December 2011 by Atlanta Parent

Parent Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 Parenting Magazine

December 2011

Christmas

Atlanta Style Skate Away

the Season A Class Act:

Fun with Baby Tame your

Holiday Stress

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4 Atlanta Parent December 2011

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Inside December On the Cover: Cover Kid Sophia Smith, 4, of McDonough. Photo by Liz Blount of Studio 7 Photography

Vol. 28 / Number 12

Features

Departments

12 Community Corner 48 Education: Teacher Gifts 82 Essay: Just a Little Peace, Please

Christmas Stars Make an angel garland for the tree, watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” get wrapped up in the magic of “The Nutcracker” – you’ll create a holiday tradition for your family.

Publisher’s Note

10 News You Can Use

Raising kids who count their blessings is hard work, especially when they may expect an overflowing toy box. We offer ideas to encourage a thankful spirit.

Raising Grateful Kids

Family Fun Guide

Stress Busters

Not-to-Miss Events

Put some cheer back into your holidays with these simple steps to lighten the Yuletide load, from fewer commitments to help with the housework.

Eating Out: Crepe Revolution

61 Free Fun: At the Library 63 Ice Skating: Places to Go Gliding

A Class Act Parent/infant classes – from swimming to music – teach new ways to play with and nurture your child.

December Calendar

New Year’s Eve Events

70 Holiday

Our Toy Picks

Calendar

Atlanta Parent’s staff has tested, debated and championed our favorites. Here are the toys we recommend this holiday season.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2011 Award Winner

Christmas Atlanta Style

Christmas by the Carload

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R Pa egis re ter nts n Ni ow gh fo tO r ut

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Winter Camp December 19th - 23rd December 27th - 30th January 2nd & 3rd Call or visit our website for more info

(770) 710-2958

www.jumpstartg ym .com 5920 Roswell Rd Suite C208 Sandy Springs, GA 30328

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

EDITOR Julie Bookman editor@atlantaparent.com

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT asmith@atlantaparent.com MANAGER

ACCOUNT Julia Sparks EXECUTIVES jsparks@atlantaparent.com

Andi Levine alevine@atlantaparent.com

Stacy LaVictoire slavictoire@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Natalie Thavenot MANAGER apads@atlantaparent.com

STAFF WRITER Alexi Wilbourn calendar@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Robin Mintz PRODUCTION rmintz@atlantaparent.com ARTIST

COPY EDITOR Glenn Emery

OFFICE Caroline Ward COORDINATOR cward@atlantaparent.com

ADMINISTRATIVE Marie Phelan ASSISTANT mphelan@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Kaitlyn Morris COORDINATOR kmorris@atlantaparent.com

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine. Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

6 Atlanta Parent December 2011

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Publisher’s Note Think outside the gift box this year

® Center for Puppetry Arts

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www.puppet.org 404.873.3391 Season supported in part by: Fulton County Arts Council, Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs

8 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Please don’t think I’m a Grinch when it comes to Christmas. I love the holidays, really I do. I have a collection of Santas that every year threatens to take over my house after Thanksgiving – so many, in fact, and I have to choose which ones I’ll display and which ones will get their turn next year. I have a Christmas closet, for decorations and after-Christmas sales. So bear with me – I’m really not like the mean old hermit who stole Whoville’s holiday joy. But I’ve been pondering a question I’d like you as parents to think about this year: When it comes to gifts, how many does your child really need? Toys have been arriving at Atlanta Parent for almost three months – and some of them are innovative, educational, and just plain fun. We have toys in every room of the office, and we’ve had a grand time testing them. You’ll find the ones we especially liked featured in this issue (Page 30). What’s come into the office, though, is just a fraction of the thousands available. As parents, it’s so tempting to buy and buy. If Johnny loves Hot Wheels, why stop at the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set (one of our recommended toys)? Maybe he needs more cars, and the Daredevil Curve, as well. Before long, his room will be packed with too much stuff, and your wallet may be too light to pay for it all. With my grandson’s first Christmas, I’m tempted more this year than ever before. My daughter and I have talked about what Elliot really needs. The simple answer is nothing. He is blessed with so many material things, all the toys, the clothing, plenty to eat, a warm home. And he has parents and grandparents who love him and will have to work hard not to shower him with too many gifts. It hurts when I see so many families struggling to provide a good Christmas for their children this year. Maybe Dad had to take a pay cut, or he’s unemployed; maybe Mom lost her job. When other families are indulging their child’s every whim, it just seems wrong – and it does the child a disservice, too, raising his expectations of more and more and more. Wouldn’t it be better to help a friend or neighbor whose holiday is looking grim? Or consider making a donation to Toys for Tots, or paying for a holiday dinner for a needy family? Call me a Grinch, if you must, but please think outside the gift box this season. Give your children your time, a trip to see holiday lights, an evening making holiday ornaments and sipping hot chocolate, a memory they can keep wrapped in their hearts forever.

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

E-Mail lwhite@atlantaparent.com

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Website www.atlantaparent.com

The Old Fashioned Way 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

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ItFigures by Cynthia Washam

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Age of Sergio Pena when his father gave him a go cart for Christmas that could travel more than 50 miles per hour

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Number of NASCAR races the 17-year-old Virginia youth has won

Years since businessman Jennings Osborne strung up 1,000 lights at his Arkansas home to create a holiday wonderland for his daughter

1995

Year Osborne’s holiday display, which had grown to millions of lights, was transported to Orlando, for display every holiday season at Disney Hollywood Studios

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Age in years of the oldest known fruitcake, cut and served on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno in 2003 Sources: ADWEEK Online, Instablogs.com, Sports Illustrated Kids, wdwnews.com, About.com, The Pampered Chef, Chacha.com, The Austin Chronicle

www.atlantaparent.com

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com “Like” us on December 2011 Atlanta Parent 9

News You Can Use

by Alexi Wilbourn

Kids’ Postcard Contest GEORGIA KIDS CAN PARTICIPATE in the annual postcard contest sponsored by the Georgia Geographic Alliance. The art contest is designed to promote geography awareness by using this year’s Geography Awareness Week theme: “The Adventure in Your Community.” Postcards must be made on a standard (4-by-6-inch) index card. Only original, hand-drawn postcards will be accepted, and the artwork must incorporate the theme. There will be three top winners in each of three categories: grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Winners will receive a certificate and prizes from National Geographic. Visit gaofgeorgia.org for more details. Entry deadline: Jan. 1, 2012.

Did You Know? The value of American imports of Christmas tree ornaments from China between January and August 2010: $488.5 million!

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Survey: No Cell Phone Until Age 13 RESULTS OF A POLL on SodaHead.com, the Web’s largest opinion-based community, reveal that 54 percent of those surveyed believe that kids should receive their first cell phone between the ages of 13 and 15. Georgia respondents were even more conservative, with 57 percent voting in favor of “late teen years” for a youth’s first cell phone. As you might expect, teen respondents emphatically disagreed with those findings. Only 8 percent of teens polled indicated that 16 is an appropriate age. SodaHead’s poll also covered opinions about when youngsters should have other electronics such as an iPad or smartphone. For full survey results: sodahead.com/survey/featured/multi-cellphone.

Grants for Bird and Nature Appreciation THE CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY is accepting applications for small grants to fund neighborhood events that promote nature and bird appreciation. The grants, averaging $250 to $500, are part of Cornell University’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” project to help scientists better understand the winged creatures through citizen participation. Not sure if you’ll qualify for a grant? Many programs fit the bill, including bird-activity days at a local museum, after-school program, library or community center. Grants will also be awarded to fund bird-related art and gardening activities at clubs, businesses, schools, senior centers, neighborhoods and more. Cornell encourages participants to collect basic information about common birds and report their findings. Visit celebrateurbanbirds.org for applications and more information. Deadline to apply: December 15.

Smartphone Application for Picasso to Warhol HAVE YOU VISITED the Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters exhibit at the High Museum of Art yet? Prepare for an even more engaging experience with ArtClix, the museum’s new smartphone application created for the exhibit. ArtClix is simple to use. Visitors photograph the artworks with the app, which then recognizes the works and delivers interesting content and audio to the screen. Users can even share their newfound knowledge via Facebook, Twitter or email. The community section of the app allows visitors to have real-time conversations with museum experts. ArtClix is free and available for iPhones and Androids. Download from Apple’s App Store or the Android Marketplace. The exhibit is at the High through April 29, 2012.

Websites Worth Visiting n digdropdone.com This website is perfect for green-thumbed kids and adults. As part of the new campaign from the Dutch flower bulb industry, this site outlines the basics of bulb planting, fun activities for families, and everything A-to-Z on growing flowers.

10 Atlanta Parent December 2011

n smckids.com Kids in grades 3-6 can learn financial matters through The Secret Millionaire’s Club Learn and Earn program. Webisodes feature Warren Buffet teaching kids the basics of saving money and investing. The site includes instructive materials and an online challenge to push the limits of financial skills among kids. c

www.atlantaparent.com

The Spirit of Giving Participating in a “do-good” activity as a team can help bring your family closer together and provide memories for years to come. Besides that, your kids can go back to school with exciting tales of how they helped make a difference.

A Ripple Effect PebbleTossers, an organization that finds service projects for kids, has plenty of tasks your family can do at home. Register for free at pebbletossers.org to find opportunities. For instance: n Doggie Biscuit Baker. Bake dog treats to take to Canine Assistants, the Atlanta Humane Society or the Canine Adoption Network. Find the recipe on the website.

n Toasty Gift Giver. Decorate and fill gift bags with cold-weather items for homeless adults and children. Pebbletossers lists locations accepting the gift bags.

Give a Toy Another easy way for families to help is by participating in the Toys for Tots drive for needy children. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation especially needs toys for boys and girls ages 10-14; the drive often falls short in donations for that age range. Donate a new, unwrapped toy at metroAtlanta Publix stores or at 1,000 other registered drop-off sites by Dec. 19. Volunteers are also needed at the warehouse for sorting and packing and all ages are welcome. Find more information at northatlanta.toysfortots. org. Monetary donations are also accepted. To make sure your money stays in the Atlanta area, mail donations to: North Atlanta Toys for Tots, 2700 Ivy Mill Dr., Buford, GA 30519. – Alexi Wilbourn www.atlantaparent.com

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visionperformancecenter@gmail.com December 2011 Atlanta Parent 11

Community Corner

A look at volunteering, good works and charity events

by Alexi Wilbourn

CATCH Healthy Habits CATCH Healthy Habits is a new intergenerational health program supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation. Through this program, adults 50 and older are partnered with youngsters in grades kindergarten through fifth to encourage healthier eating and physical activity. In weekly one-hour, after-school sessions, volunteers lead games, show how to prepare healthy snacks and much more. “The children bond with the older adults in a really unique way,” Newton says. She adds that the program has several locations in DeKalb and Fulton counties and is posed to grow throughout the metro area. (There are other volunteer opportunities for adults of all ages, Newton says.) Training is provided for volunteers, and more training sessions begin in January. If interested in volunteering, call program coordinator Mary Newton, 404-463-4554, or email mnewton@atlantaregional.com. The CATCH program teaches kids the difference between “whoa” foods (foods with lots of salt, fats or added sugars), “go” foods (with small amounts of those things), and “slow” foods (in-between foods, such as pancakes and baked chicken nuggets). To learn more: oasisnet.org/atlanta.

Toys That Give Back DO YOU OR YOUR KIDS have a soft spot for Bullseye, Target’s dog mascot? This holiday season you can buy a limited-edition holiday plush of Bullseye for $14.99. More than a foot high, Bullseye is soft, huggable and decked out in a holiday red scarf and knit hat. The best part: Target will donate 100 percent of the purchase price to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Target, Kohl’s, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Kay Jewelers are among the growing list of retailers offering merchandise to benefit charities. For example, as part of its “Kohl’s Cares” program, Kohl’s has stocked a number of gift items priced at $5 (such as children’s books by Nancy Tillman and stuffed animals) and $10 (a Vera Wangdesigned line that includes watches and totes). Meanwhile, at Macy’s, a limited-edition Aflac holiday duck is available in two sizes: 6-inch for $10 and 10-inch for $15; 100 percent of the net proceeds will benefit more than 40 pediatric cancer hospitals in the nation. Go online or ask when you’re shopping to learn if a particular store also offers any do-good products this season.

Atlanta Parent Seeks Beneficiaries for Family Block Party 2012 ATLANTA PARENT MAGAZINE seeks up to four local nonprofit organizations that will benefit from our print publication and Family Block Party in the fall of 2012. Eligible nonprofits are those with budgets less than $1.5 million that serve families, special needs children, communities or the environment. The partnership will include a donation to each nonprofit selected, as well as advertising and editorial coverage in Atlanta Parent magazine. Beneficiaries will also receive additional media exposure and raise awareness among more than 5,000 Atlanta families at Family Block Party 2012. Block Party is the magazine’s signature event for kids and families. The ninth annual event is slated for Oct. 13, 2012, on the campus of Mercer University. For more information or to request an application, please contact Kaitlyn Morris, Atlanta Parent’s special events coordinator: kmorris@atlantaparent.com. Deadline to apply is Dec. 16.

More Ways Than One to Help Gwinnett Library IF PLANNING TO SHOP via Amazon, Barnes and Noble’s website, or Better World Books Inc., you can also help out the Gwinnett County Public Library system at no extra cost. When shoppers access those three retailers through the library system’s website (gwinnettpl.org), a portion of each purchase automatically goes to the library. In addition, shoppers can “sponsor” books for the library system’s collection in honor of a friend or relative. A donation marker will be placed on the inside cover of each sponsored book, dedicating that item to the gift recipient. Find book dedication forms online for all 15 branches in the system. An added bonus: All gifts purchased through this program are tax-deductible.

12 Atlanta Parent December 2011

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Sent. Received. smiled .

Scan code to send a message.

Share the joy this holiday. Send a message to a patient at Children’s. There will be more than 1,280 kids at Children’s the last two weeks of the year. And each of them would love some extra cheer.

To send your message, visit ShareWithChildrens.org.

ShareWithChildrens.org

14 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; December 2011

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December 2011â&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; Atlanta Parent 15

‘Mom, do I have to?’ Thank-you notes with less whining

Let’s face it: Our kids don’t want to write thank you notes. It’s up to us to teach them. Here’s how to get them started: n Stuff their stocking. Every year, along with random miscellany, my children find thankyou notes in their holiday stockings. They also get them for birthday gifts. n Break out the glitter and markers. When kids help create their own thank-you cards, it’s more fun to send them. Take some paper out of your printer, fold it in half, and let them create the cover. Craft stores also sell blank note cards that kids can decorate. My kids have drawn a picture that we’ve sent to originalworks.com to create note cards. n Make it easy. Rather than sitting down to thank everyone at once, set a few “writing appointments” throughout the day or week. My 6-year-old can handle one or two notes at a time. My older boys, at 9 and 12, can do more. n Talk about it. Showing thankfulness doesn’t always come naturally. Some children struggle to get past “Dear Aunt Jo.” Before they pick up their pencil, help them think of one or two things they really like about the gift, so they can describe it in their own words. Give them suggestions for an ending: “I enjoyed seeing you at Christmas; I had a lot of fun at my birthday party.” n Go digital. Take a photo of your child wearing the pants, building the Legos or shooting the Nerf gun they received to include with their note. n Bribery. Hey, who doesn’t like a few M&Ms for a job well done? Thank-you notes completed without complaint deserve a reward. – Kirsetin K. Morello

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Raising Grateful Kids by Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

The holidays should be a time to count and reflect on our blessings. But when Santa pops up here, there and everywhere, kids are constantly thinking this must be the season of getting. Although most of us are able to provide our families with the basics of food, shelter and clothing, rampant commercialism surrounding the holidays can make kids feel deprived, even if their toy box is already overflowing. With easy credit and inexpensive toys made overseas, today’s kids often don’t want for anything – at least not for long. Before the holidays, try doing a toy “clean out.” Help kids choose which toys they no longer play with and donate them.

Build charity into your holiday budget. Many organizations collect new toys for children in need. Let your children help you pick out a small gift and let them be involved in delivering the donation. Explain that not every child gets all they want for Christmas. If they are old enough, encourage them to contribute some of their own money toward such gifts.

Do the same with food. Explain that

not everyone has enough to eat. The little ones won’t quite get it, but you are planting a seed. Or consider volunteering with your children at a soup kitchen or other group that feeds the hungry.

If your children already have more than enough toys, consider

asking grandparents and other relatives to give something different such as a holiday outfit or book. (Also, see our roundup on clutter-free gift ideas.)

Encourage children to give presents. This helps to shift the focus

to “giving” rather than “getting.” No need to always buy; your child could draw a picture or make a simple craft for relatives, or perhaps bake cookies for the neighbors.

When the holidays roll around, grandparents, aunts and uncles want to buy gifts for the kids. Add Santa to the mix and soon that present pile is growing. Small children especially can be over-stimulated by all the toys and as a result may not play with any of them for long. So what can we do as parents to help our children be thankful instead of contributing to the next entitlement generation? A few ideas:

Please say thank you. It sounds

simple, but teaching basic manners at a young age does make a difference. At first, kids may only do it when reminded, but eventually it becomes a habit.

Start family traditions that focus on your blessings. One idea is to make a list of the things for which they are thankful. This can be done in the form of a craft, by having them make or color a “thankful tree” (draw a tree and write the things for which they are thankful on the leaves).

Finally, encourage thankfulness year-round. Many charities need help the rest of the year as well as during the holidays. Continuing charitable giving after the holidays is a good way to remind our children and ourselves of all the things we have that are worth appreciating. c

Have them write thank-you notes. These are appreciated, especially for out-oftown relatives who don’t get to see your child open their gift. For the preschooler, you can write the note, then let them decorate or color the card. Older children can write their own. www.atlantaparent.com

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 17

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ChristmasStarsWeLove Merry Christmas and glad tidings from Atlanta Parent! From Frosty the Snowman to the Sugar Plum Fairy, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Christmas friends. Each one of these familiar stars of the season serves up ideas for finding holiday fun, and making memories that last. by Alexi Wilbourn and Julie Bookman

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Grab those cookie cutters and that jar of molasses from the pantry to whip up these sweet, spicy cookies. What’s even better than decorating these treats with frosting and candies? Eating them, of course! Recipe: Page 20.

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Charlie Brown Watching Snoopy’s goofy, loveable antics, Lucy’s endless love for Schroeder and the frazzled moments of “Good grief!” from Charlie Brown puts a smile on every face, young and old. It’s not Christmas without the Peanuts gang! It’s been a holiday staple for families since 1965, and this year ABC will broadcast the timeless classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas twice: at 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 and Dec. 15. One of the favorites among the Peanuts gang is Linus, who never goes anywhere without his blanket. A simple fleece blanket makes a perfect gift for Grandma or for curling up by the hearth. Directions for making this no-sew cozy throw: Page 20.

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Mrs. Claus

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©Peanuts Worldwide, LLC

Gingerbread Man

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Santa sticks close to home 364 days a year at the North Pole, so just imagine how much Mrs. Claus looks forward to December 24, the one lo-o-o-ng night when she’s got the whole place to herself. What does she love to do? She seizes the opportunity to sing at the top of her lungs (because she can really let it rip). She’ll belt out Christmas carols for hours. Mrs. Claus would like to encourage folks hither and yon to bundle up, gather friends and neighbors, and go caroling around their neighborhoods. Harmonizing is optional, but making merry is mandatory. After all, Mrs. Claus croons, “It’s the most wonderful time … of the year!” Find lyrics to all of your favorite Christmas carols online. Print out copies of favorite tunes for the carolers in your group. To get you started: bluebonkers.com.

18 Atlanta Parent December 2011

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Rudolph Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts is staging a faithful adaptation of the 1964 holiday special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which aired this year on CBS on Nov. 29. A true Christmas classic. For more details, turn to Page 72. Meanwhile, whip up some deliciously fun Reindeer Chow. (You can find similar recipes on the Internet called “puppy chow” or “muddy buddy.”) We love this snack for its winning combination of salt, sugar and peanut butter. Come Christmas Eve, along with cookies for Santa, kids may want to leave a little of this mix out for his reindeer. Recipe: Below.

Sugar Plum Fairy With so many visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, young kids will love this Sugar Plum Fairy wand activity. For more sugarplum fun, consider taking in a performance of The Nutcracker, such as the version created by the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, a rarity because Tchaikovsky’s famous score is rendered by a live orchestra. For our full roundup of Nutcracker ballets: Page 76.To make yummy fairy wands: Page 20.

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Photo by Clay Walker

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 Reindeer Chow

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5 cups Crispix cereal 1 cup peanut butter 12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate morsels 1 box confectioners sugar

Melt chocolate in microwave 1 minute at a time until melted. Add peanut butter to melted chocolate and mix well. In a large bowl (with a snap-on lid), add melted chocolate and peanut butter to cereal and mix well. Add confectioners sugar and cover bowl with lid. Shake well to coat thoroughly. If you don’t have a bowl with a lid, you can place the coated cereal and confectioners sugar in a large plastic bag that seals and shake well. Source: bakerella.com

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Frosty the Snowman The animated holiday special Frosty the Snowman has been a staple of the season since it first aired on Dec. 7, 1969. Gather the family around the telly this year for the CBS broadcast at 8 p.m. on Dec. 19. (The 1992 spinoff, Frosty Returns, airs at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 7.) Frosty loves the thrill of the chilly season, so he would also like to recommend the winter fun to be had slip-sliding away and gliding on ice. For our roundup of where to find ice skating action: Page 63.

