That suffocating feeling of coming doom isn't nuclear winter falling.

It's Christmas. And it's set to explode in a blizzard of torn ribbon in T-minus 28 days.

Quick! How do you wrap a fishing pole? Is it OK to regift a waffle maker if you accidentally threw out the box? The cat did what on the carpet? Put a rug over it, the company's here.

Whoa, there. Slow down.

This season pencil in some time for yourself. Take this Christmas To Do List and check off at least a few of the holiday events Casper has to offer.

When the last bit of wrapping paper falls, you'll be thankful for the few truly enjoyable moments of the season.

FREE * See Santa's sleigh, SATURDAYS

See him. Sit with him. Recite your Christmas wish list to him.

Santa is camping out at the McCann building in downtown Casper Saturdays through Christmas. You can't miss him. He'll be waiting in the window packed with holiday lights. Children can get a free picture with Santa from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Christmas.

FREE * Casper Christmas Parade, SATURDAY

With the lights and the music and the hot chocolate and the big guy in red, the parade is a highlight event in a season of highlights.

More than 60 entries are expected this year, including lighted floats, antique cars and tractors, horse riders, dance squads and more.

The parade begins on East A Street before heading south on Center Street and winding its way through downtown.

The theme is "It's a Story Book Christmas," and volunteers will serve free hot chocolate and cookies beginning at 5 p.m.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. and takes about an hour and a half, so dress warmly. About 1,500 people came last year.

Info: 266-3050 or go to www.downtowncasper.com.

* 'Season of Light,' SATURDAY; DEC. 13, 20, 27

Just in time for Christmas, the Casper Planetarium has reopened after closing for a spruce ups in October. reopening after spruce ups in October.

Its 'Season of Light' program examines the stories behind Christmas' lights, including the most timeless star of them all: The Star of Bethlehem.

Shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Casper Planetarium, 904. N. Poplar St. Cost is $2.50 per person.

Info: 577-0310.

Holiday music, DEC. 7, 14,18

Casper offers plenty of chances to hear your favorite Christmas melodies this season. Here are a few:

Colcannon's Christmas Show, DEC. 5: Enjoy a night of music and laughs in an ARTCORE performance of Colcannon at Kelly Walsh High School Auditorium. Tickets are $4 to $12. Info: 265-1564 or go online to www.artcorewy.com.

- Alla Breve, DEC. 7: The cross-generational women's chorus representing the upper division of the Casper Children's Chorale, will perform at 2 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. It is free.

The concert features the 45-voice women's chorus performing music of the masters, folk songs and seasonal favorites. Individual singers will also present solos and ensembles.

Marcia Patton conducts Alla Breve, with piano accompaniment by Lynn Kahler. Other instrumentation includes Becky Mothersbaugh on violin and John Patton on percussion.

- Casper Recorder Consort, DEC. 7: Hear holiday music spanning several centuries, including works by Bach, Byrd, Praetorius, as well as contemporary arrangements of traditional favorites. The audience will also be invited to join by singing some songs and jingling keys, loose change and any sleigh bells for a holiday "jing-a-long." The performance, part of the Casper Chamber Music Society's 2008-2009 recital series, begins at 4 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 4600 S. Poplar St. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $2 for students. Info: ccms.ramshorn.us.

- 'A Festive Holiday,' DEC. 14: Wyoming Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate. The Casper Children's Chorale will join in for a host of holiday favorites and the audience can join in for a sing-along at the end of the show.

The concert is at 3 p.m. at the John F. Welsh Auditorium at Natrona County High School, 930 S. Elm St. Tickets: $22 to $33.

Info: 307-266-1478, wyomingsymphony.org or sherry@wyomingsymphony.org.

- Senior Mistletoe Ball, DEC. 18: Enjoy a sit-down dinner and dance courtesy of Central Wyoming Senior Services.

Starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Casper Senior Citizen Center, 1831 E. Fourth St. Tickets: $8 through Dec. 12; $10 Dec. 13-17. No tickets at the door. Info: Call Heather at 307-265-4678 or go to www.casperseniorcenter.com.

* Humane Society pet photos, SATURDAY and DEC. 13

For pet owners, few things say Christmas like a pet in a Santa hat.

