Dec. 6, Co-Housing Communities with Jim Leach and Henry Kroll; 13, Cooking the Earth (global warming) with Roberta Richardson, M.D.; 20, Symbols of an Alien Sky, screening of a new DVD exploring the connections between mythology, rock art and plasma physics. Info: www.firstuniversalist.org, 303-759-2770.

Explore Process Painting – a fun, inituitive method of art – at A Good Day For Art, Sat., Dec. 5, 1-4p.m., for adults (17+). Watercolor lessons begin in January. For southeast Denver location, fees and details, call Nancy at 303-369-1952 or visit www.agooddayforart.com.

Felted jewelry, needle felting & other fine fabric arts are taught at TACtile Art Center, 7777 E. Hampden Ave. Fine fabric arts classes include Felted Jewelry, Dec. 5; Re-Making T-Shirts, 5 & 14; Needle Felting (hand & machine), 6; Beginning Knitting, 12; and Felted Bags. Call for times, fees. Registration/info: www.tactilearts.org, info@tactilearts.org, or 720-524-8886.

It’s fun. It’s exotic. But it’s also open to the “dance-challenged”: Belly dance lessons for teens and adults! Also offering Hatha yoga, strength training (process honed from years of fitness experience, numerous certifications and constant research) and tap dancing (shoes not necessary) for both beginning adults and kids (5-12). Small affordable classes with flexible scheduling held at a home studio in Wellshire East (near Colorado Blvd. & Dartmouth Ave.). Info: “J” at 303-388-7178 or email jav0125@msn.com.

Create a solstice or chai sugar scrub in Yuletide Holiday Gift Making, a free community class at Apothecary Tinctura, a medicinal herb store and clinic at 2900 E. 6th Ave., Tues. or Wed., Dec. 8 or 16, 6:30-8:30p.m. Learn to make Luscious Lotions & Fabulous Creams (for $40), Sun., Dec. 6, 4:30-7:30p.m. Visit www.apothecarytinctura.com for details; call 303-399-1175 to sign up.

Catch a free class, lecture or concert for adults this month at Schlessman Family Branch Library, 100 Poplar St.: Colorado Authors Series presents comic artist John Porcellino, author of Map of My Heart, Sat., Dec. 5, 2p.m.; celebrate the season with harpist Star Edwards in Winter Melodies, Sat., Dec. 12, 2-3p.m.; learn more about the fabric arts in Ewe, Crocheting and Knitting!, Mon., 14, 3-4p.m.; artist Cynthia Holdeman shares how mosaics are made in Italy in Travel Tales, Thur., 17, 2-3p.m. Info: 720-865-0000 or www.denverlibrary.org/calendar.

Take in the tools needed for senior care planning at a free talk with expert Paul Hogan, Mon., Dec. 7, 4-6:30p.m., at the Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway. Learn available care options, financial planning, being a caregiver to a parent, insurance options, and the state of senior care in America. First 100 guests receive a free copy of Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions. Info: Kim, 303-389-5700.

Find out how you can help make Denver more resilient, sustainable and vibrant in the next 20 years in Be the Change: Turning Vision into Action, Tues., Dec. 8, 7-9p.m., at the Mercury Café, 2199 California St. Transition Denver will set goals for 2010, learn how to lobby elected officials and hear about social networking on the new website. $5 donation. Info: 303-300-3547, or visit www.transitiondenver.org.

Hallmark, take a hike: Caboodle Gifts, 1515 S. Holly St., offers Make Your Own Stamped Holiday Cards, Sat., Dec. 12, 1-3p.m., guiding guests in making four to six cards and envelopes. $15 includes materials. Register and view other class offerings at www.caboodlegifts.net or call 303-759-3966.

