Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up in your own home on Christmas morning?

To not have to travel the day before or not have to pack up the car with gifts Christmas morning?

- Chase the kids around the house.
- Debate them about what to wear.
- Try to get them to stop playing with their new toys.
- Sneak some extra gifts into the car when their not looking.
- Prepare for the road trip ahead.

It’s a merry time isn’t it? ????

What if next year during the holidays you’re at home?

Our first Christmas together was in our condo. Not nearly enough room to have the family and friends there.

Next we had a house, but our “dining area” sat four. That’s not how big the table was… That’s how big the space was. No way could we entertain during the holidays there.

If you’ve ever experienced trying to entertain a large group in a small space or simply convince your family to come to your place, you know EXACTLY how frustrating that can be.

You get all kinds of excuses, “Ummmm.. Sure. Let’s talk about that later and look at everyone's schedule.”

But finally we have the place and space to host and entertain. Sure, we have to do the cooking and cleaning but it’s so much nicer than the dreaded “road trip.”

You’re not obviously going to be able to get into your new house by Christmas this year, but you could be in there by next year.

Start right now searching on PersingerGroup.com and get sent the homes that will allow you to host and entertain next year.

Here’s a list to get you started: $250,000 - $500,000 over 2,000 square feet https://goo.gl/dhysGe

FULL DISCLAIMER 1: You’ll have to register, either with email or Facebook, but you don’t have to give us your phone number. The reason why: Our website figures out the type of homes you’re searching for and sends you an updated list when homes like that come on the market or a price changes. Pretty cool, right?

FULL DISCLAIMER 2: We’re not going to call and harass you to be your agent. We do make time to chat with people that want our 30+ years of expertise. If you want to talk, you can schedule some time here https://goo.gl/hyDBZr

FULL DISCLAIMER 3: Our website isn’t fancy, but it is simple and easy to use. Our website is updated every 15 minutes. You’ll never miss a home.

If you own Monroe real estate and are looking for something fun to do, head out to the Keg-n-Cue. Founded in 1972, the Keg-n-Cue has established itself as a favorite local spot. It’s a great place to go to relax over a pint after a hard day of work. If you’re hungry, there’s a full menu with sandwiches, chicken wings, salads, wraps, and pizza. Or you can fill up with a burger or steak. Try some of the finger foods if you just need a snack. You can also unwind at one of the 21 Pull Tab games, with large cash pay outs. Keg-n-Cue is also the spot to watch one of the big games. Play pool, video games, or shuffleboard at the only place in town.

Keg-n-Cue has a full schedule of events. On Friday nights, come in for karaoke with The Moodys from 8 p.m. to midnight. There’s live music playing on Saturdays, starting at 8 p.m., alternating with a DJ. During football season, fans can join the fantasy football league. The league meets on Wednesday nights. From October to April, join the co-ed pool league and play on Thursday nights. There’s a new event coming to the Keg-n-Cue. Starting December 23rd, weekly bingo will begin at 7 p.m every week. Win prizes, and steal prizes, white elephant-style.

If you need a place to hold a party, the Keg-n-Cue can accommodate you. Everything from family reunions, birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or holiday fun is welcome.

Visit the Keg-n-Cue Sunday through Thursday from noon to midnight. On Friday and Saturday, it’s open from noon to 2 a.m. To learn more about scheduling a party, call 360.794.9980 or email kegncue@gmail.com. Located at 202 South Lewis Street, the Keg-n-Cue is easy to get to no matter where you live in Monroe. 

Take advantage of living so close to the water in a Lake Stevens home and learn how to row. The Lake Stevens Rowing Club is hosting a Free Winter Crew Camp. This event is open to the community and anyone ages 12 and over can participate, even adults. Winter Crew Camp will take place December 26th through December 29th from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each day. This is such a great way for teens to spend part of their winter break or for adults to get out and get some fresh air on a few days off between Christmas and New Year’s. Don’t get stuck inside on the couch! Learn something new and get some exercise after indulging in the treats of the season.

The four days will cover many topics. Come for a basic introduction to rowing on the first day. The second day will be all about rowing fitness, including Erg machines. Learn all about the proper technique for rowing on the third day and then actually get out on the water and put everything that you have learned into action on day four. It is easy to sign up for this event. Simply visit the Lake Stevens Rowing Club. 

