I’m not full of Christmas cheer this week.

There is no reason for it, besides the normal stress, hustle and bustle that comes with the holiday season. But I promise this column will take a positive turn.

In my old age (26), it has become more difficult to approach Christmas with the childlike wonder of yesteryear. When I find myself weighed down, as adults often do, a certain song comes to mind. That song is “Christmas Memories,” specifically the version by She & Him (a band fronted by actress Zooey Deschanel).

The lyrics are full of reminiscence of stringing popcorn, making snow angels and being surrounded by loved ones. They paint a picture of a simpler Christmas, one swathed in golden light and untouched by strife. It serves as a reminder that these simplicities (not to mention the birth of Jesus Christ) are the real reason for the season. It is a time of thankfulness and reflection — to look upon the “Smiling faces of all the children/Who now have children of their own.”

Funny, how — come December — we remember every Christmas we’ve known. But that doesn’t mean you succumb to the melancholy or compare the past to the present.

I encourage you to get out there and make new Christmas memories with family and friends, new and old. You can start this weekend — there is plenty to do!

Gather, give back and celebrate Christmas during Zelienople’s Miracle on Main Street from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. See the holiday parade, take a sleigh ride, partake in cookies and so much more. For more information, visit miracleonmainzelie.com.

Support The Lighthouse Foundation by visiting the Elf’d Up … Again! holiday pop-up bar at Pittsburgh Marriott North at Cranberry Woods, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Allegheny County, from Thursday to Saturday. The bar, which is open from 5 p.m. to midnight, will offer holiday cocktails and mocktails. Admission is $10. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

The hilarious and heartfelt play “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon” is the ode to Hallmark cheesiness you need to jump-start the merry season at Butler Little Theatre, One Howard St. in Butler. Cozy up in the Evergreen Inn and watch each sweater-clad character learn to love again at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (the Sunday matinee is sold out). The show continues Tuesday through Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit butlerlittletheatre.com.

Wear your ugly sweater to First Fridays Improv at Hobnob Theatre. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at 134 S. Main St. in Butler and costs $5 admission. Come ready to laugh (and maybe play along). For more information, visit hobnobtheatre.com.

Have “North Pole Floats” with Santa at the Butler Township Park Building, 468 S. Duffy Road, on Saturday. The event runs at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. includes a small gift from the big man himself, a children’s activity and snack. Tickets cost $10 and registration is required at bcpr.recdesk.com.

Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community’s “Abundant Lights” event is a multifaceted day of fun, shopping and spirit. Register for the 5K/fun run at 10 a.m. Saturday through the link runsignup.com/Race/PA/Zelienople/AbundantLightsK, and stick around for the parade floats, Christmas market, food, raffles and more. All of this family-friendly fun takes place at 105 Burgess Drive in Zelienople.

Have cookies with Santa at Butler YMCA, 339 N. Washington St. in Butler, at either 10 or 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Come dressed in your best PJs and be ready to decorate tasty treats. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Registration costs $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. For more information, visit bcfymca.org/events/cookies-santa.

Bingo was his name-o! Support the Butler County Humane Society by paying $30 to play bingo at the Sons & Daughters of Italy, 338 S. Main St. in Butler, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Wear your ugly sweaters and participate in the raffles. For more information, visit butlercountyhs.org.

From 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Santa will take photos with your pets at the Butler YMCA, 339 N. Washington St. Your pet must be on a leash, have proper vaccinations and licensing to participate. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers, per pet. For more information and registration, visit bcfymca.org/events/paws-claus.

Walk through the historic (and decorated) Senator Lowrie House in Butler during the fifth annual Cookie Walk. A $10 donation gets you a box of goodies and access to a small piece of local history. The event is 4 p.m. Saturday at 123 W. Diamond St. in Butler. For more information, visit butlerhistory.com.

Santa Claus is coming to West Sunbury during the borough’s parade at 7 p.m. Saturday on Main Street. Have cookies with the jolly fellow immediately after the parade in the fire hall, 772 Hall Road. For more information, see the event Facebook page.

Decorate cookies and take a photo with Santa on Saturday and Sunday at Cranberry Township’s Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road. There are several time slots throughout the day open to registration, and even a sensory hour on Sunday. Cost is $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. For registration and more information, visit Cranberry4FUN.com/register.

Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Traditions” concert will feature recognizable Christmas tunes and caroling for the whole family to enjoy. Santa will also be in attendance at the cookie reception following the show, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road in Butler Township. For tickets and more information, visit butlersymphony.org.

The Santa Breakfast at Saint Wendelin Church, 210 St. Wendelin Road in Summit Township, includes food, crafts and photos with the big man himself from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. See the event Facebook page for more information.

The Moniteau Scholarship Foundation is hosting a concert by the Duquesne University “Brass From The Bluff” Brass Quintet at 3 p.m. Sunday in St. Louis Catholic Church, 202 W. State St. in West Sunbury. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased by calling 724-637-2091, ext. 1000, or at the door.

The All Saints Parish Christmas Concert starts at 3 p.m. Sunday in St. Paul Church, 128 N. McKean St. in Butler. Performances by children’s and adult choirs and even brass quartets will fill the afternoon. This event is free; donations are accepted. Visit experiencebutler.com for more information.

See Concordia at Cabot’s Live Nativity from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday on the campus, 148 Marwood Road in Winfield Township. See live animals, have hot chocolate and cookies, and donate to Lighthouse Foundation’s food pantry to serve as your admission. See a complete list of needed groceries and find more information at ConcordiaLM.org.

The Cranberry Men’s Chorus concert “Christmas Memories” will feature old classic holiday tunes and good cheer. Their first performance is at 7 p.m. Monday at Dutilh Church, 1270 Dutilh Road in Cranberry Township. Other performances are scheduled throughout December. There is no admission, but freewill offerings will be taken to support local churches. See a complete list of the chorus’ tour stops at cranberrymenschorus.com.

Build a gingerbread house with your family at a special event being held by Saxonburg Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Main St., at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Bring $10 for admission and get to building tasty memories! Visit saxonburg.org/christmas to register.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.