends apply Jung's ideas to their everyday lives. Call ahead for details and directions to this week's meeting. Donation. Monterey Peninsula Friends of Jung, 284 Foam St., Monterey. 649-4018.

saturday 12|7

Book Fair 8:30am-8:30pm. Hartnell's Child Development Center presents this book sale supporting literacy and learning. Petting zoo outside the college center from 11am-2pm. Hartnell College, 165 Homestead Dr., Salinas. 755-6046.

Elk's Hoop Shoot 9am. Over three million kids will participate in the Elk's Free Throw Contest this year. The national winners receive a trophy. Your time to participate is today, with a chance to go to the finals in Massachusetts. North Salinas High School, 55 Kip Dr., Salinas. 422-8023.

Docent Led Hike 9:30am. Two- or three-hour moderate difficulty hike through Garland Park. Rain Cancels. Garland Ranch Regional Park, 700 West Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley. 372-3196 ext. 3.

Monterey Bay Talespinners 10am. This group of storytellers entertains with "Stories Told For Young And Old," part of the Carmel Valley Library's First Saturday program. CV Library, 65 West Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley. 659-2377.

Hidden Valley Craft Fair 10am-5pm, today and tomorrow. The 22nd annual Artists' Christmas Fair will be held in the theater at Hidden Valley Music Seminars, Carmel Valley Rd. at Ford Rd. in Carmel Valley. Two dozen artists present hand-crafted items: art glass, bird houses, photography, fine art, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, leather, wood bowls, wearable art. 659-0570.

Kayak Holiday Open House 10am. Kayak Santa, cookies and cocoa make this preview of 2003 kayaks yummy and bright. Also enjoyable is the end-of-year sale on this year's stuff. Catch the slide show of kayak adventures at 6:30pm. Monterey Bay Kayaks, 639 Del Monte Center, Monterey. 373-5357.

Mindfulness Touch Workshop 10am. Learn about how you can realign your energy to realign your life. Experiment with the more esoteric side of touch. $50 includes vegetarian lunch. Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, Fourth and Guadalupe, Carmel. 624-7491.

Joyous Elves Craft Faire 10am. Choose from a variety of crafts and make your own Christmas presents. Learn how to craft candles, scarves, cute decorations, and more. Prices range depending on activity. Monterey Charter School, 2004 David Ave., Pacific Grove. 655-4638.

First Saturday Morning 10:30am. Music, games and stories for kids with Nancy Raven and special guest Dixie Dixon. $3 adults, $2 kids, babies free, no family over $10. Morgan's Coffee and Tea, 498 Washington, Monterey.

Human Rights Day Luncheon 11am. Table displays and, of course, lunch at this celebration of international human rights day. Amnesty International, the Monterey Peace Coalition, and others will be represented; Mel Mason is honored. Call for more information, 626-1509.

Wine and Wreaths 11am. Open house and food drive for the Food Bank of Monterey County. Make winter wreaths from grapevines, meet winemaker Ridge Watson, and enjoy the food. Entry is a donation of non-perishable food. Joullien Winery, 20300 Cachagua Rd., Carmel Valley. 659-2800.

Recycle Your Fur Coats Noon. The Alzheimer's Association of Monterey County will be selling heirloom fur teddy bears at the Carmel Plaza. These handcrafted bears are created and individually signed by Linda Skeleton and Linda Van Houtte, and are made of recycled fur coats donated by Monterey County residents. 647-9890.

Weihnachtsfest At The Barnyard Noon. Join in to win a $1,000 gift basket, and enjoy the music, revelry and Christmas cheer at the Barnyard Shopping Center's annual holiday fest. Hwy. 1 and Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel. 624-8886.

Christmas Concert 3pm. Hartnell Community Chorus holds its annual winter concert, featuring works by Hayden and Pergolesi, as part of mass at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, San Miguel and Pajaro St., Salinas. 754-2440.

Dickens Fellowship Meeting 6pm. Special guest Geoffery Harris reads from "A Christmas Carol." No reading discussion this meeting. 514 Park St., Pacific Grove. 372-7625.

Wildlife Tours 6:30pm. Holiday nighttime flashlight tours of Wild Things Animal Rentals, a center devoted to the care of wild animals and funded by their appearance in films. Meet the beasts on this guided tour. $12 adults, $12 and under, not recommended for kids under 3. 400 River Rd., Salinas. 455-1901, ext. 3.