The Casper Humane Society with DeMaine Image Pet Photography will photograph your pets in all their yule-tide cuteness. Santa Claus will help determine if your pet has been naughty or nice.

DeMaine Image takes photos of the shelter animals which are used to advertise the dogs and cats available for adoption on Petfinder.com and on the Casper Humane Society's Web site thereby helping the animals find new homes.

Bring your pets from noon to 4 p.m. SATURDAY and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. DEC. 13 to the Casper Humane Society, 849 East E Street, on the frontage road between Center and McKinley streets.

Cost is $10 for a sitting fee with a portion donated to the Humane Society. Pet owners can choose from several photo packages or have Christmas cards made.

Info: 265-5439

* Teddy Bear Tea, SUNDAY

How about it: Has this year been naughty or nice?

If you've got some explaining to do, get unfettered access to the Big Guy at one of Santa's first stops of the season. All it will cost you is one new Teddy Bear.

Spend an afternoon at the Boys and Girls Club visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus about, you know, whatever. Stroll among the decorated auction trees, sip hot cider, eat warm cookies and vote for your favorite tree. Local school choruses will provide entertainment.

The tea is from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming, 1701 K. Street. Bears collected at the tea will be used to decorate a Christmas tree to be auctioned off at the Festival of Trees. Money from the Teddy Bear tree benefits the Boys and Girls Club.

* Festival of Trees, TUESDAY

Five boxes of dated Christmas decorations are buried somewhere in your garage. You've got a choice to make: Find them, untangle the contents and spend the next five months vacuuming up the glitter. Or, sit back and sip your egg nog.

Yeah. Take the egg nog.

Let someone else trim your tree this year. Head to the Festival of Trees and find one already decorated. Then, sit back and graciously accept the compliments.

The festival is the year's biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Wyoming. This year trees will fill up two gymnasiums at the Boys and Girls Club, so you're sure to find something to suit your taste. And to really impress the company, pick out other holiday decorations as well - wreaths, stockings and more.

The night begins with cocktails and the silent auction at 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club. The live auction is at 7 p.m. Cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple.

Call Special Olympics Wyoming at 235-3062 for more information.

FREE * 'The Glory of Christmas,' THURSDAY, DEC.5-7

Celebrate the season with music, dance, drama and worship with "The Glory of Christmas" presented by the Worship Arts Ministry of Highland Park Community Church.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. at Highland Park Community Church.

The show is free, but you should get tickets to reserve a seat. They are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the church office and at the Galilean at Eastridge Mall.

Info: 265-4073.

* Madrigal Feaste, THURSDAY, DEC. 5-6, DEC. 10-13

If you don't already have tickets, make a Christmas wish that you did. (Or at least resolve to get yours a bit quicker next year.)

The Madrigal Feaste has become such a popular Christmas destination in Casper that tickets usually sell out in a few hours. This year, two performances didn't immediately sell out after new seating arrangements allowed for 20 more guests at each performance. Join the royal court in a traditional Christmas feast (but be sure to tip your knaves and wenches). Jugglers, brass fanfares, grand processionals, mimes and more make the event a true spectacle.

All the while, the Casper College Collegiate Chorale, Men's and Women's Choirs, and the Contemporary Singers serenade guests with traditional Christmas songs as they eat.

This year's event is called "Quest for the Holy Quail." Get it?

Feasts are at the Casper College Black Box Theater in Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex. Info: 268-2606.

* 'The Gifts of the Magi,' THURSDAY, DEC. 5-6, DEC. 9-13

Based on two stories by O.Henry - "The Gifts and the Magi" and "The Cop and the Anthem" - this is a timeless holiday tale about love and the real power of giving.

The musical tells the story of Jim and Della Dillingham, who, barely making ends meet in 1905, find the joy in giving and the grace in sacrifice that embodies the Christmas spirit.

Told by Willy, the newsboy, with a quartet of players who make up all the citizens of New York. Also meet Soapy Smith, the bum with the heart of gold.

Directed by Richard Burk.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in the McMurry Mainstage at the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students 5 to 18. Available at the box office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, by calling 268-2500 or toll free 800-442-2963, ext. 2500, or at the box office one hour before each show.

