We're in the midst of Hanukkah and only 9 more days until Christmas! We hope you are wrapping up your shopping and getting to enjoy some holiday fun! For those of you that are not affiliated with a church but would like enjoy a Christmas Eve service or Live Nativity... view our list below. Many have special candlelight services with singing.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & DECOR... We drove around last weekend and saw some amazing houses that were decorated and lit up for the holidays. Take a drive around Santa Barbara with your kids and make sure to visit Veronica Springs (off Las Positas) and Quinientos St. on the east side, past Soledad Street.  You can also view lights on the trolley or the Land Shark for a fun outing with kids. 

Tis the season to give back and make a difference... Check our FAMILIES GIVING BACK page for all of the details on specific needs from local non profits. It is not too late to impact someone less fortunate in our community. Many of the our organizations are not seeing the donations they have in years past and this truly affects the families they serve. 

THEATER... We are fortunate in Santa Barbara to have some amazing productions in our theaters for both adults and kids. Theater is a wonderful art to expose your children to and it is fun to dress up, go to a show and then out for a hot chocolate to talk about the experience. If you haven't made it to the Nutcracker, there is still one production this weekend and Peter Pan returns to the Lobero starting this Sunday.  Looking for a creative gift for someone who enjoys the arts? Buy tickets to the 25th SB International Film Festival. Reduced pricing available on mini packs and more through December 31.

CONGRATULATIONS! Our local youth are making headlines. 

• Courtney O'Donnell, a ninth grader at Laguna Blanca, won the high school singing competition at the Unity Shoppe Telethon on Saturday. She won a scholarship, her school won a cash prize, and she will be singing at the Kids Helping Kids Unity Shoppe Fundraiser event on January 8.  >>  
• Hardeep Ahdi, a senior at Dos Pueblos High, was named 2009 Goleta Teen of the Year on Thursday night.
  Julia Johnson, a senior at Bishop Diego High, was named runner-up. Paige Crane, Suvini Jayasekera, Nina Marchiando and Matthew McClenathen of Dos Pueblos, and Scott Messier of San Marcos High were selected as finalists.  Read more about these amazing teens. >>
  

SCHOLARSHIPS... Applications are being accepted now through January 4 for the 2010 Harriet Miller Youth Leadership Awards Scholarship. Applicants must be a high school senior in the Santa Barbara Unified School District or a resident of Santa Barbara with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have completed 45 community service hours by the application deadline. >>

There is still time to sign your kids up for WINTER CAMPS >>

Happy Holidays!

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

Camp Calendar | School Schedules | Movie Showtimes

Holiday Parents Night Out
The Learningden Preschool
Date: Friday, December 18th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Ages: 2-10 years
Details: Your kids will enjoy their evening as you get some time off to enjoy yours! Dinner, snacks, and crafts will be provided for your child(ren).  RSVP on Wednesday, December 16, please!
Address: 4485 Hollister Ave, SB Phone: (805) 683-5801 view all details >>

Community Christmas Carol Sing-along & Wassail Party
Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State Street
Dec. 18 - 7:30pm-9:00pm
The Community is welcomed to combine voices in singing favorite and new carols of the season. The Poetry of Diane Wyman will be featured, along with the singing. The traditional Wassail Party follows the sing-along with a “wassailing procession” and more carols by the fireside.  805-687-0189 or 965-7419

Christmas Caroling
First Congregational Church of SB, 2101 State St
Sunday, December 20, at 2:00 pm
All are welcome! Call the Church Office for details - (805) 682-7146

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 23rd Annual Outdoor Living Nativity
St. Andrew's Church, 4575 Auhay Dr. (South of Hollister between Modoc and Turnpike)
Dec. 21-23  - 7:30pm to 8:00pm
Presented on the church lawn in front of the beautiful stained glass windows, with actors, carols, donkey, brass trio, and a special treat for the children. 

Christmas Eve Services December 24th
See Event Calendar for detailed descriptions:

• Calvary Chapel SB 3:30pm & 5:30pm 1 N Calle Cesar Chavez
• Community Covenant Church 6pm 5070 Cathedral Oaks Rd, SB
• First Congregational Church of SB 8pm 2101 State St
• First Presbyterian Church of SB 7pm 21 E. Constance Avenue
• Good Shepherd Church 4pm, 8pm, 11pm 380 N Fairview Ave, Goleta
• Hope Community Church 4pm and 6pm Cabrillo Arts Center 1118E Cabrillo Blvd. 
• Light and Life Goleta at Free Methodist Church 7pm  1435 Cliff Dr.
• Ocean Hills Community Church 5:30pm under the stars Fess Parker's Doubletree Hotel
• St. Andrew's Church 7:30pm 4575 Auhay Dr.
• Trinity Episcopal Church 4pm Family Service 9:30 pm, 10 pm 1500 State Street