Chicago Parent December 2013

DECEMBER 2013 | FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

50 great gifts under

$50 ROCK

OUT Chicago

style

Five stories that inspire

In a holidaze?

We help you find fun

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The British School of Chicago is an international school, offering personalized learning in a happy and nurturing community. You’ll be delighted by the progress your child makes, and they’ll surprise themselves as they surpass the goals in their individual learning plan.

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ChicagoParent.com December 2013 1

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CHICAGO

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2 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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6 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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contents IN THIS ISSUE 15

22

29 33

114

GOOD TO GO

Fun at Roscoe Village Winterfest and eatingg out awith kids at Fra12 sca Pizzeria, 312 Chicago and David Burke’s Primehouse TRENDING

Gifts guaranteed to elevate your guy’s look CRAFT

Picture perfect snow globes REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

How to fight all the holiday commercialism

DECEMBER 2013 | VOLUME 30 | NO. 12

FEATURES GIFTS UNDER $50 40 50 We hit 10 Chicago area toy stores to find this season’s hot toys and you get all the hugs GOOD 48 DOING Five stories that inspire us this

ON THE COVER

month

DECEMBER 2013 | FREE

MUSIC MANIA! 53 KINDIE The who’s who behind Chicago’s

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

booming kids’ music scene

59

MERRY HANUKKAH Growing numbers of families raising kids with two religions

Cover kid:

50 Jack Corbin, great gifts under

$50

5, of Oak Park

ROCK

OUT Chicago

style

Five stories that inspire

CLASSICS 62 HOLIDAY 2.0

Traditional foods get a Chicago spin to make you the hit of the party

In a holidaze?

Photography: Liz DeCarlo Design: Claire Innes

We help you find fun

Now available

GOING PLACES The best for winter fun

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The truest gift

See the Lights.

Feel the Magic.

Continue the Tradition.

Chicagoland’s largest lights festival surrounds you in the cheer of over 1,000,000 twinkling lights, caroling to the animals, ice carving, laser light shows, live entertainment, and a new holiday light spectacular.

You’re sure to feel the magic of the holidays!

Saturdays and Sundays Beginning November 30 PLUS Holiday Week: December 26-31 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.

CZS.org/magic Presented by

I think I’m a lucky person, and this time of year, I feel especially lucky. Not in the sense of winningthe-lottery lucky, but, as corny as it sounds, lucky because I get to do what I love every day, work with people I love while getting to know all of you better, and spend my time watching my kids change before my TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY eyes into little beings who embrace some of the gazillion lessons I try to drill into their heads.

I especially notice them embracing those lessons this time of year. Most significantly, they’ve gone from wanting everything under the sun on Christmas morning to wishing for just a few things that really matter to them. While they still covet the “things” their friends have, they also talk more about how others might not be as lucky as they are. So they never pass a donation jar without tossing in their own money and they rally behind the causes that interest them most: My daughter Zoe loves donating to homeless pets, my son Marty loves volunteering at the he local hospital, and my daughter Arleee Know someone has a soft spot for little kids. who deserves to be I couldn’t ask for a better gift than recognized for their my kids giving so willingly to others. good deeds? Email Could they do more? Of course. me at tamara@ We all can. chicagoparent to get As we have for the past several their name added years, we are featuring a few people for consideration for this month dedicated to helping next year. others and making their mark. Jessica ca Streepy, Yianna Manokas, the Higneyy and Zavell families and the tween rockers Live Wire are all doing their parts.

They are just the tip of the iceberg made up of kids, adults and families going above and beyond everyday acts to make this world a much better place. For all those who help others, you have our gratitude.

Happy holidays to you all.

8 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

The best gift we’ve ever received

EDITOR Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR Liz DeCarlo ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR Graham Johnston DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Jackie McGoey ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Sky Hatter,

Mark Tatara

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cathy Cassani

When I was pregnant, “Santa” left a box of graham crackers under our tree as a sign that we should name the baby Graham, which was the name I had been wanting.

Megan Murray Elsener

For my college graduation, my mom got me Lasik surgery. I can now see what time it is on the alarm clock without putting on my glasses! Priceless!

Megan Cottrell

I will always remember the year I received my Holly Hobbie oven. Baking mini-cakes with a light bulb was practically a dream come true.

Marianne Walsh

A ping-pong table.

I was 11. When I was growing up, we had a very intense pingpong tournament every Thanksgiving.

All I wanted to do was beat my older cousins. I eventually beat them—when I was 25!

Kristy MacKaben

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Debbie Becker

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Alan Majeski

CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari PUBLISHER Dan Haley VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Andrew Johnston

COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman,

Carolyn Jacobs

HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com CALENDAR

calendar@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY

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dhaley@wjinc.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2013 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

10 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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ake A ak ess t e r p i e c e

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ON THE WEB

Your up-to-the-minute guide to fun

N

o one beats ChicagoParent.com as your go-to spot to find holiday fun with the kids. Looking for a Nutcracker? We’ve got lists of the best.

Looking for something to help avoid the holiday overload? We’ve got lots of fun that isn’t tied to the holidays, too.

The calendar is ever-changing, with new events added throughout the day.

Plus our writers and members of the Chicago Parent

Even win fun this month

Blogger Network are out and about this month to give you the inside scoop about all things parenting with the emphasis on fun.

The tablet is back We’ve had a few technical issues with the tablet version of Chicago Parent. It’s all good now, and you can again enjoy Chicago Parent on your tablet.

starbright dance

‘Tis the season for family togetherness!

We’re here to give you lots of free opportunities to spend time with the ones you love. Visit ChicagoParent.com this month to win tickets, including Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate and the stunning prehistoric film Walking with Dinosaurs at Classic Cinemas.

Plus we have toys, games and books galore to help you fill out the holiday wish lists. (Hint: Some of the items are

included in our fabulous gift guide starting on page 40.)

Be the first among your friends to know about our great contests by signing up for our weekly newsletters at ChicagoParent. com/newsletters.

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14 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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in Roscoe Village

R

oscoe Village is a stroller community, filled with great restaurants and stores, which makes it the perfect destination for families this holiday season, says Mary Markarian, executive director for the chamber.

Its annual Winterfest celebration, which kicks off at 5 p.m.

Dec. 7, includes everything from a tree lighting to sleigh rides to ornament making.

“All the community comes out and the crowd gets bigger and bigger. It’s kind of hokey but cute and we all love it,” Markarian says. “We have carolers and hot cocoa. Then people go shopping on Roscoe Street.”

All the businesses stay open late that night and each has a special snack or promotion going on.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the fest is geared primarily to families, with horse-drawn sleigh and trolley rides. Santa is available for visits 1-5 p.m. in the Conexion Salon and Spa on Roscoe Street.

The free trolley takes families to about 20 businesses along Roscoe and Belmont streets for shopping and fun.

“For example, Roscoe Village Bikes has people make bike ornaments out of chain and screws,” Markarian says. “Everyone has a holiday theme for its activity.”

Liz DeCarlo

Roscoe Village Winterfest Roscoe and Belmont, Chicago (773) 327-5123 rvcc.biz 5-9 p.m. Dec. 7; 1-5 p.m. Dec. 8 Free

Good to go

Holiday fun

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 15

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GOOD TO GO

Pleasant dining with kids

E

Frasca Pizzeria welcomes families with kids eat free offer very once in a while, it’s nice not to worry about what’s for dinner and eat out. But as parents know, eating out with kids can leave you wanting to bury your face in a napkin and practice reciting your “woosahs.”

Enter Lakeview’s Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar. Steps away from the Paulina Brown Line stop, this is one restaurant that is changing the family dining experience.

In addition to its seasonally inspired menu and casual, cozy atmosphere, Frasca offers a truly

awesome incentive: Kids under 12 eat free 4:30-6 p.m. eevery night.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit: Arrive early. The restaurant gets increasingly busy during tthe ‘kids eat free’ hours.

If yyou can accommodate dinner around 4:30 or 5 p.m., dinne it; the quicker the it’s worth w service, the less time for kids servic to get restless.

1

2 Ben’s Christmas

area to park it near the entrance but no more than two or three strollers will fit at a time. Collapsing it and trying to bring it to your table will be difficult, especially as the place fills up, so it’s wise to leave it in the car or at home.

3

Expand your kids’ palates. Picky eaters need not worry. Frasca’s offers tried-and-true kids’ menu fare: buttered noodles, PB&J and grilled cheese. But Frasca is a great place to try new flavors. Roasted Butternut Squash pizza and HandRolled Sweet Potato Gnocchi are among the choices. (These entrées don’t count toward ‘kids eat free.’)

Ditch the stroller.

There’s a small

4

Relax. The entire staff is friendly, patient and

accommodating. You won’t catch them rolling their eyes when your 2-year-old throws her crayons, pasta and your cellphone on the floor while eyeing a water glass and screaming “ice, ice!” They’re used to the mess, the noise and the frazzled parents. Whether your kids are saint-like or maniacal, they’ll provide you and your family with great service and do it with genuine smiles on their faces.

Jackie McGoey

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar 3358 N. Paulina St., Chicago (773) 248-5222 frascapizzeria.com

Tree Farm

“Christmas as you Remember It” BensTreeFarm.com • (630) 279-0216 7719 Ryan Rd., Harvard IL

• Thousands of 6-14 ft. trees in 9 varieties of Firs, Spruces, & Pines • All trees organically grown • Free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Santa, Farm Animals • Complimentary Hot Cocoa in our Warming Barn • Handmade Wreaths & Garland • Open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays Nov. 29th - Dec. 22nd • Hours: 9am-4:30pm We will take you out to the fields, provide you with a saw, bring your tree back from the fields after you have cut it down, and even help with tying to your vehicle. You just need to bring yourselves for a nice day in the country.

16 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

312 Chicago: Kid-friendliness in the Loop

Y

ou know a restaurant understands the plight of parents taking young children out for an upscale dinner when the waiter asks, “Shall I bring out the kids’ meals whenever they are ready?”

Yes, please! And that’s exactly what happened when a friend and I took three children to an early dinner at the Italianfocused 312 Chicago recently.

The adult-like ambiance and pre-theater crowd (the 2,500-seat Cadillac Palace Theatre is next door) doesn’t scream child-friendly, but the staff and kids menu do. Choices for those under 12 for $12 include fried calamari with French fries, rigatoni with meatballs,

cheese flatbread pizza and a cheeseburger or chicken tenders, also served with fries.

One adventurous little eater went with the calamari, and having no clue it was indeed squid, declared it “the best fried chicken she ever had.” Kids’ meals come with a

eye-popping chocolate chip cookie sundae with vanilla gelato and chocolate syrup.

Adults enjoy a myriad of tasty options, including a $26 pre-fixe three-course meal including choice of soup or salad, an entree such as the house favorite of homemade tortellini stuffed with butternut squash with amaretto, sage brown butter and parmesan; and a dessert of flourless chocolate cake, pear and almond tart with cinnamon gelato or the sorbet daily special.

Eaters with special food needs will be pleased to see extensive

gluten-free and vegan menus. Meat-eaters will appreciate the perfectly prepared slow-roasted pork shoulder with creamy polenta, roasted root veggies and pork reduction or the grilled beef tenderloin accompanied by fingerling potatoes, truffle butter and porcini mushroom sauce.

Bottom line: Don’t be

shy to take kids here.

312 Chicago gets “kidfriendly” with both service and the menu.

Linda Marsicano

312 Chicago 136 N. LaSalle, Chicago 312chicago.com

*Applies to general admission only. Must enter or mention code 3429CP to receive discount. Not valid for prior purchases. May not be combined with any other discount offer. Upgrade packages are additional. Some restrictions apply. Offer valid at Schaumburg castle only. Valid 11/25 through 12/30/2013 only.

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 17

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BEST IN CHI

Best things to do with your family this holiday season

Discover the simple power of learning by doing Understand how the learning process at Chiaravalle Montessori is designed to connect how and what children learn.

Call today and RSVP for a Prospective Parent Tour.

425 Dempster, Evanston, IL 847.864.2190 www.chiaravalle.org

Underwritten by:

On exhibit Oct. 1, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014

2100 Patriot Blvd. Glenview, IL 847-832-6600 | www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE. © 2000 by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond.

Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.© 2012 Minnesota Children’s Museum. All rights reserved. Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™ was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. © 2012 Minnesota Children’s Museum. All rights reserved. Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™ was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum.

This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Also Opening October 1, 2013

Sheridan’s Books & Crannies

A new permanent exhibit exploring the world of reading!

SARA R. FISHER

For some, the holidays are fraught with busy schedules, school performances and family chaos.

It’s a rare thing to sit back, relax and enjoy the proverbial “most wonderful time of the year.” But I’ve scoped out a few holiday festivities that suit all ages and stages.

1

For the tots Wee ones deserve a little festivity, too. Bump Club and Beyond does just that with its Holiday Hoopla with a Lil’ Hootenanny party 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Bubbles Academy. Everyone can enjoy food, photos, crafts, and prizes for making a donation to Share Our Spare. For tickets: bumpclubandbeyond.com/ events/holiday-hoopla.

Tots also can boogie down at Little Beans Café’s New Year’s Eve party 5-7 p.m.

Dec. 30, which includes a DJ, dancing, food, mocktails and a balloon-drop countdown. littlebeanscafe. com

your thing, take your kids to quieter creative activities. The Art Institute has a Build Your Own Gingerbread House workshop on Dec. 14 or 15 at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. It includes the fixings for a creative project.

Reservations required at artic.edu. The Ritz-Carlton Chicago offers an afternoon tea for a cause with Teddy Bear Storytelling Teas on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bring a new, unwrapped Teddy bear or toy to donate to the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Kids build their own tea tray while listening to a storyteller. For reservations, call (312) 573-5160.

2

3

For the creative minds If noisy parties aren’t

For the performer Older kids will enjoy some traditional holiday performances with a twist.

The Nutcracker Family Dinner with Joffrey Ballet on Dec. 8 offers a performance of the ballet, dinner at The Standard Club and activities. Tickets at joffrey. org. If you love the 1950sera cartoon, then take the kids to see Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at the Broadway Playhouse. It’s a puppet and live action stage adventure with all the classic songs and characters. emeraldcitytheatre.com

18 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

One delish family night out

I

f you have tiny steak lovers in the family, don’t leave them behind with a babysitter—make date night into a family night instead. David Burke’s Primehouse is the perfect venue to blend the two, with a romantic ambiance that is as kid-friendly as it is scrumptious.

As we settled into a large, comfy booth, we began perusing the unbelievably extensive wine list, which includes a broad range of moderately priced wines in the $30s and $40s to the Screaming Eagle cabernet for $3,995. As tempting as that was (what does a $4,000 bottle of wine taste like?), we settled for a more modest pinot noir while the girls chose glasses of chocolate milk.

Kids under 10 can order a 3-ounce or 7-ounce filet mignon with a choice of two sides for $12 or $17 along with other kids’ meals that include a Kobe

corn dog, cavatappi pasta, grilled cheese, mini burgers or chicken tenders.

Here is what you absolutely can’t miss at Primehouse: The bacon stick starter with black pepper and maple syrup and the pretzel-crusted crabcake to whet your appetite for the tastiest steaks in Chicago. The lobster bisque accompanied by a lobster spring roll also is an excellent beginning to the meal.

The restaurant dry-ages its meats in a Himalayan salt-tiled aging room on the premises.

Go for a ribeye or a Kansas City Strip. The dry aging process leaves the beef marbleized and

tender with a deep, rich flavor.

The longer it is dry-aged, the pricier the meat. If you’re not familiar with dry aging (like us), the friendly servers are happy to explain to help you select the perfect steak.

Not big on steak? Try the lobster and crab potpie or the seared tuna or salmon. Platters of an assortment of ice-cold shellfish also are a hit.

Plan ahead and pre-order the signature dessert, Cake in a Can, a rich red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for the whole table. Other outstanding options include duck egg crème brulee, the apple cider beignet with smoked vanilla ice cream or the cheesecake lollipops. A large array of cheeses and sorbets (try the ginger or coconut ice milk) complete the impressive dessert list.

Linda Marsicano

David Burke’s Primehouse 616 N. Rush, Chicago davidburkeprime house.com

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When it comes to emergency care for your kids, the closer the better.

Emergencies happen. That’s why Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago at Cadence Health offers you and your children a team of board-certified

Pediatric Emergency Department Hours:* Daily: Noon – Midnight

pediatric emergency medicine specialists, with access to pediatric radiologists and experienced pediatric nurses. Last year, the dedicated Central DuPage Hospital pediatric emergency department treated more than 14,000 children.

