Maymont is seeking donations of greenery, floral arrangements, wreaths, swags and other seasonal items for its “Deck the Halls” auction next week. To donate, call Maymont volunteer Beverly Bouse at (804) 356-4003. Donations of greenery also will help Maymont horticulture staffers as they decorate the estate for the holiday season. Greenery needed includes holly, juniper, white pine, cedar, berried plants, boxwood and nandina. Call (804) 358-7166, ext. 326, for more information.

Martha has done it again. In a new book filled with gorgeous photographs, the domestic diva offers plans of attack for 52 enticing seasonal menus designed to take no more than an hour. Among the more than 200 recipes is a fall feast of watercress-cauliflower soup and roasted pork followed by a dessert of pears with candied walnuts and gorgonzola. In winter, chocolate truffles cap a meal of spice-rubbed beef filets, port-glazed pearl onions and potato puree.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed today. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed today; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed today.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed today. Richmond is open. COLLEGES—Open. SCHOOLS—Open.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed tomorrow. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed tomorrow; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed tomorrow.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed tomorrow. Richmond open tomorrow. COLLEGES—Open tomorrow.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed Wednesday; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed Wednesday. Richmond open Wednesday. COLLEGES—Open Wednesday.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed Wednesday; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed Wednesday. Richmond open Wednesday. COLLEGES—Open Wednesday.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed Wednesday; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, New Kent and Powhatan closed Wednesday. Richmond open Wednesday. COLLEGES—Open Wednesday.

Yes, we know it has been only six days since Halloween, but Christmas is up and running today at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic celebrates its 30th anniversary through Sunday with the usual showcase of art, pottery, jewelry, toys, foods, clothing and more from about 450 artists and craftsmen. Craftsmen’s Classics are staged throughout the year in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina by Gilmore Shows.

The 30th annual show featuring pottery, jewelry, toys, furniture, clothing, fine art, food and more.
  When: Today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Where: Richmond Raceway Complex, 602 E. Laburnum Ave.
  Tickets: $7 for adults, $1 for ages 6 through 12; under 6, free; admission good all three days with a free return pass from the show desk. Free parking.

Beginning in late November, Busch Gardens will transform into a holiday wonderland, featuring more than 1 million twinkling lights and a 45-foot, light-animated Christmas tree.

Shoppers came out in force yesterday, drawn to Richmond-area malls by the promise of deep discounts from retailers looking to make up for less-than-jolly pre-holiday sales.

Listen to Ingrid Allen describe the gumbo she makes for her family’s Kwanzaa feast, and you get an enticing sense of the holiday. “You have boudin sausage, crab, fish, chicken, tomatoes, okra, peppers, onions, different seasonings.“