’Twas the weekend before Thanksgiving and all through the house … you were looking for things to do?

It’s going to be crisp and sunny, so we suggest you head out and hit up some of these events in the diocese:

Grab some holiday goodies
Now’s the time of year that parishes are selling tasty homemade treats, handmade jewelry, crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts, with most proceeds going to charity.

St. Mary School in Alexandria will host a Christmas bazaar that includes a bake sale, children’s games, prizes, jewelry and a book sale this weekend. A preview party is tonight (Friday) from 7 to 9 p.m. and the bazaar is tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the details on Facebook.

The Benedict Monastery will hold a holiday sale, with handcrafted items made by the Benedictine Sisters and Oblates — complete with jewelry, decorations and food — Saturday between 10a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A Ukrainian Christmas bazaar, with a Ukrainian-style lunch, music, books and holiday items, will be held at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

And the Poor Sisters of St. Joseph will hold their annual Christmas fair this weekend. Enjoy their handmade items, baked goods and decorations at St. Gabriel Convent, 4319 Sano St., Alexandria, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Give in the spirit of Thanksgiving
If you’re up for a more formal affair for a good cause, Transitional Housing BARN Inc., which provides transitional housing and intensive case-management services for homeless mothers and their children, will host a Festival of Trees benefit Saturday. Held at Hilton Washington-Dulles in Herndon from 6 p.m. to midnight, it will include entertainment, a silent auction and food.

Earlier in the day, from 8 a.m. to noon, Transitional Housing BARN Inc. will hold a yard sale to benefit the organization at 9541 Linton Hall Rd., Bristow.

Delight in some musical drama
If you’re a fan of musicals, live theater and supporting diocesan high schools, consider attending a performance of “Meet Me in St. Louis,” presented by Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, at 7:30 p.m. Friday or Saturday or at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Brush up on church history
As Catholics celebrate the Year of Faith and the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, learn more about the transformative council at a lecture by author Kenneth D. Whitehead, “Fifty Years of Vatican II,” held at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church Sunday at 9:45 a.m.

Whatever you decide to do, the staff at the Catholic Herald wishes you a safe, joyful and blessed weekend!