It’s compassionate emergency care that’s complete and close to home. To learn more, visit cadencehealth.org/LurieChildrens.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago at Cadence Health is a collaborative program between Cadence Health and Lurie Children’s. The physicians participating in this program are neither agents of nor employed by Cadence Health or any of its affiliates. *If your child needs emergency medical attention outside of the Pediatric Emergency Department hours listed above, you and your child can expect dedicated, compassionate care in the general CDH Emergency Department. © 2013 Cadence Health

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11/15/13 11:39 AM

Less talking, more accepting

CATHY CASSANI ADAMS

You want your child to come to you when they are struggling. You want your kids to know you are a resource when they’re confused and always available when life gets them down.

But when they come to you, you talk too much.

Instead of being a safe haven, you teach. Instead of being an understanding presence, you lecture.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. I struggle with this, too. I’ve had to remove the words “teachable moment” from my vocabulary because I was finding way too many of them; I always felt like I had something important to say.

But my professional and personal experience show me that kids need less talking and more listening.

They need fewer lectures, less judgment and more unwavering support.

Maybe they eventually will need a consequence for a choice, but in the moment of sharing, they are highly vulnerable. They need to feel safe with the decision to talk to you; they need to know your first instinct is unconditional love.

We want to guide our children and tell them how to make life easier, but the truth is that mistakes and challenges are necessary and normal. We hope to share lessons that inspire conscientious decisions, but in the end, our children learn by falling down and making poor choices.

It’s important to understand that children learn by watching how we live, not

by what we say. So while we search for the perfect words or the most influential speech, our children are noticing our choices, watching the way we treat ourselves and how we deal with challenges.

Instead of focusing on words, we need to demonstrate what we want to teach. If we want our children to be less anxious, we need to model what this looks like. And when we have difficulty modeling appropriate behavior, we need to acknowledge it, ask for forgiveness, and find the courage to try again.

In the meantime, as we work on our behaviors, we can practice being quieter and less judgmental when they come to us for help.

Our kids usually just want to share their experience so they can move on.

Even more importantly, they want to know that you are present when they feel overwhelmed, that you can momentarily set aside your urge to talk and teach and instead choose to listen, empathize and accept.

Cathy Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls.

Need to know

THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 21

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MOM OF THE MONTH those kids come off the field with smiles on their faces. I just think that’s what’s wonderful. It’s supposed to be all about the kids and that’s what inspires me.

How do you juggle everything?

I’m just a doer. I have to stay organized. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. I do a list of things that I need to get done for that day. And a calendar.

I cannot live without my calendar.

How do you think your boys describe you to their friends?

Probably crazy.

The boys actually think I’m fun, so probably crazy and fun.

The football mom

{M.O.M}

Jennifer Kmiecik Two sons, Michael, 10, and Brandon, 9; husband, Mike.

Bartlett Team mom for the Bartlett Hawks Youth Football League and Poms, which serves 120 kids. She is one of 10 national winners of the Inspire Greatness program by Courtyard Marriott, supported by USA Football. She is the first winner from the Chicago area and the first female ever. She was awarded $1,000 to buy safety equipment for the players.

You were awarded for inspiring greatness. What inspires you?

The kids. They go out there, they learn football and have a good time. Whether they win or lose,

Your favorite part about being a mom?

That’s a tough one because I love everything about being a mom. It’s the best. My favorite part is just taking care of them and making sure they can succeed in life, that they’re happy and can accomplish all of their goals.

So much is in the news about concussions. What is your take on the issue of football and safety? Do you worry?

The truth is any contact sport that you play, whether it is football, soccer, the kids can get a concussion at any time. Our league is very big on safety. I really don’t worry.

I’ll tell you what, our coaches are the first ones out on the field to check on the kids. Our coaches are well aware of (the concerns and concussions).

Jennifer Kmiecik’s boys were starstruck at the Inspire Greatness award ceremony when Chicago Bears great Brian Urlacher presented her the award.

Gotta giggle: Laughter the best medicine A dear friend recently gave me a lovely gift: a touchstone for my desk with the word “laugh” on it. It’s a simple but important reminder to do something good for your mental and physical health more often!

On average, a child laughs 300 times a day, while adults laugh about 20 times per day. Studies have shown that laughter raises heart rate, boosts the immune system and even burns calories. But the best benefit may be that it makes you happy—and a positive frame of mind leads to good things and better parenting. Laugh more and let your kids see you do it (and have them join in)!

>>

Elisa All, founder of 30SecondMom.com, is mom to three incredibly

active kids who inspire her to be “in the know while on the go.”

22 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

Delivering Christmas

Local business brings live trees into the city

C

hris Hohenstein loves live Christmas trees.

But he knows a lot of people don’t like the hassle of hauling home a live tree and trying to unload it on a busy Chicago street or maneuvering it up apartment stairs.

So in 2009, Hohenstein decided to start a business that not only would help busy families get a live tree, but also would pick up the trees after the holidays.

“We sell, deliver, set up and recycle premium Christmas trees,” Hohenstein says.

City Trees delivers a tree purchased either off its website or from its lot at Damen and North

Avenue in Bucktown and brings it into the customer’s home. For those who need a little more help, City Trees staff will bring their own sturdy tree stands, put up the tree and decorate it.

Last year, Hohenstein and his staff delivered about 1,000 trees to city families.

“The people who use it, there’s a lot of new families, busy families,

single moms, elderly people without cars and just people who don’t want to deal with the inconvenience,” Hohenstein says. “The nice thing is, we’ve also delivered to special projects like hospice or a theater group that was here on a temporary assignment.

“The best thing is, everyone’s excited,” he says.

“You get to, in a way, deliver Christmas.”

For more information, visit citytreedelivery. com or call (312) GRN-XMAS.

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226 W. Schiller, Chicago 24 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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TRENDING

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ChicagoParent.com December 2013 25

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26 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD SENSE EATING

How natural is your grocery cart?

CHRISTINE PALUMBO

It’s important for Jamie Steckler to serve her growing family a natural diet. “Eating naturally means eating more fresh, whole foods and fewer processed foods and artificial ingredients.

It means paying more attention to what our foods are made with,” she says.

It’s a hot marketing tool. According to research by the International Food Information Council Foundation, 36 percent of consumers buy food and beverages because they are advertised as “natural” on the label.

A vague rule book Some people say the term “natural” has been so overused and misused that it has lost its meaning. Is frozen pizza “natural”? And how natural can hot dogs, iced tea, ice cream, salad dressing or snack chips be?

Unlike “organic” foods, which must adhere to a strict set of rules, the Food and Drug Administration has yet to define the term “natural” on food labels. A vague informal policy written more than 20 years ago defined it to mean “nothing artificial or synthetic ... is included in, or has been added to, the product that would not normally be expected to be there.”

In contrast, the USDA, which regulates milk and meat, has defined it. Fresh meat or poultry labeled “natural” cannot contain artificial flavorings, colors, chemical preservatives or artificial or synthetic ingredients. It can only be “minimally processed,” although flavor injections are allowed.

What may be surprising is this: Products containing genetically modified organism (GMO) ingredients may be labeled as “natural.” For example, some natural breakfast cereals contain GMO corn, soy, canola or sugar beets. Keep in mind that there is no actual evidence GMO ingredients pose a health risk, although it remains controversial among

consumer groups and scientists alike.

A bill proposing sweeping changes to food labeling laws covering “natural” claims and more was introduced in September. It says manufacturers should not describe as “natural” products that contain artificial ingredients. This includes flavors and colors or ingredients that have undergone chemical changes.

Examples given are corn syrup, chemically modified starch and cocoa processed with alkali. Legal experts say the bill stands little chance of success, however.

Until the FDA acts “Start making one change at a time, not a complete food overhaul.

Trade up your current foods for better choices,” advises Steckler, who also is a Chicago-based registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in families and pediatrics.

Ignore most front-of-pack claims and look at the ingredients instead.

“If you are looking to cut out processed foods, start by reading the ingredient label. If you see capital letters, colors or numbers listed, skip it,” she says.

Holiday Eggnog Here’s a lightened-up festive drink to enjoy with your children.

Makes four servings (2/3 cup each) Ingredients 1 1/3 cups low fat milk ½ cup fat-free liquid egg substitute 2 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk 2 ice cubes 1 tsp. vanilla extract Optional: ¼ cup brandy or rum for adults only

Directions Place all the ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend until frothy. (Or place into a large bowl and use a stick blender.) Pour into glasses and sprinkle each with a little freshly ground nutmeg.

Nutrition per serving: 90 calories (120 with brandy), 11 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein, 1.5 g fat (1 g sat fat), 5 mg cholesterol, 115 mg sodium, 260 IU vitamin A, 142 mg calcium, 1 mg iron

Christine Palumbo is a Naperville registered dietitian nutritionist who is a new Fellow of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Follow her on Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutrition or Chris@ChristinePalumbo.com.

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 27

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PLUGGED-IN PARENT

Cellphones not made to suck Q A

If my toddler puts a cellphone in her mouth, can she get an electrical shock?

It’s not unusual to see a toddler interacting with a cellphone; many parents often engage toddlers and infants with a colorful mobile app or video on their phone as a distraction.

While offering up a little screen time can be handy, take precautions.

Mobile phones are SHARON MILLER generally CINDRICH low voltage, but a child who accidentally chews on the attached

electrical cord or charger can be seriously hurt. Other hazards when a child puts the phone in their mouth include: Germs. Cellphones are covered with them. In fact, they are among the most germinfested items in a household.

Older phones. Phones built just three or four years ago may have buttons or switches that can break off and become a choking hazard. These phones also may include small parts like microchips or batteries that can become loose and pose a serious danger if ingested.

Older flip phones or units with a sliding keyboard can pinch a tongue or lip.

Glass. Many of today’s cellphones are made with glass faces. Some parents use phones that have been damaged but

are still functioning. A phone with a cracked glass face or broken casing can scratch or cut a child’s mouth if they chew on the phone.

Protective cases. While they are designed to protect your device, they usually are not designed to protect your child. Cases with decorative jewels or rhinestones can scratch a child’s skin or come loose and pose a choking hazard.

Bottom line? Apps may be designed with kids in mind, but mobile phones are not. It can be tempting to let your savvy 3-year-old sit down with a mobile device to play with an educational app while you throw in a load of laundry, but an unsupervised child can be seriously injured.

If you frequently allow your toddler to play educational apps on your phone, consider a case designed for a child’s use, such as the Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case by Fisher-Price. $15

Heller Nature Center Cross County Skiing

Nature Discovery Day

Rent skis for the day when snow conditions are 4” base or greater.

No overnight rentals available.

Rental packages include no-wax skis, boots and poles.

Sizes available for six-year-olds through adults.

Visit our nature classrooms, complete a craft to take home, explore nature, go sledding or cross country skiing, view live animals and enjoy a roasted marshmallow around a crackling campfire.

Activities may vary and some are weather dependent. No pre-registration required.

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No reservations are taken. Cash, check or credit card payments accepted.

Heller Nature Center • 2821 Ridge Road • Highland Park, IL just north of Half Day Road between Hwy. 41 & Waukegan Road 847.433.6901 • www.HellerNatureCenter.org • www.pdhp.org 28 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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CRAFT

Picture perfect

snow globes Create your own personalized holiday gifts

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

R

ather than the traditional homemade ornaments as gifts this holiday season, try this easy and impressive personalized picture snow globe for your friends and family.

Shake it up and let this snow globe shimmer for the holidays.

Supplies Mason jar (or any clear jar with a tight lid)

Directions: 1. Pick a photo of your child to use in the snow globe. A full body picture works better than just a face. Cut out around the body.

4x6 photo picture Laminate paper pouch Mini styrofoam balls Holiday embellishments (such as mini bells, small acorns, mini Christmas trees, fake berries) Glycerin (can be found at any craft store) Glitter Scissors Glue gun and hot glue sticks Water

2. Using the laminate paper pouch, found at any craft or office supply store, laminate your cutout picture.

3. Once you’ve laminated the picture, cut out the figure again. Make sure you leave an edge around the picture so it remains tightly sealed.

4. Make a slit in the Styrofoam ball and if necessary, cut it in half. You also can paint and glitter the ball, but make sure it dries completely before use.

5. Slide the laminated picture into the ball toward the front so that it stands up straight. Seal the picture into

the slit of the ball with the hot glue.

6. Then glue the ball on the inside lid of the jar.

7. Check to make sure the embellishments are OK to be in water and the materials won’t dye the water. You may want to soak them in water beforehand to test.

8. Glue your embellishments around the picture to make a background scene.

Leave enough room around the edge of the lid so it fits back into the jar. Test to make sure it fits before filling the jar with water.

9. Next, fill up your jar

almost to the top with water.

Add glitter to the water. Large flecks of glitter show up a little better than fine glitter, but both will work.

10. Add glycerin to the water, which will help the glitter float a bit slower. Use 2-3 teaspoons of glycerin per cup of water.

11. Now insert the design attached to the lid into the water-filled jar. Make sure the picture lines up with a smooth surface of the jar when it’s screwed tightly for the best view. You can put hot glue on the lid to seal it closed once it’s in the correct alignment.

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 29

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11/15/13 2:26 PM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

When faith plays a hand

In an age where fewer Americans believe in any kind of greater power, helping children grow up with a sense of faith has become increasingly difficult. As someone who finds enormous strength and comfort through faith, I have always wanted the same for my kids. I do not care what religion they ultimately practice as adults, I just want them to enjoy a sense of peace and love in their lives.

I instruct them that signs and miracles are indeed among us, but are often difficult to spot without faith.

A little while back, my brother-in-law was on his way home when he started feeling nauseous. Convinced it was the flu, he pulled over to throw up. As he was preparing to get back in the car and drive home, an old Polish woman exited a nearby CTA bus and walked toward him. She gently patted his shoulder, and in stilted English offered the briefest of advice: “I think you sick. I think it your heart.”

My brother-in-law John, who only moments before had planned to crawl into

bed for a good long rest, altered his destination immediately. He pulled up in front of Christ Hospital, threw his keys at the security guard, and hurried to the front desk. And at that exact moment, one of the leading cardiologists in the entire state just happened to be standing right there.

John was on an operating table in less than 10 minutes. Had he waited even five minutes more, this story could have ended quite differently.

Since that day, the family has discussed the timing of the little Polish lady from the bus. Most women walking alone would not approach a man retching in the street. I probably would have written off the guy as a drunk. Maybe another mom wouldn’t have wanted to risk contamination.

But not that old Polish lady.

Whether she was an angel in disguise, or more likely, someone who lived her life with great kindness and

caring, I do not consider her appearance a coincidence.

John and his new wife celebrated their first wedding anniversary last month, and I can’t help but think someone out there gave them the best gift ever.

Miracles, it seems, still do happen.

Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com and webandofmothers.blogspot.com.

Talk back

MARIANNE WALSH

When a mysterious grassy patch of my front lawn died this past summer, it left behind the nonmistakable figure of an angel with wings and a halo. Neighbors and family had a good chuckle and speculated that God was telling me to attend mass a bit more regularly.

I argued that God just wanted me to use less fertilizer.

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 31

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VOICE: LISA CHERUFF

Eight lights,

eight messages for all

Editor’s note: Hanukkah begins Nov. 27. We asked Parent Panel member Lisa Cheruff to share its messages and help make this holiday meaningful for everyone.

Embrace the message of Hanukkah no matter your faith

W

hen you see a menorah this Hanukkah, look deeply into its lights.

If you look carefully enough, you can find a timeless message in its eight candles.

1

Never underestimate the underdog.

The small Jewish army known as Maccabees were greatly outnumbered and out-armed by the mighty SyrianLISA Greek army. With fierce determinaCHERUFF tion, a lot of faith and plenty of prayers, the Maccabees succeeded in defeating the occupying army. Teach your children that nothing is impossible.

2

Our children are our future.

The Jewish people had been forbidden to fulfill the commandments and study the Torah under the penalty of death, yet the children were undeterred.

When the Greek soldiers approached, they hid their scrolls and began playing with dreidels until it was safe to resume their learning. Without our children continuing our ways and passing on our traditions, we have no future.

Instill your beliefs in your children, make them feel proud of who they are and where they came from.

Then they will know where they are going.

3

Everyone can do their part.

A woman, Yehudit, played a pivotal role in defeating the Greeks when

she infiltrated the enemy camp and beheaded the powerful general Halifornus, leaving the army in disarray.

We each have something to contribute to the world. Find your mission and role in life and do your best to fulfill it.

4

Believe in miracles.

