Cuddlesare free,vetsaren’t
This holidayseason, remember to budget forthe expenses that come alongwithanew pet
What’sbetter than anew puppy or kitten on Christmas morning? The holidays are often atime when families decide to add anew pet to the family
Furry friends are agift that keeps on bringing joy,but they’re alsogifts that keep on costing money for upkeep —soyou will need to make apermanentline item in the budget for the new addition. Pets are along-term financial commitment. Food, medications, supplies,
grooming, the list can go on and on depending on the type of pet. Howcan you makeitwork within your budget?Planning ahead is agreat way to make sure all ongoing expenses are accounted for,aswell as theunexpectedcosts that mayarise.
As the owner of two senior pets, Ican tell you that, as they age, theexpenses are greater.Both of my dogs are on
prescription diets, and we see several vetsbecause they need specialists now, too!
This holiday season, keep in mindthe following costswhen considering gettingapet:
VETERINARYCARE: Plan for regular checkups and vaccinations, as well as monthly heartworm and flea preventatives. Puppies andkittenswill initially need several
rounds of vaccinations and spay/ neuter.They will also need to be microchipped. Most rescues and shelters take care of the initial vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchipping and include these expenses (at adeeply discounted rate) in their adoption fees.
Just like humans, pets may need an unexpected trip to the vet for an ailment or injury,sobudget for these unforeseen costs as well. If
See PET, page 2G
Adog canmakeagreat family gift, but don’tforget to think about the expenses involved.
Families toast marshmallows at Celebrationinthe Oaks.
Celebration in theOaks is open to families once again withall the memorable sightsthat visitors expect, plusa few newattractions. Walking and driving tours are available, along with special nights for visitors on bikes.Hundreds turned out on the first weekend toview the belovedMr. Bingle, modeltrains, the poinsettia tree and the lagoon
Holidayevents areinfull shimmer and sparkle, with Dec. 25 gettingever closer.Not onlyisitChristmas Day, but it’salsothe beginning of theHannukah season. Here’s aschedule of don’t-miss events,listed by date.
1. CELEBRATIONINTHE OAKS: The holidaylights festival has driving and walking tours throughJan. 3, starting weeknights at 6p.m. and Fridayand Saturdaynights at 5p.m. Dasher Passesallowthose on driving tours to skip the line,and combinedrates forwalking and driving toursare available.Driving tours startat$7for bikes and $20 forcars.Walking tours startat$20. CelebrationInTheOaks. com.
through Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Visitors to thepark, 2015 Fourth St.inKenner, can view the festival displays and shop local vendors on weekends; children can playinthe sudsy “snow” that will blanket the park.Aholiday-themed musical laserlight showplays in the KennerPlanetarium &Megadome Cinema across the street on Thursdays,Dec. 7, 14, 21
COMMUNITYEVENTS
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: The family-friendly event and fundraiser benefiting the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 26 (except Christmas Day) at Destrehan Plantation,13034 River Road in Destrehan. Activities includegames, Christmas carolingand aquarter-mile walking tourthrough 5 acres of oak trees with lightdisplays. Tickets are$5, with children 4and under free. gnotrc.org.
POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE: The recreation of the classic children’s story on boardanactual train will be available through Jan. 1atNew OrleansUnion Passenger Terminal 1001 Loyola Ave. in New Orleans. Passengers will receivehot chocolate and cookies, areadingofthe story caroling and avisit from Santa.Tickets start at $42 and includespecific departuretimes. www.nolathepolarexpressride.com.
GREENWAY SUPERNOVA: The holiday lights exhibit will be set up from 5p.m. to 9p.m. Dec. 12-14 on Lafitte Greenway,wherethe Greenway meets BayouSt. John, 3200Lafitte Ave. in New Orleans. www.lafittegreenway.org/supernova
TOYSFOR TOTSBREAKFAST: The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans will host atoy drive andbreakfast on from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at Marchand CreativeKitchens, 3517 Division St. in Metairie. Guests areencouragedto bring anew,unwrapped toytothe breakfast. Tickets are$10.The public also candropoff new,unwrapped toys through Dec. 11 at Marchand or at the association’s offices, 2424 N. Arnoult Road in Metairie members.hbagno.org/ap/Events/ Register/3BFDolEiYCQCg.