This free camp is a great chance for those who call Lake Stevens home to try out rowing. If it turns out that rowing is something that really interests you or your child, consider joining the Lake Stevens Rowing Club. All skill levels are welcome here and the experienced coaches run a great program. Participants will learn all about rowing and then have the chance to compete in regattas, some of which are hosted by the club. Those considering rowing in college can hone in their skills, strength, and conditioning here as well. After signing up for the free event, take a look around the website to learn more about the Lake Stevens Rowing Club and all it has to offer.

The Monroe Library is offering many fun events to those who live in Monroe from December 18th through the 22nd. Get those youngsters off the couch over winter break and off to learn something new at the library. The week starts off with Winter Science Extravaganza: MakeDo on December 18th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This program is for all ages from 5 to 18 along with their caregivers. Participants will be able to explore engineering by building and creating with cardboard, tools, and other materials provided by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation. Another Winter Science Extravaganza happens the next day on the 19th from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. This one is titled Cool Chemistry Concoctions and is geared toward preschool and school aged children. This program requires registration and will include many chemistry experiments such as revealing secret messages with chemistry, boiling liquids with your hands, putting out a candle with invisible gas, and much more.

Tweens have the chance to dive into science on December 20th from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. with Ozobots. This event also requires pre registration and participants in grades 5th through 8th will be able to code mini robots by using paper and colored markers. The cool little Ozobots know which way to go by seeing color commands. Participants help them navigate through a maze.

A sweet holiday themed program happens in two parts on December 21st and 22nd. School aged children are invited to the library from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the 21st and 2:00 pm. to 4:00 p.m. on the 22nd to participate in the Gingerbread House Build Challenge. All who live in Monroe are encouraged to register early for this event to get a spot. The first day, children will build the house. The next day, when the houses are dry and sturdy, they will be ready for candy decorations. Participants will be proud to display the houses over the holidays in their own homes. Find more information about all of these events as well as links to register at Monroe Public Library. 

This December there are a wide variety of options for families living in Snohomish who are looking for fun activities to help them celebrate the holiday season in their Historic Downtown. From photos with Santa on the weekends, through the Christmas Lights Cruise on the 16th, there’s something fun for everyone in the heart and soul of Snohomish this time of year!

Children and their families will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Santa for free at multiple Snohomish properties on the weekends of this festive time of year. From noon until 3 p.m. parents will be able bring their cameras and Santa will be waiting in Historic Downtown Snohomish, where they can capture the smiles of their children as they sit on his lap. On December 2nd he will be on First Street at Piccadilly Circus and then the next afternoon he will be at Bee Bops and Lollipops. The following weekend he will be waiting at Skip Rock Distillers on Avenue C on Saturday, and then he’ll be back on First Street at Mimi’s A Shabby Chic Country Boutique on Sunday. On December 16th Artisan’s Mercantile will host Santa and his visitors on Glen Avenue, and then he’ll once again return to First Street where he’ll await the children at Faded Elegance. The last opportunity to meet with him will be Saturday the 23rd on First Street at My Eclectic Home, but with so many chances to see him throughout the weekends in December every family will be able to get the perfect photo of this year’s season for their family photo albums. Follow the Facebook page for Free Photos with Santa to keep up with all the news.

On the 16th of December, not only will children have the chance to have their picture taken with Santa, but they also have the opportunity to see the 6th Annual Freestyle Christmas Lights Cruise pass by the Snohomish properties in the historic district. From 6 p.m. through 7 p.m. they can see people drive their decorated vehicles through Downtown Snohomish, and any type of motor vehicle is welcome as long as it is street legal. Motorcycle clubs, truck groups, car clubs, and of course individuals, are all invited to drive their lighted vehicles around the parade route whether they join in the fun for only a few laps or the entire hour. The parade will drive a clockwise loop along First Street, Avenue D, Second Street, and Cedar Avenue, and families will line the streets to enjoy the show. Drivers are welcome to arrive anytime between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to join in the fun by entering “Freestyle” into the parade anywhere along the route. Everyone is encouraged to bring their camera and enjoy the festive displays, while parents with small children are reminded to be aware that some of the truck horns are very loud. It’s sure to be a night to remember! 

