During the holidays, there's lots of entertainment, but not all of it is affordable to everybody.

So here's an idea: school concerts. Even if your kid doesn't go to that school, a holiday concert is always fun.

In December, the Portland schools are hosting a bunch of free concerts, open to the public.

The first is by the Portland Public Schools' orchestra, on December 9, at 7 p.m. in the Portland High School auditorium.

Other school concerts include: Moore Middle School - December 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. : Deering High School - December 16 from 7 to 8 p.m.; Lincoln Middle School - December 17 from 6 to 7 p.m.; King Middle School - December 18 from 6 to 7 p.m.: Portland High School - December 22 from 7 to 8 p.m.

For more information, and addresses of the schools, go to the Portland schools Web site.

I have no problem exposing my kids to the finer aspects of music and culture.
I do have a problem with paying $20 or $30 for a concert without knowing whether my 5-year-old is going to be able to sit through it.

My problem was solved last spring when I discovered the Portland Symphony Orchestra's Kinderkonzerts.