After defeating the Greek army, the Maccabees returned to Jerusalem to clean and rededicate the Holy Temple. They found only a small amount of pure oil to light the menorah, not enough to last until more could be made. Yet, a miracle occurred: the oil burned for eight days. There are miracles around us all the time. Some miracles are hidden and others are in the open. Open your eyes and see them.

5

A little light dispels much darkness The menorah is lit at night.

Go into a dark room and light a candle. It’s amazing how far that little light spreads.

Be a candle; light up the world around you. Those rays of light go farther than you think.

6

Always try to increase your kindness and goodness.

The first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit. The second night, two.

We increase nightly until all eight candles are lit. Like the

candles, always increase in n the good things gs you do. There’s here’s always more ore we can achieve.

7

Rise to the top.

Though many people light their menorahs with candles, the ideal way to light the menorah is with olive oil.

Have you ever mixed oil with other liquids, such as water?

The oil rises to the top. Be like the oil. Don’t dilute your values. Even when the world around you seems dark and confused, do what you know is right.

8

Nourish the body, nourish the soul.

Try a latke, a potato pancake cooked in oil. Top it with applesauce or sour cream for a traditional treat.

Or try Sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts. Throw some chocolate coins, gelt, for the children. Nourishing the body makes everyone happy.

And what about the tall candle on the menorah? It is call the shamash and it lights the other candles. Be like the shamash and light up those around you. Those people will in turn light those around them. Like the dark room with one little light, spreading your light will make the entire world around us brighter.

32 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

@

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

How do you fight holiday commercialism?

I’ve tried to instill in my children that the holidays are not about gifts, but about being with family and traditions. We also don’t spend time in the stores together (internet shopping diva here!), so that definitely cuts down on their exposure!!!

Rani Morrison, Oak Park

Our 5-year-old son goes to a Catholic school, so he’s learning more each year about the spiritual meaning behind Christmas.

We try to focus a little more on that as he gets older.

Jeff Mezydlo, Chicago

Our family keeps “other people” as our focus. One way is to give gifts to a family in need and not to each other. This makes the holidays more meaningful for us and allows us to become more involved in the joy of giving!

Diane Oliver, Chicago

We set the tone with rituals, including cutting down a Christmas tree, watching “Frosty the Snowman” and “The Missing Menorah,” making gingerbread cookies and reading stories.

We also make donations to others in need.

Kate AtkinsTrimnell, Homewood

Reminding yourself and your children that there are others less fortunate than you are. Sometimes focusing on “needs” are more important than all the “wants” this time of year.

Jackie Sergeant, Richton Park

We host a good, old-fashioned Christmas caroling event every year and collect food donations for the local food pantry.

Then it’s back to our house for food and drink and merriment. People tell us it reminds them of more simple times.

Anne Rezabek, Elgin

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VOICE: KATIE DRISCOLL

Everybody matters Mom: All children should be included in advertising

A

dvertising and media influence our society, as well as the choices we make, the clothes we wear and the food we eat. Imagery remains one of the most powerful ways to communicate. I find myself sifting through pictures on Instagram while I am waiting for my kids to finish practice or flipping through magazines when I am feeling uninspired.

Pretty images make me happy.

Almost four years ago I gave birth to my sixth and final child, Grace. She is our only little girl and perfectly fits into our wild and crazy family. Grace was born with Down syndrome and from the moment she was placed in my arms I made a decision to not only enjoy my daughter, but to share her with others. I committed to finding a way to change the stigmas she faced.

In the last year, it has become very clear to me that advertising can foster a change in perceptions like no other industry. That is why the Infantino and Step 2 campaign “Everybody Plays” is so close to my heart. Everybody plays when given the opportunity, regardless of their ability.

My daughter had the opportunity to participate in this advertising campaign

and we flew to San Diego recently with 50 other families who have children of all abilities. The sessions took place in the beautiful Balboa Park, and it was an honor to watch as the staff of both companies enjoyed all the beautiful children.

They celebrated the smiles on the babies’ faces and if you looked real close, they wiped tears from their eyes when the magical moments were captured.

The event was not about your child’s ability, but about beautiful children playing together. As I left with tears in my eyes, my heart was full. I thanked the staff for setting such an extraordinary example. I thanked them for believing in my daughter along with the thousands of other children in this world who are deemed different by our society.

Everyone should be represented in advertising campaigns. Children should be able to look through a magazine and see another child they can relate to.

I am excited about my daughter’s future and the future of “Everybody Plays.” My hope is that the next generation of adults will not be able to remember the days when individuals with disabilities were not included.

The more that all people are included in

From the moment she was placed in my arms I made a decision to not only enjoy my daughter, but to share her with others advertising, the more accepting our world will be. I just know it!

Katie Driscoll is a mom of six living in the south suburbs and the woman behind 5 boys+1 girl=6 Photography in Palos Park. She has photographed several covers of Chicago Special Parent.

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34 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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11/15/13 4:28 PM

VOICE: JENNIFER WOOD

You are my hero An open letter to a young boy with a big heart

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arrived this year and I learned that, instead of presents, you were only asking for donations to a food pantry, I knew that you are more than my son’s friend, you are my hero.

In a world riddled by bullies and materialism, your story is rare. If the world knew about wonderful you, I knew it would grant your birthday wish. I knew that, if I told my friends, they would want to help. And so I used Facebook to share your story. In only two days, they donated more than $1,500 and 20 bags of groceries to your cause.

Most of all, I want you to know why so many strangers from all over the country wanted to help a kid they had never met. You are a promise, you are hope, you are everything we aspire to be, and you are only 11.

You ARE a hero.

You befriend children who are lovable and fun and smart and special, even when nobody else will. And this is a big deal, Max. So many kids are lonely, sad and scared and may never, ever

ear Max, When my son met you three years ago, I was grateful he had found a friend. We had just moved and he was starting second grade in a new school. The change would have been hard for most kids, but my son has autism, which made your friendship that much more important.

Since then, you have been

They say that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and I am grateful for you and so is this world such a happy part of my son’s life. As a fifth-grader, he doesn’t get invited to birthday parties anymore. Other kids have moved on without him. But you are still here.

You are the only one who has ever invited him over to play.

Ever. And he is a fun kid, so everyone else is missing out, if you ask me.

So, when your birthday

experience friendship. Can you imagine what that would feel like? To never have even one friend? To go to school and sit by yourself at lunch, never be chosen for partner work, and play all alone at recess? To never be invited to a playdate or a birthday party? I think you understand how sad that would be, Max. Your heart is so big that you can’t help but help. That makes you a hero.

You put your dreams and desires on hold for the good of others. When most kids ask for “stuff” for their birthday like an iPhone, you ask for food for others.

You know that there are kids who cannot hope for a

Nintendo DS, but who would be grateful enough instead to find a box of Pop-Tarts in the pantry. And that happened for 136 families the week of your birthday—all because of you. That makes you a hero.

They say that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and I know now that is true. I am grateful for you and so is this world. And you can come over to play anytime. My son will be waiting for you in the family room ready to do battle on the Xbox, and I’ll be waiting at the door with a hanger for your cape.

Jennifer Wood is a special needs mom and a special needs attorney in Plainfield.

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My daughter and I are in the car. She has her head against the window, staring at the rain, and sighs dramatically.

“What?” I asked.

“I was just remembering when you wouldn’t pass up a puddle,” she says as I swerve to avoid a lake.

“Honey, there could be potholes.”

She rolls her eyes so hard I almost lose control of the car.

My God, she was right: I’d “MWA MWA, MWA-MWAgrown up.

MWA . . .” When the guy on Sometime between my the other end says “excuse daughter’s addiction to me?” come back with Barney and her “and a number 4 addiction to The with bacon.”

Walking Dead, 2 I’d become Doughnuts. a guy who Do them. will go street When your preacher on wife is in the differencWal-Mart, es between a drive the half-Windsor, a van by the JA ILL full Windsor, and dumpsters and DE UST RATIO N BY TOM a four-in-hand. do doughnuts until In the car, it hit me hard. your kids are screaming that Most of my children’s early they’re gonna puke. impressions of me occurred 3 Drive through puddles. in a green minivan, from the The moment you skip one, classic doughnuts-behind-Wal- your inner child goes through Mart-while-mom-is-inside, puberty, and you grow up. to the rare but effective That day with my daughter, somebody-farted-so-weI found another puddle, a all-die-hands-off-the-wheel magnificent ocean of sheet screaming, my kids grew up metal gray. I sped up. We hit believing I was one of them. it going about 45, the water But not lately. My inner sprayed up in 20-foot curtains child used to be a caffeineon both sides of the car, my addled 9-year-old who could daughter screamed with joy. It drive. He’s just not fun was beautiful. anymore.

That I buried the right front I give you three things you tire in a pothole that could’ve can do with your kids in the swallowed Detroit, broke my car that will reawaken the axle, and dented my fender moody child within: is missing the point and [My Attorney] should just shut up 1 Fast food speaker fun. about it. It wasn’t my fault.

Timing is everything. Just My inner child was driving. roll up to the speaker and say

36 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com DOSC-13182_CL_ChicagoParentAugustAd.indd 7/2/13 12:20 PM

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50 under

gifts

Pull-Back Vehicles Baby and Toddler Toy

W

BY ELIZABETH DIFFIN

We did the work, you get the hugs

$50

e know how it goes: December has arrived, so you’re in a race against time to find some gifts that a) your kids will actually like; b) fit your budget; and c) can be bought, wrapped and handed over to the munchkins sometime near the appropriate holiday.

So this year, we did the work for you. We visited 10 toy stores in and around Chicago to find this holiday season’s hottest items. Best of all, every gift is less than $50, so you won’t break the bank in order to see that awed expression on your child’s face. Here are the results:

Skwish Classic

INFANT (0-12 MONTHS) Tatutina Bookends

Every fashionable nursery needs some adorable bookends to provide a little literary style. These whimsical wooden sets come with fairies, dogs and even a sun and moon. Tatutina Bookend Sets, 0m+, $32 You already know Sophie the Giraffe, now meet her friends, Chan, Pie and Gnon. These odd-but-cute teething toys are made with phthalate-free natural rubber, so you know your baby is gnawing away safely. Vulli Chan Pie Gnon Natural Rubber Soft Chew Toy, 3m+, $16.99 Go from zero to 60 with

these cute cars that are soft, chewable—and machine-washable. The car, school bus, police car and firetruck are sure to appeal to your little transportation nut, especially once they see how fast the cars race on the hardwood.

Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles Baby and Toddler Toy, 9m+, $24.99 Babies will want to play with this wooden toy for hours. The brightly colored pegs catch the eye, while the unique, squishy shape is perfect for curious hands.

Manhattan Toy Skwish Classic, 0m+, $16.99 Little ones can stroll the town in style thanks to these fun sunglasses for

the under 3 set. The aviator-style shades come in nine colors and are guaranteed not to break for at least a year. So apparently they’re miracle workers, too. Junior Babiators, 0-3m, $19.99 This brightly colored toy is fun whether you’re stacking it up or watching it fall.

The weighted pieces balance on each other to make a perfectly wobbly tower. Or (we’re guessing) they’re pretty fun to chew or roll.

Fat Brain Toys Tobbles Neo, 6m+, $26.95 Book lover parents will adore these ingenious board books that use classic literature to teach concepts

Junior Babiators

like opposites, numbers and colors. Our favorite? A take on Pride & Prejudice that introduces counting. Gibbs Smith BabyLit, 0m+, $9.99 If you need a way to keep your baby content in the highchair while the rest of the family eats, this is for you. The steering wheel attaches to their tray with a suction cup and includes sideview mirror, flashing lights and buttons to press.

Early Learning Centre High Chair Steering Wheel, 6m+, $20.99

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TODDLER (1-3 YEARS) Your toddler has starred in enough Facebook albums to last a lifetime, so this play camera lets them go behind the lens. It features real-sounding clicks, music, giggles and a flash on top, plus a mirror to keep them engaged. Say cheese! ALEX Jr. Click, Click Camera, 12m+, $20.95 You’ll be singing “It’s Easy Being Green,” thanks to these earth-friendly instruments.

All products, from whistles to drums, are made from chemicalfree Rubberwood. We love the Mama Bear Drum, Papa Bear Glockenspiel and Baby Bear Shaker. green tones, 12m+, $14.99-$29.99 Your little one will be ready for lights-out thanks to this plush toy that doubles as a nightlight. It also projects constellations on the ceiling, so they’ll feel like they’re sleeping under the stars. Cloud b Twilight Turtle, 2+, $36.95

Twilight Turtle

Tobbles Neo

It’s time for tea—and some fun!

The teapot comes with four minitea cups that are color-matched to their respective holes, making it a shape sorter that doubles as a real teapot (a liquid-filled beaker can be placed inside). Tolo Toys Teatime Shape Sorter, 12m+, $29.99 Sick of your tot using your smartphone as a teether or getting their tiny prints all over your iPad? Check out

these pretend versions (shh, they’ll never know!) that double as educational tools. Imagine Toys Tech-Too Smartphone, 18m+, $19.95; Mirari myPad, 12m+, $26.99 Isn’t it time your baby gets a baby of their own?

Baby Stella is a great first doll, soft enough for little ones to snuggle and with clothes to change as they get older. Manhattan Toy Baby Stella, 12m+, $35

myPad

Introduce your little one to the toys you used to love, thanks to the Classic Toy line from Fisher-Price.

It looks just the same as the original, but this time around, you can call its old-fashioned look retro. Brilliant Basics Chatter Telephone, 1+, $14 Meal time becomes a lot more fun (and less of a battle) with these utensil sets.

Silverware newbies will love pushing food onto their fork with the help of a bulldozer or garden hoe—and mom and dad will love having their own hands free. Constructive Eating Construction or Garden Utensils, 18m+, $19.95 It’s never too early for puzzles! Toddlers can become familiar with shapes, colors and spatial concepts with this cute game where they attempt to re-create a challenge card using blocks and a bunny.

Smart Toys and Games Bunny Peek a Boo, 2+, $24.99

Chatter Telephone

>>

Bunny Peek a Boo CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 Teatime Shape Sorter

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 41

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Dino Construction Company

Squigz

PRESCHOOL P RE (3-5 YEARS) Go up, G up and away aw with the wit help of some fun reversrev ible superhero super capes. They co come with a mask, belt and wrist g guards for a total head-to-toe look. Or O make make up your own creative, wacky superhero with a unique craft craf kit. Just add one super-kid! G Great Pretenders Reversible Super Hero and Super Girl Sets, 3+, $35; $35 Seedling Design Your Own Super Su Hero Cape, 4+, $39.99 $ This holiday season, it’s all about the Squigz. Kids can build odd-looking structures with the suction construction

set, then make a satisfying “pop” when they pull the pieces apart. Squigz stick to all kinds of surfaces, so don’t be surprised to find them in every room of your house. Fat Brain Toys Squigz, 3+, $24.95-49.95 Combining construction trucks and dinosaurs into one brilliant product—why didn’t we think of that? A Brachiosaurus Backhoe and Triceratops Bulldozer are just two of the ingenious hybrids that make for hours of sandbox fun. Educational Insights Dino Construction Company, 3+, $39.99

stuffed animals that have a blanket inside. Read along to favorites like Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Llama Llama Red Pajama with their main characters

Story time just got a lot cuddlier with these adorable

Reversible Super Hero Set

Storytime Pals

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42 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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PRESCHOOL (3-5 YEARS)

CTA Wooden Trains

right by your side. Zoobies Storytime Pals, 3+, $29.99 Bring some hometown to your train table with these CTA trains and bus. They include the Blue, Red, Brown, Green and Pink lines, so no matter where you live, you’ll find one to call your own.

Munipals CTA Wooden Trains, 3+, $12.99 This sand isn’t quite what

you’ll find at North Avenue Beach! It looks like your average seashore sand, but moves and molds like something completely different. Plus, it’s great for kids with gluten allergies or sensory needs. WABA Fun Kinetic Sand, 3+, $14.95 If your little one tries on five crazy outfits a day, this is the game for them. Help the raccoons get dressed for a costume party, while rolling dice and matching cards. But be prepared for lots of giggles if they roll the underpants! This darling game was invented by a Chicago resident.

Educational Insights Raccoon Rumpus, 3+, $14.99

Kids love to have places to hide their treasures, which is what makes these stuffed animals so popular.

The seven secret pockets are perfect for stowing tiny toys, and they’re super-soft and snuggly, too. And each character comes with its own storybook.

