baby alabama
October/November/December 2013
contents
www.albabymag.com
& child
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PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Cecilia Pearson EDITOR AT LARGE LaTanya Bayles DESIGN Amy Heise Murphree EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Kim Hildenbrand Jane Longshore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Becky Abernathy AD DESIGN Terry Gamble ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melanie Cade INTERNS Holland Bayles DeShondra Cooper
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features 26 30
Healing Space : Kim McBrayer’s Story Holiday Fun Guide
departments 08 12 16 20 32
News & Notes Expert Q & A: Pediatric Dental Health Parents’ Choice Awards: The Swanky Stork Style: Fall Maternity Fashion Family Travel: Atlanta
in every issue 04 40
Editor’s Letter Family Event Picks
Lifestages Publishing Inc., Copyright 2004-2013. Lifestages Publishing Inc. publishes Alabama Baby & Child quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts, or other material. Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in Alabama Baby & Child are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lifestages Publishing Inc.
On the Cover Two year old Zaria Paige. Winner of the Legacy Credit Union Beautiful Baby Contest. Photographed by Becky Abernathy.
Information provided should not be interpreted as medical instructions; editorial content is not intended as medical advice. Consult appropriate healthcare professionals prior to taking any action. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Lifestages Publishing Inc., and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The appearance of an ad in Alabama Baby & Child does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service.
contact us LifeStages Media 130 Wildwood Pkwy. Suite 108-204 Birmingham, AL 35209 t. (205) 445-1345 www.albabymag.com www.babypaloozatour.com www.albabymag.com 1
from the editor THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME of year. Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to slow down and be grateful for
all the good things in our lives, and, in my family, December is all about Christmas, a time to reflect on the birth and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I am constantly reminded of how sacred life is and how we can’t take one day with our loved ones for granted. Kim McBrayer knows that all too well. On page 26 she shares the story of how she is pursuing her passion after suffering a series of devastating losses, including losing her teenage son to bone cancer. The sisters/owners of The Swanky Stork and Fireflies & Fairytales know about the preciousness of family as well as they lost their mother to cancer when they were very young. Now they have eight children among them and a charitable foundation that honors the legacy of their mother by supporting other families through difficult times. Read their story on page 16. Both stories stress the importance of gratitude and focusing on what really matters in life. The rest of the issue is all about family fun. We hope that you will make time this fall to enjoy lots of special moments with your friends, family, and little ones. We offer tons of ideas for activities and outings as well as family-friendly giveaways on our blog at AlBabyMag.com.
Until next time,
Cecilia “CC” Pearson
24/7 @ albabymag.com
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expert q&a
first dental visit Dr. Stephen Mitchell discusses pediatric dental health.
TRADITIONALLY, parents have been
advised to seek dental care for their child by the third or fourth birthday. Unfortunately, we now know that for many children, this is too late. Children who develop Early Childhood Caries, an aggressive form of tooth decay that begins in infancy, will have significant damage to their teeth even by 18 months of age. If these children do not receive dental care until they are preschoolers, they will experience pain, infection, and tooth damage that can require complicated treatment. The UAB Department of Pediatric Dentistry treats 20 to 25 children between the ages of two and five years each month in an operating room setting where multiple baby teeth have to receive nerve treatment and steel crowns or, even worse, be removed. One recent case involved a 28 month old where 16 of the 20 baby teeth had to be treated—12 of which had to be removed. The primary cause of this child’s dental disease was chocolate milk. Fortunately, Early Childhood Caries is a preventable disease, and pediatric dentistry focuses on teaching parents how to prevent it by
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establishing practical, dental friendly behaviors from the beginning of life. Below are five simple suggestions that can lead to your child having excellent dental health. 1. SCHEDULE THE FIRST DENTAL VISIT
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child have a well-baby dental exam by his or her first birthday. The goal of the exam is to prevent dental disease before it has a chance to start. The dentist will examine your child’s mouth as you hold him or her in your lap and provide important information about caring for your child’s mouth. 2. WATCH FOR TOOTH ERUPTION
Your child will continue to teethe. By 12 months, infants often have four upper front teeth and four lower front teeth, though children get teeth at different rates. If your child does not have these particular teeth by his or her first birthday, there is no reason for concern. The dentist can explain the teething process at your child’s first dental visit. To help relieve your child’s teething discomfort, give him or her a cold teething ring, frozen washcloth, or teething biscuit.