RUNNING OF THE SANTAS: Festively attired runners and walkers will gather at 2p.m. Dec. 14 in New Orleans’ Warehouse District,kicking off at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant, 701 Tchoupitoulas St. Santas will join aholiday“FunRun” beginningat6p.m., dashingthrough the streets to GenerationsHall, 315 Andrew Higgins Blvd., whererunners canparty to livemusic. Tickets$30, with two-for-one and VIP tickets available. facebook.com/runningsantas.
TOY AND GIFT EVENT: The holiday event will be held from 9a.m. to 1p.m. Dec. 14 at the EdwardA.Dufresne Community Center,274 Judge EdwardDufresne Parkway in Luling. All children in St. Charles Parish, from infants to age 14, areinvited tosend theirletters to Santa and celebrate theholidayseasonatthe event Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who will needto provide proof of residency
TEDDYBEAR PROGRAM: Arnaud’s Restaurant will hostateddybear drivebenefiting the communityand the New Orleans Police Department, whose officers will keep thebears in theirvehicles to distribute to children whohave been traumatized.Through Dec. 31,Arnaud’s customers can donate at the restaurant, 813 Bienville St. in New Orleans, Monday-Saturday, 5:30-9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Other New Orleans locationsare the Energy Centre,1100 PoydrasSt.; New Orleans &Company, 2020 St. Charles Ave.;NOPJF Headquarters, 320Metairie-Hammond Highway,Suite 500; or NOPD Headquarters, 1615 PoydrasSt. www arnaudsrestaurant.com.
SANTAONTHE BAYOU: The gift giveaway celebrates its 25th anniversary on Dec. 14 at the LosIsleños Museum Complex, 1357 BayouRoad inSt. Bernard. Giftsfor kids as well as food and snacks for the entirefamily will be on hand. visitstbernard.com.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVALON THEPOINT: Holy Name of Mary Parishwill celebrate the holidays from 2p.m. to 9p.m. Dec. 14 on the church grounds at 500 ElizaSt. in New Orleans. The family-friendly festival will include livemusic, apetting zoo, inflatables, food trucks and more. holynameofmarynola.org.
KRAMPUS: THE FRIGHT BEFORE
CHRISTMAS: Tickets areonsale for the winter horrorland, which will run Dec. 13-14 at New Orleans Nightmare, 319 Butterworth St. in New Orleans. New Orleans Nightmarewill becollectingnew and unopened toysto donate to Children’s Hospital. This event maybetoo intensefor children under 12. Tickets start at $29.99. neworleansnightmare.com
GARDEN DISTRICT HOLIDAY HOME
TOURS: The Preservation Resource Center will host its annual tour with livemusical performances, afestive boutiqueand moreDec.14-15. Tickets start at $36. prcno.org.
PHOTOSWITH SANTA: Metairie Humane will host opportunities for children and pets to takepictureswith Santa Claus. The next session isfrom 1p.m. to 4p.m. Dec. 14 at Ark Animal Hospital, 4211 Jefferson Highway. Another session will be heldfrom 1p.m. to 4p.m. Dec. 15 at Chateau Veterinary Hospital, 704 W. Esplanade Ave. in Kenner. The photo sessions are$20 for the sitting, amatted4x6 photoand aUSB flash drivewithall photos. metairiehumane.org.
COMMUNITY CHANUKAH CELEBRA-
TION: The celebration will takeplace Dec. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at theNew OrleansJewish CommunityCenter, 5342St. Charles Ave. in NewOrleans This family-friendly event is open
to the public andwill feature The Hebrew Hammers,a local brass/ funk band playinglively Chanukah songs and upbeat tunes. Dining includes homemadelatkes, traditional sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and a light vegetarian dinner. Activities will include dreidels,gelt, party favors and Chanukah candles to takehome. Free, but reservations arerequired through Eventbrite.www.nojcc.org
THEATER
“IT’SAWONDERFUL LIFE Y’ALL”: Ricky Graham’s originaltakeonthe Jimmy Stewart classic holidayfilm is filled with New Orleans characters. It will run Dec. 6-22 at Rivertown Theaters for the PerformingArts, 325 Minor St. in Kenner. Eveningshows begin at 7:30 p.m.; matineesat2 p.m. Tickets start at $41. www.rivertowntheaters. com.
