I happen to think that lighting a Christmas tree before the Thanksgiving turkey has even been thawed is more than a little premature, but clearly plenty of people disagree with me since Christmas decorations have been prominently displayed in big box stores since before Halloween. 

So, although I cringe to do this on principle alone, I am going to send you to the first tree lighting of the season, L.L. Bean's Northern Lights celebration Friday, because, in many humble opinions, it happens to be the best of the season. There won't be snow (in fact it may be 50-plus degrees Friday), but there will be music from Don Campbell, thousands of lights, mobs of people and some spectacular ornament displays created by local artist Pandora LaCasse. It all starts at 7 p.m. at Discovery Park in Freeport and you can find out more online. 

If you're protesting the pre-Thanksgiving Christmas push, you do have other options tonight. Get the car on the highway and headed north to see Maine faves Rustic Overtones in the final freebie in-store show of the month at Waterville's Bull Moose location. The music starts at 5:30 p.m. 

Right here in Portland, there's music at Space that'll cost you just $5. You've probably never heard of the headlining act, Pants Yell!, but the name along should be reason enough to get out and see what they're all about. Also appearing will be Windy Smiles and BOXY. The show goes on at 9:30 p.m.

There's also music to be had on Saturday - but this is the kind you can take home with you. WMPG is having its annual record and CD sale at USM's Sullivan Gym in Portland from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the admission price is a mere $2. That means you should have plenty of cash to pick up a some new tunes in genres like jazz, folk, rock, reggae, blues and more. Even if you don't buy - and as if you won't - sifting through the possibilities will be a great way to spend the day.

Or you could spend the day in the car - and then the out of doors. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is holding its Frozen Turkey Hunt and it's absolutely free. Kids and adults will be hunting for apples starting at 11 a.m. and those apples could win them a prize for their holiday table or maybe even free oil. Whether you're a winner or not, it will definitely be worth the drive because, despite the nighttime frost, there are still things in bloom up in Boothbay.

If you happen to be kicking around Kennebunk today stop into Down East Wine Imports. There's a free wine tasting from 1 to 8 p.m. and free wine is a bonus any day of the week.

And finally for today, if you're an outdoorsy type, get yourself to Borders in SoPo for a signing by Randy Spencer from noon to 2 p.m. He's written "Where Cool Waters Flow: Four Seasons with a Master Maine Guide" and he'll be talking about the book and signing copies.

Sunday's here - drink a can of beer ... or three or four while you watch football. Real fans may still be struggling with what happened to the Pats last week but it's right back into the fire today with a 4:15 p.m. game against the Jets. At least we no longer have to watch the "Mangenius" on the sideline, but we do need to beat N.Y. - and beat 'em bad. You should find yourself a seat at Pat's Pizza in Yarmouth, where the Sunday special is $1.99 Coors Light pints. Sip, cheer and enjoy.

Today is also Psychic Sunday at Days Inn in SoPo. Get in for just $3 and check out the readings, chatzkis and spirity types and maybe find out who's watching over you from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Finally for this week, the weather's supposed to be good - again. We've been lucky on our Sundays so take advantage and get yourself outside. High tides at about 2:30 p.m. - what a great time to walk the beach and enjoy some solitude with your crashing waves.