(White-crowned sparrow photographed Sunday on Alki by Matt Olson)

Wondering what’s up today/tonight? Here’s what we have, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

GIVE THE GIFT OF TURKEY: If you can donate a turkey to the West Seattle Food Bank to help someone in need have a hearty holiday dinner, WSFB tells us today’s the optimal day. Donation hours continue until 3 pm; you can use the garage off SW Morgan east of 35th.

‘KING TIDE’: Without a north wind, you won’t see waves and spray, but as shown here yesterday, it’s an interesting backdrop for a walk by the water, at the very least, especially on the Alki promenade west of the Bathhouse. 12.3 feet at 12:38 pm today, and waning in the ensuing days.

MUSIC WHILE YOU SHOP: Keith Terhune (piano) and We Three Carolers at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – piano 2-5 pm, caroling 5-7 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

SOLSTICE SUNSET WITH ALICE: This is the best West Seattle way to observe the change of seasons – join your friendly neighborhood NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park for sunset watch. Free, fun, educational. Be there around 3:45 pm; more info on Alice’s website. (Use her map to get there)

‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICE: 7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), which explains:

This is a service of prayer, reflection, music, remembering, and candle lighting. It is a time especially for people for whom this is not the most wonderful time of the year. It is hard when you have lost a loved one this year and this is the first Christmas without them. It is hard if you have lost a loved one around Christmas and this time of year brings back painful memories. It is hard if you have lost your job, have lost even your faith, and are feeling unmoored. This is a service where you can be yourself and receive a message of comfort and hope. If you are just not feeling the Christmas spirit; if the enforced jolliness is getting to you; whatever reason, this is the service for you.

This is part of our Holiday Guide‘s list of church services for this week. (3940 41st SW)