WIN TICKETS... Share your favorite holiday tradition with your kids for a chance to win
4 tickets to the Nutcracker at the Arlington this weekend, Holiday at the Ranch OR Winter FUNderland next weekend >>
How is it that we are already in our second week of December? There is still so much to do! I make a pact every year that I will have certain things like mailing out my holiday cards completed by December 1st to reduce my stress level. It is really heard to accomplish this goal when you take your family photo on the 29th of November. This year my daughter was running a fever the day we were supposed to take the picture and being the sensitive mom that I am - I dragged her out anyway - much to my husband's horror. Luckily, we pulled off our Kodak moment in 10 minutes. I did find that having Big Wave Dave deliver and set up our tree was an amazing time saver and made for a happy husband. For those of you that have never decorated a gingerbread house with your kids... I highly recommend it! It became a tradition for us a few years ago and now we have to get each child (and parent) their own house because everyone get's so invested in the project. We now give away our extra houses to friends and family and another great place is local rest homes. Click here for a list of everything you will need to get creative >> I have found two places this year with pre-made (undecorated) houses, Target and Costco. Now for the presents... I have not begun to complete the lengthy list of "Santa" requests.
 We are sorry if you missed our very cold but fun and fabulous Moms Night Out on Monday night. Thank you to Paseo Nuevo and all of the stores for all the great discounts and a wonderful evening.
If you missed our HOLIDAY GUIDE, be sure to check it out for more gift ideas and links >> or go directly to our A-Z Shopping page >>
In these economic times, many people are shifting their focus to spend less money this year. I heard a great idea this weekend about giving "PRESENCE" to your family in lieu of presents this year. The gift of time can be a wonderful treat for your children. Another trend in gift giving is to give a donation to a charity in honor of a friend or loved one. Many charities even provide gift cards or you can create your own. This is a great way to show your love this holiday season. >>
SHOPPING CHILD CARE: Be sure to check our event calendar below for a great Child Care options for shopping this weekend at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara or at Beach Stars Gymnastics.
The newest Youth Spotlight is out. Read about all of the fun productions happening this month >>
Make sure you pick up your PASSPORT TO SANTA BARBARA COUNTY at one of the local libraries if you don't have one already. These small booklets were recently sent home by local public schools. The program is for K-6th grade and includes free entries to local museums. Students who visit eight local institutions are eligible for a free t-shirt.
Next week's newsletter will have a list of all the holiday services around town.
Happy Shopping!
PS: SAVE THE DATE... We will be hosting a KIDS EXPO on February 27th with activities, resources and panels for every age group. There will be more than 70 vendors from camps to sports to preschools private schools and so much more! |
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