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How about making our simple Mini Frosty Snowmen? Parents may want to handle the brief microwave step, but other than that, kids can handle all the steps themselves. Recipe, Page 20.

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Angel Just say “Halo!” Everyone appreciates angels, especially this time of year. Everyone needs an angel too, right? Family activity: Make a simple angel garland, and just for kicks, write the name of one family member on the back of each angel to symbolize an angel watching o’er each loved one. Include grandparents and others too; it all depends on how many angels and garlands you make. Angel garland directions: Page 20.

www.atlantaparent.com

Want to make a snow angel? Try your luck at Stone Mountain Park, which boasts a “snow park” that’s already open. Details: Page 68.

Angels love lights! From Stone Mountain to Callaway Gardens to Lake Lanier, there are spectacular Christmas light experiences for your family to enjoy. See our holiday lights roundup on Page 74. Cont’d on page 20

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 19

Gingerbread Man: Cookies

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Angel: Garland

To make each angel, place a cotton ball in the center of an 11-inch square of white fabric. Gather the fabric around the cotton ball and tie it with white string or yarn to form a head and gown. Trim the ends of the string close to the knot. Next, cut a 12-inch piece of yellow string or yarn for a belt and tie it around the angel’s gown (be sure to leave sleeve openings large enough to thread ribbon through). Loop and tie another piece of yellow string (or gold thread) into a halo and glue it to the back of the angel’s head. Use the same method to make five more angels. Then thread a 5-foot length of white ribbon or cording through the sleeves of each angel. For an extra festive touch, string beads or charms between the angels. Finally, cut out a pair of yellow felt wings for each angel. Glue the wings (paint them with glitter glue, if desired) to the backs of the angels, and the garland is ready to hang. Source: familyfun.com

Don’t be intimidated by the number of ingredients – you probably already have everything in your kitchen! Cookies: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup shortening 1½ cups dark molasses 2/3 cups cold water ½ tsp. salt

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Frosty the Snowman: Mini Snowmen What you need to make 12 little snowmen treats: Two-dozen plain doughnut holes; one can of white ready-to-spread frosting; small tube of black decorating gel; six Oreo cookies; 12 mini Oreo cookies; a few pieces of fruit “leather” or fruit roll-ups in bright colors (blue, red, green); 12 small candies or small dried fruit bits (such as red or orange mini M&Ms, or craisins or dried papaya cut into tiny pieces, such as in a triangular shape.



Sugar Plum Fairy: Wands



Make dancing and prancing around the living room even more fun – and delicious!

Ingredients for six wands: 4 cups large marshmallows ¼ cup butter or margarine 4 (2-oz.) squares vanilla candy coating 6 cups crisp rice cereal 6 (12-by-3/8-inch) wooden dowels Melted vanilla candy coating, assorted candies, colored sugar sprinkles, thin ribbon Microwave on high first three ingredients in a 6-quart microwave-safe bowl for three minutes or until melted, stirring after two minutes. Stir in cereal; press into a lightly greased 15-by-10-inch jellyroll pan. Place an 8-inch star-shaped cutter on warm mixture and cut with a knife around edges of cutter. Repeat procedure. Remove trimmings and press them together into same thickness, then repeat the procedure until there’s none left over. Cool stars on wire racks for at least an hour. Insert a dowel into each star between two points on the star. Decorate as desired, tying ribbons around dowels. Source: myrecipes.com

20 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Frosting and Decorations: 4 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 4-5 Tbs. half-and-half Food coloring, if desired Assorted small candies, raisins, etc. (for decorations)



Scoop white frosting out of the can and put in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high for about 10 seconds. Dunk doughnut holes in warmed frosting and roll around to fully coat each one. Let these dry on a cookie sheet lined with non-stick aluminum foil. On 12 of your coated doughnut holes, use the decorating gel to squirt out eyes and a mouth. Use mini candies or mini dried fruit bits to stick on a nose. To make a hat, take apart a regular-size Oreo and use one round half for the hat rim, then put an Oreo mini on top. Cut a little scarf out of the fruit leather or roll-up and place on top of each undecorated doughnut hole so that it hangs down the front in an upside-down “V” shape. Put the “face” doughnut hole on top of the one with the scarf.

7 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground allspice 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground cloves

In a large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening, molasses and water with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with a spoon until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheet lightly with shortening or cooking spray. On floured surface, roll out dough to ¼-inch thick. Cut dough with floured gingerbread man cutter or other shapes. On cookie sheet, place cutouts about two inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until no indentation remains when touched. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla and half-and-half until frosting is smooth. Add food coloring as desired. Frost cookies; decorate with raisins, chocolate chips and candies. Source: bettycrocker.com



Charlie Brown: No-Sew Fleece Blanket You need: Sharp scissors, plus two pieces of anti-pill fleece fabric (about 2 yards in length each, about 50 or more inches in width; choose same fabric for both, or pieces that coordinate) Note: Do not pre-wash fleece fabric; pieces may not match up well after washing.

©Peanuts Worldwide, LLC

ChristmasStarsWeLove

Lay one piece of fabric on a smooth, flat surface (like a large table or tile floor). Place the other piece directly on top, matching up edges and corners. Smooth out any lumps. Cut 1- to 2-inch strips along the four edges of the fabric pieces. Take care to cut evenly through both pieces of fleece. There should be fabric strips that match up all the way around both pieces of fabric. Knot each pair of strips to create “tassels.” These knots function as the seams of the blanket. c

www.atlantaparent.com

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22 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Festive, fun-loving Rachel dances about and enjoys family traditions in The Hanukkah Hop, by Erica Silverman. The young heroine spins dreidels, eats latkes, and twirls streamers while waiting for the special guests, the klezmer band. Kids will anxiously anticipate Hanukkah and parents will reminisce while reading this playful picture book. Ages 3-6. Simon and Schuster. $12.99 n Grace at Christmas

Grace is excited about Christmas, but not about the house guests in Grace at Christmas, by Mary Hoffman. She wants to spend the holidays with her family, not the strangers coming to stay. Along the way, though, she learns the importance of opening up her home and heart to others, and she finds herself enjoying this year’s Christmas more than she ever could have imagined. Ages 3-5. Dial Books for Young Readers. $17.99. n Holiday Crafting

& Baking with Kids Got a crafty kid on your hands? Jessica Strand’s Holiday Crafting and Baking with Kids features projects the whole family will love, from a Christmas-star garland to paper poppers for New Year’s Eve. Among the recipes: Christmas Candy Pops that use gumdrops in clever ways. With loads of festive ideas and step-by-step instructions, you just found the perfect solution to a dull Saturday. For the whole family from Chronicle Books. $19.95. n The Twelve Days of Christmas

This song’s been put to storybook form numerous times, but this new rendering by Laurel Long is simply exquisite. The oil-paint illustrations are gorgeously detailed, with each sumptuous scene in its own decorative “frame.” The sheet music for gathering ’round the piano to belt out the traditional English carol is at the back. All ages. Dial Books. $16.99. c

www.atlantaparent.com

Making the Most Out of

HANUKKAH

by Rachel Ornstein Packer

It’s no secret that Hanukkah’s irresistible draw of presents makes it a Jewish child’s favorite holiday. However, sometimes the real significance of Hanukkah gets lost, especially when kids become preoccupied with gift expectations. Here are some simple suggestions that can help your family develop a meaningful approach to the holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah Paper Chain Designate a link for each family member and let your children decorate it with their names in both Hebrew and English; include pictures of family members. Spread these special links throughout a colorful paper chain made from construction paper. You can even add names of extended family members. This provides a special opportunity to discuss the significance of family. Ask: How is our family like the links on this chain?

Homemade Menorah This fun project requires a wooden paint stirrer, one small, bare spool of thread and nine metal nuts. Children can decorate the paint stirrer and the spool with paint, markers or glitter glue. Let dry overnight. Carefully glue the spool atop the paint stirrer in the center. Evenly space the nuts along the paint stirrer with one nut perched atop the spool in the center and four on either side. Secure them with glue. When dry, each nut will hold a candle. The center candle will serve as the Shamash (the helper candle that lights the rest).

Homemade Hanukkah Night Assign one night when everyone (including parents) has to make something for each member of the family. You can use household objects such as jars and egg cartons. Or encourage youngsters to use some of their personal savings to purchase inexpensive craft materials. They could make a small cardboard/wood jewelry box, a T-shirt, a small photo album, an illustrated story, or beads and string for jewelry. It’s time to be creative. One year my daughter presented me with a treasured poem that she composed.

Personalized Menorahs Here is how to avoid eight days of whining over who gets to light the menorah candles: Make a menorah for each member of the household or purchase inexpensive models. Find them in many local retailers. You’ll enjoy a number of menorahs shining brilliantly during this Festival of Lights.

Social Action Establish a Hanukkah fund early in the year into which your children can donate some of their weekly allowance, or birthday money, to purchase a gift for charity during the season. Match these donations to double the size of the fund. Include the kids in the giftwww.atlantaparent.com

Hanukkah, a Hebrew word which means “to dedicate,” is also known as the Festival of Lights. In the Jewish religion, it’s a time to remember the military victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Greek-Syrians. After the Temple in Jerusalem had been won by the Maccabees, just one day’s worth of consecrated olive oil remained to fuel the Temple’s eternal flame. But, by some miracle, the flame lasted for eight days – long enough for more oil to be made. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 20.

buying process. It is truly sobering when they have to make realistic monetary decisions. Talk about the experience afterward. I did this with my kids and we presented $40 worth of toys to Toys for Tots. They were broadcasting live from the drop-off site and they mentioned the project on the radio. My children were beaming and have been saving again since that day.

Gaze at the Candles One night, I suggested that we move our reading-before-bed ritual to the den so that we could watch the candles as they burned. We all enjoyed snuggling on the couch and gazing at the glow while we read aloud to each other. This small act of slowing down and appreciating the significance of the candles has been our favorite tradition thus far. c December 2011 Atlanta Parent 23

Tame Holiday Stress

Put Some

Hush in Your Rush 

by Christina Katz

The holiday season can bring a seesaw of emotions. You might be “up” and excited that the season is here, but you may also be dreading all the hurry and flurry of activities that define December. Most parents approach the season with equal parts excitement and trepidation. This inner conflict can lead to problems making decisions. Here are some ways to help preserve your sanity and your family’s good cheer so that this really can be the most wonderful time of the year.

Go

for “Good Enough.” If you have an idea in your mind of the “perfect” holiday, you may to be disappointed when your brood can’t quite live up to your high expectations. Be OK with “good enough” instead. You’ll smile more if you can let unimportant things slide. Examples: slightly burnt cookies, the holiday cards going out late, lights that didn’t get hung quite the way you had envisioned.

Just Hit Delete. If you think your

holiday schedule is seriously overloaded, call a family meeting and vote on what to scratch off the household’s to-do list. Decide what you don’t want to do, first. Then decide what matters most to each family member. 24 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Call in Fresh Recruits. Even if

you don’t normally hire a house cleaner, you probably could use some help now. Call in a cleaning service in midDecember and in mid-January to bookend the holidays. Consider it your holiday gift to yourself.

Hum

Your Favorite Tunes. Haul out your seasonal music early before you tire of the schmaltzy Muzak that’s already everywhere. Load up your smartphone or iPod and carry headphones in your purse to jolly things up when you are ticking off chores and errands from your to-do list. Spice up your playlist with some fresh downloads or albums. (See sidebar.)

Shop

the Plan. Write down the names of everyone you truly want and need to give a gift to, and what you think they would like. Then shop: Keep the list in your wallet to jog your memory when on the hunt. For store shopping, stick to cash only so you won’t overspend. For online shopping, search for coupons before ordering and act early for cheaper shipping.

Get Bazaar. Take the whole family

to a local holiday craft bazaar. Look for gifts for teachers and other folks who enrich your family life. Give each child a spending limit and enjoy interacting with the vendors. Plan to spend a couple of hours browsing, so you can soak up all the creative energy.

Sip Your Way to Heaven. When you are having a hectic day, take a timeout. Buy an extra-hot cup of chai tea with a spritz of whipped cream on top. The spices will put you back in touch with your senses and the warmth will spread through your belly and soothe your soul.

Take

30. Line up winter reads from the library or download them onto your e-reader. Encourage the whole family to take 30 minutes a day to relax and read. Collections of short stories or essays are good choices for moms with very young or multiple children. This is a great way for everyone to decompress after a busy day.

Bring Mother Nature Inside.

Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, twigs and poinsettias all remind us that there is life hibernating underneath that blanket of frost. Ask your children to gather reminders of the season from your backyard, or head to your local garden shop, then decorate the front hall, mantle and stairway. Remember: Simple is as merry as ornate. www.atlantaparent.com

Huggy

Holidays. Use “Happy Holidays!” as an excuse to hug your loved ones often. Every time you feel stressed, hug or get hugged. Your holiday stresses may melt away.

Stay

Healthy. Put holidayscented soaps by every sink and encourage plenty of hand washing. Install a bottle of hand-sanitizer next to every box of tissues. Chase away every “ah-choo!” (But stock up on cold medicines, just in case, to avoid late-night trips to the market.)

Lighten

Up. Twinkling lights create a comforting and festive mood. Don’t limit shimmering lights to the tree and outdoor eves. String some colored lights in your kitchen, or even some softer tones in the kids’ bedrooms as well as yours.

Take

a Deep Breath. Bring some uplifting scents into your cleaning routine. Check out the Mrs. Meyers’ brand of earth-friendly cleaning supplies. Your home and laundry will smell winterwonderful. Cont’d on page 26

www.atlantaparent.com

Holly Jolly CD Releases Classic Christmas Album, Tony Bennett A Green and Red Christmas, The Muppets The Christmas Album, Glee Christmas, Michael Bublé Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas Under the Mistletoe, Justin Bieber

Family DVDs & Movies

Old Hollywood Gems: DVDs or on TV The Shop Around the Corner (1940) Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Going My Way (1944) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Miracle on 34th Street (1947) A Christmas Carol (1951 version) The Holly and the Ivy (1952) White Christmas (1954)

A Christmas Story (1983) Prancer (1989) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) Home Alone (1990) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) The Santa Clause (1994) Elf (2003) The Polar Express (2004) The Littlest Angel (new on DVD 2011)

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 25

Put Some Hush In Your Rush Question Tradition. Traditions are

wonderful but sometimes even the fondest traditions can become tired. So, if you don’t feel like tromping around all afternoon hunting for the most splendiferous evergreen on the tree farm or frying the most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre-cut tree at your local grocery store or pick up latkes at the deli instead.

Sock

It to ‘Em. Don’t wait for freezing temperatures to stock up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep your heating bills down and your kids smiling if your brood has warm tootsies. Everyone loves fuzzy new socks for the holidays.

Hit the Hay Harder. There’s

less light during the winter. Take advantage of it and put the kids to bed an hour earlier than usual. There’s that extra hour you needed to wrap some presents without interruption.

Create Classic Memories. Play

Pop Plenty of Corn. Line up

Help Others as You Can. If you

Deck

hooky from holiday prep for a day and go ice-skating or frolic in the park with your kids. Make hot chocolate. Take lots of family photos. Build a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins. are really feeling a time crunch, perhaps you can’t give quite as much time to the charity of your choice. Give yourself permission to cut back on your holiday charitable work, if need be. Remember that people are in need 365 days a year, and you might be able to make a big impact in months to come.

holiday movie classics in your DVD queue. Watch some with the kids and some with your honey in the wee hours. (See sidebar for movie ideas.) the Bathroom. Hang up some scented pomanders. Bring in lots of little candles (beyond the reach of little hands, of course). Look for winter-scented bath indulgences in juniper, cedar or musk. Sink into a bubble bath wonderland. Forget your name for 10 minutes.

Enjoy Spreading Cheer. Save the annual holiday letter and Christmas card task for when you can carve out time to relax and enjoy the process. And don’t try to do it all yourself. Break the job down into steps and enlist the whole family (kids can help with stamps, addresses, etc.). Remember: Taking everything on without helpers is naughty, not nice. You’ll feel more holly-jolly if can find some calm and stay centered throughout the holiday season. c

! N I W Enter to win 4 tickets for

The Polar Bear Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. One lucky family will win a Holiday Book Bundle. Go to atlantaparent.com to enter. Deadline is Friday, December 9.

26 Atlanta Parent December 2011

www.atlantaparent.com

ChristmasCrafts by Julie Bookman

Creating decorations for the tree or as gifts for friends and relatives will put your family in a festive mood. Try these fun and simple ideas, a step above stringing popcorn or making simple chains from colored construction paper. Cinnamon Dough-lights

Shiny Strawberries

16 ounces of applesauce 9-10 ounces of ground cinnamon (save money by buying cinnamon in bulk) Variety of cookie cutters in holiday/favorite shapes (from holly leaf to dinosaur) Thin ribbon in festive colors for hanging on tree Optional: Glitter, sequins, other small decorations (such as plastic eyes, available at fabric store) Optional: 2-3 ounces of all-purpose glue (such as Elmer’s)

Making these pretty strawberry baubles helps young kids learn patience. As many whole walnuts (in the shell) as you wish to make ornaments 2-3 small jars of glossy bright red paint; model airplane paint (enamel) works very well Small paint brush 1 package of small pearl-like beads (approx. 2,100 pieces in a bag) Clear-drying glue (small size) Strong and shiny gold thread (stretchy thread works well, but is optional) Green felt (12-inch square is plenty for 30-plus ornaments)

Mix together applesauce and cinnamon. This will be a dry mixture that will form a dough as you knead it. (You will find yourself adding a touch more applesauce or cinnamon from time to time, depending on whether your dough seems too wet or too dry.) Roll the dough out, then use cookie cutters to cut shapes out of the dough. Lay the forms on a cookie sheet covered with non-stick aluminum foil. Use a thin straw or toothpick to poke a hole near the top of each ornament so you can string ribbon through it later for hanging. Take care not to poke the hole too close to the top of ornament. Bake at 200 degrees for about 1 hour, or more, until hard. Optional no-bake method: Add glue to your dough before rolling it; allow cutout shapes 48 hours to dry and harden. (It’s OK to add a smaller amount of glue to mixture that is baked in oven as well.) Idea: Leave some shapes plain if you like, decorate others by spreading on a little glue and sprinkling with glitter. String ribbons through the holes to hang on tree. Tip: Store ornaments in well-sealed containers, such as Christmas tins.

Paint each walnut with the red paint; let dry. Glue pearl-like beads all over the surface of each painted walnut. Parents should first demonstrate how to carefully use a straight pin to pick up one bead, dip in a dab of glue, then place it on the nut. Cover each nut with about 20 or so beads, spaced apart. Cut gold thread into individual pieces (about 4-5 inches long). You need one for each “strawberry” you’re making. Tie each thread piece into a loop. Cut small “star” shapes out of the green felt, one for each ornament; the shapes don’t need to be perfect. These will form the “leaf” atop each nut. Place gold thread loop under each felt piece atop each “strawberry” and glue together so that you have a loop for hanging on tree. (Gold thread is glued in between the painted nut and the felt “leaf.”) c

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Gabbing With The Grinch

11/14/11

It’s read-aloud time. Your kids will love listening to our interview with their favorite villain from How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, at the Fox Theatre, Nov 29-Dec. 4.

10:56 AM

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AP: What do you like to do during the

THE WEINSTEIN SCHOOL

G: Protect myself from carol singers and

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holiday season?

Christmas shoppers. On my travels, I have seen some very disturbing things, such as children and families prancing around, beaming with holiday spirits. I can never get used to it. I think I might be allergic to Christmas. I really should see a doctor.

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AP: How do you and your dog Max celebrate Christmas? G: We don’t. Sometimes Max lets the carol singers get to him, but then I remind him of the wonderful life we have here at Mount Crumpit – the solitude and the silence – and he sort of comes to his senses.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THE NEXT 10 SATURDAYS?

AP: What advice do you have for

parents?

G: Place the gifts where it’s easy for me to reach them when I come to your house on Christmas Eve. Don’t fasten the decorations to the walls since it can be time-consuming to get them off, and make sure the kids are asleep. I’ve had incidents of little Whos waking up in the middle of my operation and I’m not a very good lullaby singer.