Water and electricity don’t mix, but Workshop for Women teaches the basics of both at a new location with partner Club Workshop, 999 Vallejo St., Unit 2: Do You Hear Water? Plumbing 101 for Women, held Wed., Dec. 9, 6-9p.m. ($79); Let There Be Light – Electrical Basics for Women, Mon., Dec. 7 &14, 6-9p.m. (two nights, $159). Club Workshop is Denver’s first open access workshop club featuring equipment, facilities and training for a wide variety of personal projects, including welding, wood work, machining and laser engraving. Info: www.clubworkshop.com or 720-324-7222. Workshop for Women continues to offer monthly women-only home maintenance classes; morning and evening sessions available. Call 303-284-6354 or visit www.workshopforwomen.com.

The Question Group hosts a two-part seminar and open forum on two central claims of Christmas: A Virgin Birth? and God in Flesh?, two consecutive Wednesdays, Dec. 9 & 16, 7:30p.m., at Café Colorado, 287 Columbine St. Presented by Dave Morlan, Fellowship Denver pastor and former New Testament research fellow at Cambridge University. Free. Info: dave@fellowshipdenver.org.

Explore the interplay between art, dreams, shamans and Carl Jung in SoulCatchers: Tapestries Of Dreams, the next C.G. Jung Society lecture, Fri., Dec. 11, 7p.m., at First Divine Science Church, 1400 Williams St. Presented by Jungian psychologist, author and artist Kathy Martone, Ed.D., who will also display and describe some of her own “soul-catching” artistic creations. Non-members $15, students & seniors $10. Info: 303-575-1055 or www.jungsocietyofcolorado.org.

Whether cookin’ or croonin’, Fresh City Life offers something for everyone at the Denver Public Library, serving up free cultural programming for adults all month: Back by popular demand, Songbirds in Snow: Reveille 3 shares the classic stories of the holidays through the music made popular by the Andrews Sisters and other voices of the 1940s, Sat., Dec. 12, 2-3p.m., in Schlessman Hall. World Kitchen: Chef Cooking Demos features how-to, recipes and samples, Saturdays, 10:30a.m.-noon, in the Level B2 Conference Center: Dec. 5, Cheese: It’s Part Culture; 12, Chocolate Passport. Overdue Love Club – a singles’ night for intelligent people – meets Fri., Dec. 18, 6:30-8p.m., in Michelangelo’s Wine & Coffee Bar, located at 1 Broadway (at Ellsworth Ave.). Registration required: call 720-865-1206 or visit the Overdue Love Club page on the Fresh City Life website. WordNerds brings word nerds, bibliophiles and grammar freaks together once a month (Wed., Dec. 16, 5-8p.m.) to test their skill, learn new small words and meet like-minded friends at Novo Coffee, 1200 Acoma St., across from the Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building. Unless noted, all events held in Level 1 Fresh City Lounge of the Central Library, located at W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. & Broadway. No registration required unless noted, visit: www.denverlibrary.org/fresh or call 720-865-1205.

Looking for inexpensive materials and space to paint? Check out Open Painting at Canvas and Cocktails, 249 Clayton St., Tues.-Sat., 11a.m.-5p.m. Studio time, paint, brushes, palette and 16-by-20-inch canvas for $25. Walk in, public invited. Want to learn? Check out fun, themed class nights (Tues.-Sun., 6:30p.m., $35-40): Dec. 12, Partini; 13, Union Station; 19, Holiday Trees; and 22, Skis. Info: 303-333-3288, www.canvasandcocktails.com.

Joshua Wiener demonstrates stone carving in Demo and Dialogue, a live art demonstration/discussion, Sat., Dec. 12, 1-3p.m., at the Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St. This monthly event showcases faculty artists at work. $7 nonmembers. ASLD provides beginning to advanced instruction for adults, children and teens, in drawing, painting, digital art, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, and the business of art. Pre-registration required for all classes/events: www.asld.org, 303-778-6990.