expert q&a
3. CLEAN YOUR CHILD’S MOUTH
Gentle brushing of all surfaces of the teeth and gums just once a day will effectively keep them clean. Bath time is a good time to clean you child’s teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, infants will swallow it, and swallowing too much fluoride can damage the developing permanent teeth (a condition called fluorosis). Your dentist will direct you on how to use toothpaste after your baby’s first birthday. Your child will want to chew on the toothbrush. Chewing will not harm anything and may actually help him or her develop good oral hygiene habits. Just remember that chewing on the brush does not clean the teeth. You need to brush them also. 4.CONTROL FREQUENCY OF SUGAR
Only Between Meals
At this age what your child drinks is more likely to cause cavities that what he or she eats. Dental plaques need sugar to produce the acid that causes tooth decay. Regulate how frequently your child’s teeth are exposed to sugar to prevent cavities early in childhood. Avoid using drinks and food as pacifiers. Give formula or breast milk at scheduled feeding times, and give water between meals. You can give your child four to six ounces of natural fruit juice per day at a meal time and in a regular drinking cup. After your child’s first birthday, you may introduce whole milk to his or her diet. Never put your child to bed with any liquid other than water. Sweet drinks at sleep time cause rapid tooth decay. Most liquid medications contain sugar to improve the taste, but it can damage your child’s teeth. Give your child water to drink after taking liquid medications to rinse the sugar off his or
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child have a well-baby exam by his or her first birthday. her teeth. 5. PREVENT AND TREAT INJURIES
Falls and tumbles are part of your child’s normal development as he or she learns to walk, and they could lead to mouth injuries. Do no leave a bottle or sippy cup unattended in your child’s mouth because it can cause a more serious injury during a fall. If your child’s mouth is bleeding from a fall, apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Contact your dentist if the bleeding persists. Remember that bleeding in the mouth mixes with saliva, making the amount of blood look greater than it actually is. If a tooth has been loosened or moved from its normal location during a fall, contact your dentist immediately. If the tooth is broken or out of the mouth, try to bring the tooth and/or its pieces to the dentist’s office. Baby teeth cannot be put back into the mouth, but it is important for your child that you and your dentist can account for all the pieces.
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news & notes
hot off the press C O M P I L E D BY A L A B A M A B A BY & C H I L D S TA F F
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United Way of Central Alabama Launches GenerosCity Campaign
The United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) annual fundraising campaign kicked off on September 12 and continues through December 10. The official slogan for the campaign is “GenerosCity: Make Generosity More Than an Act. Make it a Destination”. Campaign materials educate donors on the four major areas impacted by their giving as a “journey,” covering Education Mountain, Financial Stability Highway, Healthy Living Lake, and Access Valley. According to the United Way’s communications department, “It’s a destination for everyone to experience and see what can happen in communities when they LIVE UNITED.” United Way’s Success By 6 program is represented by the Education Mountain platform.
Drew Langloh (R),
Success By 6 Early Learning Initiative is preparing
UWCA president and
850 children in 50 pre-K classrooms to enter kin-
CEO and Craft O’Neal
dergarten ready to learn and thrive. Children benefit
(L), chairman and CEO
through exposure to high-quality learning materials
of O’Neal Industries
and teacher training provided by Success By 6 School
visiting children at the newest Success By 6 site at Phillips Academy.
Readiness Specialists.
