Usually there's a weekend lull before the storm, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when there's not much to do. Well, I guess we missed it 'cause there's lots happening. It's going to be tough, too, because we're all recovering from last night's inaugural ladies night at Sunswick (35th Ave and 36th St).

After work, celebrate the joys of the Queens Library system with some ragtime music in Astoria's 100-year-old Carnegie Library Building . I know, neither of us have ever been to the Queens Library, but given that our local bookstore stinks, maybe it's worth a shot. Event starts at 5:15, but duck out by 6:30 when the pols start in.

Saturday, instead of duking it out at Macy's, do some local shopping. Who doesn't love a hip homemade gift? Check out Art-O-Mat (46-46 Vernon Blvd) - if only for the name.

Shopped 'till you dropped? Well, you better not let the Senior folk at Jacob Riss Settlement House (10-25 41st Ave) put you to shame. They've been known to do so, particularly to the DJ playing their fundraiser this Saturday at 8 p.m. Party rages till 1 a.m. for $12.