Christmas Open House 6-10pm. Cottage Artistry presents watercolors by Margie Anderson, music by Marylee Sunseri and refreshments by Katherine Stroup at an open house and reception. 216 17th St., Pacific Grove. Free. 646-8400.

Professor Spicer's Dance Tonic 7pm. Newcomers workshop, followed by a 7:30 contra dance. Dance is $8. YMCA, 600 Camino El Estero, Monterey. 373-4167.

Young Professionals Mixer 7pm. Semi-formal holiday gala for young professionals, put on by the Monterey County Young Professionals Group. 7pm poolside cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing 8pm to midnight. Reservations required. Carmel Mission Inn, Highway 1 and Rio Rd., Carmel. $25. 372-2259.

sunday 12|8

Holiday Craft and Gift Fair 9am-2pm. Help Palma raise money to send junior high students to Washington DC. Palma High School Gym, 919 Iverson St., Salinas. 754-1784.

Tree Planting Volunteers Needed 10am-1pm. Plant trees at Veterans Memorial Park in Salinas to plant trees with Return of the Natives, an environmental restoration group. Only heavy rain cancels. Veterans Memorial Park, East Laurel Ave., Salinas. 582-3689.

Sundaes On Sunday Noon. Ghirardelli ice-cream eating contest, with the winner awarded his weight in chocolate. Strolling performers, Santa's Cottage, and the Grinch. Cannery Row, Monterey. 644-9322.

Carmel Inns Of Distinction Tour 2-5pm. Visit some of Carmel's nicest inns and eat delightful food while you're there. Tour is $25, call for sites and details. 624-1970.

Winter Potluck 4:30pm. Main course provided by Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy, this evening also doubles as a chance to stargaze. Reservations required. Hamming Astronomy Center, 200 Eighth St., Marina. 883-1000.

monday 12|9

Breakin' The Boundaries 7pm today and Tuesday. Hartnell College dancers and choreographers, plus guest artists, present an evening of ballet, modern, jazz and hip-hop. Hartnell College Main Stage, 156 Homestead, Salinas. Free. 755-6905.

tuesday 12|10

Taking Tea With Alice Noon and 1:30pm. Yummy sandwiches at this afternoon tea with a Wonderland theme. $25. Jabberwock Bed and Breakfast, 598 Laine St., Monterey. 372-4777.

Celebrando Quien Soy Yo 6pm. Dance and benefit to support HIV-prevention material. 21+. Franco's Norma Jeans, 10639 Merritt St., Castroville. 784-6969.

Creative Memories Workshop 6:30pm. Learn how to make family albums to preserve memories forever. $10 residents, $12.50 non-residents of Seaside. Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside. 899-6805.

Estate Planning Workshop 6:30pm. Edward Jones Investing leads this discussion for women on estate planning. Learn about what happens after you die and how to make sure your wishes are followed. Whole Foods Market Cooking and Lifestyle School, 800 Del Monte Center, Monterey. 333-1600.

Emily Dickinson Birthday Observance 7:30pm. Reading and cookies with Dr. Barbara Mossberg, international expert on Emily Dickinson. Poems and a discussion of Dickinson's life and her unique view. CSUMB's University Center Living Room, Building 29, Sixth Avenue, Seaside. 582-4189.

wednesday 12|11

Music Together, Monterey 10am. Free sample class for kids 0-4 and the adults who love them. Play, creative movement and music all come together in this fun and educational class. 33 Park Ave., Monterey. 645-9726.

A Winter Choral Celebration 10:30am and 7:30pm. The Hartnell College Choir and Chamber Singers presents songs for Hanukkah, Christmas, and the U.S.A. Hartnell College Main Stage, 156 Homestead, Salinas. Free. 755-6905.

Osteoporosis Cooking Demonstration 11am. Cooking demonstration by Christins Westfall of the Whole Foods market in Monterey. Sponsored by the Osteoporosis Diagnostic Center. Sally Griffin Senior Center, 700 Jewell Ave., Pacific Grove. 644-0538.

Volunteer Orientation 7pm. Prerequisite to a 13-week training program for Aquarium volunteers. Reservations encouraged. Los Arboles Jr. High School, 294 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. 648-4986.

