Image courtesy of visitalbuquerque.org

That's right fellow kids, yule time is upon the face of the northern hemisphere again and more than anything, a sublime sesh with twinkly, multi-colored and otherwise sculpturally presented holiday lights is just the ticket to transcendence that remains so elusive during the otherwise dark and gloomy winter months that are upcoming and guaranteed not to be bright. An Albuquerque tradition, this sparkling spectacular, The River of Lights happens at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30. The lights blink on at 6pm daily but fizzle out about 9:30pm, so get there early, home-piece. The whole deal is closed on Dec. 24 and 25—hey if you wanna see lights on those nights, give me a buzz and we'll look into it!—but the price is right if you are looking for marvelous holiday enchantment any other time during the 2108 holiday season. For true light loving visitors, the Polar Express, a small train, is available to take riders out to meet Santa himself. Admission to the largest walk through festive lighting display in the state starts at $6 for children 3 through 12 years old. Adult admission begins at $12 and babies under 3 are free. A ride on the Polar Express is extra. Please inquire at the Botanic Garden, knowing that meeting the jolly old elf is well worth the extra feria.

Image via Pixabay

Some of us crave human touch more than others. This sometimes desperate need for connection can bore a hole into the soul that no other feeling can fill. The Source provides this service, known as The Cuddle Revolution, on Sundays, including Sept. 2, starting at 6pm and potentially stretching into the wee hours. While this is both platonic and PG-rated, it is for adults only. The first snuggle sesh is free, but donations are always appreciated and accepted. Please arrive on time, as essential exercises in the first hour are meant to build authentic connection and an understanding of consensual touching for the ultimate therapeutic experience. No one is required to cuddle, snuggle or embrace and you can leave at any time. Feel free to bring snacks and anything else that makes you comfortable and get ready for some serious, restorative nuzzling.