Stuffies, 3+, $29.99

Stuffies

>>

Art can be messy, so why not combine your kids’ painting with their time in the tub? The five different colors wipe right off with the fish-shaped sponge, so they can create masterpiece after masterpiece without ever investing in a frame. ALEX Toys Paint in the Tub, 3+, $13.95 CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Kinetic Sand

Raccoon Rumpus

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EARLY ELEMENTARY (5-7 YEARS)

Monkeez Makes a Difference Plush

NHL Hockey Toys

MasterSculpz

Toys that give back—now that’s something to love. These adorable stuffed animals—think hedgehogs, koalas and octopuses—come with a code for your child to use that supports one of three charities: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse and Best Friends Animal Society. Monkeez Makes a Difference, 3+, $19.99-$33.99

If your kids are a little Blackhawks crazy, they’ll love these 2½-inch Blackhawks vs. Redwings hockey figures. Set up your own United Center using rink wall pieces and a faux-ice plastic mat, then let the puck fly! Stanley Cup not included. Kaskey Kids NHL Hockey Toys, 3+, $28.99 Art education just got a makeover. Kids can build their own modern sculptures in the style of Picasso or create a masterpiece to rival Van Gogh. All tools and instructions are included in the kits. Once they’ve made the final flourish, head to the Art Institute to see some originals. Kidzaw MasterSculpz and MasterKitz, 6+, $14.99 and $29.99 Hand off the pet-training duties to the kids and watch as they learn a little about animal behavior at the same time. They’ll build interactive pet toys, conduct intelligence tests and bake homemade training treats. You might want to start saving for vet school now. Pet Science Dog School and Kitty College, 6+, $19.95

For kids who think they’re too old for a nightlight (but not being scared of the dark), this is the perfect solution. u o .

The funky plush sh robots transform from playmate to night pal with a simple swipe of the hand.

Brobo, 18m+, $34.99

traffic on the Ike. Thinkfun Rush Hour Jr., 6+,, $ $19.99 6 9 99

Rush Hour Jr. Brobo

Light up your next campout (or blackout) with these battery-free flashlights.

Kids can wind or squeeze the fun farm or zoo animal shapes to produce a beam of light.

Just think how much you’ll save on batteries! International Playthings Ecotronic Flashlights, 6+, $10.99 Kids can build and decorate the sturdy cardboard kits, then play with the stylish houses inspired by real designs from around the world. We love the Logan styles, designed after houses in Chicago’s Logan Square (which happens to be the creator’s home). Lille Huset, 5+, $10-$35

Lille Huset

Kids steer an ice cream truck through a jumble of cars, trucks and buses in this single-player brain teaser game. It teaches logic and reasoning skills—and maybe even a little empathy for the next time you’re stuck in

Supersize your kids’ fun with this construction kit that creates a perfect fort, yet is light enough to kick, roll or throw. The 42 pieces can be combined in any number of ways and are great for cooperative play.

OgoSport OGOBILD Kit Pod, 6+, $49.

OGOBILD Kit Pod

Q-BA-MAZE 2.0: Starter Stunt Set

It’s marble maze mania! This set uses interlocking colorful cubes and a few fun surprises to zig, zag, flip and twirl marbles in unlimited combinations.

And the double-exit cubes mean you never quite know which way the marbles will go (kind of like parenting, huh?).

MindWare Q-BA-MAZE 2.0: Starter Stunt Set, 6+, $49.95

44 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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LATE ELEMENTARY (7-10 YEARS)

You-Build-It Headphones @DoctorSmiths

Move over, Dr. Dre— now kids can make their own Beats! This kit allows kids to assemble headphones that light up and flash to the music. While they follow along in the instruction book, they’ll also be learning about electricity and sound. SmartLab Toys You-Build-It Headphones, 8+, $24.95

From Diaper Rash to Relief, Fast.

Visit DoctorSmiths.com for retail locations near you.

DSO-13122

Light-Up Air Power Soccer Disk

fields dry out, so bring the fun inside with this hovering disk. Play traditional soccer or change it into life-sized air hockey or a twist on bowling.

Good for low-pile carpeting, wood floors, sidewalks and driveways.

Can You Imagine Light-Up Air Power Soccer Disk, 6+, $19.99

Science kits don’t have to be frilly to catch girls’ attention, which is why we love these products that tailor science to the female set without painting it pink. Each item comes with a journal, so kids can write, draw and keep record of their experiments.

Can you Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity direct a laser Nancy B’s Science beam through Club Microscope and Journal a maze using Activity Journal, 8+, your brain? Sounds impos$39.99 sible, but that’s the object of this mental workout It could be a months until that features challenges for the neighborhood soccer beginners to experts. Gives a whole new meaning to “brain power.” Thinkfun Laser Maze, 8+, $29.99

>>

3748 West Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 GatewayMontessoriSchool.org Phone: 773-539-3025 • Email: info@GatewayMontessoriSchool.org

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

Laser Maze

Nurturing the potential within each child Parent-Child Program: For parents with children up to 18 months.

Children’s House: For children 3 to 6 years old.

Community: For children 15 months to 3 years old.

Elementary: For children 6-12 years old.

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 45

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TOYS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

LATE ELEMENTARY (7-10 YEARS) It’s true what they say: duct tape can do anything, including making belts, jewelry, headbands and glasses. This kit comes with everything your kid needs to make ducted accessories (especially the easy-tofollow instructions). ALEX Toys All Duct Out, 7+, $27.95 It’s never too early to start raising a handyman (or woman). This kid-sized toolbox comes preloaded with a hammer, Phillips screwdriver, handsaw, file, tape measure and safety goggles. Just add a to-do list! Red Toolbox Toolbox and 6-Piece Toolset, 8+, $49.99 Which came first, the superhero or the coffeemaker? That’s the challenge of this game, where kids and parents attempt to arrange events correctly based on when they took place.

You’ll learn a little history and

a little trivia—while having a lot of fun. Asmodee Timeline: Diversity, 8+, $14.99

Timeline: Diversity

The perfect game for when you’re waiting at a restaurant, the doctor’s office or a parking lot. Just roll the dice until someone gets all their dice on the same number. Easy, fast— and anyone can play! TENZI, 7+, $14.95 Your kids already know how to tell some pretty tall tales, but this game redirects their creativity in a more positive direction. Roll the dice and then come up with a story that connects the nine images. We have a feeling hilarity will ensue.

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Forbidden Desert

This new game is cooperative, so kids have to work together to survive the scorching heat and relentless sandstorms of the desert. It’s great for those who aren’t quite ready for strategy games like The Settlers of Catan or Risk. Gamewright Forbidden Desert, 10+, $24 Any surface can become a ping-pong table with this portable set that includes two paddles with retractable handles, a portable net, two balls and drawstring pouch. Just be sure to clear off your dining

What do you get when you combine a Rubix cube with some of the most famous paintings in history? This fun puzzle, where you arrange 130 cubes to form six different paintings, from Renoir to Chagall. Trust us: it’s harder than it sounds.

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ChicagoParent.com December 2013

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Doing good Five stories that inspire us this month

BY MEGAN COTTRELL

C

hicago is filled with people who use their energy and talents to make the Windy City and its suburbs such a great place to live while helping those around

them.

We selected five who are good examples of that giving nature. From collecting toys for sick children to climbing a giant mountain to figuring out ways to help every day, these are people who give back locally and globally without expecting anything in return.

This holiday season, we hope they inspire you, too. No effort is too small when it comes to making a difference.

One voice to change the world 13 year old says helping others is part of who she is

W

hen Jessica Streepy saw the piles of fresh apples and oranges going into the garbage, she knew she had to do something. The state required each of her classmates at Sundling Junior High in Palatine to take a piece of fruit with their lunch, but most of it was being thrown away untouched. Why not donate it to a local food pantry? thought Jessica.

She wrote a letter to her principal and ended up going all the way to Springfield to make sure her plan to give away the fruit was legal, but the 13-year-old figured out how to do it.

It’s not unusual for Streepy, who says helping people is just part of who she is.

“Everything I do, I try to think about how it could help someone,” says Streepy. “I just love helping other people. It just makes me more complete.”

She’s cut off her hair for Locks of Love—twice. When a soccer teammate’s mom got breast

cancer, Streepy started passing around a can for cancer research at every game. And when a neighbor showed her pictures of orphans in Africa, she started her own small business making barrettes and headbands to raise money for the charity One Day’s Wages, which works to fight extreme poverty around the globe.

So far, Streepy has raised more than $20,000 for the organization. Her efforts caught the eye of the Kohl’s Cares Foundation, which gave her a $10,000 scholarship for her community service work.

Jessica also hopes her efforts inspire other kids to recognize their own power to make a difference.

“Don’t just think about the short-term results,” says Jessica.

“Think more about how much you could change the world in the future.”

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Sick kids’ resilience inspires Hospital volunteer wants kids to play

L

ast year, Yianna Manokas made what she thought was a crazy suggestion to her boss.

As a creative director for a trade show company, she was preparing for thousands of people to come to a December show. Wouldn’t it be great, Manokas suggested, if instead of paying the $5 entrance fee, visitors could bring a toy to pay their admission? They could donate the toys to sick kids who would be spending Christmas at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, where Manokas volunteered.

“I never thought they would go for it because it would take away from their revenue,” says Manokas, 30, of Niles. “But they did it, and people brought toys. Somewhere after 3,500 toys, we stopped counting.”

Then Manokas mentioned what happened at the trade show to a friend who worked at Nieman Marcus in Oak Brook. That friend talked to her boss, who agreed to host a toy drive, too.

But Manokas wanted to do more,

so she asked friends to bring toys to a her with their energy, excitement holiday party at her condo, bringing and willingness to play. in another 40 toys for the kids at “They know they have something Advocate. wrong with them, but they just want “It was just a simple conversation to focus on the things they love and that inspired people,” says Manokas. what they can do,” says Manokas.

“I was just excited to share my little “If kids dealing with all of that story, and it branched out into all can find that kind of energy, there’s that other stuff.” no reason why any of us can’t find But it’s the kids who inspire a positive way to deal with our Manokas. Despite their ailments and illnesses, they never cease to surprise problems.”

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ChicagoParent.com December 2013 49

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Rocking at giving back

A

Tween lex Cappelli is a typical musician. She loves her bass guitar. She loves playing band loves gigs with her band, Live Wire. And she its charity loves hearing from her fans that she’s inspired them.

But Alex’s age might surprise you. At just 11, this pintgigs sized rock goddess and her band have been electrifying

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stages all around Chicagoland. Their biggest fans? Their peers.

“They’re excited to see kids their age,” says Capelli, about the kids that attend the band’s shows. “It makes me happy that we’re making them feel that way.”

Live Wire is made up of four kids—Alex, her little brother, Danny Cappelli, 9, who plays lead guitar, lead singer Nikko Viejon, 9, and 11-year-old drummer Cohen Bessler. All four are students at Hix Brothers Music in Aurora and met as part of a eight-week program that puts students into groups to make a band.

But eight weeks wasn’t enough for these junior rockers.

They’ve been at it for two years now, meeting every Sunday to practice and playing a couple of gigs a month, mostly at community festivals and music shows. But they’ve also traveled to Memphis and Toronto, played at The Chicago Theatre and even appeared on WGN TV. The band loves to give back. They’re played charity

gigs for children’s hospitals and will open for the band Ides of March at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles on Dec. 7, a show that will benefit Lazarus House, a local homeless shelter.

“If you can do something that you love and help people while you’re doing it, that’s even better,” says Alex.

For videos of the band’s performances, visit wearelivewire.com.

A A

The North Shore School of Dance Presents the 25th Anniversary Production of 10/14/13

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The North Shore School of Dance Presents the 25th Anniversary Production of

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Saturday, December 7th 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm & Sunday, December 8th 2:00 pm Saturday, December At the Raymond Moore Auditorium, Lake Forest 7th High School, 1:00 and pm 1285 N.pm McKinley Road,4:00 Lake Forest & children, seniors, military Tickets $22.00 adults and $15.00 Order ticketsDecember on line at www.northshoredance.com Sunday, 8th 2:00 pm

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50 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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Going the mile for those in Africa Family turns hobby into $54,000 lesson

F

lipping through a cycling magazine, an ad caught Sheila Higney’s eye—a 100-mile race to give bikes to kids living in rural parts of Africa.

When she shared it with her husband, Andrew, and their 14-year-old son, Garrett, who had recently taken up long-distance biking as a hobby, they were intrigued.

Two years later, five of the Higneys weren’t just reading about

Africa—they were there, learning about the work of the charity World Bicycle Relief, for which they had raised more $54,000 as a family.

The trip to Africa changed their lives, says Caroline, 14, who got involved after seeing Garrett, now 16, raise more than $18,000 for World Bicycle Relief in his first year in the Wrigley Field Road Tour.

The best part of the trip? She and her brother got to give a bicycle to Ethel, a 15-year-old African girl who used to have to walk more than two hours each way to school every morning.

“We really take for granted

how close we are to our school and how our parents can drive us every day,” says Caroline. “They walk that far every day just to learn and to make a better life for themselves.”

To raise money, the Higneys asked friends, family and coworkers for donations through letters and emails and even held a yard sale to benefit the charity.

Working together to help a cause they believe in has changed them as a family, Sheila says.

What’s it like to ride 100 miles on a bike? Garrett and Caroline aren’t afraid to tell it like it is.

“It’s long and tiring, and you get really, really hungry about halfway through,” Garrett says.

“And your butt starts to hurt,” says Caroline.

Despite the fatigue and sore posteriors, when they think about Ethel and her bike, they both agree every mile is worth it.

Reaching new heights Family works to help Israeli charity organization

I

f at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

You could say that old adage was the Zavell family motto. Last year, Howard Zavell and his two sons, Max, 15, and Ben, 13, attempted an enormous feat—to climb 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. But when malaria pills caused side effects that mimicked heart problems, Zavell and his sons had to come back down.

“It was an extremely low point for all of us,” says Zavell. “Like having the rug pulled out from under you.”

They’d started training for the trip as a family lesson in goal setting, but it became an exercise in perseverance, too. This month, the three will try the climb again and hope to get to the top this time.

But making it to Kilimanjaro’s summit isn’t the only purpose of the Zavells’ trip. As a family, they decided to use the trip to raise money for a cause they believed

in. As a result, the Zavells have raised more than $30,000 for charity Magen David Adom, Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross.

“MDA treats anybody who is injured, no matter who they are,” says Zavell. “Even if someone had set off a bomb and was still alive, they’d treat that person, too. They don’t look at race or religion or color.”

It was Max’s idea to raise money for MDA, after he shoveled neighbors’ sidewalks and sold pumpkins to benefit the charity as part of his bar mitzvah project. Doing it again with his brother and father, as well as training for the climb, has brought them closer together as a family, he says.

“It was just so great being together and being able to spend this time doing something that we all love,” he says.

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 51

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KINDIE MUSIC !

A I N MA The who’s who behind Chicago’s booming kid music scene

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

O

ver the past few years, the children’s music industry in Chicago has become a dynamic and jamming community.

Between all the kid concerts, CDs and musical festivals, Chicago kid artists are making a name for themselves.

Four busy kindie performers in Chicago share their take on the music scene: CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

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LLittle Miss Ann

CHICAGO MUSIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

Justin Roberts Grammy-nominated Justin Roberts is an all-star of the kindie music genre, spending much of the year touring on the road, but he calls Chicago home. With the recent release of his ninth family CD, “Recess,” Roberts continues to gain fans, both young and old.

Ann Torralba Torralba, fondly known as Little Miss Ann, is a former Chicago Public Schools teacher and forme veteran instructor at the Old Town School vete Folk Music who performs a mix of of F folk-rock music with both traditional and folk original songs. orig What do you love about the Chicago kids’ scene? music scen We have ssuch a rich kindie music community with so many talented kids musicians playing so different genres. The audiences in Chicago many differen are made up of families that love music and they are not afraid tto show it. I get such a high watching concerts expressing themselves through kids at my conc music.

What do you love about the Chicago kids’ music scene?

It’s such a vibrant town with so many amazing cultures. I love to see families spending creative time together, dancing and singing along to the music. It always feels like a small town because of all the amazing neighborhoods that you can visit. Whether it’s Chicago’s summer street festivals or one of our venerable music venues, there’s always something new to explore and experience.

Where is your favorite place to perform?

I absolutely love the Printers Row Lit Fest and the Michigan Avenue Festival of Lights because at both of these events I feel like I am performing smack-dab in the

Where is your favorite place to perform?

My favorite p place would be the Old Town School where I work as an instructor. I like of Folk Music w because it’s large, but feels intimate playing there b and the sound iis very good.

Upcoming shows

What makes C Chicago kids unique?

Many Chicag Chicago families have lots of opportuniquality live kids’ music every weekend ties to see qual and these kids have grown up listening to live favorite thing about Chicago kids is that music. My favo they know how to express themselves at concerts. singing, dancing, or clapping, those Whether it’s sin “feelin’” it. kids are “feelin

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middle of the city. I can look around at all the amazing architecture and feel that collective love for Chicago coming from the audience.