Tempting topics like chocolate, coffee and Cuba are explored in Active Minds’ free lectures and discussions, held throughout the metro area. Franklin Delano Roosevelt examines the life, leadership and legacy of the four-term president, Mon., Dec. 14, 2:30-3:30p.m., at Springbrooke, 6800 Leetsdale Dr. RSVP to 303-331-9963. Consider our communist neighbor 100 miles south of Florida in Cuba: Past, Present & Future, Tues., Dec. 15, 11a.m.-noon (refreshments at 10:45), at Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St. RSVP Jodi, 303-388-4013, ext. 307. Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave., shares the story of Chocolate, filled with aristocracy and slavery, innovation and coincidence, Tues., Dec. 15, 5:30-6:30p.m. Trace the history of coffee from its origins in Ethiopia to the Starbucks around the corner in Coffee: A Brief History, Wed., Dec. 23, 10a.m., at Malley Senior Center, 3380 S. Lincoln St. RSVP: 303-762-2660. (Parking lot passes available.) For other free Active Minds presentations, visit www.ActiveMindsForLife.com or call Zane Robertson at 303-320-7652.

Mi Casa Resource Center For Women provides good, free advice on common legal problems every Legal Night, the third Tuesday of each month (Dec. 15), 5:30-7:30p.m. Attorneys are available to provide legal guidance in areas including housing, employment, credit problems, family law, immigration, etc. Held at Mi Casa, 360 Acoma St. Info: 303-573-1302.

“Denver’s Sports-Talk Dean” Irv Brown shares how to survive the breakneck pace needed to maintain success and stay healthy in How to Create Balance in a World that is Moving at 120 mph, the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce’s next Business Success Series breakfast, Tues., Dec. 15, 8-9:30a.m., at 101 Monroe St. Info/costs: www.cherrycreekchamber.org or 303-388-6022.

Hear about contemporary art straight from the source in the Denver Art Museum’s Logan Lecture series, featuring cutting-edge artists. On Wed., Dec. 16, 7p.m., meet John DeAndrea, creator of the popular, hyperrealistic sculptures Linda and Artist and Model. Doors open 6p.m., Sharp Auditorium, Frederic C. Hamilton Building, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Reservations/info: 720-913-0150 or www.denverartmuseum.org.

Mark the return of the sun in the Irish Celtic tradition with a Winter Solstice Celebration, Sun., Dec. 20, 6:30p.m., at MoonDance Botanicals, 601 Corona St., with donations benefiting Colorado Youth at Risk. Boycott the malls and create gifts for friends and family in DIY: Handmade is Best, Sat., Dec. 19, noon-4p.m. Drop in and Moondance will provide ingredients and packaging ($2-12) to craft gourmet bath salts, body scrubs, spritzers, aromatherapy candles and cologne oil blends, as well as holiday treats, champagne and massages. Botanical Spa Party boasts self-applied facial and guided meditation, Thur., Dec. 17, 6-7:30p.m. Champagne and chocolate included in $10 fee. RSVP to moondancebotanicals@gmail.com, or 303-263-7275.

Sample a selection of Big Holiday Reds, a tasting class at the Reserve List Wine Academy, Sat., Dec. 5, 6p.m., next door to the Reserve List, 1886 S. Pearl St. Get ready for New Year’s Eve in Everything That Bubbles, Sat., Dec. 19, 6p.m. $25 per class. Info: 303-722-LIST (5478) or www.reservelist.com.

Savor a cup of tea and go a-caroling around the neighborhood at a free Tea & Wassailing party, Sat., Dec. 19, 3p.m., at Seven Cups Chinese Tea House, 1882 S. Pearl St. Copies of carols provided. Free, Friday afternoon tea tastings start at 3p.m.: Dec. 11, Gold Medal Honey Orchid and Wild Bush Dan Cong oolongs; 18, Taster’s Choice (request a tea). Info: www.sevencupsdenver.com or call 303-777-CUPS (2877).

Screenprint a set of eight 2010 calendars in Calendar Ink, Sat., Dec. 19, at Ink Lounge, 1512 S. Acoma St., 10a.m.-4p.m. $90 includes materials and lunch. Sign up/info: 303-321-7101, www.inkloungegallery.com.