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December 2011 Atlanta Parent 29

2011

H Holiday

H Toy Guide

H AP Staff Picks

A parent can become dismayed – let alone exhausted – trudging through toy aisles and combing the Internet for Christmas-time winners. Atlanta Parent wants to ease the burden, so we tested dozens of toys. Here are our staff favorites, and on the following pages we offer more sure bets in different price categories. We hope the whole family has a wonderful time at play. Merry Christmas to all! AP Staff Pick The children’s line of some 60 Blabla dolls are beloved around the globe, but the home base for Blabla is quietly tucked into Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood. From Sox the Fox to Prudence the Owl, the oh-so-soft whimsical friends are knitted by Peruvian artists. All “classic” Blabla dolls are available in two sizes. New critters for 2011 include Beauregard the Wolf and Georgia the Cow (the color of Georgia clay). All ages. At blablakids.com and Blabla, 1189 Virginia Ave. NE, Atlanta. $38 (small) and $48 (large)

AP Staff Pick Where is Sock Monkey? Well, he’s hiding in this lively game from Cardinal, and it’s up to budding detectives to find him. Young players turn over “clue” cards showing both a picture and the word for it (such as “books” or “chair”). Or they might turn over a “Go Look!” card and have to quickly hunt for the monkey before time runs out. Sock Monkey’s sweet face is fun to spot in unexpected places. Great fun for hiders and seekers alike. Ages 3 and up. At most major retailers. $12.99

30 Atlanta Parent December 2011

AP Staff Pick Turn your iPad into an art canvas with the Crayola ColorStudio HD app and iMarker. The app acts as a virtual coloring book, with 30 different-themed pages. Kids use the iMarker to color the pages, play games and create their own pages. You can proudly post the creations on Facebook when they are complete. Ages 3 and older. At Apple stores, Toys “R” Us and Best Buy. $29.99

AP Staff Pick Baby will love his first dog – if it’s the Stretchy Puppy by Alex. The puppy’s tail is a rattle and his soft nose squeaks, and best of all, he crinkles when he’s stretched. Ages 10 months and older. At most major retailers. $27.99

www.atlantaparent.com

AP Staff Pick Land ho! Open the door wide to imaginative play with this terrific Pirate Ship from Box Creations. Putting together this award-winning playscape will be worth it, because it means many hours of theatrical fun for kids. (Just add costumes and eye patches!) Made of sturdy, recycled cardboard and big enough for three children to romp around on. Ages 3-7. At boxcreations.com. $40 (includes shipping)

AP Staff Pick If they build it, they will learn. That’s the idea behind the six-piece Red Toolbox Tool Kit, with a hammer, saw, screwdriver and other tools ergonomically designed to fit a child’s hand. Kids ages 8 and older will hone carpentry and design skills as they build birdhouses and other projects. Red Toolbox kits in other sizes are also available. Adult supervision is a must. At Lowe’s and lowes.com. $14.99

AP Staff Pick Let your child go wild with these handmade and environmentally friendly Anamalz poseable pals. Get a giraffe, zebra, elephant and tree in the Anamalz Wild Box Set. Ages 3 and up. At anamalz.com. $34.95 (add the super-soft play mat for $39.95)

AP Staff Pick With more than 60 songs and activities in English and Spanish, Bright Starts’ Get Rollin’ Activity Table will keep toddlers amused for hours. Kids delight in dropping balls into the funnel in the middle of the table, watching them spin around and then come out of the legs. Ages 6 months to 3 years. At most major retailers. $44.99

AP Staff Pick The Las Vegas Crime Lab won’t have anything on your kids! The Edu Science CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Crime Solving Kit presents young detectives with three different crimes and a slew of sketchy suspects. By analyzing the evidence with equipment, including an ultraviolet scanner, microscope and specimen vials, kids use their wits and problemsolving skills to close each case. Ages 8 and older. At Toys “R” Us. $19.99

www.atlantaparent.com

AP Staff Pick

Handymen love duct tape, and now young fashionistas will, too. The All Duct Out kit by Alex comes with templates and duct tape for making jewelry, purses and other accessories for the well-dressed young lady, ages 7 and older. At Learning Express stores. $24.99

Cont’d on page 32

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 31

Under $20 Toddlers will enjoy giving some TLC to the V-Tech Care & Learn Teddy as they tend to the musical, interactive teddy bear. Equipped with a stethoscope that detects his heartbeat, a bandage and thermometer, children will like playing doctor while becoming familiar with various body parts. Ages 18-36 months. At most major retailers. $19.99

Under $20

Under $20 Young artists can develop their talents with Faber-Castell’s Young Artist Texture Painting Set, which includes five colors of nontoxic, washable tempera paint, five texture tools, a paint tray and paper. Instructions and a mixing chart let ages 5 and older mix unique colors and create designs. At most major retailers. $19.99

Under $20 Your daughter can express her unique style with Crayola Jewelry Boutique. The kit comes equipped with accessories needed to create more than 160 beads using a soft modeling material. Girls can add extra pizzazz to their creations with bead glaze, gems and interchangeable charms. Ages 6 and up. At Amazon.com, Toys “R” Us, Walmart and Michaels. $19.99

Under $20 Guess and guess again! The object of the two-player Ultimate Mastermind: The Extra Challenge Edition game from Pressman is to figure out the code your challenger has created. Each player devises a challenging code, then gets to watch his pal pulling his hair out while trying to crack it. Thousands of possible code patterns prompt endless fun. Ages 8 and up. At Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and pressmantoy.com. $19.99

Under $20 Jungle Speed from Asmodee Games is all about quick reflexes and pattern identification. The first to spot the pattern matches grabs the totem. But don’t be fooled by the supposed simplicity of this card game; the patterns are strikingly similar, and it’s easy to get caught up in the speed of the game and make a mistake. Your opponents are counting on a slip-up, and before you know it, you’ll be the one left with all the cards. For Uno fans who want a little more of a challenge. Ages 8 and up. At Target and Toys “R” Us. $19.99

32 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Under $20 Scrabble Alphabet Scoop from Hasbro makes learning to spell a fast-paced game for kids. Players use their ladles to scoop out letters to spell a word on their playing card, and the one to spell their word first wins. Scoop out a fly and you must return all the letters to the bowl and start over. Ages 6 and up. At most major retailers. $19.99

Under $20 It’s a car. It’s a robot. It’s both. This Kre-O Transformers Bumblebee Set and Autobot Jazz set is by Hasbro. Kids can spend many hours with this construction set. The pieces seem as durable and easy to work with as LEGO – and they are compatible with LEGO pieces. Ages 6-12. At most major retailers. $7.99-$9.99

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Under $20 What mood is your kid in today? He might use Freaky Pets from Abandon Entertainment to give you fair warning. One side is a cute animal, but turn it inside-out and it gets cranky! This fluffy plush makes for a great stocking stuffer and could become a favorite new friend. Ages 4-12. At Hallmark Gold Crown Stores. $9.99

Under $20

In a wonderful way, Hoot Owl Hoot! from Peaceable Kingdom Press provides fun and encourages cooperation among children. Of the many new board games examined, this proved to be the best for a younger age group. Kids must learn how to work as a team if they want to move all the baby owls into their nest before sunrise. Our parent tester loved how well the children enjoyed working together toward their common goal. Ages 4 and up. At Amazon.com. $14.99 Under $20 Youngsters can stretch their creativity and imagination with Shrinky Dinks Fairy Garden from Creativity for Kids. Color, cut and bake more than 50 fairies, then bake for three minutes or less; watch them shrink before your eyes. Our kid testers loved it, and so did their babysitter. Includes a 3-D pop-up playscape. Perfect for a rainy-day activity, but adult supervision is a must. Ages 7 and up. At most major retailers. $19.99

Under $20 What could be more fun than playing with your own multi-colored bouncy ball, except creating it? The Bouncy Ball Blast kit, from Alex, has three ball molds, nine packets of ball powder and instructions to make six balls. Ages 6 and older. At specialty stores and alextoys.com. $9.95

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P! M A C ! EfR mps! brochures M a c M n u p SU cam s of R ll type and collect O a t F u o Ynd learn ab amp DVDs AtD E R n o i T GmEp into the parcesentaatives, view c Ju amp re Meet c

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Januar y 21

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Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm

Sunday, 1 pm - 4:30 pm

Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm

North Point Mall

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Perimeter Mall

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Atlanta

Atlanta Parent Magazine, providing Atlanta families with camp information for over 29 years. To exhibit contact Kaitlyn Morris at 678-222-1915 or Kmorris@atlantaparent.com • www.atlantaparent.com www.atlantaparent.com

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 33

H Under $30

Under $30 If you always catch your kid dancing around the room to the radio, she’ll love Get Up and Dance from Crave Entertainment for Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move for PS3. When they’re grooving to hits from Taio Cruz, The Pussycat Dolls and Timbaland, your kids will be having a great time and getting exercise. Ages 8 and up. At most major retailers. $29.99

34 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Under $30 Stomp, stomp! Stomple from Spin Master is the strategic marble-stomping game great for groups and parties. Players use their wooden “stompers” to push marbles through the board. Our kid tester loved it because it’s a game of strategy that keeps players on the edge of their seats. Ages 8 and older. At most major retailers. $29.99

Under $30 Fiery-haired Ariel, one of the Disney Animators’ Collection Dolls, transforms from girl to mermaid and plays with her fishy friend Flounder. Twice as tall and much more sturdy than a Barbie, she’ll become an instant favorite among girls. From Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”) to Snow White and Pocahontas, browse the selection of dolls to choose a girl’s favorite. Ages 3 and up. Only at The Disney Store and from disneystore.com. $24.50

Under $30 It doesn’t get any grosser than Doctor Dreadful Zombie Lab by Spin Master. Children assemble a green and pink oozing zombie skull, which serves as the cauldron for mixing and serving concoctions that are both edible – and disgusting. Kids who tested this described most of their creations as “nasty-looking, but very sweet, like melted ice cream.” They liked the green, chunky zombie barf, but not the pink, slimy zombie brains. Ages 5 and up. At most major retailers. $24.99

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Under $30 Hello! Hola! Your kids will be talking in English and Spanish with the Chicco Hello Pups Talking Phone. The bilingual toy features catchy music, animal sounds and colorful buttons. Youngsters enter the numbers displayed in the phone book to call a dog, cat or rabbit. Push the American flag button for English or the flag of Spain for Spanish phrases. There’s even a phone handset so kids can imitate Mom or Dad. Ages 1-3. At Toys “R” Us. $29.99

Under $30

Show off your creativity with Morphology, the game that challenges your imagination to see what you can create from colorful cubes and beads, Popsicle sticks, string and more. Draw a card to see what you have to build and get inventive! If your team can guess your word, you’re on the way to winning. Ages 13 and up. At most major retailers. $29.99

Under $30 It will be “three points for Gryffindor” with Scene it? Harry Potter: The Complete Cinematic Journey. Test your family’s knowledge with this trivia game, featuring clips, images and questions from all eight movies. All you need is at least two players and about 45 minutes for a single game. Ages 13 and older. At most major retailers. $29.99

Under $30 There is extraterrestrial life – well, at least with LEGO Alien Conquest UFO Abduction. The kit supplies building enthusiasts with the materials necessary to build an alien UFO as well as three mini-figures. Will you let the farmer be abducted by the evil green alien pilot? Or will the Alien Defense Force Agent save the day? Ages 7-14. At most major retailers. $29.99

Under $30 Complete with clever game pieces like the Magic Wand that will delight kids, Trivial Pursuit Disney For All from Hasbro tests a family’s knowledge of Disney movies, characters and TV shows. Players of all ages will show off at times and be stumped at others. Answer correctly and earn wedges that get you closer to winning. Ages 8 and up. At most major retailers. $24.99

Under $30 Let’s pretend we’re at the zoo, with everything you need to create animals and their enclosures. You and the kids can color and assemble more than 100 pieces to put together the whole menagerie of the Recycled Cardboard Zoo from Creativity for Kids. Ages 4 and up. At most major retailers. $29.99

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Under $30 For tomorrow’s American Idol contender, the Voice Rockrz Mic from First Act syncs up with an MP3 player or lets kids sing on their own. A young rock star will dig the special sound effects and cool accessories that come with it. Parent tester’s warning: Be prepared for high noise levels. Ages 4 and up. At major retailers. $24.99

Under $30 A puzzle game based on the 1980’s arcade game, Tetris Link from Techno Source challenges players to reach as high as they can by carefully stacking assorted bricks of varying shapes. Think Connect Four but at a higher cognitive level. The difficulty depends on the user’s ability to make perfect lines with the bricks, since lines with gaps help contribute to the build-up of pieces near the top of the screen. Kids have already discovered the electronic version on their parents’ smartphones – but this low-tech, hands-on version was a huge hit with the family that tested it. Ages 6 and up. Sold at specialty shops and major retailers. $29.99

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December 2011 Atlanta Parent 35

Under $30 This is one creature allowed inside the house! The Haba Pulling Crab Calino is a colorful pulling toy made of durable European hardwood. Tots are sure to giggle as his eight legs scuttle across the kitchen floor. The toy is colored with non-toxic paint. Ages 1 and up. At Amazon.com. $30

Under $30

Boys love Hot Wheels, but Moms are less keen about the tracks on the floor. The Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set from Mattel makes everyone happy. The tracks mount on 3 feet of wall space with low-adhesive tape that won’t damage painted walls. Ages 4-6. At most major retailers. $29.99

Under $30 Charades maniacs are always looking for more sidesplitting action and plenty of hilarity is in store with Reverse Charades: Junior Edition from Gryphon. The twist: An entire team acts out as many words as one person can guess in one minute. Fun, crazy and fast-paced comedy. Ages 6 and up. At Books-A-Million and Amazon.com. $23.99

36 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Under $30 Slide open the paperboard matchbox to reveal a 3 1/2-inch Maileg Matchbox Mouse, a critter resting on a mattress and tiny pillow, tucked in with a knit blanket. All of the mice are different and evoke classic storybook characters. Find the mice, from Maileg Danish Design, at specialty stores and online at maileg.dk/frontpage. Ages 3 years and older. $25-35

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H Under $40

Under $40 Place any animal on a peg in the hut of the Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo playset and you’ll hear that animal’s name and the sound he makes – lions will roar and bears will growl. And children ages 18 months to 5 years will roar back in delight. From Fisher-Price, at most major retailers. $39.99

Under $40 Telestrations, winner of numerous awards for Best Party Game, gets guests sketching and guessing and laughing in a game based on the old “whisper down the lane” telephone game. The newest version of the game from USAopoly, for ages 12 and up, lets up to 12 people play at once. At most major retailers. $39.99

Under $40

The beloved characters of Thomas & Friends reside at Discover Junction Tidmouth Sheds. Toddlers will have hours of fun loading and unloading coal in Thomas and playing with Sir Topham Hatt and his car and Harold. Ages 18 months to 5 years. From Fisher-Price, at most major retailers. $34.99

Under $40 The Hexbug Nano Hive Habitat Set from Innovation First Labs Inc. lets kids take their Hexbug Micro Robotic Creatures along when they’re on the go. The set allows kids to customize a playground for their Nanos, with ramps and obstacles. Ages 3 and up. At most major retailers. $34.99

Under $40 The plastic Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster from Hasbro shoots foam disks in rapid succession. Think machine gun loaded with 20 baby Frisbees. The two boys who tested it included one true Nerf weaponry expert, who proclaimed the Nitron “100 percent awesome.” The boys particularly liked the electronic scope featuring pulsing targeting lights to help center their aim. The Nitron is huge and requires the disks instead of the foam bullets that most Nerf guns take. It can take a good bit of time tracking down lost ammunition. Ages 8 and up. At most major retailers. $39.99

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December 2011 Atlanta Parent 37

H $50 & over

$50 & over The world just got a whole lot cooler with Hot Wheels Video Racer from Mattel. Your kids can film all their stunts by attaching the Video Racer car onto other surfaces such as bikes and skateboards. The USB cable (included) allows kids to upload, edit and share their videos. Ages 5 and up. At most major retailers. $59.99

$50 & over Preschoolers and early elementary-aged children alike will challenge themselves with the V-Tech Brilliant Creations Advanced Notebook. Children appreciate everything from the realistic “laptop” look and feel, fun educational games, colorful graphics, and even the attachable mouse and touch pad. Subjects include reading, math, science, social studies, Spanish and more. Ages 5-8. At most major retailers. $49.99

$50 & over Don’t leave home without the Chicco Fun Travel Activity Nest for baby’s visits to Grandma’s house or anywhere else. This all-in-one portable play center multi-tasks as an interactive gym with detachable toys, lights and music. The canopy also creates a cozy area for a quick snooze, and the cushiony playmate is quite the entertainer for tummy-time. For baby’s first year. At Amazon.com and Target. $59.95 $50 & over Introduce your child to a new best buddy. The Fijit Friends from Mattel are interactive robots full of pep and personality. They have names such as Sage (screaming lime green) and Logan (bright powder blue). They talk, laugh, dance, tell jokes, plus respond to over 30 verbal commands. Our parent tester’s children giggled with their new robotic friend for hours. Ages 6 and up. At most major retailers. $49.99

$50 & over Elmo sings and plays music with your toddler in his newest incarnation, Sesame Street Let’s Rock! Elmo from Hasbro. He comes with a microphone, drums and a tambourine. Toddlers choose the instrument, and Elmo knows what to do as kids sing along. Guitar and keyboard sold separately. Ages 18 months to 4 years. At most major retailers. $49.99

Books to Give Atlanta Parent examines hundreds of books throughout the year. Here are just three top picks that we think would make superb gifts . . . for the right kid, that is. 38 Atlanta Parent December 2011

l Sesame Street B is for Baking Baking is fun with your little one with B is for Baking: 50 Yummy Wishes to Make Together. Kid chefs will love the steps designated just for them, while their folks will appreciate the healthy ingredients in each recipe. Start dinner with “Oscar’s Messy Green Stuff in a Potato Crust” and top off the meal with “Ernie’s Banana Cream Pie in the Sky.” The pages, complete with color photos of the final concoctions, are colorful and durable for little hands. For youngest baking enthusiasts and their folks, from Wiley. $16.95.

l The Giant Book of Giants Saviour Pirotta Giant Book of Giants will feed your kids’ imagination with six short stories about giants, including, of course, “Jack and the Beanstock.” One of many awesome things about this gigantic book is the detailed 3-D poster that handily pulls out. It’s more than 4 feet tall – perfect for hanging on a youngster’s door. The interactive format will get kids interested in more books that teach while also providing a great time. Ages 4 and up. Sterling Publishing. $19.95.

l Star Wars: Darth Vader in 3-D A must for the Star Wars fan. Discover the creation of the iconic villain in Star Wars: Darth Vader: A 3-D Reconstruction Log by Daniel Wallace. Each page details a different component of the surgery and technology behind Anakin Skywalker’s transformation. The 3-D format creates a fascinating visual aid that allows kids to understand the man-tomachine process. Ages 8 and up. Scholastic. $19.99.

www.atlantaparent.com

AM 590

NOON YEAR'S EVE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM SMYRNA COMMUNITY CENTER 200 VILLAGE GREEN CIRCLE

Oh, Baby, Ain’t We Got Fun?

Meet Our Tester: Elliot Powell l Age: 6 months l Weight: 16 pounds l Length: 27 inches l Temperament:

Usually smiling, but don’t be late with mealtime.

Whether singing, dancing or swimming, classes promote the joys of parenting.

l Cuteness: Off the chart

by Laura Powell

s a new parent, eager to share fun experiences with my baby, I ventured into parent/infant classes. Elliot and I test-drove five different programs in metro Atlanta. The verdict: Get going – we had a blast! First, infant classes are a great diversion from the routine of juggling baby and work, and an easy way to meet other parents with children near the same age. Discussing shared experiences with other parents in person sure beats logging onto baby forums on the Internet. Second, classes are more affordable than I thought, and most programs will let you take a trial class for free. Some classes require a monthly fee and can be taken up to twice a week, while in others, parents can pay for classes individually. The pricing and sessions

all vary by program. And third, 6-month-old Elliot developed interaction skills, listened to singing as a step toward verbal skills, and played to hone his motor skills. Parents in Atlanta have a variety of opportunities to get out and play with their babies. Classes are available for all interests, from infant sign language to music, play, swimming and more. We hope our experience helps you pick a class that’s right for you.

Oh Baby! Fitness ohbabyfitness.com

Founded in Atlanta, Oh Baby! Fitness has more than 30 locations in the metro area. It offers classes for moms-to-be and mom and

baby where mom can get fit and baby can participate. Classes include Mom and Baby Fitness, H2Oh Baby!, Mom & Baby Pilates, Mom & Baby Yoga, and Stroller Workout. Prices range from $60-$75/session or $18 a class. They have a really good make-up policy. If you miss a class in one session, you can easily try out another class within the session. In the H2Oh Baby! Class, Elliot loved relaxing in the baby float as mommy swam around with him. Infants must be at least 15 pounds and able to hold their head up for this class. I enjoyed the opportunity to get a workout and swim with Elliot. Most of the class is spent exercising with the baby in the float, kicking, treading water, and doing water aerobics. Toward the end of the class, we also sang songs and took the babies out of the floats and played with them. The other Oh Baby! Fitness classes allow you to workout holding your baby (or baby can just stay close to you on your mat). And the classes end with a a real treat for your baby, a gentle massage.