“ELF:THE MUSICAL JR.”: Jefferson Performing Arts Society TheatreKids will perform the musical based on the holidaymovie at Westwego Performing Arts Theatre,177 Sala Ave. in Westwego, Dec. 13-15. Fridayand Saturdaynight performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matineesbegin at 2p.m. Tickets start at $25. www.jpas.org.
FOOD ANDDRINK
BUBBLYHOLIDAY WINE TASTING:
Historic BK House &Gardens, 1113
ChartresSt. in New Orleans, will host an evening featuring sparkling wines with foodsfromChef Glen Hogh.The event will takeplace at 6p.m. Dec. 12, in theBallroom at BK House. Tickets are$75 for nonmembers, $65 forBK House members.www.bkhouse.org.
SENIOR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: Registration is being accepted for the St. Charles Parish Senior Christmas Luncheon at 11a.m. Dec. 12 at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling. Adults andseniors 55 and up areinvited to thefreecelebration, with lunch, photos with Santa and entertainment. Preregister through Eventbrite; ID with aSt. Charles Parish addressrequiredatthe door (985) 783-8907.
LATKES WITH ATWIST: The Hanukkahparty,which this year features Chef Alon Shaya and Saba, will take place Dec. 12 at Press StreetStation, 5Homer PlessyWay on the campus at NewOrleans Center for Creative Arts. Theevent includes livemusic, specialty drinksand lots of latkes with allthe toppings. Apatron party begins at 6p.m., with the party beginning at 6:30p.m. Ticket prices start at $36. jcrs.org/events.
HANNUKAHMIXER& LATKEMAKING: Hermann-Grima +Gallier Historic Houses, theMuseum of the Southern Jewish Experience and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum host the Dec. 12 program. Attendees can watch traditional latkes being crafted in the open-hearth kitchen at the Hermann-Grima House, 820 St. Louis St. in NewOrleans. The event, which runs 5:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m., includes live19th-century Jewish musicperformed by local musicians. Tickets start at $33.77 via Eventbrite. hgghh.org
SENIOR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: The annual St. Charles Parish Senior Christmas Luncheon will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 12inthe gymnasium at the EdwardA.Dufresne Community Center, 274Judge EdwardDufresne Parkway in Luling. St. Charles Parish adults and seniors 55 and up are invited. There will be lunch,photos
with Santa and entertainment. Seating is limited, and all participants must pre-register through Eventbrite for aticket and showtheir ID with aSt. Charles Parish address at the door. (985) 783-8907.
WHOVILLE BRUNCH: AGrinchmas in Whoville Brunch will be held at the St. BernardCatholic Church, 2805 BayouRoad in St. Bernard, on Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The breakfast includes Martha May’s scrambled eggs, beast bacon, Max’s crispychicken and waffles, Cindy Lou’s shrimp and grits, Grinchmas pancakes and more. The festivities include pictures with the Grinch and Cindy Lou, gingerbread house, ornament making,cooking decorating and candlemaking.$20. visitstbernard.com.
HOLIDAY HIGH TEA: Longue Vue House &Gardens will host the event Dec. 22, 2-5 p.m., with tea, light bites, cocktails, afashion show. Tickets start at $35. https://longuevue.com.
MARKETS
ACRAFTY CHRISTMAS: The arts and crafts showwill be held from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Dec. 14 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center,8245 W. Judge PerezDriveinChalmette. Admission is free. visitstbernard.com.
COURTYARD WINTER MARKET: The Courtyardatthe New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, 514 Chartres St. in New Orleans, will be the setting for awinter market on Dec. 15, 11 a.m.4p.m.Twelvelocal vendors will sell art, jewelry,baked goods and other giftable goodies. Attendees can visit the first floor of museum exhibits with no admissionfee. pharmacymuseum.org.
MOVIES “HOWTHE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS”: The St. John Theatre, 115 W. Fourth St. in Reserve, will show the 2000 Jim Carrey holidaymovie on Dec. 14. The Grinch and Cindy LouWho will be thereat6 p.m. for photos. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, too. The movie will startat 7p.m. Tickets are$10. www.stjohntheatre.com.