What makes Chicago kids unique?

I’m always intrigued by kids whose first experience of the world is this “big city.” Watching families bike down beautiful Lake Shore Drive, relaxing ke S hore D rive, relax xing in n a park, or piling ling on the El to go to one off ou our ur manyy amazing museums seu ums always helps m mee ssee ee the city with fresh eyes sh ey yes and appreciate the hee joy oy of getting to livee he here.

Upcoming shows ows 11 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 9, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation “Be My Valentine” family event justinroberts erts music.com

Laura Doherty erty Chicago’s pop-sweetheart Laura Doherty oherty is a longtime teaching artist at the Old Town School of Folk Music’s Wiggleworms program. Her third album, “In a Heartbeat,” will be released in February uary with her signature folk-rock sound.

What do you love about the Chicago o kids’ music scene?

Chicago is where my music career blosand Chicago has the best fans.. Old somed an School of Folk Music is truly myy “second Town Sch home,” aand there’s no place quite likee it anywhere in the country. We are lucky that hat such arts institution right here in Chicago. a great ar Where is your favorite place to perform? rm?

It woul would have to be the 400-seat theater eater at the Old Town School of Folk Music.. It’s one of the best listening rooms o ms iin the city. It’s intimate, but large arge eenough to have a big crowd and every seat is a good seat. se

Upcoming shows

What m makes Chicago kids unique?

I’ve fou found that parents in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs care a lot about the arts surround and want to expose their kids to all different ifferent kinds of music, which is wonderful and allows ws us artists to keep what we love to do the most, which is share music doing wh kids. My kid fans are the best and with kids d I always love seeing smiling faces at my shows. their smil

Noon, Sunday, Dec. 15, Beat Kitchen 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, Old Town School of Folk Music lauradoherty music.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

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ChicagoParent.com December 2013 55

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CHICAGO MUSIC

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

Mr. Singer Neil Firstenleit commands the attention of the younger crowd with his signature kooky overalls, handlebar mustache and original acoustic tunes on a weekly basis at his gig at the Lincoln Park Zoo. He is set to open his own “LeitHaus Studios Chicago” this year.

What do you love about the Chicago kids’ music scene?

The Chicago kids’ music scene is one of the most vibrant in the world. There are great venues here, a supportive community of artists, and Chicago families truly love and value live music. My fans are the best in the world and come out en masse to sing and dance their hearts out with me every week all over the city.

Where is your favorite place to perform?

Lincoln Park Zoo is my favorite place to play because of my amazing little friends who join me there. I see many of my zoo fans more than my family or my friends. Also, the Beat Kitchen is a cool club to share an authentic rock-show experience with the kids at their long-running kid concert series.

Upcoming shows 9:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday at the Lincoln Park Farm-in-the-Zoo. 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the DuPage Children’s Museum’s Bubble Bash-Countdown to Noon sharpcookies.net JANUARY 15, 2014)

What makes Chicago kids unique?

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Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago mom of two.

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PHOTO BY FRANK PINC

The Emil family, Scott (dad), Therese, Jonah, 14, and Bailey, 12, celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah.

Merry Hanukkah Growing numbers of families raising kids with two religions

J

BY KRISTY MACKABEN

onah Emil calls himself a “Cashew.”

As a baby, he was given a Hebrew name and baptized in the Catholic Church. This summer, the 14-year-old Vernon Hills boy celebrated his bar mitzvah. A few years ago he received his first Holy Communion.

Jonah considers himself equally Catholic and Jewish.

His parents Scott and Therese Emil are raising Jonah and his 12-year-old sister, Bailey, in an interfaith family. Scott is Jewish and Therese is Catholic and the children practice both religions.

On Hanukkah, the family lights a candle every night and celebrates with Scott’s family. They attend mass on Christmas Eve and

open presents Christmas morning.

“We’ve done this since they were babies, so it’s embedded in our family culture,” says Scott.

Like the Emils, roughly 300,000 children nationwide are being raised in interfaith families, according to a Pew Research study released Oct. 1. The study, focusing on the state of the Jewish religion in America, found that 25 percent of intermarried couples (one Jewish, one of another faith) are raising their children “partly Jewish” and partly another faith.

“This is a growing, grassroots movement,” says

Susan Katz Miller, author of the recently published Being Both: Embracing Two Religions in One Interfaith Family.

Katz Miller, a former Newsweek reporter, researched the issue of interfaith families for years, accumulating data and conducting surveys of parents who had chosen to raise their children in interfaith communities in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and California.

“When I interviewed the parents, they cited a number of reasons for raising their children in interfaith communities. It was a desire to have the knowledge in both religions and another large reason was the majority said they didn’t want one spouse CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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RELIGION

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to feel left out,” says Katz Miller, whose father was Jewish and mother was Episcopalian.

“They wanted their children to develop self-esteem as interfaith children.”

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For Kimberly and Matt Bonilla of Round Lake, an interfaith community is essential.

Kimberly is Jewish and Matt is Protestant, and they didn’t think it was fair to choose one religion for their children, Jillian, 8, and Marin, 6.

“It was really important to us that they understand about both faiths,” Kimberly says. “We have to be united in support of each other and show mutual understanding and support.”

The family attends church and synagogue together, and they celebrate holidays for both religions. The children also participate in religious education at the Union School for Interfaith Families in Mount Prospect.

The Union School for Interfaith Families is an offshoot of the Chicago Interfaith Family School, which was founded in 1993 by David and Patty Kovacs of Chicago. David is Jewish and Patty is Catholic and they were trying to raise their children Jack (now 25) and Kelly (now 22) in both religions.

At the time, there weren’t many resources, but they did find a handful of other families in the same predicament. The interfaith families had been meeting as the Jewish Catholic Dialogue Group in Chicago.

As members began to have children, they decided a religious education program was needed. The program started with seven families. Today there are about 95 families who participate in the program, which is based on Judaism and Catholicism, though some of the children have parents who are Protestant. Priests and rabbis help and support the program, and parents often teach the

curriculum, which focuses on the history of the religions, as well as the concepts about God and the importance of making ethical choices.

“It’s important they have a safe place. It supports the other things families do. Whatever choices they make, this is always there to help kids see there are other kids from interfaith families,” David Kovacs says. “It helps them understand both religions. If you’re going to be authentic to both of your faiths, do it in such a way that the kids know it’s important.”

Hard questions Despite parents’ best intentions, raising children in an interfaith family can be challenging.

There are doubters and critics, and sometimes those people can be family members or close friends. Grandparents of interfaith children might

“I think it has strengthened our family and I think it has strengthened both of our faiths.”

Theresa Emil be disappointed or skeptical of whether children should be raised in both religions, and others might question whether they are harming the children emotionally.

For the Emils, life wasn’t easy in the beginning.

When Jonah was baptized, Scott’s mother was upset. And Therese’s mother and sister advised her that she could no longer receive Holy Communion or go to confession because she married a Jewish man.

“It was hard,” Therese says.

But now the families

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understand. And it works.

At Jonah’s bar mitzvah, Therese’s family members were included in the service, and a priest was present to pray.

“We had some peace prayers and Our Fathers. It was a very moving service,” she says.

Criticism from family members and friends is common in interfaith families, says Rabbi Ari Moffic, who is associated with Interfaith Family in Chicago.

People who have the best interests of the kids at heart might worry that the children will be confused or turn away from religion all together.

“It’s the idea that it can confuse children and that children feel pulled between mom and dad. Many people think it’s theologically impossible to accept both,” Moffic says.

After Jonah’s first Holy Communion, there was, in fact, tension in the house. Jonah, who had just come to understand Jesus and his sacrifice, could

The

not fathom how his father did not believe in such a wonderful man.

“He came lashing out and said ‘I hate you because you don’t believe this.’ He was very angry at his dad.

‘How can you not love this guy when he’s so great?’” Therese says, explaining she and Scott sat down with Jonah and discussed the differences of the two faiths.

“I think it has strengthened our family and I think it has strengthened both of our faiths.”

Both the Emils and Bonillas say they are OK with whatever their children choose to believe as adults. By exposing them to both religions, they say they encourage tolerance and love, and believe their children will use their hearts to decide.

Both couples believe, however, their children might continue to practice both faiths.

In her research, Katz Miller found the majority of the young adults she interviewed who were raised in interfaith families still described themselves as

PHOTO BY FRANK PINC

The Emil family Jewish and Christian.

“The majority still have an interfaith identity of some sort and they have a positive relationship with that identity,” Katz Miller says.

David Kovacs’ children fit this description. His children Jack and Kelly have moved away and are busy with their lives, but they still practice Judaism and Catholicism.

“They’re interfaith kids. They definitely feel a part of both religions,” David says. “People say you can’t teach kids both religions, that they’ll be confused.

We found that they don’t really get confused. Religion is a lens to see life and these kids have two lenses.”

Kristy MacKaben is a frequent Chicago Parent contributor and mom of two.

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0 .

2 s c i s s a l c y a d i l o H Traditional foods get a Chicago spin to make you the hit of the party

T

BY CAITLIN MURRAY GILES he holidays evoke certain food memories. We think of yule logs, candy canes, hot chocolate by the fire and other holiday indulgences.

These classic holiday foods still have a welcome place at family celebrations. But sometimes it is fun to try a new take on a classic holiday dish or introduce a familiar flavor in an unexpected format.

Here are some updated versions of classic treats to inspire your holiday menu planning.

Hot chocolate Katherine Anne Confections is home to handdipped truffles, homemade marshmallows and caramels and drinking chocolates in a variety of unique flavor combinations. Around the holidays, peppermint is king at Katherine Anne’s. This confiserie features a peppermint hot chocolate topped with peppermint marshmallows and a sprinkling of crushed organic candy canes. 2745 W. Armitage, Chicago. katherine-anne.com 62 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Recipe adapted from The Grand Central Baking Book 2 1/ 3 cups all-purpose flour

Cranberries Cranberries are usually a part of holiday meals, often in canned form.

No offense to the canned cranberry sauce devotees out there, but there are better uses for this tart little fruit.

Give it a try in a cookie. Joelen Tan, who pens the blog What’s Cookin’ Chicago, says the red and green hints of color and the flavor of her Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread really capture the holiday spirit. This recipe would be a great option for a cookie exchange. joelens.blogspot. com/2009/12/cranberry-pistachioshortbread.html

½ tsp. kosher salt 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 / 3 cup granulated white sugar 1 tsp. pure vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 1 cup unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped 1 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the salt. In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla bean paste. Gently stir in the flour mixture just until incorporated. Fold in the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries. (Make sure the nuts and cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough.)

Divide the dough in half. Place each half of dough on the center of a 14-inch length of parchment or wax paper.

Smooth and shape the dough into an evenly shaped rectangle that is about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Then thoroughly wrap the shaped logs in the parchment or wax paper, twist the ends of the paper to seal the logs, and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours or up to three days.

(The logs can be frozen for about two months. If freezing, it is best to defrost the logs in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees with the rack in the center of the oven. Using a thin-bladed knife, slice the logs into ¼- to ½-inch-thick cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to brown around the edges. Cool on a wire rack.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 64

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HOLIDAY CLASSICS 2.0

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63

Spanish-style Eggnog

Popcorn Whether you are stringing strands of the stuff to hang on the tree or buying flavored tins to give as gifts, popcorn often is a part of the Chicago’s own holiday season. C Popcorn is popular Garrett’s Popc year-round. However, year-rou November and in No December, folks Dece clamor for a taste cl of its limited o eedition seasonal fflavors. Popcorn enthusiasts can en pick up a tin pi of Gingerbread CaramelCrisp.

Car The aroma of this seasonal flavor truly evokes flav memories of holiday mem baking. Gingerbread bakin CaramelCrisp is Caram available online and availa select Chicago store at sele locations and in most locatio sizes. garrettpoptin size corn.com corn.co

Makes 16 servings 8 eggs, divided into whites and yolks 1 cup sugar, divided into two equal parts 16 oz. Spanish brandy (optional) 3 cups almond milk 2 cups dark rum (optional) 2 cups heavy cream, divided into two equal parts Pinch of ground nutmeg Pinch of smoked paprika

Eggnog No yuletide is complete without a little eggnog for holiday cheer. During the holidays, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Tavernita features a Spanishstyle version of the classic eggnog recipe, featuring almond milk and smoked paprika (and Spanish brandy and dark rum for the adults). You can whip up the recipe at home. 151 W. Erie, Chicago. tavernita.com

Separate eggs into yolk and whites. Beat egg yolk with half of the sugar and set aside. Beat egg whites until stiff and add the remaining half of the sugar and beat until incorporated.

Pour the yolks into the whites and mix together slowly. Add the alcohol, if using. Stir in milk slowly. Stir in half of the cream slowly. Whip the rest of the cream and fold into the mixture.

Dust each serving with a pinch of paprika and fresh grated nutmeg.

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Discover Oak Park, River Forest & Forest Park // special advertising section

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The whole family can join in the fun.

But before you can partake in the carefree feel of the season, you undoubtedly have quite a list to tackle.

It’s never been more important to shop local, and Oak Park has set up a wonderful way that for shoppers to get rewards while doing so this holiday season. Downtown Oak Park’s Shopper’s Rewards rebate program encourages shoppers to save receipts between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25 for the chance to receive valuable Shopper’s Reward certificates! For more info and a list of participating businesses, check out www.downtownoakpark.net.

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Still stumped when it comes to gift ideas? Try gift certificates. In fact The Language and Music School at 150 N. Oak Park Ave. offers gift certificates for combo lessons in instruments such as violin, piano and guitar.

When your shopping is complete, take the time to stroll down our streets! Indeed, our towns are not only home for wonderful businesses, but wonderful people behind the businesses! Looking for more holiday-inspired events? Check out some of these: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Of course, before we know it the New Year will continued on page 68

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Jingle Bell, Jingle Buy - Gift Ideas

Out-Of-This-World Holiday Gifts at Adler Find everything on your young explorer’s list from unique stocking stuffers including astronaut ice cream and Moon night lights, to fun - and educational - toys and books like Bubble Blast Off Rockets, plush space shuttles, LEGO Man in Space and more!

Give the joy of learning to Dance at the Joffrey Academy of Dance Give your children an opportunity to learn how to fly thru the air and dance on their toes with classes and programs for children and young adults.

Official School of The Joffrey Ballet

Adler Planetarium

Joffrey Tower 10 East Randolph Street Chicago, IL (312) 784-4600 Joffrey.org

1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago adlerplanetarium.org

Gift a family membership to Chicago Children’s Museum

Give the gift of year round learning and fun

Gift a family membership where play and learning connect and enjoy benefits like daily free art classes for a year.

Check an entire family off your holiday shopping list with a museum gift card - available in any amount for admissions, annual memberships, or birthday parties!

Children’s Museum at Navy Pier Chicago Children’s Museum

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago

Located at Navy Pier, Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview (847) 832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Give the gift of theatre this holiday season!

NUMBER THE STARS by Dr. Douglas W. Larche with Susan Elliott Larche, based on the novel

by Lois Lowry. Directed by Ernie Nolan

Build-It-Yourself Woodworking Kit Imagine it, then build it! Kids create project after project using smooth pine pieces, a lightweight hammer, nails & more. $29.99 Ages: 5 yrs.–11 yrs.

The Theater School at DePaul University Tickets: theatre.depaul.edu (312) 922-1999

Lakeshore Learning www.LakeshoreLearning.com

Escape the cold weather in a warm pool!

Chicagolands’ best swimming lessons are available for all ages! DSC is where the classes are small, the water is warm and the teachers are cool!

Give the gift of foreign language Language Stars offers foreign language immersion programs for children ages 1 10 in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Mandarin Chinese. All programs are taught by native speakers using music, games, and activities to make it fun too. It’s playtime that enriches for a lifetime.

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Skokie and Schaumburg (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com Bring the world to your child.

Open up your children’s world to becoming a future Lil Explorer A family membership at the Field Museum allows your children to become Lil Explorers at the programs at the Crown Family Playlab and enjoy it together.

The Field Museum 1400 South Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-9410

Get a standing ovation this year!

Give the gift of live theater with Goodman Theatre gift certificates (any value) or The Wild Card ($199). Now available online 24/7 at GoodmanTheater.org/Gifts

Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago (312) 553-7172 GoodmanTheatre.org

Language Stars Language Stars has 15 Chicagoland locations (866) 55-STARS info@languagestars.com www.languagestars.com

The Ultimate Messy Experience at Make-A-Messterpiece!