Jump Start Gymnasium jumpstartgym.com/parent-tot

This locally owned gym in Sandy Springs is a newcomer to the metro Atlanta area. It offers Just You and Me classes for children ages 3 months and older, and a free parentinfant class, The Moving Monkeys, for ages 3 months to beginning crawlers. Older children Jump Start Gymnasium

40 Atlanta Parent December 2011

atlanta baby

Cont’d on page 42

www.atlantaparent.com

What Classes Can Do for You and Your Child

arent and child classes – as diverse as infant massage, swimming, music and movement, yoga, even mommy boot camp – share a common goal: a closer bond between mom and dad and their baby. Whatever the program, most classes aim “to get parents to interact with their children in an intimate way,” says Rob Sayer, founder of The Music Class Inc., with 11 locations in metro Atlanta and 100 worldwide. “We want the parents to be down on the floor at the children’s level, bonding.” Or put another way, classes are a way “to make sure you spend an hour or so every week with no interruptions, no cellphones, no distractions – just you and your baby playing together,” says Dan Softness, owner of Gymboree Play & Music Centers in metro Atlanta. Gymboree, with more than 550 locations in 30 countries since the late 1970s, and The Music Class, founded in 1998, led the way in metro Atlanta for parent/child classes. Both use music and movement and fun activities to help young parents navigate the wondrous path to becoming a family. Many other metro businesses now offer classes that promote that family bond. Being in a class of any type helps parents learn new ways of playing with and nurturing their child. Parents also benefit by making friends with

others who have children the same age, trading parenting tips and assuaging any doubts they might have about their parenting skills. Classes help infants and children with social, emotional and physical development. “Children learn by modeling,” says Softness. “A child needs to be around children of similar age and development so they can model developmental skills and behavior.” Most classes also have the positive benefits of movement, exercise and learning something new, whether it’s an appreciation of music or helping your infant develop his attention span. Children also need a safe and challenging place to play, Softness says. Exploring, trial and error, and repetition are teaching tools for children, he says, and once children have mastered a skill, “they want to do it just because it’s fun.” The earlier you start with a class, the better. Cognitive, social and physical development all progress quickly in the first months of life. Sayer points to University of Washington language research that found an infant’s ability to process sound changes between the ages of 6 months and 12 months, showing that an infant’s brain is already prioritizing sounds and discarding the ones that aren’t helpful in its environment. The research found that Japanese infants gradually

Gymboree

lose the ability to distinguish between R and L sounds, while English-speaking children become better at distinguishing the sounds. It’s likely that research also applies to music, he says, adding that exposure to musical sounds at an early age may have a lasting effect on the brain’s ability to perceive and appreciate music and rhythm. And if your infant’s young brain is already prioritizing language sounds and music, you can bet its forming all kinds of other unconscious thoughts, like “Isn’t this fun – out singing and playing games with mommy and daddy?” – Amanda Miller Allen

D L I H C YOUR G? N I Z E E WH

TIRED OF

Embracing Strengthening

Metro Atlanta Families since 1983

TAKE PART IN A CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY!

If YES then consider volunteering for a clinical research study conducted at Emory University. This clinical trial is for children 1–5 years of age, who suffer from wheezing. We are trying to see if giving an antibiotic (azithromycin) for upper respiratory infections will help improve asthma symptoms and lower the incidence of more serious lower respiratory infections in preschoolers. You may be asked to participate for as long as one year (52 weeks) in this study.

Contact: Shanae Wakefield 404-727-5176 slwakef@emory.edu or Denise Whitlock 404-712-1773 drwhitl@emory.edu

770-234-9111 www.focus-ga.org www.atlantaparent.com

Study Includes:

• Pulmonary evaluation • Physical exam (by a MD) • Study drug • Compensation for time and travel

atlanta baby

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 41

Oh, Baby, Ain’t We Got Fun?

The Music Class

East Cobb Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Call for Prenatal Visit Eric B. Karlen, MD • Marisa R. Gadea, MD Salathiel Kendrick, MD • Beth Kemp, MD Shefali Chheda, MD • Tracy Barr, MD Barbara Cossman, CPNP, IBCLC Darlene Coyne, CPNP, IBCLC Deanne M. Fetsch, RN, CPNP Sharon Lebedin, RN, CNP Kennesaw Office in Shiloh Square

3895 Cherokee Street • Kennesaw

770.795.4553

Johnson Ferry Office 1121 Johnson Ferry Road • Marietta

770.977.0094

www.eastcobbpeds.com 42 Atlanta Parent December 2011

can choose movement, tumbling, gymnastics and dance classes. In the Moving Monkeys class, Elliot was delighted with the trampoline, translucent handkerchiefs, moving mats, balls, and playing peek-a-boo with a colorful parachute lifted over his head. The class offered lots of neat activities and songs for all the babies and parents to enjoy. You get a good idea of what the facility can offer to develop your child’s motor skills as he grows. The instructors even focus on strengthening the baby’s core and are quite knowledgeable in gymnastics. Crawling Caterpillars is the next class up for crawlers, and Climbing Crabs is for walkers. Prices range from free to $64/monthly fee, $30 annual registration fee.

Dynamo Swim Club dynamoswimschool.com

The Dynamo Swim Club is a fun way to get into the water with your infant on a chilly day – swimming in a nice, warm heated pool. The swim club has five metro Atlanta locations. Classes help baby get comfortable in the water and learn basic skills like reaching, kicking, blowing bubbles and singing songs. Elliot learned to reach for toys and worked on his kicking and splashing skills. He also went fully under water for the first time – and he wasn’t crying after he came up! The instructor was great at getting the babies comfortable in the water. As children get older, they can progress to floating and the basics of swimming and join swim teams. Six classes/$84.

atlanta baby

Gymboree gymboreeclasses.com

Gymboree Play & Music, with six locations in metro Atlanta, has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. Gymboree offers a safe, fun place for parents and young children to play together. Two classes that meet once a week appeal to new parents. The 0-6 months class explores the senses and supports visual and auditory development with tummy time, flashlight play, first songs and more. The 6-10 months class teaches babies about cause and effect and builds strength through play with ramps, slides and climbers. Both classes include parent discussion. Classes are $74/month and include one class a week. Discounted prepaid options are available. New member fee is: $40 (the fee is sometimes waived if you sign up during a trial class; also look for discount coupons). Elliot enjoyed playing peek-a-boo with the parachute and all of the interactive songs. He also discovered balls with easy-to-grab holes. As a parent, I liked the introduction song and meeting the other parents. In the beginning of each session the group discusses a topic. The week I went it was about babysitters, so it was really handy to hear what other parents are doing. The verses of the songs are easy to follow and lots of fun. Elliot and I especially enjoyed the airplane song – parents “fly” the little ones as we sing the song, and he grinned as he swooped up and down. www.atlantaparent.com

Though Elliot and I only sampled five programs, there are many to choose from in metro Atlanta. Here’s a sampling: l My Smart Hands – mysmarthandsatlanta.wordpress.com/ class-schedule/ l Tiny Tunes – tinytunesmusictime.com l Body by Baby Fitness – bodybybabyfitness.net l Stroller Strides – strollerstrides.com l Play2Grow – play-2-grow.com l The Learning Groove – thelearninggroove.com l Babyloveatlanta.com – babyloveatlanta.com l Swimmerman.com – swimmerman.com l Aqua Tots – aqua-tots.com l Kindermusik – kindermusik.com

The Music Class themusicclass.com

Founded in Atlanta in 1998 by Rob Sayer, a professional musician and teacher for many years with Music Pups, the program is for infants through 4 years old, each with a parent or caregiver. More than 1,700 families participate in classes at 11 locations in metro Atlanta. Fun-filled classes include singing, dancing, movement and instrument play. Each class is 45 minutes long. Families receive a CD and songbook with a broad variety of sounds and activities designed to stimulate musical learning. You can enjoy classes for almost three years with all new music each session. Mixed-age classes allow siblings to enjoy class together. Infant classes, for ages 0-10 months, are are $160 for a 10-class session. They’re in a relaxed setting with a few songs and no big kids. Research suggests that the first 10 months are the most important time of all for a child’s music development. You’ll learn how to engage in musical fun with your infant and promote a lifetime of musical enjoyment for your child. Participants in the infant class receive an Animal Tracks Infant CD and The Lullaby Collection CD. Elliot really enjoys songs with actions, so The Music Class was perfect. The kids in the class develop favorites that they like to sing and play along with. Elliot liked the play-along part of the class where he got to play with different musical instruments such as drums and different types of shakers. He also liked the “little puppy” song where we’d sing and play with blue egg shakers and substitute different animals for the little puppy. He was enthralled with the scarf dance using traditional Indian music. The classes use an ethnic song every week to expose kids to different languages and types of music. Ten-week session, $160, or four-week session, $90. c www.atlantaparent.com

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December 2011 Atlanta Parent 43

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44 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Two-YearOlds Don’t Need TV by Alexi Wilbourn

ots younger than 2 should not be exposed to the television. That’s the message in a new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The study found that speech development can be delayed when children younger than 2 watch or are placed in proximity of the TV, even when it is in the background. The AAP was unable to identify any positive educational or developmental benefits when babies see or are within earshot of the TV. The nudge to parents: Turn off the tube when little ones are in the room. For every hour of TV exposure, the child younger than 2 spends 11 percent less time in creative play, according to the new study. Unstructured, creative play is one of the most beneficial things for developing minds, especially when it involves parent-child interaction, according to the AAP. Children older than 2 should be restricted to viewing no more than two hours of TV per day, according to the AAP. “I would really advise both pediatricians and parents that there’s no real positive value to sitting in front of the TV,” says Dr. Jim Fortenberry, pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egelston. He agrees that TV exposure has no constructive effect for children 2 and younger – even if a program is considered educational. “Those toddlers don’t understand contextually what the show is about,” Fortenberry says. The “glowing box” serves as more of a distraction to infants and prevents them from connecting with other people in the room. TV is no substitute for the developmental needs that come from positive interaction with parents and siblings, Fortenberry adds. Brookhaven mom Jennifer Hutcheson has kept her eye on the AAP guidelines for TV exposure to children. However, when daughter Lucy turned 15 months, Hutcheson decided to let her watch 15- to 30-minute segments a couple of times a week. What changed this mom’s mind? Like other parents, Hutcheson needs time to tend to daily tasks, such as preparing dinner. She tries to engage Lucy in activities such as

atlanta baby

“cooking” in her play kitchen, but sometimes a diversion is needed. Now 19 months, Lucy is only allowed to watch Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George because they are commercial-free, have timely cuts between scenes, and teach positive values such as sharing and friendship. The colorful images and lovable animals in these shows keep Lucy entertained. Hutcheson says she never expects TV to provide a substitute for real learning. Like candy and sugar, most things are OK in moderation, says Ormewood Park mom Gracie Gummere. TV is no exception, regardless of the updated AAP guidelines.

For every hour of TV exposure, the child younger than 2 spends 11 percent less time in creative play. “I think it’s ridiculous when people go to the extreme” whenever experts or an organization release new guidelines, Gummere says. Her oldest son, Ryland, 3, watches about an hour of TV every day, which falls within the recommended amount for his age group. When he was younger, Ryland especially liked the show Yo Gabba Gabba! These days, he loves talking to his parents about his current favorite shows, which include Little Einsteins, The Backyardigans, WordWorld and Super Why. Ryland’s little brother Miles, 16 months, hardly glances at the TV, Gummere says. He’s mostly busy with toys and other activities. Fortenberry’s advice: If you’re cooking, put the child in a safe setting, such as in a roller seat. Give them toys such as nesting cups that they can play with, and continue to interact with them, if possible. This plan allows the child to see you and vice versa, and your child remains engaged, both physically and mentally. c www.atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Baby Spotlight W

Special Advertising Section

WellStar Health System

ellStar Health System delivers nearly 12,000 babies every year, ranking in the top 10 percent of maternity programs in the country. WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone hospitals offer world-class maternity care and are known for the bondbuilding couplet care. WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals each have Level 3 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). WellStar’s three birthing centers provide state-ofthe-art technology, including radiant infant warmers with built-in beds to help stabilize an infant’s temperature after delivery. Other highlights include a technologically advanced monitoring system for both mother and baby, which feeds realtime information, including heart rate, oxygen and blood pressure measurements, directly to the medical team. At WellStar’s two Level 3 NICUs, pre-

term babies are treated with the most advanced clinical care. Level 3 NICUs are designed for babies who make their grand entrance early and full-term babies who develop severe or potentially life-threatening conditions. For the first few days or weeks of life, WellStar’s Level 3 NICU teams work 24/7 delivering world-class care with specialized equipment and procedures specifically designed to treat newborns until they are healthy enough to go home. WellStar also offers a variety of childbirth preparation classes to help prepare you for the arrival of your new baby including breastfeeding basics and boot camp for dads. The Breastfeeding Centers at WellStar teach women WellStar’s three breastfeeding basics and how birthing centers provide to combine breastfeeding with state-of-the-art technology their work schedule or active lifestyle. Lactation consultants offer both inpatient and outpatient support through classes, support groups and individual assistance in the neonatal intensive care unit, mother/baby rooms (each postpartum room equipped with an electric breast pump) or by appointment. To learn more information about childbirth classes or to schedule a tour of one of our three birthing centers call 770956-STAR(7827). The vision of WellStar Health System is to deliver world-class healthcare. WellStar, a not-for-profit health system, includes Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Medical Group; Urgent Care Centers; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing Center; and WellStar Foundation. For more information, call 770-956STAR (7827) or visit www.wellstar.org.

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS)

Baby Care Connection (Advice for New Parents)

hen a baby is diagnosed with a lifelong disability or serious medical condition, parents just want to kiss and make it better. This can be a scary and emotional time, and some parents may be so overwhelmed by the medical terms and by their emotions that they really do not understand; they might not even know the questions to ask! Parents often feel relieved to know that they are not alone, that another parent has walked the road they are on. Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS) offer comfort and encouragement and is there to help – to listen and cry, to inform and educate, and to offer programs for the families and the baby with special needs through our support groups and programs. Seek support so you can have the information and tools to help your baby and to help meet your emotional needs. FOCUS offers support groups all over metro Atlanta; a newsletter with stories by families about their experiences and information about equipment and resources; an education conference; community respite programs; and several annual activities for the entire family. FOCUS believes that if your baby has special needs, then your family has special needs – FOCUS cares. If your child has a physical, cognitive or developmental disability, please call FOCUS at 770-234-9111 or go to our website at www.focus-ga.org.

he birth of your baby is such a joyful event! Amid all the excitement, it can be stressful too, especially if you have more questions than answers. Do you feel like ‘muddling through’ those first months of your baby’s life isn’t your best option? You and your baby deserve better! Baby Care Connection (BCC) empowers parents to care for their newborns with confidence. It educates parents regarding: promotion of good sleep habits, infant massage, colic tips, breastfeeding support, tips on safeguarding the marriage relationship during new baby stress, and ‘nuts-n-bolts’ of baby care for new fathers. Christine D. Carr, RN Christine D. Carr, RN is certified in Infant Massage and “Happiest Baby on the Block”. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at the University of Iowa in 1988 and her Master’s degree in Nursing at Loyola University of Chicago in 1994.She has worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in their NICU for more than 14 years. She was nominated for the AJC Nursing Excellence Awards in 2009. She’s a licensed registered nurse in the state of GA. For more information go to www.babycareconnection.com or call 770-345-5710 or 770-402-6950.

www.atlantaparent.com

atlanta baby

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 45

Our primary purpose is to show how much “We Care”in a pleasant surrounding with courtesy and understanding.

Cheryl Jones Kendall, MD, FAAP

• New Patients Welcome • Accepting Most Insurance Plans • Medical care for children Birth to 21

404-766-3337

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One Smile at a Time PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE & ORTHODONTICS Parents invited into treatment area One-on-One patient care

Complementary initial exam for kids under 24 months

Dr. Yangsun (Paul) Bak

VACCINATIONS, BREAST FEEDING WHEN POSSIBLE, and no “bumpers” lining the sides of the crib. These three things lower a baby’s risk of dying in his sleep, according to updated advice for preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Breast-fed babies awaken more easily from sleep and have better immune systems. The padding of bumper pads poses a risk of suffocation. Vaccination fights disease and boosts baby’s immune system. The updated guidelines re-iterate the importance of placing a child on its back at bedtime, avoiding “bed-sharing” with another child or parent, and not placing loose bedding or toys in the crib. Offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime is linked with a decreased risk of SIDS, even if the pacifier falls out of the baby’s mouth during sleep.

Surprise a New Mom

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*Restrictions apply. See website for details.

by Alexi Wilbourn

New Guidelines on Safe Sleep for Infants

1422 E. Cleveland Ave. East Point, 30344 Terrie Dixon, PA-C

Baby Bits

770-817-8450

Dr. Rachel K. Keleske

www.wpdentistry.com • 11730 Jones Bridge Road • Alpharetta, GA 30005 46 Atlanta Parent December 2011

atlanta baby

IT’S REWARDING – and overwhelming – to be a new mother, no matter how prepared you thought you were before baby arrived. That’s what friends and family are for. Critrus Lane lets you send a single “welcome home” gift box with lots of cute and practical products reviewed by real moms, or send a gift every month. Gifts are age-appropriate for infants up to age 3, and change as baby grows. Citrus Lane’s website also offers advice and parenting tips. Buy a gift subscription at citruslane.com; $25 a month, $125 for six months or $250 for 12 months.

Compact Diapers To Go FOR PARENTS ON THE GO, Diaper Buds are the ultimate solution. Most moms travel with a few extra diapers in a plastic bag, but these can become misshapen and almost useless after being squished and squashed. Individually vacuum-sealed Diaper Buds take up much less room and are protected from the elements. A bit pricier than most diapers, they can be used as “emergency” diapers without the bulk. Sizes 2-5. Available at Amazon or diapers. com. $5.99-$17.99. – Felicia Barman c

www.atlantaparent.com

Institute for Behavioral Medicine

770-319-8025

Teacher Gifts: Make them Count! by Julie Bookman

A big plastic bowl filled with goodies for a single mom and her two young sons, plus a $25 gift card to Blockbuster. When asked to name a favorite gift given to her by a student, that gift from a fourth-grader popped fast into the mind of Sharyn Briscoe.

48 Atlanta Parent December 2011

“But mentioning Blockbuster, I’m really dating myself, aren’t I?” quips Briscoe, who today is principal of Cook Elementary near downtown Atlanta. Before she moved up the ranks to principal, Briscoe taught first, third, fourth, and fifth grades at two other Atlanta elementary schools, and she was vice principal at two other schools. For the past 17 years, she’s received her share of holiday tidings from many students. Why is that big bowl of goodies remembered so fondly? “Because my boys and I loved every bit of it!” Briscoe says. “The bowl had two of everything you can think of: two Snickers bars, two bags of Goldfish crackers, two packages of Raisinets, of Twix, and of microwave popcorn. I just thought it was a clever, thoughtful and practical gift. The family that gave it to me knew I loved to watch movies with my boys.” Another favorite: One parent asked Briscoe to provide pictures of her sons, which she did. Come Christmas, she received two handcrafted ornaments; each incorporated one of the photographs. “Now, every year when we put them on the tree, I remember that student and his family that made them for me,” Briscoe says. “I cherish gifts like that.” In choosing a teacher gift, it’s really the thought that counts – and the thoughtfulness. And it’s not important to spend a lot of money. “If you have $5 to spend, a smoothie from Smoothie King is a great present,” Briscoe says. “With just $5 you can make it something thoughtful that the teacher will actually use.” Nudge, nudge: Most teachers already have an overflow of soaps, paperweights, coffee mugs and apple-themed trinkets. And with apologies to Ms. Briscoe, who loved that bowl of treats, a number of other teachers gently mentioned they wish families would not tempt them so much with those three C’s: candy, chocolate and calories. But another “c” word is a beauty: cash. At St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School in Sandy Springs, it’s an option in each classroom for families to make a cash contribution that will go to their student’s teacher, with a certain percentage of the money collected in each classroom given to the teacher assistant. There’s another school-wide collection to provide cash gifts to others such as the music and art teachers. www.atlantaparent.com

“I do enjoy the opportunity to participate,” says Stephanie Deiters, mom of a first- and a fifth-grader at St. Jude. “I feel like cash is something teachers can always use and it takes the pressure off of me during a crazy time of year.” At East Side Elementary in East Cobb, fifth-grade teacher Liz Wood takes the time well before Christmas to sit down with her room parent and toss out some “do’s” and “don’ts” for gift giving. The room parent then shares the teacher’s tips with fellow parents. “I’ve been at this long enough,” says Wood. “I think it’s helpful for everyone, when you know what the teacher could use – and couldn’t use.” Atlanta Parent spoke to a number of teachers and parents to round up these gift thoughts and ideas: n Teachers appreciate simply being remembered at Christmas. If your budget is tight, “just writing a heartfelt message in a homemade card is more than enough,” says Sharyn Briscoe. n Just $5 can be well spent.

Several teachers said it’s touching when a student takes the initiative to find out places

n, right. nta Botanical Garde Starbucks, left; Atla

their teacher frequents. Good bets: a $5 gas card, or a $5 card to Starbucks, a favorite pizza place, or a local bookstore. (Interestingly, a number of teachers gave a thumbs-down to office-supply stores for a holiday choice.) n Teaming up. Students can join with fellow classmates to give the teacher a larger gift card or amount of cash. In these tough economic times, it shouldn’t matter so much if not everyone is able to contribute the same amount of money. n Consider “experience” gifts, says Maureen Walter, longtime Montessori teacher and the founder of Montessori In Town. Suggestions include a one-year

membership to the High Museum of Art or the Atlanta Botanical Garden. (Such gifts can also be given by more than one family.) At East Side Elementary, one of teacher Liz Wood’s previous classes took up a collection and gave her “the greatest gift ever”: a one-day pass to Discovery Cove in Orlando, “so I could swim with the dolphins in the huge coral reef and be one with nature. It was a complete shock that they came up with that idea. But the kids knew I love science and animals. I had the most amazing experience of my life.” (One-day admission to Discovery Cove is about $300, which includes your food, working with a trainer, and a whole day of adventure.) Cont’d on page 50

imagine Your Child? What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

• By Individual Instruction • A Love of Learning An Authentic • To Think Outside the Box AMI Accredited • Independence Montessori School • Respect for Others • A Solid Foundation • Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

Montessori School at Emory

Montessori School of Cumming 4601 Post Rd., Cumming 30040

3290 Old Alabama Rd., Alpharetta 30022

404-634-5777

770-205-6773

770-667-1277

3021 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur 30033

Montessori School of Alpharetta

Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years • www.MontessoriSchoolsofGeorgia.com www.atlantaparent.com

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 49

Preschool Picassos At Walker, our Preschoolers learn about Picasso and Dali. They learn about Monet and Seurat. They learn about styles and techniques, and apply them as they draw, paint, cut, tear, mold and create – beautiful works that appear in our annual Preschool Art Show. It’s the wonder of creativity. It’s the wonder of Walker.

