By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter

You know that Christmas is near when you hear one word — Jollification! This annual arts and craft festival, a must-attend event on the calendar, will be held Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 23 at The Retreat, Village Road to get everybody in the Christmas spirit.

And with these bleak economic times, what better way than the Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) Christmas Jollification to put a bright spot in your life.

This event is not to be missed as everything your heart desires from jewelry to plants, books, gifts, children's craft, decorations for the holiday season and food from around the world will be there for you to peruse, sample and purchase.

"You can't have a Christmas without first stopping in to Jollification," says Joan Powell of the BNT.

"You can always tell that Christmas is nearing when you hear the word Jollification. And as usual we're pulling out all the bells and whistles, as we expect this year's event to be larger than ever with our theme 'A Golden Christmas'.

"I can honestly say that this year there will be thousands of Christmas craft, ceramics, shell jewelry, wood and fiber sculptures, silk paintings, jams, jellies, marmalade, basketry, needlework, handmade soaps and wood-turned products for you to choose from. And the great things is that they will all be in one place — at our annual Christmas Jollification."

Jollification offers two distinct shopping areas: The General Craft Area and the Jolly Market, plus a sports bar. Powell says to get the best buys, the shopping pace should be slow and leisurely. "Curiosity is welcome here. The creators of the items will be present at their booths, and willing and ready to answer questions on their creations. So when you're done with your shopping, you should feel a definite sense of satisfaction because the gifts and craft you buy will be great products — unbeatable in quality and price. And secondly, you'll know that you just made an invaluable contribution to the conservation of the Bahamian environment as all funds raised from sales at Jollification will go towards the preservation of the Bahamas National Trust Retreat Sanctuary."

Powell says no one who attends the event will be disappointed. But she says you have to get there, because after the three days are over, Jollification and all of its goodies are gone until next year.

Members are encouraged to attend the special members evening on Friday, Nov. 21 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Bristol Wines and Spirits and Food Art by Cacique are expected to make the event a night to remember as members receive a special preview of the amazing handicraft available at the event.

The arts and craft festival will be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, for a day of fun and games and indulgence.

Items up for grabs start as low as $2 to as high as $200, ensuring that there will definitely be something for everyone and every budget.

Shoppers with kids in tow need not hesitate about taking along their little ones as a children's craft area will have lots to amuse the little ones for hours, including balloon animals, face painting and games, while you do your thing.

Admission is just $10 for non-BNT members, $5 for BNT members, $2 for children 2-12 and infants (under 2) are free.

Christmas

Jollification

When

n Friday, Nov. 21 —

5pm - 8pm

n Saturday, Nov. 22 —

11am-5pm

n Sunday, Nov. 23 —

Noon - 5 pm

Where

n The Retreat, Village Road

Admission

n $10 non-BNT members, $5 for BNT members, $2 for children 2-12 and infants (under 2) are free.