December is supposedly the busiest month of the year for a lot of people. It never is for me (except for the ONE night when THREE of my friends are all having parties, thanks to their "I will wait until everyone else's parties are over" logic).

Less so now that I am on my anti-consumerism bent.

Not anti-SPENDING. Anti-BUYING. I still like to spend money, but I prefer not to have anything to show for it, except maybe a full belly and a stimulated mind (OK, and maybe some new stock for my costume closet).

Here's what I will be spending my money on this month.

Coming up:

• Weds. 11/25 - BIGGEST PARTY NIGHT OF THE YEAR! (I bet that's not true, but kudos to whomever created this piece of marketing genius.) -- DJ Zip & guest(s) at Deep Blue starting at 3PM! WAW specials will be valid from 3-9pm, and $2 Sam Adams Oktoberfest.
  
• No Tardy Party Thursdays this week -- see you next week for the 8:30-11:30pm celebration of food that's hearty, Party Cardis, Smarties, guys named Marty... Turn on that little thingy on your calendar called a recurring appointment so you won't miss it!
  
• Keep your eyes peeled for future Speakeasy dates. We're skipping December due to a party venue conflict, and are evaluating whether to stick with first Saturdays or move it about.

News from some of our favorite spots:

• Deep Blue installed TVs last month. And happy hour gets happier with extended specials on entertainment nights. Thursday, they offer half-priced Raw Bar.
• 11/23-11/30 - Get a cup of our Union City Grille's crab bisque or a cup or their famous short rib chili with your purchase of an entree of at least $20. Can not be used with other promotions or coupons.
• If you missed the last sold-out Grapes and Cultures event at Union City Grille, the next one's January 20th. $2 Tasty Sundays continues - check out the $2 per oz. filet.
• Toscana has DJs twice a week.
• Brandywine Prime – 11/25, BP is moving Thursday $5 sandwich night in the bar and tavern to Wednesday this week. Thanksgiving-Open 2-7:30, A few spots remain for traditional Thanksgiving buffet. Voted Best Brunch in Chester County! Sunday, November 29th BP will offer 1/2 off its award winning buffet.
• Veritas has a $6 wine table.
• Wilmington After Work continues weekly on Wednesdays. When Zip's not on deck at Deep Blue (every other week), you can catch PDub tickling the ipods at Public House.

Other cool stuff in DE:

Stuck for a present? Buy someone a membership or a gift certificate to an arts organization.

City Theater Company's Sweeney Todd (with LIVE band), runs December 4 through 19. http://city-theater.org/

DTC does It's a Wonderful Life, December 2 through December 20. http://www.delawaretheatre.org/

Now through December 20th - NCT does Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. http://ncp.art.officelive.com/default.aspx

Theatre N -- films (not movies, but FILMS) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Plus some sports and special here and there. http://www.theatren.org/

Frid, Nov 27^th ~ The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of holidays in the city as Market Street becomes filled with the sounds and sights of the annual Christmas parade. The Wilmington Jaycees will once again host the parade, taking places this year at 9 a.m. As in the past, the event will feature local school bands, floats, holiday characters, and more. www.wilmingtonjaycees.com

Frid, Nov 27^th ~ The City of Wilmington will hold holiday festivities directly after the parade (above). Santa Claus will be in the lobby of the baby grand from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for children to visit. From 1 to 5 p.m. strolling performers and carolers will liven up Market Street with holiday cheer and Rodney Square will be a holiday bazaar with vendors and the ice skating rink. From 5 to 6 p.m. the traditional Caroling in the Square will be held in Rodney Square. The event will include the tree lighting, carols led by local choir groups, a reading of Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus, and a stocking giveaway. Also, attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item for the Delaware Does More campaign. In exchange, they will receive a hot dog and hot chocolate.

Tues, Dec 1^st ~ Support Meals on Wheels Delaware Adopt a Senior campaign by joining us for happy hour! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Meals On Wheels Delaware - so come out and support your favorite cause! Drink Specials. Door prizes (courtesy of Emile Henry USA) at Deep Blue 5pm

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THEM THIS SEASON! Sun 12/6 - Wilmington City Ruff Rollers vs DC Rollergirls WCRR takes on the Capitol Offenders, Christiana Skating Rink, doors @ 5:30. **Special halftime expo bout featuring skater tots and 1st year skaters

Thurs, Dec 10th ~ 5-8pm. Stroll Trolley Square and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. Enjoy special discounts while you try food and drinks from area eateries. Then stop by Toscana for some Zipster fun!

Frid, Dec 11^th ~ Meals On Wheels Delaware invites you to Stock Up For Seniors. Be the first in the door to get the best deals on the best cookware, bakeware, glassware and kitchen tools in the world, all for purchase at up to 80% off the retail price! Your ticket purchase gives you VIP access to these coveted items, includes refreshments and it’s tax-deductible. Emile Henry will be generously donating a percentage of the sales from the evening to Meals on Wheels Delaware. The more tickets sold, the larger the percentage. $25 in advance - $30 at the door 6-9pm at the Emile Henry Warehouse 802 Centerpoint Blvd. New Castle, DE 19720

If you missed the last Wine Tasting Wednesday in Greenville's shopping district, the next one is December 16th.