An Easy Christmas Brunch

By Adrienne Humfeld

When we wake up Christmas morning, making breakfast is usually one of the last things that comes to mind. With all the hubbub, shrieks of delight and the usual testing out of new toys, moms need to make life easier on themselves!

The following recipes require very little prep time, and deliver with good taste. To make things even easier, some preparation can be done in advance.

These recipes are sure to please even the pickiest little eaters, and provide warm memories for years to come. Serve with a mug of cocoa, tea, or your favorite juice.

Adrienne Humfeld lives in Yakima with her husband and daughter, Macrina. She is an avid gourmet cook, artist and writer.

Glenna’s Brunch Eggs

Onion Roasted Potatoes

Chocolate Filled Croissants

Hark! Third Annual Nativity Exhibit

HARK! THIRD ANNUAL NATIVITY EXHIBIT. Dec. 6-8. Nativities from around the world will be on display, with an hour-long musical and live Nativity held each day. On Dec. 6 and 7, the musical begins at 7 p.m.; view the Nativities from 6-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. On Dec. 8, a matinee musical begins at 11 a.m.; view Nativities from 10-11 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 705 S. 38th Ave., Yakima.

Jazz Nutcracker

JAZZ NUTCRACKER. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. The Central Washington University jazz band will perform Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazz version of the famous Nutcracker Suite. Tickets are $15; children under 12 free with paying adult. Seasons Performance Hall, 101 N. Naches Ave., Yakima. 453-1888.

Arboretum Luminaria

ARBORETUM LUMINARIA. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7-8. Take a mile-long stroll through the trees, glowing in the light from thousands of candles at the Yakima Area Arboretum. Free. Warm up afterward with hot cider, live music and children’s activities in the Jewett Interpretive Center, located on E. Nob Hill Boulevard just east of the I-82 interchange. 248-7337.

Lions Pool Funky Friday Night

FUNKY FRIDAY NIGHT. Recreational swim at Lions Pool featuring loud ‘80s music. 7-8:30 p.m. Cost: $1 adults, $.75 honored citizen, $.50 youth, or $3.25 family. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima. 575-6046.

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival

LEAVENWORTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVAL. Dec. 8-9, 14-16. This Bavarian-theme tourist town rings in the season with roasted chestnuts, sleigh rides and photos with St. Nick. At dusk on Saturday, the crowds gather to sing “Silent Night” and witness the village become a magical wonderland of lights. Sunday visitors enjoy entertainment and lighting of the park trees. Downtown Leavenworth. 509-548-5807.

Gospel Christmas

GOSPEL CHRISTMAS. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. The soulful, jazzy vocalists of Yakima’s Eastside Community Center Gospel Choir will perform a Gospel Christmas Celebration at The Seasons Performance Hall, 101 N. Naches Ave. in Yakima. Tickets are $15; students are half-price at the door. 453-1888.

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival

LEAVENWORTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVAL. Dec. 8-9, 14-16. This Bavarian-theme tourist town rings in the season with roasted chestnuts, sleigh rides and photos with St. Nick. At dusk on Saturday, the crowds gather to sing “Silent Night” and witness the village become a magical wonderland of lights. Sunday visitors enjoy entertainment and lighting of the park trees. Downtown Leavenworth. 509-548-5807.

Breakfast With Santa

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. 9-11 a.m. Dec. 15. Sip a cup of cocoa, enjoy the warmth of the Harman Center’s fireplace and Mrs. Claus’ signature recipes. Take photos with Santa and tell him what gifts you’d like to see under the tree. Cost: $6 for Yakima residents ages 13 and up ($9 non-resident); $4 residents 3-12 years ($6 non-resident); free for children 2 and under. Hosted by Yakima Parks and Recreation at the Harman Center, 101 N. 65th Ave. 575-6166.

Drive-Through Nativity

DRIVE-THROUGH NATIVITY. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 21-23. Experience the story of Christ’s birth from the comfort of your car. The West Valley Church parking lot will be transformed into the manger scene, with children and teens acting out key parts of the story of the first Christmas. Free. West Valley Church of the Nazarene, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. 966-1550.

Baroque Christmas

BAROQUE CHRISTMAS. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Families are invited to enjoy Baroque Christmas music performed by members of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and standouts from the Yakima Youth Symphony, conducted by Brooke Creswell. Tickets are $15 adult, $10 students. The Seasons Performance Hall, 101 N. Naches Ave., Yakima. 453-1888.

Christmas Trolley

CHRISTMAS TROLLEY. 2-7 p.m. Dec. 22. A 2 p.m. centennial reenactment will mark the anniversary of the trolley’s first run on Dec. 24, 1907. From 4-7 p.m., take a short ride on the decorated Christmas trolley for just 5 cents, the 1907 fare. Festivities include caroling and refreshments (proceeds benefit the trolleys). The museum, located inside the historic car barn, is open from 2-7 p.m.; admission is free. Yakima Electric Railway Museum is located at Third Avenue and Pine Street. 452-7963.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION. Begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with a community countdown to midnight, culminating in a fireworks display from the rooftop of the Capitol Theatre. Warm up inside the heated Kid Zone tent featuring crafts and games. Activities also include the Yakima Bears’ speed pitch booth, food vendors and entertainment. Millennium Plaza, near South Third Street and Yakima Avenue. Committee for Downtown Yakima: 225-2485.