Ponder ancient and modern Mayan prophecies relating to 2012 at a lecture & peace meditation with Karen Korona at Cameron Church, 1600 S. Pearl St., Sun., Dec. 20, 6-8p.m. $15 advance, $20 at door; children (7+ free) welcome. Registration/info: Lorrie, lorrie@peaksrealestate.com, 970-729-1783.

Start the New Year right by taking Atisha’s Advice, a weekend course on the Kadampa Buddhist text teaching a joyful and meaningful way of life, Fri.-Sun., Jan. 1-3, at Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Center, 1081 Marion St. Register on website by Dec. 31. $85. General Program Buddhist Meditation classes held Wednesdays, 7p.m., & Sundays, 10:30a.m. Also: daily chanted prayers, advanced study programs and free stress-buster meditation. Call 303-813-9551 or visit www.meditationincolorado.org for details.

Enhance balance and clarity of body, mind and spirit through the gentle Yang form of Tai Chi Chuan with Maedée Duprès at A Living Arts Centre, 2231 S. Platte River Dr. New classes start Tues., Jan. 5. Info: www.alivingartscentre.com, 303-781-7102.

Kick start the weekend with asana and peaceful vinyasa flow yoga in Friday Night Flow 2 at Pearl Street Yoga, 1550 S. Pearl St., held Fridays, 5:30-6:45p.m. Also, Mommy & Me classes held Thursdays, 10-11a.m.; Prenatal Yoga Series, Sundays, 11:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Donation-only meditation group meets Fridays, 7-9p.m. Info/schedule: www.pearlstreetyoga.com or call 720-203-4241.

Winter classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – for men & women “55 and better” – begin in January, offering a variety of academic courses for older learners pursuing high-level, life-long learning with like-minded peers. A community outreach program of DU’s University College, courses include: Be An Informed Patient: What’s Now, What’s New, and What’s in the Future in Medical Care; Beginning Memoir Writing; Concepts of God, From the Bible Until Today; Dissection of a Play – Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen; and Finding Your Writer’s Voice. Classes held at Central Christian Church, 3690 Cherry Creek South Dr., as well as Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Ave., and Valley View Christian Church, 11004 Wildfield Lane. For schedules, prices and more, call 303-871-3090 or visit www.universitycollege.du.edu/olli.

Looking to start a yoga practice? Yoga studio too intimidating? Check out low-cost yoga classes at Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St.: Mon., noon-1p.m., Wed., 5:45-6:45a.m., or Thur., 5:45-6:45p.m. Drop-ins $10; six sessions, $48. Info: Emily, 720-982-9172, www.eharmonyoga.com.

The Inner Connection Institute is a center for spiritual growth and psychic development, offering classes in meditation, healing and clairvoyance. Call 303-282-9439 for a free newsletter, or come by for the free aura healing clinic, held each Wed., 6-7p.m., at 4101 E. Louisiana Ave., Suite G-1 (entrance around the back of building).

Free Yoga on Sundays! at 10:10a.m. Beginning and intermediate practitioners welcome. Held at Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. Info: MJ, 303-433-6280.

Learn to play flamenco guitar like a gypsy with master teacher and educator Rene Heredia at the Flamenco Center for Guitar & Dance, 602 S. Emerson St. Gypsy dance classes also available Friday evenings at Artistic Body & Development, 520 Cherokee St. Email gypsyproductionsinc@comcast.net or call 303-722-0054 for details on either program.

Meditation and Buddhist philosophy classes are held Thursdays, 6-8p.m., in Cook Park, using the Dalai Lama’s The Art of Happiness and Sogyal Rinpoche’s The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Call Deb Rosenberg, 303-695-0499, for location and details.

Don’t just learn, live Spanish through free social and educational gatherings of the Denver Free Spanish Network. Speakers of all ages and skill meet in homes, restaurants and coffee shops to share interest and learn. For dates & details, visit http://spanish.meetup.com/22/ or call Isobel McGowan, 303-964-9129, or Bruce McLarty, 303-733-7390.