Teacher Gifts:

Make them Count!

WOW. the wonder of walker Open House Dates (Pre-K-12) Jan. 8 ........... 1:30PM Feb. 5 ........... 1:30PM

Preschool Open House Dates Jan. 11 ......... 9:00AM Feb. 1 ........... 9:00AM

700 Cobb Parkway North | Marietta, Georgia 30062 678-581-6921 www.thewalkerschool.org Grades Pre-K - 12 The Walker School practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy.

n Your teacher’s “other” life. If you don’t know anything about a teacher’s outside interests and hobbies, ask another staffer who might. Maureen Walter loves to garden, for example, so she always appreciates thoughtful gifts such as gardening gloves and plants. One year, a number of families pitched in to buy her a hammock for relaxing in her garden. n A little pampering. Your teacher deserves it. A manicure costs about $12. Ask others to contribute and make it a manicurepedicure combo ($32 and up, depending on many foot-care options). Don’t go this route if you’ve never seen painted nails on your teacher. It may take several families to purchase a full-body massage ($80 from Natural Body Spa). If you collected extra cash for a pamper package, toss in some soothing bath oils, or a divine candle (Archipelago’s currant-scented 90-hour candle is $31.)

n Made with love. Help your child craft a pretty bookmark and personalize it for your teacher. Or make a lovely ornament (for two suggestions, see Page 28). Do you make jam? Or a granola mix that everyone raves about? Fill a large jar; enlist your student to decorate and personalize the label for his teacher; add festive ribbons.

50 Atlanta Parent December 2011

www.atlantaparent.com

n Pretty little packages. Cost World Plus, Pier 1 Imports and Trader Joe’s are among many stores that carry a host of low-cost seasonal treats in holiday packaging. Just two items we liked at Trader Joe’s: Almond SnowMan Cookies in a Christmas-y box ($4.99), and Candy Cane Green Tea (20 decaf bags, $1.99). If your teacher enjoys tea, zero in on the varieties she likes and give her some “like-minded” flavors in a festive container (sans the mug).

Choose a

Montessori Education for Your Child

Find a school near you from the largest Montessori community in the U.S. Cobb/Paulding Casa Montessori.....................................770-973-2731................ www.casamontessori.com Hopewell Montessori School.................770-917-0507................ www.hopewellmontessori.com Riverstone Montessori Academy...........770-422-9194................ www.riverstonemontessori.com DeKalb Arbor Montessori School.......................404-321-9304................ www.arbormontessori.org Atlanta Montessori ................................404-325-6777................ www.amischool.com International School Decatur Montessori School....................404-370-0620................ www.decaturmontessori.com Montessori School at Emory..................404-634-5777................ www.montessorischoolatemory.com Montessori School of Dunwoody..........770-804-1444................ www.montessorischoolofdunwoody.com Northwoods Montessori School.............770-457-7261................ www.northwoodsmontessori.com n Just ask. Encourage your child

to be bold and approach his teacher: “Miss Jones, might you like some super-soft fuzzy socks for Christmas, or do you have too many of those already?” Because Miss Jones might “ooh” and “ahh” that she can never have enough, while Miss Smith across the hall has two drawers overflowing with such socks. n Get personal. Paige Garrigan of Dunwoody likes to give her daughters’ teachers at DeKalb County’s Austin Elementary something they need – and something that will involve her girls in the giving. And she likes to personalize gifts. For example, a recent hit was a high-quality wooden eraser (purchased online for less than $15). Garrigan used a silver Sharpie to write the teacher’s name on it, and she added a most fitting quote: “A teacher’s impact is never erased.” Her daughters added decorating touches. Search online for “great teacher gifts” that can be personalized or monogrammed. Just two sites: 121personalgifts.com and finestationery.com. “When the teacher gift comes up, I hate to go to the gift closet and just pick something,” Garrigan says. “I think your teacher should feel you’ve put some time and effort into it. You want them to feel as special as they make your child feel every day.” c

www.atlantaparent.com

Fayette Fayette Montessori School.....................770-460-6790................ www.fayettemontessori.com Forsyth Montessori Academy . ...........................770-205-6277................ www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com at Sharon Springs Montessori School of Cumming............770-205-6773................ www.montessorischoolofcumming.com Fulton Carlisle Montessori School....................404-949-0053................ www.carlislemontessori.com Children Today Montessori....................770-817-8201................ www.childrentodaymontessori.com Crabapple Montessori School................770-569-5200................ www.crabapplemontessori.com Cross of Life Christian Montessori........770-475-3812................ www.colmontessori.com Discovery Montessori Academy............404-767-5005................ www.discoverymontessoriacademy.com First Montessori School of Atlanta........404 252 3910................. www.firstmontessori.org Montessori In Town................................404-784-1038................ www.montessoriintown.com Montessori School of Alpharetta............770-667-1277................ www.montessorischoolofalpharetta.com Renaissance Montessori School.............404-755-1915................ www.renmont.com Village Montessori School.....................770-552-0834................ www.vmschool.com Gwinnett The Duluth Montessori School..............770-476-9307................ www.duluthmontessori.com Garden of Discovery Montessori...........678-377-5777................ www.gardenofdiscoverymontessori.com Oak Meadow Montessori School...........770-963-8303................ www.oakmeadowmontessori.com Old Peachtree Montessori School..........770-963-3052................ www.opmontessori.com

Education for children infant through middle school. Visit www.montessori-mag.org for more information.

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 51

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens

• Laughing Gas • Low Dose X-Rays • Free School Screening Elyse M. Morceau, D.D.S., P.C.

770.926.3400 www.MyKidsDentists.com 205 Hawkins Store Rd., NW • Suite 100 Kennesaw, GA 30144 (Just off of Bells Ferry Road, North of I-575)

52 Atlanta Parent December 2011

www.atlantaparent.com

Reading During the Holidays Getting children to read over the holidays may seem like another stressful to-do on your crowded holiday list, but with a little bit of imagination, reading can bring the sparkle back into the gift-giving season. n Make Reading Shine. A small

holiday tree or piece of garland can be decorated with ornaments as your child is “caught” reading. Give decorations based on the number of books or minutes read. n Read Together. No matter the age,

reading together brings security and closeness. The activity fosters a love of reading that will stay with your child long after the presents are put away. n Start a Book Stack. Help your child

look forward to holiday reading by stacking those just-can’t-wait-to-read books on the nightstand. Visit used bookstores to “rescue” books that will bring reading magic to the holiday. n Plan a Reading Night. Turn off the

TV, stir up the cocoa, change into PJs, and get out those holiday books and old favorites. Add instrumental holiday music to really make reading into a family tradition! n Make a Reading Tent. Place clues

around the house to lead your readers to a special reading spot, filled with blankets, chairs, books and flashlights. Use simple clues for young children such as “Meet me in the family room” and harder clues for older kids. – Jill C. Baker, fourth-grade teacher, Sawyer Road Elementary

POTENTIAL BALANCE PATIENCE LOVE COMMITMENT PROCESS PERSEVERANCE

H O P E

pre-k - 12 sb-10 approved

COME SEE AND FEEL WHERE HOPE

RESIDES.

SAIS-SACS ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOL AND THERAPY CENTER We oﬀer a unique educational setting for students facing issues related to Autism, PDD, Processing Disorders, Dyslexia, ADHD, Behavioral Disorders and other Learning Delays. Students may qualify for our intensive 1:1 teaching model or for our innovative small group instruction.

Tours available Every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please join us for a free seminar! Registration required. “e Brain’s Ability to Change: Building a Foundation for Learning.” AMY O’DELL, M.ED., LPC, TRS, CNC

December 8, 2011 April 12, 2012 June 21, 2012 407 HARDSCRABBLE RD. | ROSWELL, GA 30075 | 770-998-1017 | WWW.JACOBSLADDERCENTER.COM

Advertising Sales Reps Must Like CHOCOLATE & Making a Difference ATLANTA PARENT is looking for ad sales talent to add to our team of passionate over achievers who have heart and enjoy working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Your sales success will determine your earning potential. Requirements include a minimum of one year face-to-face, full-time sales experience. A college degree and print sales experience preferred. Expectations: 25-30 phone calls per day and 2-3 appointments per day. If this sounds like you, email LWhite@atlantaparent.com.

An Exceptional School for Exceptional Children OPEN HOUSES: 2-4 pm Sunday, February 5 Sunday, March 4

Programs are designed for 4th to 12th and postgraduate students with Asperger’s, ADD & ADHD.

• SACS & GAC Accredited • SB10 Approved • Open Enrollment

Exceptional

650 Mt. Vernon Highway, NE Atlanta, GA 30328

404-835-9000 www.cumberlandacademy.org www.atlantaparent.com

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 53

Join us on Sunday, January 29, 2012 for our OPEN HOUSE with ZUMBA EVENT.

Porter Academy Your Child Can SUCCEED in the Right Environment

School Matters

(Call for more information) We work on:

• Academics • Language Processing • Dyslexia • Sensory Processing • Attention Difficulties All students receive: Group Occupational and Speech Therapy

Also Offered: • iLs Program • Morning & Afternoon Programs 770-594-1313 • www.porteracademy.org 200 Cox Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 (We are located 1 mile west of the Crabapple Silos)

Feed My School for a Week GEORGIA’S DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND AGRICULTURE have teamed up to bring a new program to the state: “Feed My School for a Week.” Through this program, school menu options will offer more fresh and healthy produce. Bleckley, Colquitt and Hall County school systems have been selected to pilot the program and will each be represented by a single elementary school for the 2011-2012 school year. The program has a goal of bridging the gap in the nutritional value and quality of food served in Georgia schools. It also aims to provide increased student awareness of where food comes from, as well as providing more farm-tocafeteria opportunities.

Preschool through 8th grade

WHAT SCHOOL SHOULD BE

IB World School SAIS-SACS and NAEYC accredited National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Visit our website for Classroom Tour dates 1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 • 770.993.2940 • www.highmeadows.org

MOUNT CARMEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Acquire • Create • Experience

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

GAC accredited ❖ Gifted program 3 Pre-K - 8th grade Serving Gwinnett/DeKalb for 36 years Low student/teacher ratio Before & after school program Biblical studies curriculum Extracurricular/Sports programs S.T.E.M. curriculum IBO candidate status

Open House Tours

Visit our website for tour dates www.mccsch.org 54 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Contact our Admissions Department

770-279-8443

MCCS accepts applications without regard to race, sex or national origin.

Georgia Students Show Improvement GOOD NEWS FOR GEORGIA. Students showed steady growth from 2009 in three of the four areas tested on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Fourthgrade reading and math improved, as well as eighth-grade reading scores. No change was shown in eighth-grade math. Georgia should be especially proud of the fourth-grade reading test. Students in the state scored slightly higher than the national average.

National Essay Contest HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE A CHANCE to win a prize totaling $10,000 in the national John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest. The contest winner and the teacher who nominated that winner will also receive an expense-paid trip to Boston. Students must write an essay describing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1956. Entry deadline is Jan. 7. Visit jfklibrary.org. c – Alexi Wilbourn

www.atlantaparent.com

Welcome to SABS. We are a consortium of 16 schools located in five southeastern states. Our schools have over 1,500 combined years of tradition. Information about the programs of each school is available at the school directory section of our Web site. We encourage you to visit and learn what our schools have to offer your children. www.atlantaparent.com

December 2011â&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; Atlanta Parent 55

Arbor Montessori School Primary through Middle School (21/2 - 14 years)

A Preparation

for life

Our School:

offers parent observations has AMI Accreditation offers Parent Education Classes & Curriculum Nights has regular parent/teacher conferences

Our Students:

learn from a proven curriculum learn in a mixed age environment are given the freedom to learn have the time to pursue extra-curricular activities learn without the pressures of competition are trained in conflict resolution & peer mediation

404-321-9304

arbormontessori.org Arbor Montessori admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

2998 LaVista Road • Decatur, GA 30033

56 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Ask a Teacher

Some Atlanta kids are going to have a holiday break that lasts three weeks. Many won’t have any homework. How can we keep kids engaged in learning over the winter break?

Many parents struggle about what to do when children are at home for a period of time with no homework or academic routine. The goal is to keep the “learning” lively enough so that you don’t hear: “Aw, do we have to do that?” n First, keep them reading. Reading doesn’t have to be in the traditional book format. Allow them to read a variety of materials, such as comic strips from the Marga Kirscher newspaper. Let them pick out a magazine at the grocery store. Ask them to help you find recipes and to read the recipe to you as you cook. n Kids love “reader’s theater.” Hop on the Internet to find children’s plays. Ask your children to read the play through, then bring the whole family into the performance. n It’s never too late to start a journal. At the end of each day, ask your youngster to record everything he has done that day, including his thoughts and opinions. The holiday break could be the ideal time for a student to get into the habit of keeping a journal. n Writing letters is a great way to keep children writing and their thinking skills sharp. Ask your kids to write personal letters to relatives. Such letters can double as thankyou notes for gifts received, and they are an opportunity for your kids to reconnect with old friends and relatives. n Bring math into the equation. Not only can reading and writing be incorporated at home during school breaks, but so can math. If your child is studying measurements in math class, ask him to go around the house and measure items. If your student is working on math fluency and basic facts, ask her to add, subtract, divide and multiply common household objects. You can find other household tasks that can launch math activities. n Time for games. Playing games such as tic-tac-toe, Battleship, checkers, chess, Connect Four (among many others) are also great ways to have your kids use critical thinking skills without them even realizing it! In conclusion, make learning meaningful and fun for children. These tips should help keep your kids “off the couch and on to learning!” – Marga Kirscher, fourth-grade teacher, Walnut Creek Elementary School, Henry County Schools www.atlantaparent.com

The Bedford School accepts students in grades one through nine. Students receive proper academic remediation in a small class setting, as well as specific help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. The Bedford School also offers Squirrel Hollow Camp, a remedial summer camp program. For Children With Learning Differences

770-774-8001 5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn, Georgia 30213

Open House February 3, 2012 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

www.thebedfordschool.org The Bedford School maintains a non-discriminatory policy concerning admissions, scholarships, use of facilities and employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or creed.

INSPIRING STUDENTS WITH THE PASSION TO EXCEL The Suzuki School is a SACS-accredited private preparatory preschool for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our curriculum surrounds children with activities and experiences designed to maximize emerging growth in all areas of development. Please visit our website for details about our programs and facilities.

Now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year  

  

Infants through Kindergarten Enrichment Programs Include French, Spanish, Chinese, Gymnastics, Ballet, and Sports Movement Low Student/Teacher Ratios Degreed Teachers Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm Accredited Kindergarten Designed for Late Spring/Summer and Early Fall Birthdays 

founded 1976 2 convenient Buckhead locations

404.869.1042 www.suzukischool.com 

Private Non-Parochial Education

Infants to 8th Grade OPEN HOUSES:

• DEC. 7th, 9:30 - 10:30 am • JAN. 21st, 11am - 1pm Tours welcome by appointment: 5368 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

770-664-7764

• • • • • • • • •

GAC, SACS & NAEYC Accredited Challenging Academics Low Student/Teacher Ratios Foreign Language, Music, Band, Chorus, Physical Education, Art Advanced Technology Robotics Team Athletic Programs Extended Day Program After school clubs

www.mcginniswoods.org

1000 Hembree Rd. Roswell

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December 2011 Atlanta Parent 57

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Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

Free Fun

Ice Skating

Playground

Calendar

Not-to-miss events for December

y Holida ar d calen 70 Page

Children’s Christmas Parade Centennial Olympic Park / Dec. 3. 10:30 a.m. Grab those scarves and hats and hit the streets to watch Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s annual Christmas parade. Colorful character floats, energized marching bands and talented dance groups will strut the streets of Atlanta to spread holiday spirit. Of course, Santa makes an appearance as the grand finale. The parade route begins at Peachtree Street near Baker Street, turns right onto Marietta Street, then wraps up at Centennial Olympic Park Drive. 404-785-4483. Free for all, but bleacher seats ($12 each) can be reserved; visit choa.org.

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Cavalia-ODYSSEO

Cavalia: ODYSSEO

Disney Live: Phineas and Ferb

Midtown Atlanta (The White Big Top Tent) Dec. 7- Jan. 8. Performance times at cavalia.net

Hold onto your seats! Phineas, Ferb and friends must battle to save the world from the evil scientist Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Prepare for epic adventure as the gang tries to stop the terrible scheme. One Philips Drive, Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $15-$70

Philips Arena / Dec. 18. 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Get ready for jaw-dropping action in the all-new equestrian show from Cavalia. Atlanta is the site of the American debut of the show. The exciting spectacle features 70 horses and 55 performers and is bound to inspire awe. 76 Peachtree Place NW, Atlanta. 1-866-9998111. Tickets range from $49.50 to $229.50 for a VIP experience.

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 59

Family Fun Guide Crepe Revolution

www.creperevolution.com 4600 West Village Place, Smyrna; 770-485-7440 Lunch hours: Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner hours: Tues.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. until 10 p.m.; Sun. until 9 p.m. Weekend brunch: Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed on Mondays) A restaurant with a French word in its name may not seem “kid-friendly,” but Crepe Revolution in Smyrna is a very family-oriented place. Crayons and coloring pages are on hand, and tots of all ages are welcome. Service is quick and the food is delicious. On warm days, patrons are welcome to dine on an outdoor patio. After dinner, take a stroll around the West Village shopping center; this will help you feel less guilty about having just enjoyed mouth-watering dessert crepes. n What’s on the menu: There’s so much to choose from that it can take a while to decide, but every member of the family should be able to find appealing options. Mom wants Mexican? The Carne Asada crepe should have her covered. Dad’s in the mood for Thai? Consider the Chicken Thai Peanut crepe. In addition to starters such as ginger crab rolls, duck salad, corn chowder soup,

EATING OUT

or chicken fingers with “grown up” dipping sauces, including sweet lemon barbecue and sesame-ginger, there’s a large selection of entrée crepes: chipotle pork, jerk chicken, chicken pesto, curry chicken, smoked salmon, crab cake and plenty more. Get creative by customizing your own crepe. You choose a crepe batter, then also choose meat/seafood, veggies, seasonings, herbs and nuts, cheese and sauce. All crepe entrees come with the choice of one side. If a crepe is not your style, the menu offers a couple of traditional items such as filet mignon and blackened tilapia. Room for dessert? A wide array of dessert crepes await. Kids love to try the cookiesand-cream crepes filled with Oreo cookie crumbs, pudding and whipped cream. Parents might opt for a variety that has strawberries, chocolate sauce and powdered sugar.

n Why kids will like it: Kid-happy choices include chicken fingers, pasta and the split dog (basically a hot dog). The enterprising kid who wants the crepe “experience” can go for the mac ’n’ cheese crepe, grilled cheese crepe, or the crepe quesadilla. Another plus: The food at Crepe Revolution always seems to come out surprisingly fast. Kids may barely have enough time to finish puzzles and other activities on the children’s menu before their meal arrives. n Why parents will like it: Three words: fast, fresh and delicious. Also, while the dinner items on the adult menus are reasonably priced ($8-$15), the prices on the children’s menu are well worth the trip; most cost between $3 and $4. For a sit-down meal, you can’t beat that! – Roni Singleton Jeter

Walking in a “Water” Wonderland

hen school is out in December the dreaded cabin fever can set in. Dig out the swimsuits and take your bored brood to one of the three indoor water parks in the metro-Atlanta area. The water parks can be your solution to a dull day with slides, splashing and lazy rivers for a somewhat unconventional way to spend the winter.

Bethesda Park Aquatic Center Relax on the lazy river or shriek as you whiz down the 100-foot enclosed slide. The dunking buckets are the perfect way to vent out that sibling rivalry and the play structure has a two-feet deep area especially for little ones, 100 pounds or less. Hours: Mon.-Thurs, 3-7:30 p.m.; Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. Where: 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-924-6334. gwinettparks.com. Price: Adults, $10; ages 4-10, $8; 3 and younger, $4. Half-price for Gwinnett residents and their guests.

60 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Bogan Park Aquatic Center Get out excess energy on the large play structure or float along the lazy river to wash away your stress. The designated age six and younger area helps keep youngsters safe at play. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Sat., noon-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. Where: 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 770-614-2063. gwinettparks.com. Price: Adults, $10; ages 4-10, $8; 3 and younger, $4. Half-price for Gwinnett residents and their guests.

