Open mics for turkey day prep

Monday of a holiday week. Perfect night to stay in and take it easy. And not just because there's basically nothing going on around town tonight. Thursday is going to be exhausting with all that eating required. And Friday? All the bargain shopping is sure to interrupt your sleep time.

One thing you can do tonight is grab a brew at Bruno's (Monday Night Football specials!) or The Frosty Pint and get ready for some football. OK, so it's only Tennessee vs. Houston, but it's still football.

On Tuesday you'll be itching to get out for real. Head to North Star for Port Veritas spoken word open mic at 7 p.m. Donate $2 or $5 to participate.

If you'd rather hear some tunes, check out the action at Run of the Mill's electric open mic from 8 to 11 p.m. It's a freebie and the microbrews are well worth the drive to Saco.

BONUS: Haven't seen 2012 yet? Now's your chance at $5 night at the Nick. The epic disaster film is showing at 8 p.m.

Wednesday. One day before turkey day. Whaddaya think about spending a little extra cash tonight? It'll be worth it. Honest. The Comedy Connection has "Have Your Hamm and Turkey, Too" with George Hamm for just $7. Sure it's more than you usually spend for your cheapo entertainment but every once in a while you have to throw caution to the wind. Besides, it's almost a holiday. The show's at 8 p.m.

At the same time across town you can listen in to acoustic open mic at Slainte with Don Dumont. This will conclude your open mic trifecta for the week. Buy a drink and hang a while.

With any luck, you'll be spending Thursday with family. (Which will likely make you want to drink heavily and run screaming from the house.) But stay calm. You'll want to remain friends with your family members so you'll have someone - anyone - to shop with. Black Friday arrives at midnight at both the Kittery Outlets and in Freeport, which was lit up for the holiday last Friday. Rest up after your turkey meal, then get up and go round about midnight 'cause suddenly 'tis the season.