Research shows that children who have a quality
early learning experience are less likely to commit a crime or drop out of high school, and are likely to earn a higher salary than peers who do not have access to quality early learning. Success By 6 receives funding through United Way’s annual giving campaign as well as through groups and organizations that are committed to improving school success in Central Alabama. There are many organizations that benefit from the United Way. For more information on UWCA’s initiatives or to donate visit www.uwca.org
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news & notes
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Birmingham Public Library Offers Early Learning Program for Kids and Parents The Birmingham Public Library’s 1-2-3 Play With Me program is designed for newborns to children up to three years old and their parents or caregivers. This early learning program, which helps build children’s social and early literacy skills through toys, books, and art activities, takes place at five Birmingham Public Library locations this fall. One-on-one time is used to help strengthen the bond between the child and adult. Each week, a different guest expert is in attendance to answer parenting questions such as what types of foods to feed children at a certain age, what’s a good age for children to start learning the alphabet, and what’s the best way to teach a toddler about sharing. Each session ends with the child taking home an early learning literacy kit to expand on the book that was explored that day. A Community Project Grant from the Junior League of Birmingham helps fund the program, which is offered in the fall and spring. Admission to the program is free.
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The fall session of 1-2-3 Play With Me is available at the following Birmingham Public Library locations: FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY t 4812 Avenue West Tuesdays at 10 a.m., now through October 8 AVONDALE LIBRARY t 509 South 40th Street Wednesdays at 10 a.m., now through October 9 CENTRAL LIBRARY t 2100 Park Place Tuesdays at 10 a.m., October 15–November 12 SPRINGVILLE ROAD LIBRARY t 1224 Old Springville Road Thursdays at 10 a.m., October 10–November 14 NORTH BIRMINGHAM LIBRARY t 2501 31st Avenue North Wednesdays at 10 a.m., October 16–November 13 For more information, call 226-4018 or the host library.
news & notes
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March of Dimes Celebrates 75 Years of Life-Saving Achievements November is Prematurity Awareness Month, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to reflect on the achievements of one of the country’s premier nonprofit organizations working to improve maternal and infant health and reduce the prevalence of premature birth. This year, March of Dimes is celebrating 75 years and its ongoing work to help all babies get a healthy start in life. About four million babies are born in the United States each year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education,
vaccines, and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes got its name when comedian Eddie Cantor asked Americans to send their dimes to FDR at the White House to help defeat polio. The foundation later funded the development of the Salk vaccine, which was tested in 1954 and licensed a year later, as well as the Sabin vaccine, which became available in 1962. Nearly all babies born today still receive a lifesaving polio vaccine. Throughout its history, the March of Dimes has supported many important research milestones that have benefitted newborn and child health. One research breakthrough came in the early 1960s when March of Dimes-supported grantee Dr. Robert Guthrie developed the first screening test for PKU (phenylketonuria), offering a way to prevent intellectual disabilities caused by PKU through diet. Since that time, the March of Dimes and family groups have campaigned tirelessly for expanded newborn screening. Today, every baby born in every state in the U.S. receives screening for dozens of conditions that could cause catastrophic health problems or death if not detected and treated promptly at birth. As part of its ongoing mission to improve babies’ health, the March of Dimes released a definitive pregnancy guidebook earlier this year. Written by March of Dimes medical advisor Dr. Siobhan Dolan and published by Harper Collins, Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby includes tips on pre-natal care, choosing a health provider, what to eat, and many other topics. The book can be pre-ordered at marchofdimes.com/healthymombook.
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MY NEWS EXPERIENCE:
TUESDAY’S HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT The largest archive of news available in Alabama. When my daughter needed help with a school assignment on current events, we found the latest local and national news on AL.com. With searchable stories and articles, we found the topic we were looking for. We even found a family-friendly play to see downtown. AL.com is a great place to introduce my daughter to the web, and she’s learning about the world too.
All the day’s news at www.AL.com Subscribe today. Call 325.4444
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DETAILS
section name
The Swanky Stork 2827 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 205-803-2133 www.theswankystork.com
THE SWANKY STORK 2827 18th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 408-6009 * L to R: Cole Wilson, Sellers Hudson, Barrett Booth, Reagan Kessler (holding Micah Kessler), Piper Hudson, Kate Wilson (holding Jack Hudson).