Family Fun Guide

South Cobb Aquatic Center Prepare for a splash as the kids hold their noses down the giant, twisting slide. Little ones can take it slower down the smaller tube slide. The play structure is complete with water spraying onto giggling faces and a lazy river, too. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 2-4 p.m.; Fri., 4-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2-5 p.m. Where: 875 Six Flags Dr., Austell. 770-739-3180. prca.cobbcountyga.gov. Price: Adults, $4.50; ages 2-17, $3.50; younger than 2, free. – Alexi Wilbourn

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FREE FUN

Head to the Library! December can be a bit chilly for outside play, so head to the local library for some free fun. Bilingual Storytime Does your child love Dora the Explorer and her sidekick Diego? Expand a youngster’s Spanish vocabulary with this storytelling event at the Clayton County Headquarters Library. Stories will be read in both Spanish and English. A hands-on craft activity is also in store. Dec. 3, 10, 17. 1-1:45 p.m. 865 Battle Creek Rd., Jonesboro. 770-473-3850.

Preschool Storytime If your child’s storybook choices need to expand beyond Goodnight, Moon, the West End library branch provides opportunities to discover new stories each Tuesday this month. Look forward to songs and crafts, too. Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27. 10-10:30 a.m. 525 Peeples St. SW, Atlanta. 404-752-8740.

Doggie Tales Kids sit down and read a book aloud to a canine brought in by Atlanta TheraPaws. This Gwinnett County Public Library program is recommended for building confidence in beginning and reluctant readers ages 5-10. The furry pals are great listeners and don’t lose patience if a budding reader stumbles over a few words. Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, 1:00 p.m. at Mountain Park Library. Dec 10, noon at Grayson Library and Dacula Library, 12:15 p.m. at Buford Branch, 12:30 p.m. at Suwanee. Dec 17. 1:30 p.m. at Duluth. www.gwinnettpl.org

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Teddy Bear Tea Party Youngsters ages 3-8 can bring their teddy bear or other favorite stuffed animal to the Teddy Bear Tea Party at the Doraville Branch. Party guests will sing songs, play games and have a delightful time with their fluffy friends. Dec. 17. 1-2 p.m. 3748 Central Ave., Doraville. 770-936-3852.

LEGO Club Registration begins Dec. 6 for this late-afternoon activity at the Roswell library branch. December’s theme is “Pirates” and the library will provide the LEGOs. Kids ages 6 and up will build something related to the theme, from pirate ships to hideout forts and treasure islands. Dec. 27. 4-5 p.m. 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 770-640-3075. – Alexi Wilbourn

Family Fun Guide

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 61

Playground: Oakdale Park n Features: If you’re on the hunt for a roomy playground that promises plenty of fun for all ages, Oakdale Park in Smyrna is a sure bet. This playground with a soft rubber surface features two different sections: a play zone for the wee set, and another that offers more challenging action – including a rock-climbing component. Oakdale’s toddler playground boasts one of the most-desired playground amenities for parents of little ones: baby/toddler swings. There’s also a smaller play structure that’s ideally suited for early walkers and young preschoolers. The structure includes two slides, a miniature rock-climbing wall for the more adventurous little folks, a small tunnel for climbing through, and enough space for young kids to run around and hide under. The playground for older children features a stand-alone rock-climbing tower that’s more challenging, ideally suited for ages 5-10. The main play structure for older kids includes monkey bars, three slides and lots of poles for climbing up and sliding down.

n Amenities: There are plenty of park benches, restrooms plus water fountain, bicycle rack, and a small grassy area for blankets. The playground is enclosed to help keep kids safe and prevent them from wandering. Both the men’s and women’s restrooms are equipped with changing stations. Ample parking. One nice perk about Oakdale Park is its close proximity to the Silver Comet Trail. Consider an outing to the playground that also includes a stroll or bike excursion on the trail. n Directions: Oakdale Park is located at 4126 South Atlanta Rd. SE, Smyrna. The park is at the intersection of South Atlanta Road and Daniel Street. The location is just north of the Atlanta Road/Cumberland Parkway intersection and about one-quarter mile from the Ivy Walk shopping center. – Roni Singleton Jeter

Rug Rat Romp:

Just for the Little Tykes

Recycle this

Magazine 62 Atlanta Parent December 2011

DACKids Pirates Cove

Play at Play

Frisky youngsters will be delighted by this captivating pirate playhouse, where they can stage battles with foam cannons, make sand creations, or search open seas for treasure. They’ll also love the inflatable slides, costumed crew, and places to run, jump, and climb. Parents may appreciate the WIFI connection. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.Thurs.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. $7.99 for ages 3 and older; $4.99 for walking children ages 2 and under; free for non-walking children. 3102 Loring Rd., Acworth; 770-966-9900; dackids.com

This enormous activity center is a thrilling sight to see and a super experience for little ones 18 months and up. With all the favorite energy-burning options including foam pits, trampolines and inflatables, your kids will have a blast and never want to leave. Play combines a wide array of physical and creative fun, including a special area with smaller-scale attractions for the youngest tots. Drop-in play is offered by the hour: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.Thurs., and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. $9 per hour first child, $6 siblings, $7 kids younger than 3. 10930 Crabapple Rd., Roswell; 770-650-0122; playactivitycenter.com

Family Fun Guide

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

The Pavilion in Olde Town

949 S. Main St., Conyers. 770-554-7506 n Hours: Through Feb. 26. icedays.com for hours. n Costs: $7 per person; skate rental, $2. n A “Brrr”-y Fun Time: Enjoy festive tunes while you skate and warm up with a hot apple cider.

by Alexi Wilbourn

Brrrrr! It’s time to lace

Indoor Rinks

up those skates and take a whirl on the ice! Ice skating with the family is almost guaranteed to provide a wonderful memory for one and all. Atlanta offers an assortment of outdoor ice rinks and indoor arenas. So grab the hats and mittens and look forward to gliding away and earning those bright rosy cheeks.

Outdoor Rinks

Corn Dawgs Ice Skating

955 Leone Ave., Loganville. 770-786-9000 n Hours: Through Jan. 16. Wed.-Thurs., 4-9 p.m.; Fri., 4-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-7 p.m. Open week before Christmas from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. n Cost: $8 per person; skate rental, $2. n A “Brrr”-y Fun Time: Enjoy this classic skating rink atmosphere with fun music, a disc jockey and lights. End the evening with a marshmallow roast.

Astor Holiday Rink at St. Regis Atlanta

88 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-563-7797 n Hours: Through Jan. 3. Mon.-Fri., noon-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. n Cost: Pre-register. Adults, $30 per hour; ages 16 and younger, $18 per hour; price includes skate rental. n A “Brrr”-y Fun Time: Ice rink is set atop the outdoor pool and covered, on the sixth-floor terrace of the St. Regis hotel. Families can purchase hot cocoa-and-s’mores refreshment packages; other items available from the menu.

The Cooler

10800 Davis Dr., Alpharetta 770-649-6600; cooler.com n Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., Sat., 3:30-5:15 p.m.; Fri., 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8:30-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 2-5 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $8-$9; 5 and younger, $4; skate rental, $3.

Ice Forum, Duluth Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park

265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-223-4412 n Hours: Through Jan. 29, including holidays. Mon.-Fri., 4:30-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. n Cost: $7 per person for 90 minutes; skate rental, $2. n A “Brrr”-y Fun Time: Downtown Atlanta’s largest outdoor rink offers covered observation seating, theatrical lighting, real ice and holiday music.

The Rink at Park Tavern

500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-249-0001 n Hours: Through Feb. 28. Mon.-Fri., 4:30 p.m.-midnight; Sat.-Sun., 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Additional times during school holiday breaks. n Cost: $15 per person for 90 minute session; includes skate rental. n A “Brrr”-y Fun Time: Stay warm on the eco-friendly ice rink – made of harvested rainwater – inside the heated tent, groove to the sound system and enjoy rink-side dining.

2300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth 770-813-1010; iceforum.com n Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-noon; Mon., Wed., Fri., 4-5:30 p.m.; Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.12:30 p.m., 2-4:30 p.m., 8-10 p.m.; Sun., 2-4 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $7; 5 and younger, $3; skate rental, $3.

Ice Forum, Kennesaw

3061 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw 770-218-1010; iceforum.com n Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 10 a.m.-noon; Wed., 12:30-2:30 p.m.; Mon., Wed., Fri., 4-5:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8-10 p.m.; Sat., 1:15-3:15 p.m.; Sun., 2-4 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $7; 5 and younger, $3; skate rental, $3.

Marietta Ice Center

4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta 770-509-5067; mariettaice.com n Hours: Mon., Fri., 10 a.m.-noon; Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 4:40-6:40 p.m., 8:10-10:10 p.m.; Sat., 3:10-5:10 p.m., 7-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m., 3:10-5:10 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $8-$9; 5 and younger, $5; skate rental, $3.

Just Getting Started?

If you’ve never ice skated before, here are some tips to help make your experience a positive one. Wear protective gear: Falling down is inevitable, but little ones might recover more quickly if wrist, elbow and kneepads are absorbing the brunt of it. Consider a helmet. March before you glide: Marching on the ice allows skaters to become more comfortable and balanced with the feeling of being on the slick surface. Know how to fall: Practice a “good way” to fall. Remind your kids to extend their arms out to break a face-forward fall. Keep heads and chins up so they won’t hit the ice. Know how to get back up: Get on all fours and use your claws (the front ends of your skate blades) to help push you up. Try to be quick to avoid collisions with other skaters.

Astor Holiday Rink

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Learn how to stop: One of the most basic moves is the “snowplow” stop. Point your toes together in a “V” to slow down until you stop. Beginners may find a one-foot snowplow easier than a two-foot snowplow.

Family Fun Guide

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 63

Calendar

December

Visit our Calendar at www.atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline.

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Dec. 1, Civil War Mascots; Dec. 8, Welcome Winter!; Dec. 15, North Pole Express; Dec. 22, A Creature Was Stirring. Best for ages 3-5. 10-11 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free. Braids and Bows. American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Learn the basics of braiding from Doll Hair Salon stylists and receive a special goodie bag. Ages 8 and older. Dec. 2. 4:30 p.m. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877247-5223. Pre-register. $24 per person. Crafts for Kids. Lakeshore Learning Store. Arts and crafts for ages 3 and older. Dec. 3, Magnetic Mitten Notepad; Dec.10, Jolly Snowman; Dec. 17, Playful Penguin Puppet; Dec. 24, Holiday Ornaments; Dec. 31, New Year’s Noisemaker. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. Free. EnviroVentures Saturday Drop-By. Piedmont Park. Kids make crafts while parents shop at the Green Market. Dec. 3,17. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1320 Monroe Dr., Atlanta. 404-875-7275. Free. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building a craft and receive a kid-sized orange apron. Ages 5-12. Dec. 3. 9 a.m.-noon. homedepot.com. Free. National Geographic Little Explorers. Pottery Barn Stores. Learn all about penguins through activities, quizzes, songs and more. Ages 3 and older. Dec. 3. 10 a.m. Lenox Square Mall, Atlanta. 404-442-9122; North Point Mall, Alpharetta. 678-624-0149. Free. Chess Club For Kids. Roswell Branch Library. An instructor from Championship Chess offers a brief lesson before free play. First grade and older. Dec. 7, 14. 6:30-7:30 p.m. 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 770-640-3075. Free. Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Moms and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-495-0253. $7 per child; one adult free. Play with Prints! High Museum of Art. Try a screen-printing activity in the styles of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. Dec. 26-31. 1-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7334550. Free with admission. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

64 Atlanta Parent December 2011

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PASSAGES

classes Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to complement the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4550. Free with admission. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

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Perimeter Expo Center THROUGH MID-MAY. MON.-WED. AND FRI.-SAT., 10 A.M.-6 P.M.; THURS., 10 A.M.-8 P.M.; SUN., NOON-5 P.M. The world’s largest private collection of rare biblical texts and artifacts is visiting Atlanta. Consider the history of the Bible through 450 items displayed in a non-sectarian, interactive format. 1201 Hammond Dr. NE, Atlanta. 770-804-9427. Adults, $18.95; ages 6-18, $12.95

Craft Week. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Recycle common items by making them into cool, take-home projects. Ages 4-12. Dec. 27-30. 11 a.m.-noon. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-9922055 ext. 237. Adults, $8; kids, $5; younger than 2, free. INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Make a different craft each week this month. Themes: Christmas Card Week, Dec. 5-9; Christmas Ornament Week, Dec. 12-16; Christmas Stocking Week, Dec. 19-23; New Year’s Eve Crafts Week, Dec. 27-30. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Dec. 25-26. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. $1 per person on top of museum admission: $8 for all. Art Workshop. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class. Ages 2-13. Saturdays, 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278. Pre-register. $15 for one-hour workshop. Build and Grow Clinics. Lowe’s. Clinics on select Saturdays teach kids to build wooden crafts. Kids receive a free apron, goggles and merit patch. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for locations. 10 a.m. 800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free. Creature Feature — Nature’s Storytellers. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Learn stories about critters and some folklore. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free. Lil’ Bean Heads Crafts. Bean Head Toys. Create an art project the first and third Wednesdays of the month. All ages welcome but smaller children may need assistance. 3-4 p.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free.

Family Fun Guide

Weekends in the Naturalist Center. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Activities include animal encounters, science explorations and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sundays, noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. Included with admission. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

dance & music Singin’ Bean Kids Karaoke. The Singin’ Bean. The coffee shop offers more than 94,000 song choices for kids. Ages 3 and older. Fridays in Dec. 6-8 p.m. 195 B. North Perry St., Lawrenceville. 678-534-5220. $3 minimum purchase.

exhibits Once Upon a Time…Exploring the World of Fairy Tales. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Spotlights seven famous fairy tales from around the world. Through Jan. 22. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Park Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Adults and ages 2 and older, $12.75; younger than 2, free. Take advantage of Target Second Free Tuesday; admission is free on the second Tuesday of the month.

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New Year’s Eve Events Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade and FanFest. Georgia World Congress Center. Watch the parade, complete with bands, cheerleaders, mascots and more. The parade ends at FanFest, which features games, rock climbing and inflatables. Parade begins at intersection of Peachtree and Baker Streets. Dec. 31. Parade, 12:30-2 p.m.; FanFest, 2-6 p.m. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta. 404-586-1923. Parade, free; FanFest, $15 per person.

Lawrenceville Rings. Gwinnett Courthouse Square. Familyfriend celebration with kids’ activities, a scavenger hunt, live bands and a fireworks display. Dec. 31. 3 p.m.-midnight. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-2639. Free.

ighborhood

Interactive Ne

for Kids

New Year’s Eve Celebration. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Celebrate the new year with crafts, noisemakers and a “mock” countdown and parade. Dec. 31. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-5361900. Free with museum admission. $8 per person.

Peach Drop 2012. Underground Atlanta. The Southeast’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration, filled with activities all day. Dec. 31. Starts at 11 a.m. 50 Upper Alabama St. SW, Atlanta. 404-523-2311. Free.

Radio Disney Noon Year’s Eve. Smyrna Community Center. Join this giant dance party for kids, featuring games, contests, prizes and a balloon drop at noon. Dec. 31. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna. 770-434-6600. Free.

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Family Fun Guide

Underground Atlanta

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 65

Calendar

Heads Up!

Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters. High Museum of Art. Featuring 100 works by 14 iconic artists of the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. Through Apr. 29, 2012. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat.,10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

Two popular area exhibits are closing soon. You have until Dec. 31 to enjoy hands-on action in the Living in Space exhibit at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Fernbank’s interactive exhibit on the life and work of British naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882), closes Jan 1.

Earth From Space. Tellus Science Museum. Showcasing high-resolution satellite images of Earth, its weather and geographic features over the last 20-plus years. Dec. 3- April 22, 2012. Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-6065700. Adults, $12; ages 3-17, $8. Art in Nature: Nature in Art. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Exhibit of abstract artwork inspired by nature is scattered throughout the grounds. Through Feb., 2012. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free. 770-992-2055.

Fernbank Museum

Gwinnett Environ mental and Heritag e Center

of Natural History

Living in Space. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Inspired by the International Space Station, visitors become crew members for a day through various astronaut activities. Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Adults 13 and older, $10.50; ages 3-12, $6.50; $3 discount for Gwinnett County residents.

Remember, Caregivers. Central Library. Explores the transformation of the art of caregiving through visual media. Through Jan. 27, 2012. Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 2-6 p.m. One Margaret Mitchell Sq., Atlanta. 404-7301906. Free.

Darwin. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Explore the life and discoveries of scientist Charles Darwin, best know for his biological theories; features live critters. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Mon.- Sat., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun., noon- 5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

Heroes of Sandy Springs. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Honoring police officers and firefighters of Sandy Springs. Through Feb. 15, 2012. Wed. and Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment. 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Adults, $3; ages 6-12, $1; ages 5 and younger, free.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family and others who lived in the secret annex in Amsterdam; includes replica of Anne’s room in the annex. Ages 10 and older. Through Jan. 1, 2013. Tues.Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 12-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558. Free. Exotic Ectotherms. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. See reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Saturdays. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek. 678-3663511. $3 per person; $5 per family.

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66 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Family Fun Guide

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Calendar The Smith Family and The Civil War Exhibit. Archibald Smith Plantation. Exhibit commemorates the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Sat., tours start on the hour, 10 a.m.–3 p.m; Sun., 1 p.m.-3 p.m. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-3978. Adults, $18; kids, $15. Passages. Perimeter Expo Center. Discover the history of the Bible through 450 items in a non-sectarian, interactive format. Through mid-May. Mon.-Wed. and Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon- 5 p.m. 1201 Hammond Dr. NE, Atlanta. 770-8049427. Adults, $18.95; ages 6-18, $12.95.

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movies Movie Night. Best Friend Park Gym. Bring your blankets for a movie night on a large screen inside. Dec. 3. 6 p.m. 6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 770-417-2212. Gwinnett residents, $3 per person; non-residents, $6 per person. Galapagos. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Explore the natural wonders of the volcanic archipelago of the Galapagos Islands. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; Sun., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; Fri., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free. Hubble. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Learn about the journey of one of the most important scientific instruments since Galileo’s original telescope. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m., 10 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-9296300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

nature Panola Mountain Night Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Hike to the top of the mountain at night. Bring a flashlight, wear comfortable shoes. Dec. 10. 4:30 p.m. 2600 Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $7 per person; $5 parking.

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Backcountry Geology Hike. Sweetwater Creek State Park. Three-mile guided hike; learn about rock types and how they formed. Dec. 4. 1-4 p.m. 1750 Mount Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. $5 per person; $5 parking. Fly-Fishing Clinic. Panola Mountain State Park. Learn casting, safety issues and tricks of the trade. Bring snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required for anglers 16 years and older. Dec. 4, 10. 9-11 a.m. 2600 Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Preregister. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. Kiddie Gardener Series. Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Kids enjoy the gardens, storytelling, singing and more. Ages 3-5 only. Dec. 9, 23. 10 a.m. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-9190248. Pre-register. Adults, $7; children, $5.

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December 2011 Atlanta Parent 67

Calendar Trail Hike. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Hike through the wetlands or woods with a naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 1 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770992-2055, ext. 237. Adults, $8; kids, $5; younger than 2, free. The Sky Tonight. Fernbank Science Center. An astronomer leads the tour through the constellations, planets and events of the evening sky. Saturdays in Dec. 11 a.m. 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta. 678-874-7102. Adults, $4; children, $3.

special events Wedding Reenactment. Be a guest at Mittie Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt Sr.’s 1853 wedding. Dec. 21. 7-9 p.m., tours every 30 minutes. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Pre-register. Adults, $12; ages 6-18, $6. Cavalia: Odysseo. Atlanta. The equestrian show features 70 horses and 55 performers. Dec. 7Jan. 8, 2012. Performance times at cavalia.net. 76 Peachtree Place NW, Atlanta. 1-866-999-8111. $49.50-$219.50. Snow Mountain. Stone Mountain Park. Region’s only “snow park” features more than 20 snow-tubing slides on “Laser Lawn” plus an area where kids can build snowmen and make snow angels. Through Feb. 20, 2012. Check snowmountainpark.com for hours. U.S. Hwy 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770-4985690. $27 per person includes one (1) two-hour session on the tubing hill plus unlimited access to the Snow Play Areas beginning with your timed entrance. Parking, $10.

68 Atlanta Parent December 2011

My Fair Lady at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center

storytelling Good Morning, Brown Butterfly! College Park Branch. Kids will hear author Lisa McNeil read her book about joy and happiness. Ages 3-8. Dec. 6. 11 a.m. 3647 Main St., College Park. 404-762-4060. Storytime with Bella. Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats. The friendly cow Bella invites parents and children to enjoy a story and a free 8-ounce

Family Fun Guide

cup of yogurt. Pictures with Bella, coloring sheets and temporary tattoos also on hand. Ages 6 and younger. Dec. 6. 11 a.m.-noon. 2460 Cumberland Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-4339008. Free. Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Storytime for toddlers at the nature center. Ages 3-5. Dec. 7. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $8; children, $5; younger than 2, free.