* 'A Bluegrass Christmas,' DEC. 6

It's Anastasia's fault.

If it wasn't for her obsession with the fiddle, her family wouldn't have a band. If her family didn't have a band, they wouldn't be playing a bluegrass Christmas concert.

Anastasia Beeson started fiddle lessons four years ago. She made her first public appearance with the Casper Old Time Fiddlers.

And then, a funny thing happened. Her family picked up instruments and started to join in. First it was Dad, Paul Beeson, on the mandolin. Then it was JD Beeson, 16, on the banjo; Angie Beeson, 18, on the guitar and, finally, Mama, Rhondasue Beeson, on the upright bass.

Family friend Bosco Lane, an original member of the Stone Mountain Boys, rounded out the band.

Anastasia's Fault will play a benefit concert at 8 p.m. DEC. 6 at Metro Coffee Company, 241 S. David St. Cost is $3.

Metro will donate proceeds from drink sales during the concert to the Salvation Army. Perishable foods will also be accepted. One may also bring donations, canned and boxed food or toys for Natrona County's needy families.

To learn more about Anastasia's Fault or to book them for an event, call 307-265-8973 and ask for Rhondasue.

* Pet photos with Santa, DEC. 6

Bring your pooch - and the rest of your family - to have your photo taken with Santa Claus.

Photographers will shoot family photos - pets included - with Jolly Ol' Saint Nick from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DEC. 6 in the Casper room in the back of the agricultural building at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, 1700 Fairgrounds Road in Casper.

Cost is $10 per photo. Also, the Santa Shop will have gift items and baked goodies for sale at the event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Proceeds will go to Rainbow Rescue to help cover the expenses of spaying and neutering homeless dogs, and to help pay for the animals' other medical needs.

For questions, call Erika Phillips at 234-5607.

FREE * Tree of Love, DEC. 7

Hang a tree ornament in honor of someone special at the Hospice's annual remembrance tree lighting ceremony. Those who make a donation will get a paper tree ornament to hang on the tree, and people can attach a special message, drawing or name of the person to be honored.

The ceremony includes decorating the Tree of Love, lighting of an outdoor tree, caroling, hot beverages and sweets 6 p.m. DEC. 7 at 319 W. Wilson St.

Info: 577-4832

FREE * Nic Holiday Open House, DEC. 7

Take this chance to see all that you've been missing at the Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center.

Entertainment will be provided by the Rising Star Dance Studio, Bucky Walker and Richard Turner, the Phoenix Ringers under the direction of Carolyn Deull, a flute ensemble led by Delores Thornton, the Oil City Slickers, Casper Youth Orchestra string players directed by Jennifer Cowell, and Paul Drury on piano and vocals.

While there, stroll through the galleries to view current exhibits including "Reviewing the West" by William Shepherd, who was born in Casper, and shows by folk artists Tom Nussbaum, Lucy Fradkin and James Holmes. The works of Wynn Udall are showing in the Rosenthal Gallery.

The open house is noon to 4 p.m. DEC. 7 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center, 400 E. Collins St.

Info: 307-235-5247 or www.thenic.org

FREE * Christmas movies, DEC. 7, 14, 21

Gather the family and snuggle in for a Christmas movie in front of a big screen.

The Natrona County Public Library will show three festive films to get you in the holiday mood: "Fred Claus" on DEC. 7, "Elf" on DEC. 14 and "The Polar Express" on DEC. 21.

Don't worry: Snacks are provided.

Movies start at 1 p.m. in the Crawford Room. Info: 307-237-4935 or www.natronacountylibrary.org.

'The Great Russian Nutcracker,' DEC. 11

Look closely at the elaborate set, stunning costumes and dancers with bodies like Greek gods on the stage of the Casper Events Center. You just might see someone you know.

Local children will dance with the professionals of the Moscow Ballet as part of its educational outreach program, "Celebrating Children … The Arts Can Make a Difference." They had to audition and have been rehearsing for several weeks.

And all the classics of "The Nutcracker" will be on the stage too - the beautiful music, the stunning costumes and the dancers that make elegance look so easy. It features hand-painted sets, larger-than-life puppets and breathtaking scenic design.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Casper Events Center. Tickets are $23 to $65. Call 577-3030 or go to www.caspereventscenter.com.