With festive activities like these throughout the month of December there’s sure to be something fun for everyone this holiday season! To learn more about all the fun opportunities the community is offering this year, contact the Snohomish Historic District at (425) 330-0831.

To promote the arts, Monroe real estate owners should get involved in the Monroe Arts Council. The council aims to bring the community together to enjoy live musical, theatrical, and dance performances. The performance calendar is quite full right now, with both regular, recurring events and special holiday events.

Don’t miss the fun, heartwarming performance of Annie, showing now at Wagner Performing Arts Center. Get tickets for one of the remaining three shows: Friday, December 8th at 7 p.m. or Saturday, December 9th at either 2 or 7 p.m. Kids six and younger get free tickets, while seniors and students pay $12 (plus fees) and adults pay $15 (plus fees).

The Monroe Concert Band will perform their annual “Lights of Christmas Concert” also on Saturday, December 9th. There are two performances, at 5:45 and 7:45 p.m. at Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center in Stanwood. The band will also play the “Winter Melodies” concert on Friday, December 15th at 7 p.m. This concert will take place at Wagner Performing Arts Center. The concerts are free, but please donate, as the proceeds go to support local charities.

The holiday season can bring with it a lot of fun but also some stress. Relax and laugh your troubles away at the Split Second Improv performance on Saturday, December 16th. The family-friendly show will take place at Wagner Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for one or $20 for two.

Finally, if you’re interested in civil discussion on important topics, mark your calendar for Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Monroe Library and come to the Socrates Cafe. The next meeting will be on December 16th.

Visit Monroe Arts Council to find out more about these events and get ticket information. You can also find ways to get involved in this important community group on Monroe real estate.

On December 5th, 1933, the era of Prohibition came to an end. Everyone from Lake Stevens homes is invited to celebrate the occasion at LJ’s Bistro and Bar. They’re hosting their first-ever End of Prohibition Party tomorrow, December 5th from 5 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the repeal of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act and the re-legalization of the sale of alcohol. Drink a toast to the 21st Amendment with a group of your favorite friends. Get into the spirit of fun by dressing up as a flapper, gangster, or another 1920s-era character. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed guests. All guests will enjoy complimentary giggle water punch, a delicious concoction of liquor and juice. For the full experience, order a special three-course dinner. The food will be paired with special Prohibition-era cocktails. 

LJ’s Bistro and Bar will be decorated just like a speakeasy to help you get into the mood for the celebration. The Owen Yen Jazz Group will be playing jazz tunes live while the guests sip on their cocktails and giggle punch.

Tickets for the End of Prohibition Party are just $5. They can be ordered in person or on the LJ’s Bistro & Bar website. Get the password for the party when you purchase your tickets. Call 425.334.0604 to make reservations. 

Tuesday is the regular day that LJ’s Bistro & Bar offers a half-price wine menu, and it will be offered as usual tomorrow. Guests from Lake Stevens homes can also order off the regular dinner menu. LJ’s is open Monday through Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. If you haven’t discovered the fun of LJ’s, be sure to go to the party and find your new favorite restaurant.

On a corner of Snohomish property at the historic Harvey Airfield, a coffee lover’s paradise awaits its faithful patrons, welcoming them bright and early every morning as it opens its doors at 5:00 a.m. Airfield Espresso, with its charming biplane logo, sits right beside the rustic sign for Harvey Airfield, and guests who walk in their doors are welcomed by the warm, rich aroma of coffee and a wide variety of delicious treats. This beloved coffeeshop is a favorite with its regular customers, and a pleasant surprise for visitors from all over the area. Monday through Friday, from its early morning opening until it closes at 5:30 p.m., then from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, this Snohomish property provides just the boost customers need to get through their days.