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Calendar Bitty Bear’s Story Time. American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Bitty Bear’s Story Time, an art activity and treats. Ages 3 and older. Dec. 8. 10:30 a.m. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Pre-register. $10 per person. Story Hour. Simon Malls. Listen to a story, participate in activities and more. Mall of Georgia, Kidgits Club Play Area, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.; Gwinnett Place, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.; Town Center, upper level JC Penney wing, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. Visit simon.com for more info. $5 to become a Kidgits member. Children’s Story Time. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Age-appropriate stories followed by dance and song period. Mondays and Saturdays. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St., No.138, Woodstock. 770516-9989. Free. Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Storytelling three times a week; Thursday nights, milk and cookies provided and kids can come in pajamas. Sundays, 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 7 p.m. 133A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free. Tales for Toddlers. Bean Head Toys. Stories read in the indoor tree house, then kids make a small craft to take home. Thursdays. 10:30 a.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404851-2980. Free. Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Wren’s Nest Ramblers host a storytelling session every Saturday afternoon in Dec. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-753-7735. Adults, $9; children, $6.

theater The Sound of Music. The Strand Theatre. The Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents this well-known musical. Dec. 2-18. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; additional performance Dec. 17, 2 p.m. 117 North Park Sq., Marietta. 404-377-9948. $25-$40.

Confused Delusional Socially Withdrawn

My Fair Lady. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Dec. 8-11. Thurs.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $25-$62. Use the code UNITED to save $5. Disney Live: Phineas and Ferb. Philips Arena. Join Phineas, Ferb and friends as they battle to save the world from the evil scientist’s terrible scheme. Dec. 18. 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. One Philips Dr., Atlanta. 800-653-8000. $15-$70. Oliver! Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Musical based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” Through Dec. 18. Show times at act1theater. com. 180 Academy St., Alpharetta. 770-6638989. $18.

beyond atlanta Historic Trolley Tour. Augusta. Take the Lady Liberty Trolley for a kid-friendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a historical story and head to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum. Saturdays. 1-3:15 p.m. 560 Reynolds Street, Augusta. 706-7244067. Pre-register. $12 per person, includes admission to museum. c

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Family Fun Guide

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 69

H LIDAY CALENDAR Atlanta is home to many exciting and beautiful holiday events. Drive beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, admire a local nativity scene and warm up your singing voice for holiday concert performances. Holly Jolly Events Santa on the Square. Marietta Square. Live music, Santa arrives and the giant Christmas tree is lit. Dec. 1. 5:20 p.m. Downtown Marietta. 770-7945601. Free. Town Holiday Festival and Caboose Lighting. Historic Old Town. Santa arrives to help light the historic old caboose. Dec. 2. 6:30 p.m. 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. 770-945-8996. Free. Children’s Christmas Parade. Centennial Olympic Park. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s annual parade of character floats, marching bands, dance groups and Santa as the grand finale. Dec. 3. 10:30 a.m. Begins at Peachtree St. near Baker St. and ends on Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-785-4483. Free. Civil War Holiday. McDaniel Farm Park. Tour the farm, which is transformed into a 1860s Civil War farm, with Father Christmas. Dec. 3. 11 a.m. 3251 McDaniel Rd., Duluth. 770-822-5178. $5 per person; 3 and younger, free. German Christmas Market. Atlanta International School. Dec. 3. Noon-6 p.m. 2980 North Fulton Dr., Atlanta. 404-841-3840. Free admission. Kennesaw Santa Parade and Celebration. Downtown Kennesaw. Holiday characters, floats and Santa and his reindeer parade down the streets. Enjoy puppet shows, petting zoo, inflatable slides, crafts and food. Dec. 3. Festivities, 1-6 p.m.; parade at 1 p.m.; tree-lighting and sing-a-long, 5:30 p.m. 2828 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free.

Polar Express Experience. Southeastern Railway Museum. Board a real railroad car, share hot chocolate and watch The Polar Express; kids can come in pajamas. Dec. 3, 17, 19. 3:30 or 6 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Pre-register. $20 per person; younger than 2, free. Holiday Lights. East Cobb Park. Live entertainment by local performers, the lighting of the great tree and an appearance by Santa. Dec. 4. 5 p.m. 3322 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-591-3160. Free. Make a Gingerbread House. American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Design and decorate your own gingerbread house. Enjoy a meal while decorating. Ages 8 and older. Dec. 4, 11, 16, 22. Thurs., 11 a.m.; Fri., 5 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877247-5223. Pre-register. $40 per person. Tree Lighting Celebration. Downtown Alpharetta. Live music, the mayor will read a Christmas story and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck for visits, train rides, hot chocolate and more. Dec. 4. 5 p.m. Milton Square City Park, Alpharetta. 678-297-6078. Free. A Very Pirate Christmas. Roswell Branch Library. Enjoy a reading of A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas, decorate cookies and participate in the pirate costume contest. Ages 3-10. Dec. 5. 6:30 p.m. 115 Norcross St., Roswell. 770-640-3075. Free.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical The Fox Theatre

his mean, green musical comedy is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The score includes “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” Through Dec. 4. Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. $28-$58. 70 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Holiday Story Time with the Grinch. Pottery Barn Stores. Enjoy a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, holiday activities and take home a Grinch activity booklet. Dec. 6, 13. 10 a.m. Lenox Square Mall, Atlanta. 404-442-9122; North Point Mall, Alpharetta. 678-624-0149. Free. Multicultural Holiday Stories. Stewart-Lakewood Branch Library. Hear stories that celebrate the many cultures of the holiday season. Ages 3-5. Dec. 7, 14. 10 a.m. 2893 Lakewood Ave. SW, Atlanta. 404-762-4054. Free. Christmas Cookie Crumble. Downtown Newnan. Stroll through downtown Newnan and collect cookies and recipes from local shops. Proceeds benefit local charities. Dec. 9. 5-8 p.m. Main Street, Newnan. 770-2538283. $5 per person. Christmas in the Park. Town Center Park. Christmas celebration in downtown Suwanee. Dec. 9-10. 5:30 p.m. Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd. and Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 770-945-1524. Free. Craft Your Own Seasons Greetings. Oakhurst Community Garden Project. Learn about traditional papermaking and add a seasonal twist to your paper. Ages 4 and older. Dec. 10. 10 a.m.-noon. 435 Oakview Rd., Decatur. 404-371-1920. Pre-register. $25 per person. Christmas Market. St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church. Hot breakfast, Secret Santa shopping, and over 25 vendor displays of pottery, crafts and more. Dec. 10. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; breakfast from 9 a.m.-noon. 571 Holt Rd., Marietta. 770-815-5299. Adults, $5; younger than 12, $2. Gingerbread JAM 2011. Mansour Center. Arts and craft market, food festivities and a gingerbread house competition. Dec. 10. Noon-8 p.m. 995 Roswell St., Marietta. 770-701-0315. Ages 13 and older, $5 donation; 12 and younger, free; gingerbread entries: adults, $15; 16 and younger, $10. Holiday on the Square. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Take a tour of the beautifully decorated courthouse, enjoy holiday music outside, visit Santa, make crafts and more. Dec. 10-11, 17-18. Sat., 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. Dec. 19-20, 4-6 p.m. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Free admission; $1 per child for crafts; $5 per child for Santa visit and photo. Reindog Parade. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Dress your dog in holiday attire to compete for prizes. There will also be a Doggie Expo. Pre-register dogs at atlantabotanicalgarden.org. Dec. 10. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Pre-register: $15 in advance, $18 at door; Garden admission, adults, $18.95; ages 3-17, $12.95; 2 and younger, free. Santa’s Secret Shop. Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. Children, K-5, can purchase their own gifts for family and friends; everything costs one dollar. Dec. 10. 9-11:30 a.m. 69 North Main St., Alpharetta. 770-4755576. Free. Cont’d on page 73

Family Fun Guide

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(Atlanta Style ) Christmas by Alexi Wilbourn

Atlanta is home to more than heavy traffic; the bustling city hosts hundreds of holiday events to capture the spirit of the season. Celebrate your Christmas “Atlanta style” with these oldie-but-goodie events – and some up-and-coming traditions, too.

l Christmas

at Callanwolde.

Transport your family through time with a visit to Callanwolde Mansion. The dazzling Gothic-Tudor mansion is decorated to reflect the time periods of the 1920s through the 1950s – all 27,000 square feet of it. Look forward to holiday music played on the Aeolian pipe organ, listen to live cabaret performances, watch the ice carving contest and more. Dec. 5-18. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 4-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, $20; ages 4-12, $12; 3 and younger, free. l The

Nutcracker. See visions of sugarplums at the Fox Theatre with Atlanta Ballet’s performance. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra lends breadth and enchantment with live accompaniment. Dec. 8-24. Foxtheatre.org for show times. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $25-$110

l The

Holiday Spirit. Learn a little something at the Atlanta History Center on this candlelight tour. A friendly holiday spirit from Christmas present will lead you through the center’s gardens, trails and historic homes. Ghosts from Christmases past at the decorated Smith Family Farm and Swan House will tell tales of how Atlantans of yesteryear celebrated the holidays. Dec. 15 & 20. 5:30-9 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $14.50; ages 13-18, $11; ages 4-12, $9. l The

1940’s Radio Hour. Back by

popular demand, the former Theatre in the Square show is being re-mounted at Southern Polytechnic State University. After a 25-year run followed by a five-year hiatus, the old gang at station WOV is back at their mics. Dance routines and foot-tapping swing music will put a bounce in your step this season. Dec. 17-Jan. 1. Show times at theatreinthesquare.com. 1100 South Marietta Pkwy., Marietta. 678-915-7778. $28-$35

l Macy’s

Pink Pig Train. Make holiday errands more fun by stopping by this “pinktacular” ride at Lenox Square Mall. Now in her 58th season, “Priscilla” takes families through a lifesized storybook with a view of downtown Atlanta. Through Jan. 1. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-233-7575. $3/ride l A

Christmas Carol. The meaning of Christmas comes to life onstage at the Alliance Theatre. Memorable characters, beautiful costumes and songs provide for an entertaining performance of the classic tale by Charles Dickens. Through Dec. 24. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. For additional weekly show times, see alliancetheatre.org. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $25-$60 l Atlanta

Botanical Garden. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a trip through one of Atlanta’s famous gardens. With the Reindog Parade (Dec. 10), spectacular garden lights display (through Jan. 7), and both miniature and all-aboard holiday trains (through Jan. 7), there’s something for everyone. Or bundle up and take a relaxing stroll through the gardens, all decked out for Christmas. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Garden admission: adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; younger than 3, free. Cont’d on page 72

Atlanta Botanical Garden

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Family Fun Guide

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 71

( Christmas New Favorites

Atlanta Style )

These four attractions are looking to hold a special place in your heart for years to come. l Christmas

on Peachtree. The former Macy’s downtown site is now home to what could become Atlanta’s newest tradition. More than 70,000 square feet of family-friendly festivities, food and shopping are in store. Listen to the sounds of the Symphony of Lights show and admire the “Atlanta Snow Globe” window display fronting Peachtree Street. Cartoon Network hosts a children’s area that will provide activities for tots, and photos with Santa can be purchased. Through Dec. 31. Check christmasonpeachtree.com for hours. 200 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404564-7077. Adults, $12; children 3-12, $8; 2 and younger, free. l Rudolph

the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Viewers love the classic clay animation television feature of Santa’s No. 1 reindeer. The Center for Puppetry Arts brings the story to life with a puppet presentation of the heartwarming tale, based on the TV special. Through Dec. 31. See puppet.org for show times. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $16.50; younger than 2, free. l Winter

Wonderland. Saunter through a winter wonderland at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Dozens of displays reflect holidays and traditions from around the world. Special events include “Caroling and Cupcakes” (Dec. 3-4) and two “Celebration Weekends” (Dec. 10-11, 17-18). Through Jan. 8. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with admission; adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

How Merry! Carriage Rides in Piedmont Park It’s a Christmas “first” for Piedmont Park: horse-drawn carriage rides through the park to complement the Piedmont Park Conservancy’s “Season of Magic.” What a treat to sit back for a 20-minute clip-clop through the handsome park. The horses are tame and stand still so that children can pet them – probably the highlight of my kids’ experience. The 20-minute ride is ample, and just long enough to hold a youngster’s attention. The open-air carriages provide beautiful views of the park’s historic area, as well as more recent amenities such as the Legacy Fountain and Promenade – all against the backdrop of the city skyline. Other carriages are covered, creating a warmer, more intimate atmosphere. Lap blankets are included. Go after dusk if you can; the whole family will appreciate the seasonal lights and Legacy Fountain light show. Other Season of Magic offerings include family-friendly arts and crafts, and carousel rides. Carriage rides operate 5-10 pm daily through Jan. 1, with two starting locations: near Magnolia Hall (1320 Monroe Dr., NE) or at Park Tavern (500 10th St. NE). Cost: $20 per person, limit five. Yes, you can take your chances on site, but the best bet is to reserve your specific time: Go to piedmontpark. org, click on “more information” in the “Season of Magic” box, which brings up a page where you can purchase tickets for a specific time. – Beth Balga

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72 Atlanta Parent December 2011

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H LIDAY CALENDAR An Old-Fashioned Christmas. North Wind Equestrian Center. Festival featuring petting zoo, sleigh and pony rides, face painting, crafts, photos with “Santa” horse, bonfire and more. All proceeds benefit a horse-rescue organization. Dec. 11. 11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. 1768 Newt Green Rd., Cumming. 770-886-5419. Free admission and parking. Swedish Christmas Market. The Trolley Barn at Inman Park. Find modern design goods, traditional handicrafts, Swedish baked goods and kids’ activities. Dec. 11. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 963 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta. 678-314-8914. Adults, $5; ages 12-18, $2; 12 and younger, free. Teddy Bear Tea. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Enjoy a children’s tea in the decorated mansion. Live entertainment, Santa, tea and hot chocolate, sandwiches, cakes and cookies for you and your teddy bear to enjoy. Ages 4 and older. Dec. 11, 18. 3 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Pre-register. $25 per person. Dancing with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Gwinnett Parks. Learn ballet and the story of the Nutcracker, make an ornament and have a snack. Dec. 12, 4 p.m. for ages 6-10; Dec. 17. 2:30 p.m. for ages 3-5; Dec. 20, 11 a.m. for ages 3-5, 12:30 p.m. for ages 6-10. 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 770614-2060. Pre-register. $12 per person. Polar Express Pajama Party. Dunwoody Branch Library. Ages 2-12 will sip on hot cocoa, watch The Polar Express and make crafts at this pajama party. Dec. 12. 4-6 p.m. 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody. 770-512-4640. Free. Christmas for Kids. Bulloch Hall. Yule log and candy cane hunt, snacks, crafts, storytelling and Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit. Ages 5-11. Dec. 17. 10 a.m.-noon. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731 ext 7. Pre-register. $10. Gifts for Nature. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Meet live reindeer, hear a reading of Stranger in the Woods, make magic reindeer “food” and crafts. Dec. 18. 1-4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055 ext. 237. Adults, $8; children, $5; younger than 2, free.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Kid’s Christmas Atlanta Symphony Hall

he youth orchestra performs seasonal favorites and leads everyone in singing carols. Jolly Ol’ St. Nick promises to make an appearance. Dec. 4, 11. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $18-$24. Monday Night Movie. Morrow Branch Library. Showing of the comedy Elf, starring Will Ferrell. Dec. 19. 6-7:30 p.m. 625 Maddox Rd., Morrow. 404-3667749. Free.

Carousel Rides. Piedmont Park. Create a new holiday tradition with carousel rides. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Noon-9 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Rd., NE, Atlanta. 404-875-7275. $2 per ride.

Holiday Bay. Georgia Aquarium. Take photos with Seaside St. Nick, enjoy kids’ activities and views of Atlanta. Through Dec. 22. Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 2-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.- 5p.m. Extended hours available at georgiaaquarium.org. Regular aquarium hours: Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Adults, $24.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; 2 and younger, free.

Let it Snow. Atlantic Station. Atlantic station is transformed into a winter wonderland with a realistic snowfall. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Mon.Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., hourly from 6- 9 p.m. Sun., 6 p.m. 17th St., Atlanta. 404-260-3567. Free. Steel Mill Express Train: Sat.-Sun., noon-8 p.m. $3 per ride.

Kwanzaa Celebration. Buckhead Branch Library. Enjoy a celebration of Kwanzaa. Ages 3-5. Dec. 27. 11:45 a.m. 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-8143500. Free. Holiday Trains. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Features three G-scale trains that chug around live landscape. After viewing the mini-version, take a ride on the life-sized train that travels around the great lawn. Through Dec. 31. Ride-on train, Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-17, $12.95; 2 and younger, free. Ride-on train, $2 per person.

Stone Mountain Christmas. Stone Mountain Park. Decked out with more than two million lights with live holiday shows including Toyrific! And Holly Jolly Cabaret. Stroll through Wonderland Walkway, see the Snow Angel at Snow Palace, listen to a story with Mrs. Claus and visit with Santa. Also, drive under the lights of Snowflake Lane for only the price of parking. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Check stonemountainpark.com for times. U.S. Highway 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Adults, $27; children 3-11, $21; parking, $10. Cont’d on page 74

Dec. 2-18, 2011 At the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, Duluth, GA

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Family Fun Guide

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 73

H LIDAY CALENDAR Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Dozens of cultural displays decorated in celebration of holidays and traditions around the world. Through Jan. 8, 2012. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m. Special events: Caroling and Cupcakes, Dec. 3-4. Celebration Weekend, Dec. 10-11, 17-18, Sat., 10 a.m-2 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with admission; Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

Holiday Crafts Holiday Extravaganza. High Museum of Art. Visit the galleries, then make a collage in the workshop. Ages 5-12. Dec. 11. 1-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4437. Free with museum admission. Museum admission: adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; younger than 6, free. Holiday Glass Ornaments. Oakhurst Community Garden Project. Create three holiday ornaments or winter sun catchers with glass fusing. Ages 4 and older. Dec. 17. 11 a.m.-noon. 2480 Memorial Dr., Atlanta. 404-3711920. Pre-register. $20 per person. Hot Chocolate Gift in a Jar. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Discover the cacao tree then make a hot chocolate mix in a jar. Dec. 17. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $6 per child; Garden admission: adults, $18.95; ages 3-17, $12.95; 2 and younger, free. Make It and Take It Weekend Workshops. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Create cards and ornaments in the Victorian style. Ages 6 and older. Dec. 17, 10-11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Holiday Houses A Very Southern Christmas. Barrington Hall. The historic home will be dressed for the holidays with traditions unique to the south. Through Dec. 31. Closed Dec. 26. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Adults, $8; ages 6-12, $6; younger than 6, free. Marietta Pilgrimage. Marietta. Tour six private Marietta historic district homes decorated for the season. Ages 8 and older. Dec. 3-4. See times at showclix.com. Historic Marietta. 770-429-1115. $15-$25. Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes. Roswell. Tour three of the city’s historic sites in candlelight. Dec. 10. 5-9 p.m. Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall, Smith Plantation in Roswell. 770-992-1731 ext. 7. Adults, $25; children, $20. Victorian Christmas. Wren’s Nest. Carolers, games, storytelling and tours of the decorated house. Dec. 11. 1-4 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-753-7735. Free. The Holiday Spirit. Atlanta History Center. Take a tour of the center’s gardens, trails and historic homes, led by a friendly holiday spirit from Christmas present. Dec. 15, 20. 5:30-9 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $14.50; ages 13-18, $11; ages 4-12, $9. Plantation Tours. Smith Plantation. The 19th Century plantation home is dressed for the season. Tours start on the hour. Through Dec. 30. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m. 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. 770-641-3978. Adults, $8; ages 6-18, $6; 5 and younger, free.

74 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Hanukkah Events n Hanukkah Extravaganza. Fountains of Olde Town Shopping Center. Sample Jewish foods and watch Atlanta’s tallest Menorah be lit. Dec. 21. 6:30 p.m. 736 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta. 770-565-4412. Free. n Hanukkah Expo. Stonewood Village Shopping Center. 4,000 square feet of Hanukkah activities and live entertainment. Dec. 18, 22, 25-26. Thurs., 4-7 p.m. Sun.Mon.,1-5 p.m. 4719 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-565-4412. Free.

Christmas Tours. Bulloch Hall. The antique house is decorated with a Charles Dickens tale for self-guided tours. Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Adults, $8; children, $6.

Light Displays Fantasy in Lights. Callaway Gardens. Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season. Through Dec. 30. Opens at 6 p.m. Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 800-225-5292. Adults, $16-$25; ages 6-12, $8-$12.50. Holiday Lights Display. Pettit Creek Farms. More than a mile of Christmas lights on display plus hay rides and live reindeer. Santa will be at the farm every Thurs.-Sun. until Dec. 25. Through Dec. 30. 6-11 p.m. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-3868688. $15 per vehicle; hayrides: adults, $10; children, $8. Lights of Life. Life University. Millions of lights illuminate the campus. Train rides, pony rides, petting zoo and Santa Claus on weekends. Through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs., 6-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6-11 p.m. 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta. 770-426-2883. $5 per car; $10 per van; train rides, $3 per person; pony rides, $5 per person; Santa Claus, $10 includes visit and photo. Gift of Lights. Atlanta Motor Speedway. Millions of twinkling lights, including glowing versions of Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 6-10 p.m. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 704637-5363. $15 per car. Magical Nights of Lights. Lake Lanier Islands. Drive through seven miles of twinkling holiday lights. At the end of the tour, visit the Holiday Village featuring carnival rides, pony rides and holiday treats. Through Jan. 1, 2012. Nightly, 5-10 p.m., including holidays. 7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands. 770-932-7200. Mon.-Thurs., $40 per car; Fri.-Sun., $60 per car. Holiday in Lights. Centennial Olympic Park. Thousands of lights adorn Centennial Park. Through Jan. 2, 2012. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Features nearly one million energy-efficient bulbs, including giant snowflakes, bumble bees and a “praying Santa mantis”. Through Jan. 7, 2012. Daily, 5-10 p.m., except Dec. 24, 31. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95.