Poetry Slam 8pm. Read your own or sit back and enjoy the rantings of others at the Rubber Chicken Poetry Slam and Open Mic. Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. $2 to slam, $5 to watch. Morgan's Coffee and Tea, 498 Washington St., Monterey.

ongoing events

Monterey Actors Studio Ongoing auditions for newly formed theater group focusing on theater games, voice, music, improv and movement. Saturdays, 11:30-1:30, St. James Episcopal Church, 381 High St., Monterey. 784-0646.

Friends of Acoustic Music Those with instruments and/or who sing are welcome to join in every Saturday from 2-5pm at Sculpture House & Gardens Gallery, Highway 1, Carmel Highlands. 624-2476.

West African Drum Classes Features authentic rhythms and culture from Senegal. Drums available. All skill levels, drop-ins welcome. $15, $5 drum fee. Classes held Thursdays from 7:30-9pm at Salinas Valley Yoga, 248 Main St., Salinas; and Fridays from 6:30-8pm at Chautauqua Hall, 16th and Central, Pacific Grove. 754-8779.

Peace Vigil The Peace Coalition of Monterey County holds a vigil for peace every Sunday from noon to 2pm at Window on the Bay Park, Monterey; the Salinas Action League holds a peace vigil every Friday from noon to 1pm outside the Salinas Post Office; and the Women's League for International Peace and Freedom passes out anti-war information every Monday from noon to 1pm outside Morgan's Coffee and Tea in Monterey. The public is invited to stop by or join the vigil.

MPC Certified Farmers' Market Every Thursday from 2:30-6pm, this farmers' market sells produce, crafts, fresh food and much more. Monterey Peninsula College, Parking lot A, 930 Fremont St., Monterey.

Old Monterey Market Place This year-round, rain or shine market takes place every Tuesday from 4-8pm. Vendors offer a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, arts, crafts and jewelry. Alvarado St., Monterey. 655-2607.

Historic Monterey Walking Tours Guided tours of downtown Monterey focusing on California's history from 1842-1849 begin daily at 10:30am. The 2pm daily tour focuses on California's history from the 1820s to the 1840s. Free. 649-7118.

Carmel Heritage Walking Tours Saturdays at 9:30am, join the Carmel Heritage Society in touring and learning about the town's history. Meet at the First Murphy House, Lincoln and Sixth, Carmel. 624-4477.

announcements

Free Aquarium Admission Dec. 7-15, Monterey County Residents get free admission to the Aquarium with proof of residence. Out-of county guests still pay full price. This is a good time to visit those cool new comb jellies, so go, go, go!

Be a Buddy Best Buddies Citizens matches developmentally disabled adults with volunteer buddies. Want to help out? Call 393-9185.

Blankets for Animals The Monterey County Animal Services Center needs towels and blankets to keep homeless animals warm this winter. Bring donations to 2840 Fifth Avenue in Marina, or call 442-3857.

Monterey Fireman's Association Donations of toys accepted to assist families in need. Any of the three Monterey fire stations will take your donation of toys for needy children. 646-3905.

Carmel Art Association Drive The CAA is asking for donations of food and toys for the Monterey County Food bank. Drop-offs can be made in the bin in the CAA foyer, Dolores and Sixth, Carmel.624-6176.

Food For Fines Monterey and Pacific Grove Libraries will forgive any library fines for a can of food to be donated to the Monterey County Food Bank. Bring non-perishable food items to either library and have all your transgressions forgiven. Amnesty ends Dec. 31.

Bay Net Volunteer Training Training sessions Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30pm through 12/11, plus five field sessions. For info, call 643-2638.

Holiday Poinsettia Sale Proceeds benefit Door to Hope, a non-profit agency providing alcohol and drug treatment services to women. Free delivery of three or more. Call 758-0181.

Prevent-a-Litter Become a sponsor of the Animal Friends Rescue Project. A one-time donation of $1,000 is all it takes to become a lifetime friend of AFRP. 333-0722.

Apples for Alzheimer's Buy apples and help support the Monterey County Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Monterey 647-9890, Salinas 757-0531, King City, 385-8813.

First Night Monterey To order admission buttons, find out more, or somehow become a part of First Night Monterey (the sober festival to ring in the New Year) call 373-4777.

Housing Volunteers The Housing Advocacy Council needs volunteers to speak at tenant education workshops throughout the county. Knowledge of Spanish a plus. Call 424-9186.

Homework Pals Monterey Public Library is seeking volunteers for their homework assistance program. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least two hours a week. Training and materials provided.