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You know the value of saving. Pass it on to your kids by enrolling them in the
America’s First Kids 1st Club.
The Kids 1st Club makes learning to save easy and fun! All children ages 0-18 that hold a minor share (savings) account are eligible for membership in the Kids 1st Club. As a Kids 1st Club member your child will receive a membership card, a Kids Club membership packet, and best of all, the ability to earn Honor Dollars.
For more information on the Kids 1st Club call 1.800.633.8431 Federally Insured By NCUA.
Available to qualifying members only. Certain restrictions apply.
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MAT MELANGE TUNIC Melange Tunic by Ripe ($109). A great piece to transition from warm summer days to cool fall weather. Can be worn as is with boots or add a long-sleeved top and leggings for cooler temperatures.
LILAC WRAP & JEANS Colored denim continues to be on trend this season. The model is wearing teal skinny jeans ($99) paired with the Bella Wrap top ($79) in taupe-one of our most attering tops, plus it is designed to be worn during and after pregnancy. Both pieces by Lilac.
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SERAPHINE SWEATER & LEGGINGS Black-and-tan striped sweater ($99), featuring a belted waist that can be worn tied above the belly to create shape or below the belly for trend-setting edge. Shown with super-comfy, black leggings featuring an over-the-belly panel ($34). Both pieces by Seraphine.
SERAPHINE DRESS This dress ($99), by Seraphine, was worn by Kate Middleton during her pregnancy. It features a attering faux wrap and trendy black-and-white polka dot print.
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SPACE FOR
Healing
i BY J A N E L O N G S H O R E
IN 1994, WHEN BIRMINGHAM’S KIM MCBRAYER GAVE BIRTH TO HER SON CARSON, SHE HAD NO WAY OF ANTICIPATING THE HIGHS AND LOWS THE NEXT TWO DECADES WOULD BRING.
For the first few years of Carson’s life, while she devoted herself to raising her young son, she also carved out time to explore her passion for helping friends and family organize their homes and workplaces. As demand for her help increased, she realized there might be need for a business helping people get organized in Birmingham. Thus was born All Spaced Out Organizing Services, a full-service organizing firm specializing in closet design and installation, time management, and organizational training. Ten years later McBrayer gave birth to a daughter, Cassidy, and by 2005, the business had grown exponentially, adding employees, a showroom, and a warehouse. All Spaced Out
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BELOW: Kim McBrayer with her husband Brett and daughter Cassidy. RIGHT: Kim’s son Carson with sister Cassidy, Carson.
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Holiday Guide FUN G
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G holiday day holiday iday holida A family-friendly guide to music, theater, gifts and holiday fun
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family travel
Atlanta FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Callaway Gardens 32 www.albabymag.com
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T he Children’s Georgia Aquarium The largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Christmas P arade Aquarium houses more than 100,000 freshwater Beginning at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 7,
CHRISTMAS PARADE
and saltwater fish and mammals including five beluga whales and two whale sharks. A 4-D theater, food court, and five galleries entertain all ages. Festival of the SEAson (November 16December 31), the Aquarium’s celebration of the holidays, transforms the Aquarium’s galleries and exhibits into a winter wonderland incorporating live holiday musical performances, appearances by Santa and SCUBA Claus, the return of the Weeki Wachee Mermaids, and more.
Parade travels through Midtown Atlanta
GEORGIA AQUARIUM
on Peachtree Street starting at 16th Street
225 Baker Street
and ending at 5th Street.