Family Fun Guide

n Hanukkah Pajamakah Party. Barnes and Noble. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, dreidel-spinning competition, treats and a pajama contest. Dec. 17. 6-8 p.m. 2900 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 678-8124161. Free. n Menorah Lighting. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Menorah lighting ceremony and refreshments. Dec. 20-22. 5:15-5:30 p.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-812-4000. Free.

Music Coca-Cola Holiday Concerts. Atlanta Symphony Hall. Choose from Handel’s Messiah, Dec 1, 3. 8 p.m. or Gospel Christmas, Dec 2, 8 p.m and Dec. 3, 2 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Messiah: $29-$59; Gospel Christmas: $15-$42. Holiday Concert. Ferst Center for the Arts. Christmas songs from the Georgia Tech School of Music. Dec. 1. 7:30 p.m. 349 Ferst Dr., Atlanta. 404-894-9600. $15. Holiday Musical Extravaganza. Pinckneyville Park Community Rec Center. Youth music ensembles sing, play instruments and dance; includes light refreshments. Dec. 2. 6-8 p.m. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 770-417-2200. Pre-register. $8 per person. Gala Holiday Concert. Rialto Center for the Arts. The Georgia State University School of Music performs a family concert of holiday songs. Dec. 3-4. Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.80 Forsyth St., Atlanta. 404-4139849. $22-$48. Alpharetta City Band Holiday Concert. Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. A free holiday concert, light refreshments provided. Dec. 4. 3 p.m. 13450 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta. 768-297-6140. Free. Sounds of the Season. Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. Hear all your favorite Christmas songs along with Santa visits. Dec. 7. 6:45 p.m. 69 North Main St., Alpharetta. 770-475-5576. Free. Two from Galilee. Berean Baptist Church. A telling of the Christmas story framed by beautiful music. Dec. 9-10. 7 p.m. 1405 Hewatt Rd. SW, Lilburn. 770-9855318. Free. Santa’s Favorite Chamber Music. Michael C. Carlos Museum. Santa will introduce some of his favorite Franz Liszt songs, played by the Vega String Quartet. Dec. 11. 4 p.m. 571 South Kilgo Cir., Atlanta. 404-727-5050. $4. Here We Come A-Caroling. Cumming Playhouse. The Cumming Playhouse Singers perform contemporary and traditional holiday tunes. Dec. 13. 8 p.m. 101 School St., Cumming. 770-781-9178. Adults, $20; 18 and younger, $15. Music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Ferst Center for the Arts. Grammy-nominated pianist David Benoit plays a show full of Vince Guaraldi holiday songs. Dec. 16. 8 p.m. 349 Ferst Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-894-9600. $40-$65. Charlie Brown Christmas Tribute. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. A jazzy musical tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. Dec. 20. 8 p.m. 117 North Park Sq., Marietta. 770-293-0080. $15. Holiday Music in the Mall Series. Northlake Mall. Enjoy live holiday music performances by area groups. Through Dec. 18. Times at northlakemall.com. 4800 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 770-938-3564. Free. Cont’d on page 76

www.atlantaparent.com

Christmas by the Carload

by Alexi Wilbourn

Nothing is quite as jolly as a carload full of good times. Pile the kids, cousins and neighbors into the minivan or SUV for seasonal cheer.

Visit a Nativity Scene

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Twinkling Lights Await Tune the radio to Christmas songs, slip the car into gear and take in a holiday light display! Attempting to explain the beauty of driving beneath a canopy of twinkling lights just doesn’t come close to the experience of it. All across Atlanta, venues are grabbing the power cords and backup generators to transform their worlds into a glimmering winter wonderland. Prepare for “oohs” and “aahs” as your family slowly cruises the seven miles of holiday lights at Lake Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights. The kids will sing along to the “Twelve Days of Christmas” as the five golden rings come into view and will settle down into amazed silence as they watch the big screen nativity show. If your family is up for a little more travel time, Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens is decked out in more than 8 million twinkling lights. Even non-NASCAR fans will enjoy the Gift of Lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Glowing versions of Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman will bring grins to every face, young and old. Read about these light displays and more in our holiday calendar, page 74.

Stay warm on your holiday outings by visiting an indoor nativity tour, such as the self-guided one at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. This exhibit features more than 250 miniature nativity scenes from around the world, made of everything from wood to volcanic ash. But your family doesn’t even have to leave the car to admire Clairmont Hills Baptist Church’s living nativity drive-thru! You’ll smile at the little nose prints on your car windows when your kids Episcopal Church of the Epiphany squish their faces to get closer to the live animals. The ride takes about 20 minutes, leaving spare time to make some hot cocoa by the fire before the little ones’ bedtime. See complete listings in our holiday calendar, page 76.

Find the Perfect Tree The holidays aren’t complete without cutting down a Christmas tree. Breathe in fresh air and lose yourself among the rows of evergreens at a tree farm as you search for the perfect bit of nature to add to your cozy abode. Tree farms offer much more than just acres of pines. Yule Forest in Stockbridge spreads the holiday spirit with free apple cider and candy canes. The weekend hayrides and petting zoo are sure to delight pint-sized patrons. Across town, Thompson Tree Farm in Lawrenceville also offers free cider and hot chocolate. Visitors can feed the pet goats Yule Forest after picking out a choose-and-cut tree. For those families who sweat at the thought of cutting down a six-foot tree with only a handsaw, farms also sell a selection of pre-cut trees. Kinsey Family Farm in Cumming even offers “Charlie Brown” Christmas trees – small table toppers that won’t shower your fluffy carpet with a flurry of prickly pine needles. Not sure where to find a tree farm? Visit christmas-tree.com/real/ga. The resource is complete with maps, search bars, descriptions and links to each farm’s website.

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Family Fun Guide

December 2011 Atlanta Parent 75

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H LIDAY CALENDAR The 12 Days of Christmas. Fox Theatre. Grammywinning duo Amy Grant and Vince Gill are backed by a 12-piece band in this two-hour program. Dec. 19. 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-8812023. $25-$175. Sounds of Sawnee. Cumming Playhouse. The Sawnee Concert Band performs holiday hits. Dec. 21. 8 p.m. 101 School St., Cumming. 770-781-9178. Adults, $20; 18 and younger, $15. Sounds of the Season. Town Center at Cobb. Live holiday music performances. Through Dec. 24. Dates and times at simon.com. 400 Barrett Pkwy. 770-424-9486. Free.

Nativity Tours Nativity Tour. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. An exhibition of more than 250 nativity scenes from around the world made from everything from wood to volcanic ash. Through Dec. 4. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 2-4 p.m. 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-373-8338. Adults, $5; younger than 12, free.

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Bethlehem Walk. Mountain View United Methodist Church. Hear Old Testament stories, witness a blacksmith at work and see the shopkeepers. Dec. 3-4, 9-10. 7-9 p.m. 2300 Jamerson Rd., Marietta. 770-928-0020. Free. Bethlehem: A Christmas Story. St. John United Methodist Church. Live nativity tour guided by shepherds, light refreshments served. Dec. 3-4. 6-8 p.m. 550 Mount Paran Rd., Atlanta. 404-255-1384. Free.

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Evening in Bethlehem. Roswell United Methodist Church. See live characters and real stable animals. Roam through the first century marketplace and watch the live production that tells the story of the first Christmas. Dec. 3. Tours at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-261-1705. Preregister at rumc.com/Bethlehem. Free.

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Children’s Nativity. Alpharetta United Methodist Church. Live nativity scene with angels, shepherds and wooly lambs. Dec. 4. 4 p.m. 69 N. Main St., Alpharetta. 770-475-5576. Free. Living Nativity Drive Thru. Clairmont Hills Baptist Church. See scenes from the nativity. Dec. 9-11. Fri.-Sat., 7-9 p.m.; Sun., 6-9 p.m. 1995 Clairmont Rd., Decatur. 404-634-6231. Free. Walk Through Bethlehem. Simpsonwood United Methodist Church. Walk through the outdoor nativity scene. Dec. 9-11. Fri.-Sat., 7-9 p.m.; Sun., 6-8 p.m. 4500 Jones Bridge Rd., Norcross. 770-441-2181. Free, but bring a canned good or hygiene item to donate. Live Nativity. Chamblee First United Methodist Church. Enjoy the live nativity scene. Dec. 18. 7-8 p.m. 4147 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee. 770-457-2525. Free.

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The Nutcracker. Cherokee County Arts Center. Presented by the Academy of Dance Arts. Dec. 2-4. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. 94 North St., Canton. 770-479-4615. $14-$18.

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The Nutcracker. The Grand Theatre. Presented by the Cartersville City Ballet. Dec. 2-3. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. 7 N. Wall St., Cartersville. 770-3867343. Adults, $16; age 18 and younger, $16.

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The Nutcracker. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Presented by the Roswell Dance Theatre. Dec. 2-4. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 4:30 p.m. 950 Forest St., Roswell. 770-9980259. $20-$55. The Nutcracker. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra accompanies the dancers beginning Fri., Dec. 9. Dec. 3-18. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 800-745-3000. $13.50-$29.50.

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The Nutcracker. Decatur Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Callanwolde Ballet Ensemble. Dec. 10. Noon, 2 and 7 p.m. 310 N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-872-5338. $12. The Nutcracker. Blessed Trinity Theatre. Presented by the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre. Dec. 16-18. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 6 p.m. 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 678-2972800. $15-$25. The Nutcracker. St. Pius X High School. Presented by the Academy of Ballet of Norcross. Dec. 17-18. Sat., 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta. 770-242-6379. $10-$12.

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A Chris Mess Carol. New Dawn Theater. Four fairies try to teach Chris, a selfish child, the true meaning of Christmas; features audience participation. Dec. 1-17. Thurs.- Sat., 11 a.m. 3087 Main St., Duluth. 678-887-5015. $5. A Christmas Carol. Aurora Theatre. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the three ghosts of Christmas and Tiny Tim. Dec. 1-18. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-2266222. $15. A Christmas Carol. Bulloch Hall. Presented by the Kudzu Players. Dec. 3, 16, 17, 23. 8 p.m. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731 ext. 7. Preregister. $15. The Little Drummer Boy. City Center. Daniel and his family travel to Bethlehem to pay taxes, meeting the Three Wisemen, Mary and Joseph along the way. Dec. 3-4, 11, 18. 2 p.m.; Dec. 21. 10 a.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $9. Jingle Bell Monkeys and Dare Devil Reindeers. Peachtree Branch Library. Puppet show, Holiday on Strings, featuring a “Duelin’ Banjos” version of Jingle Bells and Blitzen the Dare Devil Reindeer that flies on a holiday unicycle. Dec. 7. 10:30 a.m. 1315 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta. 404-885-7830. Free. Babes in Toyland. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Mary and her mother tour Toyland and battle evil Barnaby; in association with Atlanta Dance Theatre and The Atlanta Workshop Players. Dec. 9-10. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m., 2 and 7:30 p.m. 950 Forest St., Roswell. 404-438-3028. Adults, $23.50; children, $15.50. Christmas Belles. The Art Place Mountainview. Presented by Centerstage North. Dec. 9-11, 15-17. Performance times at centerstagenorth.org. 3330 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-516-3330. $8-$12. Cont’d on page 78

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November 2011 Atlanta Parent 77

Larry, Carols & Mo The Fox Theatre

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holiday sing-along, LarryDouglas Embury playing the Mighty Mo organ, a favorite family movie, and snow falling on the audience in the Fox Theatre. Best of all, this family event is free (or 75 cents per ticket to reserve online or obtain through Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000). This year’s film is The Muppet Christmas Carol. Dec. 12. Doors open 6 p.m.; sing-along, 7 p.m.; movie, 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. No fee if you pick up tickets at the Fox box office, Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. More information: 404-881-2100. A Christmas Carol. City Center. Scrooge learns the true meaning of love and family in this musical thanks to three ghosts. Dec. 10. 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 17, 24. 2 p.m.; Dec. 22. 7:30 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251.Adults, $11; 12 and younger, $9.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Center for Puppetry Arts. Live puppet presentation of the heartwarming tale, based on the classic TV special. Through Dec. 31. See puppet.org for show times. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $16.50; 2 and younger, free.

Madeline’s Christmas. Horizon Theatre. A musical adaptation of the Ludwig Bemelman story about red-headed Madeline and her friends. Performed by local kid actors. Dec. 10-Jan. 1, 2012. Sat.-Sun., 1 and 3:30 p.m.; for weekday performance dates and times visit horizontheatre.com. 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta. 404-584-7450. Adults, $15; children, $12.

Sanders Family Christmas. Theatre in the Square. Family friendly holiday show full of music and dancing. Ages 10 and older. Through Jan. 1. See theatreinthesquare.com for show times. 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-422-8369. $28-$35.

It’s a Wonderful Life. City Center. Follow George Bailey as he learns how his simple life has made a difference to the community. Dec. 15, 16, 17, 23. 7:30 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Adults, $11; 12 and younger, $9. Once Upon a Holiday. 7 Stages Theater. This holiday performance by Sideways Contemporary Dance Company is a festive twist on the story of Alice in Wonderland. Dec. 16-18. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 1105 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. 770992-0170. Advance prices: Adults, $18; children, $13. Winter Polar Express. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. An enchanting holiday show for all ages presented by the Academy Dance Company. Dec. 16-17. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. 950 Forest St., Roswell. 770-578-8272. Adults, $12; children, $10. It’s a Wonderful Life. Cumming Playhouse. Based on the classic movie. Through Dec.18. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 101 School St., Cumming. 770781-9178. Adults, $20; 18 and younger, $15. Christmas Canteen. Aurora Theatre. A holiday musical review of classic and new songs. Through Dec. 23. Wed., 10 a.m., 8 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $20-$40. A Christmas Carol. Alliance Theatre. A musical performance of the classic story. Through Dec. 24. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. For additional weekly show times, see alliancetheatre.org. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $17.50-$50.

78 Atlanta Parent December 2011

Photo by Jo McCune

H LIDAY CALENDAR

Family Fun Guide

Visit with Santa Breakfast with Santa. Village Tavern. Santa arrives atop a fire truck, then meets kids enjoying a buffet breakfast. Santa will read The Night Before Christmas. Dec. 3, 10. 9 a.m. 11555 Rainwater Dr., Alpharetta. 770-777-6490. Pre-register. Adults, $15; 12 and younger, $10. Breakfast with Santa. Lucky Shoals Park Comm. Rec. Center. Eat breakfase, share your wish list and make crafts. Ages 3-15. Dec. 3. 9 a.m.-noon. 4651 Britt Rd., Norcross. 770-723-9516. Preregister. $5 per person; parents must attend with child and pay to eat breakfast. Breakfast with Santa. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Kids eat with Santa and share their wish list; includes holiday activities and a photo with Santa. Dec. 3, 10, 17. 8:30-10:30 a.m. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Pre-register. Gwinnett residents, adults, $10; children $8; nonresidents, adults, $15; children, $12. Breakfast with Santa. Southeastern Railway Museum. Have breakfast or lunch with Santa. Dec. 3, 10, 17. 9 a.m. or noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Pre-register. $15 per person; younger than 2, free. Santa at Rhodes Hall. Rhodes Hall. Make arts and crafts and take a photo with Santa. Dec. 3-11. Dec. 3-4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dec. 6-11, 4-7 p.m. 1516 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885-7812. Pre-register. $35 per family; includes entertainment, refreshments and photo; personal cameras can be used for $10.

www.atlantaparent.com

Classified Pages Saint Nick. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Bring a camera to meet Saint Nick in his dark green robe and botanical head wreath. Dec. 3, 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-17, $12.95; younger than 3, free.

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Breakfast With Santa. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Munch on a kid-friendly breakfast and take pictures of the kids with Santa. Dec. 10, 17. 9 a.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Pre-register. $20. Breakfast with Cowboy Santa. Booth Western Arts Museum. He’s ready to wrangle cattle and field wishes. Dec. 10. 9-11 a.m. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. Adults, $25; 12 and younger, $10. Santa’s Wonderland. Bass Pro Shops. Visit with Santa (and take a photo), make crafts and score Santa Silly Bandz at Bass Pro Shops. Through Dec. 25. Mon.-Fri., 3-8 p.m., crafts from 5-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 678-847-5500. Free.

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The Polar Express. Great Smoky Mountains. This 75-minute round-trip train ride takes a journey through the wilderness for a special visit with Santa Claus at the North Pole. Visitors enjoy warm cocoa, carols and a treat while listening and reading along to the classic story. Through Dec. 24. Departure times at gsmr.com. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. Adults, $39; ages 2-12, $26. Enchanted Garden of Lights. Rock City. See holiday scenes illuminated by a million lights around the mountain and Enchanted Trail. Through Dec. 31. 6-9 p.m. nightly. Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-854-0675. Adults, $18.95-$22.95; ages 3-12, $10.95-$11.95. c

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Old-Fashioned Christmas. Dahlonega. Guided 3045 minute trolley tours through historic downtown. Weekends through Dec. 17. Fri., 7 and 8 p.m.; Sat., 6, 7, 8 p.m. 13 South Park St., Dahlonega. 800-231-5543. Adults, $5; children, $3.

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Festival of Trees. Unicoi Lodge. See beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge. Through Dec. 12. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 1788 Hwy. 356, Helen. 800-573-9659. Free; parking, $5.

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North Pole Limited. Tennessee Valley Railroad. A 75-minute round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. Through Dec. 22. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN. 423-894-8028. $24 per person; Ride in Santa’s private car, $48 per person. Buy tickets at tvrail.com.

Christmas Tree Lighting. Vogel State Park. Tree lighting, caroling, hayrides, visit from Santa, bonfires, and more. Bring an unwrapped gift for kids ages 0-12. Dec. 10. 4-6:30 p.m. 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-2628. Free, bring a new toy.

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“Mommy & Me Music Class”: Infants-3 years. Begins Jan 9th for 10 weeks at Northbrook Preschool. Mon. 9:45 - 10:30 or 10:45 - 11:30. $75 Karen Hughes 770-630-9129 kahughes2005@yahoo.com Beautiful Personalized Diaper Cakes for Baby Shower Centerpiece or Nursery Display. Customized Diaper Tricycles, Trains, Tier-Cakes, Bassinets & More! www. CindyCuteCuddleCake.com 678-527-9038

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Essay

by Denise Buckley

Let Peace On Earth Begin With Me

ecently I remembered a wish that I made many years ago when I was a junior Girl Scout. It was 1980-something, and I was working with my troop-mates on earning a new badge. We were asked to make a wish, and my quick, firm answer was “world peace.” In my young mind I envisioned everybody in the world holding hands, smiling and singing, “I’d like to buy the world a Coke.” More than two decades later and three children wiser, I realize that this was a noble yet naïve wish of a little girl. The grownup version of me now wants to alter that wish: World peace? How about just plain old peace? Yes, world peace would be fantastic, but these days I am setting my sights a bit lower. I would absolutely settle for any kind of peace that I could get my hands on. Some peace and quiet, for example, or possibly peace between my arguing children, maybe some peace of mind, or perhaps just a piece of cake that has not been licked and nibbled by a toddler before I got to eat it. I have learned that being a mom of three or a mom of any for that matter does not allow for much serenity. Babies are not born with volume controls, siblings were born to fight and the words “mommy” and “worry” are synonymous. Peace and quiet is an ever-elusive concept. Moms do not even get peace and quiet in the places that mandate peace and quiet. The library, for example, has many rules about calm and harmonious behavior. Try explaining these rules to a 2-year-old who wants to run around the stacks and de-shelve every book he can get his little hands on – while belting out his favorite song. Church is another place that has pretty specific rules on peacefulness. Yet a 3-year-old who needs the potty will not be denied and has no problem announcing this need to the entire 82 Atlanta Parent December 2011

parish during the priest’s homily. My personal favorite is the bathroom. While there are no official rules about peace here, it is not unreasonable for one to expect a little. But, if a 6-year-old needs to know, “How many bones do I have in my body and exactly why do I need to have bones anyway?” – he has no problem yelling that question through the bathroom door. Most moms should finally get some calm at night when they sleep. But a newborn who wants to eat, or a 4-year-old who’s scared, or a 10-year-old who needs a drink of water do not care that Mom is sleeping. Peace between siblings and peace of mind seem like much more attainable goals. However, they are not. Any mom knows that most days are filled with an ample supply of bickering about who gets to sit where, squirmishes over who got a bigger scoop of ice cream for dessert and sometimes all-out wars over the remote control or a favorite toy. Brokering a peace resolution between a disgruntled 6-yearold and a disenfranchised 8-year-old is work that should be left only to the United Nations. As for peace of mind, as long as there is the evening news and WebMD, there will never be any. So, it’s safe to say that peace in any way, shape, or form does not seem to be in my near future. However, three happy healthy children are. And I would easily trade every last bit of peace I’ve ever had to keep them that way. c www.atlantaparent.com

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f o t f i g e h t e n o Giv s a e s y a d i l o h s i h t health

Imaging Center Locations for Heart Screenings:

Heart Screenings at WellStar Cardiac Screenings are available for $99 per individual or $149 per couple. Extended weeknight hours and Saturday appointments available.* For more information or to schedule your screening today,† please call 770-956-STAR (7827).

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