Elf Shoppe, DEC. 13

When Dee Belz started the Elf Shoppe nine years ago, she held it in a living room. The second year, the shop filled two living rooms. Then it moved to the Lifesteps gym. For the last four years, more than 500 kids have been personally escorted through the Industrial Building at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds by one of nearly 200 volunteers who dress as elves and reindeer and help each child find that perfect gift for someone they love.

"It's selfish. I keep going for selfish reasons," she said. "It feels so good to watch these little kids and their little faces light up when they have that joy of buying a gift for Mommy or Daddy or brother or sister."

The Elf Shoppe is an affordable Christmas shopping venue for children ages 3-12 whose parents aren't able to hand them $30 to go shopping. It exists to teach children the real joy of Christmas, the joy of giving. The shop will be open for shopping from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Industrial Building at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Gifts range from 5 cents to $1. Each child will be given $1 to spend (until funds are gone).

To volunteer to wrap presents, stock shelves, be an escort , help set up the day before or donate presents, call Belz at 237-4769. Gifts for dads are especially needed.

FREE * Holiday on the Homestead, DEC. 13

Christmas didn't always exist. Carols weren't always sung. And Santa Claus … well, we'll leave that one alone.

The point is, the holiday looks a lot different now than it did when our ancestors were settling these homesteads.

Celebrating Christmas was forbidden and punishable by fine in various times and places in both England and Colonial America. It wasn't declared a federal holiday in the United States until June 1870.

And in the early 1800s, classic carols such as "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and "Good King Wenceslas" were new, although some favorites such as "Angels from the Realms of Glory" had been around since the Middle Ages.

Music was an important part of Christmas, especially for homesteaders who didn't have much else. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center will explore "Music and Family" at this year's Holiday on the Homestead from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Center, 1501 N. Poplar St. Admission is free.

More than 100 children will provide the music, singing and playing instruments.

Call the Trails Center at 261-7780 or visit www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/NHTIC.html.

* 'A Christmas Story,' DEC. 13-14

Ralphie didn't shoot his eye out - but you might.

To promote their production "A Christmas Story," the Casper Children's Theatre is sponsoring several contests, including a raffle of a replica of the 1938 edition of the Daisy official Red Ryder BB gun.

Something about a boy's quest for an "official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock" resonates with Americans. It's why TNT can run a 24-hour "A Christmas Story" marathon and why we will watch it.

For the Children's Theatre production, the entire Teresa and Dobb Wallace family and three father and son teams have been cast.

Also, three contests inspired by the classic story will run in conjunction with the production:

- BB Gun Memory Lane Contest: Bring a picture and brief description of the first BB gun you ever got. Include your name and mailing address on the entry and receive one free ticket to the production. Audience members will vote on their favorite story during the shows and the winner will receive a prize from the Children's Theatre. Entries due by Dec. 10 at the theater or Papa Murphy's at Hilltop Shopping Center.

- BB gun raffle:Tickets are $1 or six for $5. Drawing will be at the curtain call on Dec. 14. Proceeds go to the Children's Theatre scholarship fund.

- TriviaBeef up on your trivia on Ralphie, leg lamps and soap poisoning and test your knowledge on "A Christmas Story" quiz. Then use your keen listening skills to identify celebrity voices from the production. People who guess the right answers will be eligible for more prizes.

Shows are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. DEC. 13 and 7 p.m. DEC. 14 at the Kelly Walsh High School auditorium. Tickets: $8 adults, $5 children. Available at the Casper Children's Theatre in Commissary Mall, Sadler's Hallmark or Papa Murphy's Pizza.

Info: Call 473-8470 or e-mail cct@casperchildrenstheatre.com.

'Christmas with Marge,' DEC. 15

Take a break from the stress of holiday planning and watch someone else royally mess things up.

"Christmas with Marge" is a holiday comedy show featuring comedian Linda Spall as Marge, a Julia Childs chef who cooks up fun by poking fun at life.

It begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 1831 East 4th Street. Tickets are $7. Presented by the Senior Center and the Golden K Kiwanis Club.

Info: call Heather or Norma at 265-4678.