Despite cold, and rains heavy enough to shut down the West Seattle's Farmers Market a little early the West Seattle Junction got their Hometown Holidays effort underway with community greeters at the corner of California Ave. and Alaska Street, Santa across the way at City Mouse Studio on Alaska Street hearing kids Christmas wishes, and The Wagon Ears Belgian Draft Mules giving people rides in a carriage around the Junction. The Mules will be back on Dec. 16 from 11AM to 3PM.

The greeters out in front of Key Bank will be there again the next two Sundays Dec. 9 and 16 from 11am to 3pm with face painting, Holiday Raffle entries and information.

You can bring the kids for professional Santa photos on December 9, 16 from 11AM-3PM. The Junction Association will donate 100% of your suggested donation of $15 or more to West Seattle charities.

The Junction has "Shop Late Thursdays (open till 9PM) every week through Christmas which includes the West Seattle Art Walk, December 13.

Coming up on Saturdays, December 15 and 22 you can get your Junction purchased gift wrapped for free (just show the receipt) presented by The West Seattle High School Music Program whose parents will staff the gift wrap station at Windermere Realty 4526 California Ave. while the students perform in The Junction. You'll get FREE wrap and ribbon but no boxes are provided.

The Junction will give away dozens of prizes including a full Holiday Shopping Spree in their Holiday Raffle. Pick up your entries at the Headquarters in front of Key Bank on Sunday.

Keep up with Junction events by visiting http://wsjunction.org