Family Annual Memberships are a fun and creative gift! Visit and shop our Mess Boutique for unique goods and gadgets galore! Gift cards available!

Make-A-Messterpiece The Glen Town Center 2050 Tower Dr., Glenview (847) 730-5275 makeamessterpiece.com

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Jingle Bell, Jingle Buy - Gift Ideas // advertising A Christmas Carol at Metropolis Theatre

Unique programming and gift ideas

The perfect addition to your family’s holiday traditions!

Playing November 29-December 24. Adults $30, children 12 & under $15.50.

The Skokie Park District provides thousands of unique programs and special events for all ages at its 42 parks and 15 facilities.

Register online or buy a gift card today!

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org

Skokie Park District

Tickets: (847) 577-2121 MetropolisArts.com

Sweet, functional, personalized gifts from Mabel’s Labels Give the gift of Mabel’s award-winning labels! Personalized with your child’s name and available in a choice of fun colors and icons, these labels will help you keep track of your entire family’s things.

Holidays are all about IQ building toys Smart Toys have varied levels of difficulty help build confidence and mental agility in players. Extremely durable and compact, these games are perfect for travel.

Mabel’s Labels 1-866-30-MABEL (62235) www.mabelslabels.com info@mabelslabels.com

Smart Toys and Games Inc. SmartTangoes.com

Celebrate holidays around the world at Museum of Science and Industry Don’t miss Museum of Science and Industry exhibition of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light with trees featuring cultures from across the globe.

Museum of Science and Industry 5700 South Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (773) 684-1414 msichicago.org/education/field-trips/ learning-labs/

Give the gift of dance for the holidays!

The North Shore School of Dance offers classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, bollywood and tap for all ages. Visit our website for more information at www.northshoredance.com

The North Shore School of Dance www.northshoredance.com

A great gift selection at great prices We offer the gift of selection - over 150 styles and colors of bedroom furniture for kids, with matching accessories.Outlet prices. Free parking.

Shop for gifts locally with UNWRAP Wicker Park Bucktown 2013 UNWRAP

WPB Wicker Park Bucktown

2012 Holiday Guide

Find all of your holiday shopping needs met by downloading the beautiful holiday guide featuring the best stores, entertainment & dining. Participating businesses donate a portion of sales to local schools.

Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods in Chicago (773) 384-7525 for more information Go to wickerparkbucktown.com for list of businesses http://bit.ly/UnwrapWPB2012

Super Fun for Christmas!

Kids can be extra creative with awardwinning 3-foot long Super Wikki Stix !

Wikki Stix Visit www.wikkistix.com Or call (800) 869-4554.

Rooms4Kids Furniture Outlet!

629 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-5 by apt. during the week rooms4kids.com

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special advertising section //

Gifted & Enrichment Directory

Adler Planetarium

The Field Museum

Educational classes/fun for the whole family 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago adlerplanetarium.org

Don’t miss Crown Family PlayLab for young visitors 1400 South Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-9410 fieldmuseum.org

Avery Coonley School Pre-K through 8th grade independent school for academically bright and gifted children.

1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org

The Center for Gifted, a Northern Illinois University partner Midwest Torrance Center for Creativity 1926 Waukegan Road, Suite 2 Glenview (847) 901-0173 www.centerforgifted.org

Joffrey Academy of Dance Official School of The Joffrey Ballet Classes and programs for children and young adults Joffrey Tower 10 East Randolph St., Chicago (312) 784-4600 Joffrey.org

Language Stars Future generations of multilingual children Many Chicagoland locations (866) 55-STARS (557-8277) languagestars.com

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts

Quest Academy

Developmentally Appropriate & focused in a safe, traditional martial arts environment.

6701 W. North Ave, Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com

Independent day school, gifted and talented students prechool-8th 500 N. Benton, Palatine (847) 202-8035 questacademy.org

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts Drama, Dance & Music

The Gifted Choice 1825 Miner Street, Des Plaines (847) 827-7880 www.scienceandartsacademy.org OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, January 11, 2014 10a.m.-12p.m.

Classes Year Round 111 W. Campbell St. Arlington Heights (847) 577-5982 x221 MetropolisArts.com/sopa

Science and Arts Academy

Museum of Science and Industry Classes and learning labs for children’s and young adults 5700 South Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (773) 684-1414 msichicago.org/education/ field-trips/learning-labs/ ChicagoParent.com December 2013 71

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Make your next Birthday Party a

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Performer with an ActionPacked, High Energy Comedy Magic Show Includes: • Fire-Eating • Machete Juggling • Stilt Walker • & Much More

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Santa & Mrs. Claus

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by Andrew

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Award-winning magician with over 30 years experience!

All Birthday Shows include balloon animals and live rabbits!

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Mrs. Newberry's Traveling Tea Party

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T is theSeason with Mrs. Klaus

Dahlings, what could be more pleasant than a tea party with friends complete with feathered hats, exquisite ball gowns, formal china, custom tables & chairs and a host for set up & take down?

• Magic Tricks • Singing Carols • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Games • Cloe the Clown

Call to make your event simply divine!

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Not only do we bring the fun, we also bring:

■ Creative Crafts ■ Pinata ■ Money Machine (real money) ■ Refreshments

Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold, we always bring the FUN to you year round!

Providing Quality, Professional Entertainment since 1991 Several Themed Characters available.

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Please call (708) 388-2200 to schedule your party

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The Bus of Fun is fully insured.

847-228-0882 Natures Creatures Animal Show

A fun Exotic Educational Animal Show for kids & adults of all ages!

Serving the Chicago land area for over 10 years!

• Birthday Parties • Block Parties • Scouts • Schools • Licensed & Insured • Veterinarian & Teacher Approved!

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call Erin at

• Snakes • Frogs • Bunnies • Lizards • Giant Turtles • Spiders • Ducks • Talking Parrots • Alligators • Pony Rides

(773) 881-9379 or visit:

www.naturescreatures.net ChicagoParent.com December 2013 73

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Carol Weston CE JUMP SING DANIG AND W GLE

A Musical Party filled with lively music and fun that entertains kids & adults alike! Toe tapping, hand clapping sing along fun, puppets, musical instruments, dance, and much more!

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Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Holiday time & Santa’s back!

Ready for your company Christmas parties or a personal visit to your home on Christmas Eve or Day! Santa is accompanied by Ernie the Magical Elf.

Call for details. Book early!

847-672-6165

www.letsclownaround.net

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Mrs. N Traveling

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BLING BY GLITZY GIRLZ Online Store sells our custom sequin transfers/clothing www.blingbyglitzy.com Birthday Parties: NEW Pajama Sequin Party

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New Ebook Series What Every Mom Needs to Know About...

To download your free copy of Speech and Hearing Development of Her Child go to www.sertomacenter.org.

SERTOMA SPEECH & HEARING CENTER HOMEWOOD • PALOS HILLS • ROMEOVILLE

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calendar DECEMBER JANUARY

1

Sure, Santa’s supposed to arrive on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, but even the big guy deserves a change of pace every now and then. Head to Santa’s Flight to Schaumburg to see St. Nick land in a helicopter and visit with kids to hear their wishes for Christmas morning. While you’re still waiting to hear “ho-ho-ho,” enjoy a buffet breakfast from Pilot Pete’s, the kid-friendly restaurant located right next to the airport. $24, $12 kids 3-12; free kids 2 and younger on an adult’s lap. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 8. Schaumburg Regional Airport, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

A bee-blast Celebrate your hive’s leading lady with a trip to see some royal insects in action. Stop by Heller Nature Center’s Bee-tastic Mother’s Day, where guests, 6 and up, can learn about the Queen bee and her buzzing companions, then dress in a beekeeper’s suit to get a stingfree look inside the hives. Plus, everyone gets a honey stick to take home for an extra-sweet souvenir. Be sure to wear closed shoes and tall socks. Just ask the bees: It’s good to be queen! $8. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 12.

H2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

2

One of o our ur ffavorite avor av orit or itee li it lite literary tera te rary ra ry characters accte ters rs is is celebrating cele ce lebr le brat br atin at ing in g a birthday month, thd hday ay tthis hiss mo hi mont nth, nt h, and you’re you’ yo u’re re iinvited nvit nv ited ed tto o the pa party!

Rubeus part rty! y! R ubeu ub eus Hagrid turns 8 85 Dec. 5 on D ec.. 6, ec and Lisle is marking ocarki ar king ng tthe he o ccasion with a (h (half-)giant (hal alff-)g )gia iant nt celebration that at iincludes nclu nc lude dess games, activities, ies, ccrafts— raft ra fts— s— and cake, of course. ourse. e. But But u we don’t think they k the heyy ha have ve anything planned Dec. ned e ffor or D ec. ec 31, which is the birthday he birth thda dayy of a certain He-Whoe-Wh Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Named.

Happy Birthday, y, Hagrid!

4-5 p.m. Dec. 6. Lisle Library District, ct, 777 Front St., Lisle. e. (630) 971-1675 ext. 3003, lislelibrary.org. g.

2

3 3

Work Wo rk out a little of that holiday-related tension tens te nsio ns io by busting some moves with your family. fami fa mily mi ly Kids 3-8 will love the opportunity to dance to d an with the pros (and mom and dad) at Fa Family Fam m Dance Winter Workshop & Party. month’s explores themes and stories of This Th is m onth on th’s ’s ssession e winter.

Think they have one that tells the ancient tale wint wi nter er.. Th Thin ink k th of ffinding indi in ding ng tthis h season’s must-have gift at 6 p.m. on Chr Christmas Eve? $20 family up to 4, $5 each hris istt additional participant. 11 a.m.-noon Dec. addi ad diti tio o Hubbard Street Dance, 1147 W. Jackson 21. Hu Blvd., B Bl vd., Chicago. (312) 850-9744, hubbard streetdance.com. streetd

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CALENDAR

Ch C hri rs sttma as in n the th e Va Valll ey y SSeee De Dec. 7

1

|

SUNDAY CHICAGO

CHICAGOLAND TOYS FOR TOTS MOTORCYCLE PARADE.

Thousands of motorcyclists ride in Chicago’s biggest motorcycle event to bring toys to underprivileged children. Bikers start at Dan Ryan Woods and ride regardless of the weather.

Parade starts 9:30 a.m. Dan Ryan Woods, 8300 S. Western Ave., (773) 866-TOYS (8697), chicagolandtft.org.

FAMILY DAYS AT THE SMART. A drop-in program of hands-

on art activities and tours for families with kids 4-12. See the schedule for upcoming activities. Art-making supplies and other materials are provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 1-4 p.m. Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. (773) 702-0200, smartmuseum. uchicago.edu.

GET IN, GET ART DAYS. A series of free monthly hands-on art

days, each centered on a theme.

Today’s theme is “Get Mixin’” and focuses on the art of entertaining. From mixology to mixed media, this event will give a creative spin on holiday parties. 1-3 p.m. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (773) 445-3838, beverlyartcenter.org.

JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS. Kids 5-12, with adult, learn how archaeologists work in the field and discover artifacts, then take part in excavating a simulated dig in the Oriental Institute’s Kipper Family Archaeology Discovery Center. $9, $5 members.

2-4 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

SUBURBS KLEZMER CONCERT. A high-energy

concert with the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and a viewing of Wonderland Express. Check website for cost. 1 and 3 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicago botanic.org.

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the January issue is Dec.1. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go. Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 101.

Media Sponsors:

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

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CALENDAR

Operating with a new mission Surgical museum reaches out to children

A

mputation demonstrations, a working iron lung and a creaky elevator in an old, old building. Sound like a destination that’s definitely not for children?

Think again. Chicago’s International Museum of Surgical Science has created a new exhibit, RX for Success, to reach out to kids as young as 8 and hopefully convince some of them to consider careers in health care.

“A lot of kids in middle school are struggling around that time thinking, oh, math and science aren’t for me, especially girls,” says Kristen Vogt, museum manager of education and events. “One thing that inspired us with this exhibit is that there’s multiple paths to medicine.

We also have a nursing exhibit and the success of this led to RX for Success.”

The exhibit includes handson activities for children, including interactive iPads, make your own blood and decode the disease games, as well as information on the many careers in health care.

The rest of the museum, which is housed in an Edwardian mansion built in 1917, includes an interactive pharmacy from the turn of the 19th century, plus

everything from skulls to giant kidney stones to medical equipment from the 1800s.

Vogt says one of the reasons the medical information presented isn’t 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, scary is because of Chicago the warm and in (312) 642-9516 viting atmosphere imss.org of the historic home.

“I’ve had people say, ‘Oh, we another room that’s perfect expected this to be really for nursing. Also, there’s scary,” she says. “We do have not really anything in the things that could be creepy museum that’s “no touch” so but because of the warm you don’t have to spend the atmosphere of the museum, whole time worrying about it gives it a warmer glow. what younger children might We have bladder stones and get into. kidney stones and it’s in an The only thing to worry inviting room, which is weird about is the creaky elevator. to say, but you don’t feel “I had a mother with two haunted or scared.” boys about 8 or 9 and they Vogt recommends the were having a blast…they museum for families with liked the old dentist office,” kids 8 and up, but reminds Vogt says. “Then they came parents that it’s best to take to this old elevator from 1917 into account your child’s and one of the boys who’d personality when making just been chattering about the decision to visit. If you amputations and skeletons bring younger children with, began crying and said it was there’s also a large ballroom scary and haunted.” on the second floor where Liz DeCarlo kids can run around and

International Museum of Surgical Science

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Find us on Facebook

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CALENDAR “BONE” APPETIT. Join feeding time as a naturalist gives Trailside Museum’s resident outdoor animals their dinner. 1-1:30 p.m.

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest.

(708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

$56 couple, $37 resident couple.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Room 205, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville.

(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS FESTIVAL. Experience the magic

MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE.

4 | WEDNESDAY

of the holidays with a visit from Santa, community carols, roasted chestnuts and a walk through Christmas Tree Lane. 5:30-7 p.m.

151 N. Island Ave. and Houston Street, Batavia. (630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org.

Pola olla ar Ad Adv ve ent ntur ntur ure Da Days ys ys Seee De Se Dec. c 7 c.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP. Includes story time

with the Gingerbread Man, a procession and tree lighting ceremony on Friday, complimentary carriage rides, visits with Santa and Gingerbread Boy and Girl and a gingerbread house contest hosted by DuPage Habitat for Humanity. Check website for schedule. Downtown Downers Grove. downtowndg.org.

3 | TUESDAY ELF CREATIONS. Kids 2-5, with adult, start the holiday season off with a class inspired by Elf on the Shelf. Make an elf bed, a snack and other fun, elf-sized creations. $24, $16 resident. 1-2:30 or 6-7:30 p.m. Naperville Park District, Barn

Includes everything girls need to make a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece—gingerbread pieces, frosting and lots of candy decorations. Plus, a delicious meal. $38. 6 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, american girl.com.

CHICAGO WOLVES PLAYER VISIT. A Chicago Wolves hockey

Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

GINGERBREAD HOUSES. Kids 3-12, with adult, design and decorate a gingerbread house together.

Everything will be provided, along with a holiday snack and beverage.

team player visits to help kick off the Winter Reading Program. Hear about how and why he became a hockey player and what it’s like to play for the Wolves. He will also answer questions and sign autographs. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Lisle Library District, 777 Front St., Lisle. (630) 971-1675 ext. 3003, lislelibrary.org.

REGISTER NOW AT HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG/EXPO This is not your typical kids expo! If you are a parent, grandparent, child care provider or caregiver, don’t miss this inaugural event.

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• Featured workshops focused on Healthy Living, Safety & Prevention, Family Life, Health Issues and Youth Programming • One-on-one Q&A with top experts • Interactive product demonstrations and cooking lessons • Products and services from trusted providers • Family entertainment, giveaways and raffles

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Family Dance Winter Workshop W S e pa Se page g 77 ge

5 | THURSDAY LIGHTS KICKOFF PARTY. Includes appetizers and desserts prepared by East Aurora High School Culinary students, a Recognition Program at 6 p.m., entertainment and Phillips Park tram rides to view the holiday light displays. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Phillips Park, 615 S. Smith Blvd., Aurora. aurorafestivaloflights.com.

NATURE STORY TIME. Nature-

inspired stories, crafts and activities for kids 3-5 with adult. $1 per child.

10:30-11:15 a.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc. com.

OLD FASHIONED TREE LIGHTING. Enjoy the tree lighting

HOLIDAY WALK AND TREE LIGHTING. Features live-action store

ceremony, a visit with Santa and live music. 6-7:30 p.m. Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 7391071, epd.org.

window displays, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a marshmallow roast, face painting, refreshments and Santa. 6-9 p.m.