Atlanta, GA 30313
www.choa.org/parade
404-581-4000
Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta will be transformed into Santa Claus Lane with all the sights and sounds of the season. With floats, giant helium-filled balloons, costumed characters, and marching bands, the Children’s Christmas Parade will be the largest holiday parade in the Southeast. Hundreds of thousands of spectators will be lined up along the streets eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa and the official beginning of the holiday season in Atlanta.
www.georgiaaquarium.org
The largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium houses more than 100,000 freshwater and saltwater fish and mammals. Georgia Aquarium
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Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park
Home to the world’s largest piece of exposed granite rock and longest running laser show, Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction. Stone Mountain Park offers more than 3,200 acres of natural beauty, family-oriented recreational activities, special events, lodging, and camping. Christmas at Stone Mountain Park (November 9-January 1) offers more than two million dazzling lights; live holiday shows including Forever Christmas; a nightly Christmas parade; The Polar Express 4-D Experience; visits to Stone Mountain Park’s very own Snow Angel at her Snow Palace; fireworks; and more. Snow Mountain (November 25-February 17) features a snow-packed mountainside and action-packed excitement, with five football fields of snow play, including 20 lanes of tubing. STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
Snow Mountain
Legoland Discovery Center LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza offers hours of fun, between the 4-D cinema, Kingdom Quest LEGO ride, and test track where you can try out the LEGO car you build onsite. At Holly Jolly Holidays at LEGOLAND (December 1-31), you can participate in a giant LEGO Christmas tree group build and attend a pajama party with Mrs. Claus. Celebrate with a Santa takeover in MINILAND, with holiday-inspired ornament builds, daily drawings for prizes, and more. LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-848-9252 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta
Highway 78 East Stone Mountain, GA 30086 770-498-5690 www.stonemountainpark.com
FAMILY TRAVEL SPONSOR
Find more family-friendly travel tips and destinations from The BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport at www.AlBabyMag.com
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alabama baby
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gift guide
gift guide
alabama child
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alabama baby
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gift guide
Holiday Festivals & Events
{October, Novem 1 5
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Compiled by DeShondra Copper
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER 2-3
4-6, 11-13, 20, 23-24, 27 & 31 (5PM-9PM)
MOSS ROCK FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 18, 19, 25 & 26 (5PM-10PM)
THE PRESERVE, HOOVER
BOO AT THE ZOO!
Hoover, will be a regional focus for art, design and environmental lovers everywhere with the return of the Moss Rock Festival, appropriately named because of its juxtaposition to Hoover’s very own 250 acre Moss Rock Preserve. This unique fall festival will be celebrating nature, open spaces, and eco-ideas through art and design. Free to attend. Details: 205-5956306 or MossRockFestival.com.
THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO
Children can wear their costumes and make their way through safe trick-ortreat and game zones, organized by local non-profits and child-centered businesses. Ride the train and Ghastly Carousel. 5-9 pm. $8. Children’s Pony Rides $5.50 Details: 205-879-0409 or www.birminghamzoo.com.
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OCTOBER 5- 27 (WEEKENDS ONLY) THE PUMPKIN PATCH EXPRESS HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD EXPRESS
Visit the pumpkin patch for a hay-ride, jumpstation, cornstalk maze, and ol’ fashioned boiled peanuts. Pick your favorite pumpkin from the patch (additional charge for pumpkin). Adult $15.60, Child (2-11) $11. Details: 205-757-8383 or www.hodrrm.org.
