CARTHAGE, Mo. — With all the flurry of holiday decorating and shopping, it’s easy to overlook some events we wouldn’t want to miss — like the gingerbread-house competition taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. today at St. Luke’s Nursing Center.

Director Sue Joslen says entries have almost doubled from last year’s total. Judging will take place in three divisions: junior, senior and (new this year) group or corporate. All visible items on the structures must be edible; some may feature lighting as well.

KSNF’s Tiffany Alaniz and Gary Bandy, and the Globe’s food columnist, Cheryle Finley, will judge the gingerbread creations. Duke Mason will provide entertainment. To keep you from sneaking a gumdrop or a marshmallow off the elaborate confections, St. Luke’s is offering guests hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

After the judging, auctioneer Wayne Ytell will auction the gingerbread houses, with the proceeds earmarked for enhancing the St. Luke’s residents’ garden and patio. St. Luke’s is located at 1220 E. Fairview Ave.

n Betty Bell tells me there are a few tickets left for “A Christmas Story,” playing at Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This funny vintage Christmas tale is a must-see. Call 358-7268 for details and reservations.

n Parents should note that Carthage R-9 elementary schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. Wednesday for in-service training for teachers, and Columbian Elementary pupils are holding a canned-food drive all week. Meanwhile, don’t forget the high school’s vocal music concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The choir, under the direction of Melody Hainline, will help get you in the mood for the Christmas season.

n While you are scurrying around with this and that holiday preparation, please remember that the season is especially difficult for our furred and feathered friends. Make sure your pet has water, food and a sheltered place to weather the cold. Easy, inexpensive food for birds in winter may be made from stuff you usually have around the house: lard or beef suet, quick-cooking oats, cornmeal, wheat flour or wheat germ, chunky peanut butter, graham crackers, crumbled egg shells, and dried fruit such as raisins and apricots.

Of course, they always appreciate a little of that expensive black sunflower seed if you have some. A quickie recipe: 1 cup lard, 1 cup chunky peanut butter, 3 cups corn meal, 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour. Melt peanut butter and suet over low heat until blended. Mix in cornmeal and flour. Add fruits, nuts, etc., listed above if you have them. Fill muffin tins about one-half full, and chill until firm. Place in feeders, spread on tree trunks or freeze for future use.

And, we are in the middle of some nasty weather. So, hey, be careful out there!

Address correspondence to Jo Ellis, c/o The Joplin Globe, P.O. Box 7, Joplin, Mo. 64802.