Itching to take a break from the chaotic (and as a result of the current recession, often-depressing) holiday rush? Well, as we do every season, the helpful (and slightly "humbugish") folks here at Creative Loafing have searched high and low to find the best events going on throughout this festive time. Check out the following pages, and you'll see our top event picks -- covering everything from music to theater to movies and more. So, once you're done playing "Secret Santa" at home or at work, go out and kick it for yourself. Read on ... oh, and happy holidays!