CULTUREAND CONCERTS
CATHEDRAL CONCERTS: French Quarter Festivals, Inc. will host aseries of free holidayconcerts at St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley in New Orleans. Beausoleil’s Christmas BayouavecMichael Doucet will perform Cajuntunes from 6p.m to 7p.m. Dec. 11. Yusa &Mahmoud Chouki will provide global sounds from 6p.m. to 7p.m. Dec. 18. The St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert, featuring the Cathedral Choir, will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22. The New Year’s Eveopen-air concert near Jackson Squarefeaturing live performances by Tank and the Bangas, Bonerama and DJ RQ Away starts at 9p.m.Dec. 31. All concerts arefree. fqfi.org/holidays
THE VICTORYBELLES RING IN THE
SEASON: The National WWII Museum’s singing group, backed by the Victory Six band, will present holiday harmonies in their 2024 revue, running Dec. 11-23. Afternoon matinees at 2p.m. and evening performances at 7p.m.; luncheonperformances 11:45 a.m. to 2p.m. All shows areat BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $22. www.nationalww2museum org. VINTAGECAROLING: The city of
Continued from page1G
apet has achronic health issue, he may need to take regular medication. As they age, new conditions may arise. Pet insurance is an option and may help with budgeting for vet expenses.
FOOD: Avoid buying the cheapest food, as apoor diet may lead to paying more in the long run for vet care. In addition, if the food has alot of fillers in the ingredients, apet may consume more of the discount food, which equals spending more overall. As pets age, dietary needs will change.
GROOMING: Long-haired dogs require atrip to the groomer at least once every six weeks. If you have alonghaired breed, such as aYorkie or Shih Tzu, and want to keep their hair long, groomer visits can occur as often as one a week. Grooming costs can range anywhere from $40$200 or more per pet, per visit depending on the size and breed of the dog. When budgeting this category,besure to include the cost of brushes, combs, pet shampoo, pet toothpaste, and other items that are needed for home maintenance between grooming appointments.
Gretna will host aholidaysingalong on from 7p.m. to 9p.m. Dec. 13 in Downtown Gretna. Song sheets will be provided for this family-friendly event. Bring chairs. www.gretnala. com.
LIGHT OF THE STABLE: Divine Mercy Catholic Parish will host afreeNight of Christmas Music &Mission at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13, with aholidayconcert in the church sanctuary,4337 Sal Lentini Parkway in Kenner. Festivities continue outdoors in Mercy Square with candlelit caroling led by the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Choir and more. Santa will be on hand, and kids can takearide on the Polar Express Train. divinemercyparish.org.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s OfficeBand of Excellence will present aholidayconcert from 7p.m. to 8p.m. Dec. 14 in front of the Christmas tree on Huey P. Long Avenue median at 6th Street in Gretna.
BIG EASY BOYS HOLIDAY CONCERT: The local singing group will perform holidayclassics and lead sing-alongs on Dec. 15, 6p.m., at Historic BK House &Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Tickets are$30 for nonmembers, $25 for members. www bkhouse.org
THE SKIVVIES: The musical duo performs their classic Christmas tunes comedic mashups and nostalgic medleysintheir underwear in shows on Dec. 17-18, 7:30 p.m at Le Petit ThéâtreDuVieux Carré, 616 St. Peter in New Orleans. Tickets start at $27. www.lepetittheatre.com.
“COME TO BETHLEHEM”: The Daughters of St. Paul Choir will present contemporary and traditional carols in a concert on Dec. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Jesuit High School auditorium, 4133 Banks St. in New Orleans. Tickets are $35, free for children 12 and under. give.pauline.org. LPO HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Matthew Kraemer, will present a concert of traditional tunes, holiday movie songs and asingalong on Dec. 19, 7:30-9:30 p.m at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt WayinNew Orleans. Tickets start at $13. lpomusic.com.
WINTERREISE: Lyrica Baroque’s concert featuring rarely heardLatin American works spanning morethan three centuries will be performed Dec. 19, 7p.m., at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Free; suggested donation is $25.lyricabaroque.com
“THE NUTCRACKER”: Jefferson Ballet Theatre, along with guest artists from Ballet West, will perform the 1892 ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky on Dec. 21-22, 2p.m., at Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline DriveinMetairie. Tickets start at $25 via Ticketmaster. www jpas.org
CHRISTMAS CAROLING ON HANCOCK
STREET: Young Audience Charter Schools students will lead the singing on Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m., at the Hancock Street median at Stumpf BoulevardinGretna. Bring lawn chairs.
