OK, it’s not here yet. Sorry, didn’t mean to make your heart stop. But everyone’s got their own special ways to deal with the holidays, whether it’s hitting a funky not-so-secret party or volunteering at the Midnight Mission. If you don’t have any ideas of what to do, here are some.

Friday, December 21

Root Down’s 10-Year Anniversary Party
Ooh, a 10-year anniversary party at a secret location? Sounds very. Root Down, a weekly dance party, is celebrating its decade of funkalicious existence with Maseo of De La Soul, Rhettmatic of Beat Junkies as well as DJs Miles, Loslito, Sloe Poke and Expo. With this mix of underground soul, funk and Latin music, you probably won’t pause long enough from your dancing to enjoy the live art performances.

• $20/$14 advance. 10pm. Shuttle leaves for secret location from 1st & Central, Downtown (map).

Saturday, December 22

Free Showing of A Christmas Story
For the few of you out there who are wholesome enough to be up early on a Saturday morning, there’s an equally free wholesome Christmas movie playing in Pasadena. Remember A Christmas Story? And after the screening there will be a holiday concert in Vroman’s adjoining outdoor courtyard with special treats for you crazy early birds.

• 10am. Laemmle Playhouse 7 Theaters, 673 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena (map). (626) 744-0340.

Die Hard and Bad Santa at the Aero Theatre
OMG, two of my fave Christmas movies ever! A great double feature especially if you’re sick of all this sugary holiday goodness. But beware, you might find yourself shedding a tear during these flicks. That curly-haired, snot-nosed kid in Bad Santa just kills me. I’m tearing up just thinking of that pickle.

• $10. Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica (map).

It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas: The Music of Vince Guaraldi at Pasadena Jazz Institute
Was just watching this whilst making Christmas cookies this past week and it honestly didn’t really feel like Christmas until I heard that song “Christmas Time is Here.” It may not be snowing outside but you can still enjoy these jazzy holiday classics. Before the show, maybe warm up by stopping by Bodega Wine Bar for a glass of vino.

• $25 ($12.50 through Goldstar). 10:30pm. Pasadena Jazz Institute, 260 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 206, Pasadena (map). (626) 398-3344.

Monday, December 24

Volunteer to Help Set Up Santa’s Village for Midnight Mission
Wanna grow your heart three sizes larger? Bring Christmas to the less fortunate by setting up Santa’s Village. The Midnight Mission is looking for a lot of volunteers to help with decorations, stocking of shelves, food bag assembly and toy sorting.

• 8am-5pm. 601 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles (map).