I know I’ve heard the words in the title above somewhere, but I can’t for the life of me remember where or when. I’m sure it’ll come to me, but meanwhile, that’s exactly how I feel at this time of year. 

With Thanksgiving behind us, and a dozen or so December holidays ahead, folks throughout the Upper Delaware River region are scrambling. Undoubtedly there’s decorating, dusting, baking and buying in your future, but as I’m the King of Bah Humbug (a mythical land that I preside over), not so for me—but I’ll do my best not to dampen your spirits.

One thing is sure. There’s so much to see and do at this time of year that no one person can do everything, much less be everywhere all at once. 

Don’t get me wrong. Even I can be taken in by sparkly lights and that first glittery snow that blankets the Catskills, but dreaming of sugar-plum fairies and hooves on the rooftop are not in my repertoire. 

Yes, I’ve been called a curmudgeon (look it up!) during the holidays, but frankly, I’ve been called much, much worse—so I can handle it.

Still, I’m happy enough to celebrate where we live, what we do, and the amazing artistic endeavors that often bring us together, even if it’s happening simultaneously—you know, all at once. 

Such was the case last week, when not one, not two, but three (count ‘em) art exhibitions debuted in Sullivan County. I haven’t even begun to check out Pike, Ulster and Wayne, cuz you know, I’m just one man, and now I have That Dog Named Gidget strapped to my hip. Oy.

I might be a little slow on the uptake, but I’m beginning to think that it’s intentional that multiple galleries open their doors at the same time. It’s like a pub crawl but for those with a thirst for art. 

I began my whirlwind tour at the Delaware Valley Arts alliance (DVAA) in Narrowsburg, NY where the 19th annual Art in Sixes exhibit debuted last weekend. 

As always, I was blown away. Literally hundreds of tiny treasures line the walls on both floors of the DVAA, and this marks the second year that budding artists contributed. A record number of “mini-masters” (pre-K to grade 12) participated and displayed more than 80 works of fantastical art. Yes, it’s a word.

I ran into scores of pals and took some pics before taking my leave, headed for TESS Mainstreet, also in Narrowsburg, and more art in the form of Allan Rubin’s Pop-Up show, “Canon”—an exhibition of sculptures “inspired by self- portraits of famous artists.” Rubin has been producing this ongoing series for a while and I’ve admired them in the past, for they are (IMHO) nothing short of amazing. 

I don’t want Allan to get a swelled head (might be a little late) but honestly? He’s a little bit brilliant and his oil-on-recycled-cans pieces are captivating. 

Additionally, TESS is showcasing other artists, among them (but not limited to) Paul Plumadore, Sean Harrington, WM Landau and Rocky Pinciotti. And of course, Tess herself is in da house, happily displaying must-haves for your “home and lifestyle.” I didn’t ask her what goes with bah, humbug, but I’m fairly certain that it’s a lump of coal.

Having promised ceramist Nonna Hall that I’d swing by the same-day opening of the Holiday Art Show and Sale that she was hosting at Nonetta and Friends Creative in Barryville, NY, I drove there with Gidget. There she was warmly, enthusiastically greeted by a festive crowd that was enjoying even more art everywhere all at once. 

I love this gallery, which is housed inside Nonna’s ceramic studio and shop, and I was not surprised to see new faces among the friends and neighbors I’d already schmoozed with at the other stops along the way. With more than a dozen artists displaying a wide variety of beautiful original art, I was once again reminded of the rich tapestry of talents on display throughout the region, regardless of the time of year.

These three destinations are just the tip of the iceberg as far as art, galleries and holiday shopping are concerned, and each has something to offer for the most discerning on your list. 

As December unfolds, you’re bound to run into us somewhere, everywhere, although hopefully not all at once. Uh-oh, Hanukkah is early this year (12/8). Where’d I put Mom’s menorah?

Ask the Google: Q—Where have I heard those words? 

A—“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a 2022 film about a middle-aged Chinese immigrant who is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led.”