To celebrate the holiday season the friendly baristas at Airfield Espresso are now offering their delightful “holiday classics” for the enjoyment of the entire community! Many people already love the salted caramel mocha, peppermint bark mocha, and the gingerbread latte, but there are many other coffee flavors to choose from in their “holiday classics” lineup as well. Their egg nog and pumpkin pie are obvious holiday options, but there are even more celebratory flavors available that coffee lovers might not have thought of themselves, like maple butter rum and caramel pecan. Their other festive favorites available in this holiday season are brown sugar cinnamon and the ever popular spiced chai. There’s definitely a flavor for everyone celebrating the season!

In the chill of the weather as we come to the end of the year, Airfield Espresso offers the warmth of friendly service and a delicious cup of coffee made to perfection for everyone who walks through their doors. To learn more about all they provide their customers, contact them at (360) 568-6264. 

Artisan Foodworks offers all who live in Monroe the chance to take out or dine in and enjoy tasty salads, soups, sandwiches, sweets, and coffee. Find food made out of the finest ingredients at this establishment located at 14957 N Kelsey St. Suite 107 in Monroe. Stop in anytime between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays. There is even an option to order online.

The menu is jam packed with yummy and unique soups, salads, and sandwiches. Try the Popeye’s Pride salad with chopped egg and crumbled bacon served on spinach with honey mustard. The House of Bluez consists of red onion, gorgonzola, bacon, and romaine mingled with the Famous Sweet Poppy Seed dressing. The Famous Sweet Poppy Seed dressing is also the star of That Famous House Salad, which also contains spinach and toasted almonds. Many sandwiches adorn the menu as well, with the star being the 200 Mile Rueben. Indulge in the pastrami, fresh kraut, swiss cheese, and house made 1,000 Island dressing. Also try the paninis and grilled cheese sandwiches as well as artisan sandwiches such as the Italianno, Cheesy Tom, Bloo Moo, or Veggie Weggie. Sandwiches are served with freshly made chips, soup, or a side of That Famous House Salad.

All who live in Monroe are invited to stop in for a coffee on the way to work, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The staff is very kind and attentive and will greet every guest with a smile. Get your caffeine fix with a regular espresso or get fancy and try a Peppermint Patty, Mocha, Great Pumpkin, or Cinnamon Roll. Chai, hot chocolate, frappes and other drinks are available as well. Visit Artisan Foodworks to find the full menu, contact information, and a link to order online. 

The holidays are coming, and historic downtown Snohomish real estate is the place to be to celebrate. On the 25th of November the Snohomish Original Santa Comes to Town Event & Community Tree Lighting will be thrilling hearts again as Santa takes his annual cruise down First Street at 11 a.m. This has been a tradition for 20 years, and children will be able to watch Santa as he goes down Avenue D and then continues east to the Avenue A Gazebo. At the end of his ride all the attendees will get to join him for live entertainment and people who bring their cameras along will have the opportunity to take free photographs until 4:45 p.m. At 5 p.m. sharp the annual Community Tree Lighting event will begin near First Street and Avenue B, and the holiday season will officially be in full swing. 

Another holiday tradition in this Historic Downtown is the Chase the Grinch out of Snohomish Fun Run. On the 3rd of December from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. runners and walkers will help chase the Grinch out of their town as they follow this year’s route along the Centennial Trail. Both the 5k and 10k routes begin and end at the “Cheermeister Village” at 405 Third Street, and all the runners will be returning to a fun and festive finish line with post run snack and hot cocoa for everyone! There will be plenty of photo opportunities and entertainment for all ages. All those who register for the races will receive a swag bag with an official event t-shirt and a medal for helping chase the Grinch off Snohomish real estate. Participants are encouraged to register and get their tickets for this event early to ensure their correct t-shirt size! Kids under 13 will get to participate in the ½ mile Kids Dash and return home with their very own medal as well. Everyone is encouraged to wear their most festive attire to spread the holiday cheer, and all proceeds will benefit the revitalization efforts for the city’s beautiful downtown. 

Registration for the 5k is $30 until November 10th, $40 from November 11th until December 2nd, and $45 on the day of the event. Alternatively, registration for the 10k is $45 through November 10th, $55 from November 11th until December 2nd, and $60 on the day of the event. Registration for the Kids Dash only costs $10. Those who are feeling extra jolly and looking to spread even more holiday cheer may bring an unopened toy for the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club. To learn more call (425) 330-0831.