FAITH-BASEDEVENTS
LIVING NATIVITY: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 610 6th St. in Gretna, willhost aliving nativity on Dec. 22, 6p.m in front of the Christmas tree on Huey P. Long Avenue median at 6th Street in Gretna. Bring their lawn chairs. stjosephgretna.com.
TRAINING: Puppies and adult dogs alike can benefit from some basic training. This is an expense that should be included in the budget early on but would not be considered an ongoing cost long-term.
BOARDING/PET SITTING: Who will take care of the pets when the family is out of town? Vacation budgets should also include the costs of having someone tend to the pets, whether that be boarding them or in-home care. If the pets will travel with you, consider that hotels, condos and vacation rentals that allow pets will usually charge an additional pet fee. We pay anywhere from $75-$150 per pet for them to travel with us.
ACCESSORIES: Pets need so much stuff! Plan to purchase items such as travel crates, kennels, pet toys, leashes, collars, and food/water bowls. For cats, figure in the costs of litter litter box, scoopers and the like.
EVACUATING: Plans to leave town ahead of ahurricane need to include the pets and the extra costs associated with traveling with pets. Many hotels require separate pet deposits. Also, apet should never be given as asurprise gift to someone who did not plan for this commitment. Despite how much you think she would love apuppy,Aunt Betty may not want or be able to afford the long-term costs that come with owning a pet. Getting apet is adecision that needs to be made by the person who will be financially responsible for the pet.
EVENTS DEC. 14: Petco will hold aHome forthe Holidays adoption event from noon to 4p.m. at 3520 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. Meet adorable puppies and dogs from ARNO. Applications to foster or adopt will be available. Every approved adoption includes afree Bark Box bed and toy.For more info: adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for AnimalRescue New Orleans (ARNO), anonprofit, volunteerbased,no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
Cheerful voiceswarmachilly night during the 79th‘Caroling in Jackson Square’ holiday sing-along in NewOrleans in 2023. This year’sevent is Dec. 22.
EVENTS
Continued from page1G
3. CATHEDRAL CONCERTS: French Quarter Festivals Inc. will host aseries of freeholiday concerts at St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere AntoineAlleyinNew Orleans. OnDec.11, Beau Soleil’sChristmas BayouavecMichael Doucet 6p.m. to 7p.m.; Dec. 18,Yusa &Mahmoud Chouki 6p.m. to 7p.m.; Dec.22, the Cathedral Choir,5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. fqfi.org/holidays.
4. CHRISTMAS IN LAFRENIEREPARK: The
light displaywill be openDec. 6and continue through Dec. 30 at the park, 3000 Downs Blvd. inMetairie.Displays include alighted60-foot sea serpent in the lagoon. SnowDay is Dec. 14 Admissionper vehicle is $10 in advanceor$15 at the gate;credit and debit cards only. Hours areSundaytoThursday, 5:30 p.m.to9 p.m.; Fridayand Saturday,5:30 p.m.to10p.m lafrenierepark.org
5. LIGHTSONTHE LAKE: The family-friendly holiday celebration will takeplace on Dec.14, 5p.m. to 8p.m., at the NewCanal Lighthouse, 8001Lakeshore Drive in NewOrleans.The West End Boat Parade is scheduled for5:30 p.m
to 7:15 p.m.The event will also feature holiday shopping in the PontchartrainConservancy gift shop and hands-on STEM activitiesfor the kids.Admission is $10 (free forchildren 5and under).scienceforourcoast.org
6. HANUKKAH CELEBRATION: The eventwill takeplace Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m.to7:30 p.m., at the NewOrleans Jewish CommunityCenter, 5342 St. Charles Ave. It will featureThe Hebrew Hammers, alocal brass/funk band playing Free; reservations required through Eventbrite. www.nojcc.org
7. NOLA CHRISTMASFEST: Ticketsare on sale forthe indoor Christmas festival, scheduled for
BY
Dec. 20-30 at the NewOrleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd.The event includeslivemusic, visitswith Santa, an ice-skating rink, ice bocce,ridesand more.Ticketsstartat$25. Hours most days are 3:30 p.m. to 9p.m. nolachristmasfest.com.
8. CAROLING IN JACKSON SQUARE: Patio Planters of the VieuxCarre continuesthe 78-year-old tradition of communitycarol singing on Dec. 22, 7p.m. to 8p.m., in Jackson Square,701 Decatur St. in NewOrleans. Complimentarysongbooks and candleswill be distributed. patioplanters.net.