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OCTOBER 26, 27, 31 HALLOWEEN HAUNTED LAB MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER
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NOVEMBER 1-3
Children get to get their hands in some slime, meet some of the resident creepy crawlies and learn the science behind the tricks and treats of Halloween. Labs vary and may include cow eye or sheep brain dissection. Activities included in museum admission, $12. Details: 205714-8300 or www.mcwane.org
DISNEY’S ALADDIN JUNIOR RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE COMPANY
A stage adaptation of the Disney hit film filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides. The show is part of RMTC’s Youth Series and will be performed by students ages 7-12. Features the Academy award-winning score with songs including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me. Tickets $20. Details 205-324-2424 or www.redmountaintheatre.org
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NOVEMBER 6-9 DISNEY ON ICE: PRINCESSES & HEROES BJCC ARENA
Watch in awe as the dreams and triumphs of Disney’s princesses and heroes come to life on the ice. High flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends are just a wish away! There’s even a special appearance by Disney’s newest princess, Rapunzel. $15+. Details: www.ticketmaster.com
ber & December} 7 8
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NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 21
NOVEMBER 29 – JANUARY 5
(SATURDAY’S)
WINTER WONDERLAND
SANTA SPECIAL
HOLIDAY EXHIBIT
HEART OF DIXIE
MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER
RAILROAD MUSEUM
Winter Wonderland is a holiday experience giving families a chance to learn about the science of the season together. Sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum. Try the zip line or even ride a train inside the museum. Activities included in museum admission, $12. Details: 205-714-8300 or www.mcwane.org
Children ride a real train and Santa rides the train with them. They get to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! Adult $15.6, Child (2-11) $15.60. Details: 205-757-8383 or www.hodrrm.org
Find over 400 more local family-friendly events at AlBabyMag.com. Login from your iPhone or iPad and the calendar becomes an App to help you find events on the go!
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Holiday Festivals & Events
{October, November & December}
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DECEMBER 5-22 ‘TIS THE SEASON
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RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE COMPANY
‘Tis the Season combines the sounds and sights of the most wonderful time of the year with your favorite holiday hits. This show is rated G and features a cast of Birmingham favorites along with the RMTC Youth Programs. Tickets $30-$35. Details: 205-324-2424 or www.redmountaintheatre.org
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DECEMBER 6-8, 13-15, 18-23 & 26-31
DECEMBER 14 & 21
ZOOLIGHT SAFARI
WINTER WONDERLAND
THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO
Enjoy a fabulous night of lights, fun and holiday spirit as the Birmingham Zoo comes alive! It’s the only place in Birmingham where it snows every night. Also, enjoy an expanded light show synchronized to popular holiday music. 5-9 p.m. Free for Members, Non-members: $8. Details: 205-8790409 or www.birminghamzoo.com.
HOLIDAY EXHIBIT MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER
Make holiday crafts, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! 8:30am – 10:00am. Adult $20, Child $15 (Members: Adult $15, Child $10). Tickets also include museum admission. Details: 205-714-8300 or www.mcwane.org
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DECEMBER 7 – 15 (WEEKENDS) SANTA’S ADVENTURE IN THE MERRYWOOD MEGA MALL BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE
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GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER™
SAMFORD WRIGHT CENTER
Poor Santa – It’s Christmas Eve and he’s trapped in the gigantic Merrywood Mega Mall. Will he find his way out in time to bring gifts to all the good little girls and boys? This show is great for children ages 2-6. Adult $13.50; Child $11.50 Details: 205-458-8181 or www.bct123.org.
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DECEMBER 7 -15 (WEEKENDS) THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE
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DECEMBER 13 - 22
One of six companies in the world licensed to perform Balanchine’s holiday masterpiece, Alabama Ballet presents its eighth annual performance of The Nutcracker. Opulent sets and dazzling costumes create a vision that will enchant children and adults alike. Don’t miss the Sugar Plum Parties, a magical afternoon of activities, photos, and refreshments with the cast for children holding tickets. One hour prior to the matinees. $20-$55 Details: 205-975-2787 or www.alabamaballet.org.
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No one wants to be in the annual Christmas play at the local church except six irascible siblings who have never heard the Christmas story. Ultimately, their energy and sincerity triumphs as they make this year’s pageant the best ever. Great for children ages 2-6. Adult $15.50; Child $13.50 Details: 205-458-8181 or www.bct123.org.
DECEMBER 20
ARTPLAY PRESENTS YULETIDE IN DOGTOWN ALYS STEPHENS CENTER
The dogs are back in town! Join Spike, Fifi, Scotty, and Beauregard on this interactive musical adventure created by local playwright – and the ASC’s very own – Jerry Sims, as his pups learn what the holidays really mean. This is a fun audience participation show for the entire family. Adult 10, Child $8. Details: 205-975-2787
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