Visit website for schedule. Madison Street, between Des Plaines and Harlem avenues, Forest Park. (708) 366-2543, exploreforestpark.com.

6 | FRIDAY SHIMMER AND SHINE SNOWFLAKE CELEBRATION.

Create a snowflake craft and dine together at American Girl. Includes a delicious meal, a special memory book and an American Girl quiz book to take home. $43. 7:30 p.m.

American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN TINLEY PARK. Live

entertainment, specialty vendors, kids’ crafts and activities, and food. Enjoy tree lighting ceremony, parades, carriage rides, movies and carnival rides. Visit website for schedule. 6-9 p.m. Oak Park Avenue Train Station Parking Lot, 173rd and

Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park. (708) 444-5678, tinleypark.org.

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD AND SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY CONCERT. One of the most

popular swing bands on the road today, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns with its jumpin’ and jivin’ Christmas extravaganza featuring one-of-a-kind originals and reworked Yuletide classics for the whole family. $20 and up. 7:30 p.m. Dominican University Performing Arts Center, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. (708) 4885000, dom.edu/pac.

CANDY CANE HUNT. Families can enjoy holiday fun as they hunt for

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CALENDAR candy canes with flashlights. Kids should keep their eyes open for “prize” canes and special treats. After the hunt, the participants head over to the Northside Shelter House for sledding and/or ice skating. $13, $10 resident. 6 p.m. (ages 18 months-5); 6:20 p.m. (ages 6-10). Wheaton Park District, Northside Park Shelter House, 1311 N. West St., Wheaton.

(630) 665-4710, wheatonpark district.com.

FAMILY FEATURE: CREATE! GIFTABLE CRAFTS! Come dressed

in pajamas, enjoy toasty treats from the Café, and create handmade masterpieces perfect for giving to loved ones. Features free and ticketed activities. 6-8 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

GENEVA’S GREAT TREE LIGHTING AND CHRISTMAS WALK. Santa Lucia arrives by horse-

drawn carriage and Santa arrives to

open the Gingerbread House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, old-fashioned candy cane pull, roasted chestnuts, Swedish cookies and shopping. Call for Santa hours and complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride times. 6 p.m. Geneva Court House, 100 S. Third St., Geneva. (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

free samples and more. 5-9 p.m.

Southport Avenue from Belmont to Irving Park, Chicago. (773) 472-7171, lakeviewchamber.com.

7 | SATURDAY CHICAGO EVERYDAY FUN DOLL ’DOS. Doll

STORYBOOK COOKS: BAKING DAY. Kids 4-5 bring stories to life

through the recipes featured in both old and new beloved tales. All recipes are provided. Bring an apron. $29, $19 resident. Noon-2 p.m. 95th Street Center Culinary Arts, Room 303, 2244 W. 95th Street, Naperville.

(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY STROLL. Southport boutiques,

restaurants and neighborhood service businesses break out the holly and stay open late for this annual tradition complete with music, complimentary beverages and appetizers, a sleigh, carolers, discounts,

Hair Salon stylists share their secrets, and girls get doll hair accessories and styling instructions to take home, plus hands-on tips for creating fun styles like a braided headband ‘do, casual bun and side braids for her doll. $28.

8:15 a.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

HOLIDAYS ON THE SQUARE. Participating businesses celebrate the season with deals, sweets, treats, tastings, delicious pop-up shops, trunk shows, Santa, a tree lighting and more. Check website for schedule.

3100 Logan Boulevard. holidayson thesquare.net.

JULMARKNAD. Christmas bazaar

where visitors can buy traditional and modern Scandinavian handicrafts and enjoy Lucia processions, music and folk dancing, crafts and games for kids, and a visit from Santa. $2.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., (773) 728-8111, swedishamerican museum.org.

POLAR ADVENTURE DAYS. Families can enjoy winter activities and meet live animals. Activities may include dog sledding demonstrations, live entertainment from the Old Town School of Folk Music, arts and crafts table, toddler zone with outdoor “ice fishing,” REI winter activity station, and free snowshoe rental if weather conditions allow. First 500 visitors receive hot cocoa. Dress for the outdoors. Call to confirm scheduled activities. $3 parking. Noon-4 p.m.

Northerly Island, 1400 S. Linn White Drive, (312) 745-2910, chicagopark district.com.

ROSCOE VILLAGE WINTERFEST. Kick off the holiday

season with the tree lighting and late night shopping. 5-9 p.m. Roscoe and Belmont. (773) 327-5123, rvcc.biz.

LINCOLN AVENUE JOLLYPA-LOOZA. Stroll Lincoln Avenue,

discovering local businesses and plenty of holiday cheer. Expect to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and Victorian era carolers. 1-4 p.m. Lincoln Avenue from Diversey Parkway to Addison Street, Chicago. (773) 472-7171, lakeviewchamber.com.

SUBURBS CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY.

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See how German-American farm families in 19th century Schaumburg celebrated Christmas with traditional foods, simple homemade gifts and a continuation of their daily farm chores. Meet a traditional St. Nicholas and enjoy a cup of soup by the fireplace at the log cabin. The day includes refreshments, holiday treats, cookie decorating for the kids and craft activities. $8 family, $2 person, free kids 3 and under. Noon-4

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p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

DOLL TEA WITH FANCY NANCY: FANCIEST DOLL IN THE UNIVERSE. At the tea, participants

6 and up enjoy a reading of the new Fancy Nancy book. A special display and doll talk will be featured in addition to a tour of the Martha Mills Doll Collection and the Lorraine Korenthal dollhouses. Dolls are welcome to attend. $20. 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110-112 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. (847) 255-1225, ahmuseum.org.

FANCY NANCY SPLENDIFEROUS TEA. Kids 4-8 put on sparkles

and glitter and enjoy a reading of the book by the same name and entertainment by Hersey High School’s Dicken’s Carolers. Kids must be registered and accompanied by a registered adult. $20. 1:30-2:45 p.m. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110-112 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. (847) 255-1225, ahmuseum.org.

JINGLE PAWS. Snowy activities include a treat hunt, agility course, photos with Santa, free play area and a costume contest. The first 50 dogs registered receive a holiday treat.

All dogs must have current shots.

$7 dog, $3 person; $5 resident dog, $2 resident person. Noon-2 p.m.

Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg.

(847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

TWAS A SATURDAY NIGHT BEFORE. Families enjoy perfor-

mances of “Santa’s Dilemma” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

All participants receive a photo with Santa and milk and cookies. Music, face painting, cookie decorating, games and crafts are also included. $16, $14 kids; $10, $8 kids pre-registered. 6-7:30 p.m.

Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

RAINBOW LOOM CLUB. Peer-led group workshop for kids 5 and up teaches them how to make friendship mementos on the Rainbow Loom such as bracelets, necklaces, rings and anklets. Kids learn unique patterns and stitches.

1-3 p.m. Beanstalk, 654 Central Ave., Highland Park. (847) 432-8300, beanstalktoyland.com.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN TINLEY PARK. See

Dec. 6. Today’s time is noon-6 p.m.

CHESS MATES. Open play chess with an expert from CheckmatesUSA. All ages and skill levels are welcome but a basic

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CALENDAR understanding is required. Materials provided. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. (847) 376-2839, dppl.org.

ELFIN MAGIC. Choose an elf name, play games, sing songs, learn an elf dance and make a special holiday card to take home. Elf costumes provided for in-class use. $37, $25 resident. 10-11 a.m. (ages 3-5); 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (ages 6-8).

Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Classroom 202, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. A

fun-filled morning with Santa that includes lots of holiday activities. $20, $15 resident; free kids 2 and under. 9 a.m. Oakbrook Terrace Fitness Center, 1 Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace.

(630) 627-6100, obtpd.org.

HOLIDAY CHEER @ THE LIBRARY. Enjoy a library history

CELEBRATE THE SEASON HOLIDAY FESTIVAL. Activities

include tree lighting ceremony, Kris Greengle Market, ice carving demonstrations, carolers, live reindeer display and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Small fee for some activities; $2 parking. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

CITY OF ELGIN TREE LIGHTING. The city of Elgin kicks off

the holiday season with the annual

S e Ho Se Holid lilida day Acti tivi ti viti vi iti tiees es

exhibit, refreshments, holiday music and a visit from Santa. 1:30-3:30 p.m. West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., West Chicago.

(630) 231-1552, westchicago.lib.il.us.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. Other activities include Winter Wonderland and free skating at CitySkate from noon-9 p.m. The Salvation

HOLIDAY GNOME HOMES. Families with kids 2 and up take a hike to find out more about the personalities and hiding spots of gnomes among the trees at the Arboretum.

Then make a garden gnome home with natural materials to enjoy year

Chri C Ch hrriiist stm st ma as Arou Aro Ar ou un nd d the he Wo orrld ld and H an and Ho oliida ay ys s of Ligh hts s

Army will be giving out free hot chocolate and accepting non-perishable food donations. Noon-6 p.m.

Civic Plaza, Elgin. cityofelgin.org.

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after year. $17, $10 member. 10-11:30 a.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

LIGHTS OF LISLE. Festivities begin when the Santa Parade brings Santa to Main Street. “Once Upon a Christmas,” an annual event held at the Museums of Station Park campus, features children’s crafts, brick oven baking and blacksmithing.

Take a trolley ride through the downtown to view thousands of luminaria that line the streets. Inside Village Hall, enjoy delicious holiday cookies, hot chocolate and festive holiday music. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is held at 6 p.m. at Village Hall. 4-8 p.m. Downtown Lisle. (630) 769-1000, stayinlisle.com.

SKATING WITH SANTA. Families

with kids 2 and up celebrate the season and skate with Santa. Enjoy

private ice time, holiday music, hot chocolate and cookies. Registration required for each participant. $17, $11 resident. 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Rocket Ice Arena, 180 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

TINY GREAT PERFORMANCE: DIONYSOS DANCE TROUPE.

Celebrate the exhibit Monumental with traditional Greek folk dances.

Free with admission. 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

(630) 637-8000, dupagechildrens museum.org.

Ave., Wheaton. (630) 665-5534, cosleyzoo.org.

8 | SUNDAY CHICAGO JULMARKNAD. See Dec. 7. Today’s time is 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

ROSCOE VILLAGE WINTERFEST. See Dec. 7. Today’s

time is 1-5 p.m. and features trolleys, choirs and Santa.

SUBURBS

SANTA’S CRAFT CORNER. Enjoy a

CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP.

visit with Santa, make a craft or two and enjoy cookies, punch and coffee.

Photos with Santa available for a small fee. $5 per family; $3 photos with Santa, zoo admission free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary

Children’s book illustrator Terri Murphy presents her latest picture book, “One Day I Went Rambling,” and shows how the illustrator thinks like a movie director. Includes an art workshop for kids 8-14, where they

emboss a drawing on a Styrofoam sheet and pull a print to create a winter scene. Book signing includes cupcakes and drinks; book will be available for purchase. $50, free kids. 1-3 p.m. North Shore Senior Center, Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr. Campus, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield. (847) 784-6000, nssc.org.

AN EVANSTON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS. See the Evanston

Children’s Choir with the Evanston Symphony Orchestra. Plus, North Shore Choral Society, Evanston Dance Ensemble, ETHS Concert Choir & A Capella Singers and an audience sing-along of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Santa and his elves also visit. $25, $10 kids; family packages available. 3 p.m. Evanston Township High School Auditorium, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston. (847) 733-0814, evanston childrenschoir.org.

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CALENDAR CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY.

Schaumburg. See Dec. 7.

HOLIDAY TEA. Tea with finger

sandwiches and sweets, and live entertainment for kids 6 and up with adult. $20. 12:30-2 p.m. or 3-4:30 p.m. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110-112 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. (847) 255-1225, ahmuseum.org.

CHRISTMAS CHORAL & COOKIE FEST. Features area choirs,

refreshments, homemade cookies for sale and a visit from Santa Claus.

1:30-4 p.m. Lemont Area Historical Society & Museum, 306 Lemont St., Lemont. (630) 257-2972, lemont historical.org.

CHRISTMAS PAST. Visit pioneer cabins to celebrate this joyous time of year in a much simpler way, with homemade toys, chestnuts roasting, and popcorn popping in the

open fire. Everyone is invited to make a craft to take home. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland. (708) 868-0606, fpdcc.com.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN TINLEY PARK. See

Dec. 6. Today’s time is noon-5 p.m.

BRUNCH WITH SANTA. Enjoy a

holiday buffet and meet Mr. Claus.

Young guests can have their picture taken with Santa and will receive a Santa-style stocking cap. Plus, balloon-twisting entertainment. $23, $15 kids 3-12, free kids 2 and under.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 260-8260, cantigny.org.

FOX VALLEY ACADEMY OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE. Includes

holiday carols by the Youth Strings, and Vivaldi’s “Sinfonia in C” by the Academy Orchestra. In addition,

a presentation of “Once Upon a December” from the movie Anastasia will be performed by both orchestras.

Donations accepted. 1 p.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora.

WINTER TREE SECRETS.

Learn how to look at bark, buds and other characteristics to help unravel the mysteries of trees in winter. 1-2 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

9 | MONDAY HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING TOUR. Travel around Schaumburg

and see the sights and lights while serving as a judge for the Holiday House Decorating Contest. Judges view 10 houses. Contest participants cannot participate in the judging, but may join the tour. Meet in the Community Recreation Center north

entrance lobby. $9, $6 resident.

6-8:30 p.m. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

10 | TUESDAY CHEMISTRY: POP, FIZZ AND WOW! Kids 4-6, with adult, make

bubbles harder to pop, sodas fizzier, and find out how explosive a little mixture can be. $21 pair, $15 member pair. 4-5 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

HOLIDAY WREATH. Kids 3-12 decorate a wreath with tinsel, lights and ornaments they design. Kids 3-6 must be accompanied by an adult. $56, $37 resident. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Room 205, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville.

(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

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POLAR EXPRESS. Kids 3-5 take an

imaginary ride on the Polar Express and experience the beloved tale through a variety of themed activities.

Create a special project, enjoy a magical snack and play games. Children are welcome to bring their favorite teddy bear to share in the experience.

A copy of The Polar Express book will be given to each family. $48, $32 resident, $14 siblings. 9:30-11 a.m.

95th Street Center, Classroom 207, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Kids in grades 3-5 celebrate

National Ice Cream Month by making vanilla ice cream from scratch.

Toppings to make the perfect sundae are provided. 4-5 p.m. Lisle Library District, 777 Front St., Lisle. (630) 971-1675 ext. 3003, lislelibrary.org. * Plus $3 foR skAte RentAl

11 | WEDNESDAY PRE-ENGINEERING WITH LEGO.

Kids 5-6 can let their imaginations run wild with more than 100,000

pieces of Lego. Build engineer-designed projects such as boats, bridges, mazes and motorized cars, and use special pieces to create first-time designs. An experienced builder from Play-Well TEKnologies will provide expert instruction. Legos provided for class use. $20; free parking. 4:30-6 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

12 | THURSDAY LUMINARY WALK. Lurie Garden lights up the night with dozens of luminaries. Afterward, warm up in the Ryan Education Center at the Art Institute of Chicago and enjoy a free drop-in workshop to make a luminous craft. 5-7 p.m. The Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Columbus Drive and Monroe Street, Chicago. (312) 742-1762, lurie garden.org.

MERRY MEMORIES AMERICAN GIRL DINNER. Kids 3 and up,

with adult, enjoy a delicious holiday

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BOOK PEOPLE UNITE

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TAKE THE PLEDGE TAKE THE PLEDGE BookPeopleUnite.org BookPeopleUnite.org All trademarks and copyrights are properties of their respective owners.

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CALENDAR Naperville. (630) 848-5000, naper villeparks.org.

dinner together in the American Girl Cafe. Plus, your girl can pose for a 5x7� photo with Santa at his winter wonderland in Water Tower Place. $31. 5:30 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS WITH LEGO. Kids 7-12 can power

RUDOLPH AND RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Grab a flashlight to help

find Rudolph and candy canes scattered throughout Safety Park.

Enjoy hot chocolate, treats and reindeer games after the hunt. Event held rain, snow or shine. $10, $7 resident. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

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ATTUNED: HOLIDAY CELEBRATION. A Christmas-

themed family event, featuring harp music and a Father Christmas perforDADDY/DAUGHTER HOLIDAY mance. $5, $10 kids, $25 family of BLING BOUTIQUE. Kids 3-11, with four. 6:30-8:30 p.m. DuPage County adult, experience an evening of neckHistorical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., lace and bracelet bling gift-making to Wheaton. (630) 510-4941, dupage surprise family members. Decorate WikkiStix_ChicParentPRNT.pdfa wooden 1 11/14/13 1:24 PM to the museum.org. jewelry box to add

up their engineering skills with more than 100,000 pieces of Lego.

Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as arch bridges, skyscrapers, motorized cars and the Battletrack. An experienced builder from Play-Well TEKnologies provides expert instruction and challenges new and returning students to engineer at the next level.

Legos provided for class use. $20; free parking. 4:30-6 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

ST. NICK CONCERT SERIES.

gift ensemble. Create wrapping paper to conceal the surprises. Then enjoy a snack. $56 couple, $37 resident couple. 6:30-7:45 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center - Craft Room 205, 305 W. Jackson Ave.,

Focusing on a Christmas theme, this night features Amy Lee playing music on her harp along with Terry Lynch performing St. Nicholas. Snacks and refreshments are served. $5, $10 kids; $25 family of four. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

DuPage County Historical Museum,

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Wiinter W nter Won onde de erf rfe est es st at Nav avy y Piie err See Holiday Acti Se t vitiess

102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 510-4941, dupagemuseum.org.

13 | FRIDAY AMERICAN GIRL AT RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER.

The experience begins with a meal at the Cafe, then head to Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place to enjoy a musical production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. $65. 5:15 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

ST. LUCIA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS.

A celebration of lights prevailing over the darkest time of the year. Celebrate first at Daley Plaza with Lucia candidates representing Swedish-American organizations throughout the Chicago

area starting at 11:30 a.m. The festivities continue later on in Andersonville with a Lucia procession leaving from the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark, at 4:45 p.m. and returning for a program at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., the celebration continues at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, with holiday songs, readings and a final Lucia procession.

Procession is free; admission to the museum is $1 or a canned food item. andersonville.org.

CANDY CANE LANE. Families with

kids 2-8 enjoy holiday activities, including visitation and a picture with Santa; crafts, games, a giant candy cane hunt, storytelling, face painting and more. Registration required. $21, $14 resident, $7 siblings, free kids under 2. 6:30-8 p.m. Naperville

Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, naper villeparks.org.

14 | SATURDAY CHICAGO AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS. The story tells of the night the Three Kings, following the star of Bethlehem, stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy who lives with his widowed mother. $10-$25. 3-5 p.m.

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. (312) 747-4898, chipublib.org.

BREAKFAST WITH TOMTEN. Event includes a Swedish pancake breakfast, traditional crafts, dancing around the

Christmas tree and a special visit with Tomten (Santa). Prepaid reservations are required. $17, $12 members, free kids under 2. 9 a.m. Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St. (773) 728-8111, swedishamerican museum.org.

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOURS. 90-minute docent led tours

highlighting Christmas customs and decorations of the 19th century at Clarke and Glessner House Museums.

Learn about the origin of many of our most beloved customs. After the tour, participants are invited to the Wheeler Mansion for light refreshments and to view their decorations. $18, $14 kids 8-12. 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. Glessner House Museum, 1800 S. Prairie Ave. (312) 326-1480, glessnerhouse.org.

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Le L Lego ego go Tra rain in Sho how w S e De Se Dec. Dec c. 144

FAMILY DAY: CONSTRUCT. Families can explore the CITY SELF exhibition by celebrating the city of Chicago and constructing buildings of all sizes. Free for families with kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org.

GIFTS FROM NATURE. Kids

6 and up, with adult, get crafty with plant material and other natural elements collected from the growing season. Participants will make a garden-inspired ornament or other nature-inspired gift. Registration required. 2 p.m. The Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Columbus Drive and Monroe Street. (312) 742-1762, luriegarden.org.

JUSTIN ROBERTS AT KATHYFEST. Performance by kid

favorite Justin Roberts benefits The Huntington’s Disease Society of America. $10. 11 a.m. Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave. (773) 525-2501, lincolnhallchicago.com.

THE LOOK. Kids 8 and up experi-

ence the look of the ancient Egyptians by trying on their makeup and stylings. Learn about the origins and science behind ancient Egyptian makeup, experience the process of making clothing and jewelry, and find out how their changing styles help archaeologists date artifacts. $9, $5 members. 6-8 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

to personalize and take home, and delicious cold weather treats. Noon-4 p.m. Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. (773) 769-4226, lillstreet.com.

SUBURBS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. Enjoy

a breakfast buffet with Santa. For reservations call (847) 781-3658. $17.95, $9.95 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. 9 a.m.-noon. Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. (847) 887-0219, poplar creekcc.com.

ELF AND YOURSELF BRUNCH.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE & HOLIDAY PARTY. Includes

complimentary, hands-on workshops for all ages, cookie decorating with First Slice Pie Cafe, clay ornaments

Kids 3-8 enjoy a light breakfast of donuts, hot cocoa and juice, then have a fun-filled morning of activities, games, crafts and prizes. Participants are welcome to bring their favorite

elf toy. $10, $7 resident. 9:30-11 a.m.

Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

ROCK & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION. Geologist Sara

Johnson presents an introduction to rocks and minerals for kids 8-adult.

Hands-on identification procedures include observation skills and hardness tests. All materials provided.

Reservations required. $5, $3 members. 10:30 a.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

SNACKS WITH SANTA. Enjoy snacks, crafts, games and a visit with Santa. Small fee for pictures with Santa. 2-5 p.m. Hartman Recreation Center, 511 N. Collins St., Joliet.

(815) 741-7296, jolietpark.org.

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CALENDAR a.m. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

(708) 848-1976, gowright.org.

YO GABBA GABBA HOLIDAY SHOW. Fans of all ages have the

opportunity to see the characters come to life on stage. $25-$75. 2 and 5 p.m. Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 671-5100, rosemonttheatre.com.

SANTA’S CRAFT CORNER.

Wheaton. See Dec. 7.

15 | SUNDAY CHICAGO AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS.

See Dec. 14.

BREAKFAST WITH TOMTEN. See

Dec. 14.

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOURS. See Dec. 14.

SUBURBS HOLIDAY GNOME HOMES. Lisle.

See Dec. 7. Today’s time is 2-3:30 p.m.

Snow Muc uch h Fu un See Ex Exhi hibi bits ts

LEGO TRAIN SHOW. Wheaton. See

Dec. 14.

“BONE” APPETIT. River Forest. See

Dec. 1.

AMERICAN GIRL HOLIDAY BRUNCH. An American Girl brunch

representing favorite American Girl dolls for kids 6-11. Noon-1:30 p.m.

West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., West Chicago. (630) 231-1552, westchicago.lib.il.us.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. Enjoy

a kid-friendly continental breakfast, holiday crafts and a chance to meet Santa. $25, $20 resident. 9:30-11 a.m. Elmhurst Park District, Wilder Mansion, 211 S. Prospect, Elmhurst.

(630) 993-8900, epd.org.

HOLIDAY CONCERT AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. At 1 p.m.,

the Silvertones perform Christmas classics. At 4 p.m., Beyond Glee

sings popular holiday songs. $10 both shows; $8 day-of; $7 advance.

Wheaton Park District, 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton. (630) 690-4880, wheatonparkdistrict.com.

LEGO TRAIN SHOW. The Northern Illinois Lego Train Club presents a model train show, displayed in a creative diorama that includes special items and whimsical pieces made by members. $5 parking (waived with a new and unwrapped toy donation). 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

LEGO TRAIN SHOW PARTY. Guests can enjoy the Lego Train Show without lines and meet the creative builders from the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club. Snacks, desserts and hot chocolate will be served and a cash

bar will be available. Ticket holders also receive a holiday keepsake and complimentary parking. $15, $8 kids 3-12, free kids 2 and under; free parking. 6-8 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

YO GABBA GABBA HOLIDAY SHOW. Rosemont. See Dec. 14.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS TOUR. Junior Interpreters guide

cookies and festive holiday music while decorating a gingerbread house. Cardboard frame gingerbread houses and all candy decorations provided. $36 couple, $2 additional child. 9:30-11 a.m. or 6-7:30 p.m.

Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Room 205, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

visitors through the home, decorated as it was when the Wright family lived there during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Hear stories of the Wright children pulling taffy in the kitchen and spying on their father as he readied gifts around the tree. A 12-foot fir decorated with Victorianstyle ornaments is a highlight of the 30-minute tour. Froebel blocks will be in the Drafting Room for kids to enjoy. Free hot chocolate will be served outside in the courtyard. 9-11

Today’s times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

18 | WEDNESDAY GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING. Kids 2-6 enjoy cocoa,

JUNIOR ELVES WORKSHOP.

Kids 3-5 enjoy holiday fun while making projects to give as gifts or decorate the tree. A holiday keepsake

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CALENDAR photo and a snack will be provided.

Registration required. $21, $14 resident. 12:30-1:45 p.m. 95th Street Center, Classroom 207, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

19 | THURSDAY HOLIDAY PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT. An evening of safe holiday fun for kids 2-7. Activities are held throughout the building, ending with holiday movies on the big screen. Children are welcome to bring pillows, blankets and stuffed animals to cuddle.

Dinner is provided. $36, $24 resident, $18 siblings. 5-9 p.m. 95th Street Center, Classroom 210, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

NATURE STORY TIME. River Forest.

See Dec. 5.

20 | FRIDAY HAPPY HOLIDAY PARTY. Includes photos with Santa, music, storytime, play and food. $40 family of two, $55 family of three, $65 family of four, $75 family of five. 5-7 p.m.

Little Beans Cafe, 1809 W. Webster, Chicago. (773) 251-1025, littlebeans cafe.com.

MERRY MEMORIES AMERICAN GIRL DINNER. Chicago. See Dec. 12.

Today’s time is 6 p.m.

HOLIDAY COOKIE HOUSE. Pattern and recipe mailed prior to class; make the dough and bake the sections at home. Houses are assembled, “glued” with frosting, and decorated with candies during the class. $24 family; $20 resident family. 6:30-8 p.m. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110-112 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights.

(847) 255-1225, ahmuseum.org.

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. SURE, BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AT FIRST WAS HANGING A LITTLEOUT TAKEN ABACK ANDI NOW WITH HIM

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT —WITH HIM EINSTEIN IS THE BEST PART OFadopted MY DAY.12-09-10 — EINSTEIN adopted 12-09-10

PARENTS’ DAY OUT. Kids 3-6

can do holiday projects like making wrapping paper, a gift and an ornament, playing games and singing songs, while parents shop.

Registration required. $43, $29 resident. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Classroom 101, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP. All supplies are

provided, but special candies or decoration are welcome. 11-11:30 a.m. (ages 2-3); 3:45-4:15 p.m. (ages 3-4); 4:30-5 p.m. (ages 5-7). $20, $15 resident. Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 South 325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 627-6100, obtpd.org.

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CALENDAR

Christtki k nd n lmarrke et See Holiday Activities

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION. A special night

of stories, activities and a walk to celebrate the beginning of winter.

Dress for the weather. Registration required. $2. 7-8:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

21 | SATURDAY

Lake Shore Drive. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

SUBURBS CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Celebrate

the holidays with a Christmas concert and Wonderland Express exhibition viewing. Check website for cost. 2 and 4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

CHICAGO VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS TOUR. ARTISTS AND AUTHORS: MUSIC FROM THE WORLD’S FAIR. Hear

a special performance by Friends of the Gamelan, then visit the art studio of the Crown Family Playlab to make a percussion instrument to take home. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Field Museum, 1400 S.

Oak Park. See Dec. 14.

22 | SUNDAY CHICAGO JULMIDDAG: FAMILY CHRISTMAS DINNER. Festive

and traditional Swedish Christmas Smörgåsbord is catered by Tre Kronor. Includes julklappar (gifts) for children from Tomten, a Lucia procession and dancing around the tree. $65, $55 member, $15 kids 12 and under. 5 p.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St. (773) 728-8111, swedishamerican museum.org.

23 | MONDAY HOT CHOCOLATE WITH MRS. CLAUS. Event includes hot chocolate

and cookies, a visit with Mrs. Claus and a reading of her favorite Christmas story, and the Wonderland Express exhibition. Tickets available online and onsite at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. 11 a.m. or

1 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

COOL SCIENCE: FORENSIC INVESTIGATION. Kids 6-10 become

familiar with crime scene investigation and forensics, then try to solve a hard-to-crack crime. Using actual methods and tools used by professional forensic investigators, they conduct experiments on the evidence gathered at a “crime scene.” $53, $35 resident. Noon-2 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, naper villeparks.org.

COOL SCIENCE: LITTLE DETECTIVES. Kids 3-5 listen to a

book about a famous detective, then learn how use their five senses to

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CALENDAR 28 | SATURDAY SUBURBS A WINTER’S WALK. Guided

nature walk through the hushed winter woods, followed by a snack and hot cocoa. Registration required. $2. 1-2:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

SNOWSHOE GEOCACHE. Explore

the winter wonderland on snowshoes using a GPS unit. Search for hidden treasures in the natural areas of Lincoln Marsh. GPS and snowshoes are provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $13, $10 resident. 10-11:30 a.m.

Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

29 | SUNDAY

Free with admission. 10 a.m.-noon.

Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago.

(312) 527-1000, chicagochildrens museum.org.

COUNTDOWN TO FUN! Crafts,

games, music and art. Ring in the New Year with music from Kantorei, the singing boys of Rockford, plus party hats, confetti, favors and more. Free with admission.

12:30-4:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY.

Celebrate with a rockin’ DJ and a delicious ice cream sundae. Plus, enjoy a ride on the Carousel, play in Jumps n’ Jiggles and participate in new and exciting activities. $8, $5 in advance. 3-6 p.m. Elk Grove Park District, Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. (847) 4379494, elkgroveparks.org.

SUBURBS FABULOUS FOSSILS AND DINOSAURS DROP-IN. There’s so

Ce C ele l br b at atio tio on off Light o ig ght h s Fest Fe F est stiv ival al

much to learn from ancient plants and animals preserved in stone.

Families learn about ancient life, then make a “fossil” to take home. 1-2:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

Seee De Dec. c. 1

identify evidence found at a “crime scene” to solve a mystery. $27, $18 resident. 10-11 a.m. 95th Street Center, Room 204, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, naper villeparks.org.

26 | THURSDAY THE WIZARD SCHOOL SCAVENGER HUNT. Families with

kids 10 and up go in search of art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books and movies. Be prepared to track down flying owls, Hagrid-like giants, centaurs and unicorns like those you’d see in the Forbidden Forest, dragons that seem straight out of the Triwizard Tournament, and eerie figures as scary as any Death Eater or Dementor. $24.50, $15 kids 10-13 (includes museum admission).

2 p.m. The Art Institute of Chicago, 125 E. Monroe St., Chicago. (877) 946-4868, watsonadventures.com.

CREATURE FEATURE. Learn

about an animal that makes its home within the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Registration required.

1-2:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc. com.

27 | FRIDAY MASTER JUGGLER MIKE VANDRUSKA. One of the tallest

jugglers working brings his amazing tricks and skills including a unicycle, audience involvement and juggling to music. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

30 | MONDAY PRE-NEW YEARS PARTY. Count down to the “new year” with an event that includes live DJ and dancing, food and mocktails, a balloon drop with countdown, play and games. $25 first child, $15 sibling; free adults. 5-7 p.m. Little Beans Cafe, 1809 W. Webster, Chicago. (773) 251-1025, littlebeanscafe.com.

HOLIDAY FAMILY LUAU. Warm up

to the New Year with family fun on ice. $8. 6-9 p.m. Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Road, Glenview. (847) 724-2800, glenviewicecenter.org.

31 | TUESDAY NOON YEAR’S EVE. A fun countdown party with noisemakers.

HAPPY “NOON YEAR.” Kids 3-9, with adult, make crafts, play games and bounce on inflatables. End the morning’s festivities with a balloon drop in the main lobby at noon.

Advance registration required. $6.25, $5 resident; free adults. 10 a.m.-noon.

Glenview Park District Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview. (847) 486-5385, glenviewparks.org.

ITSY BITSY NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN. The gym is filled

with inflatables, riding toys and areas for families with kids 1-6 to try a variety of activities. All activities will be unstructured and parents must supervise their children. Ring in the New Year at noon with a balloon drop. $12, $8 resident. 10 a.m.noon. Schaumburg Park District, Sport Center, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

WEEKDAY SNOWSHOE HIKE. Explore local trails on

snowshoes if there’s snow (or on foot if there’s not). Registration is required. 1-2 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

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The Nutcracker ... with a spin o holiday season can be complete without the familiar tunes of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.”

Rather than simply taking a seat as a spectator, waltz your way to one of these interactive, extraordinary productions with your little sugar plum fairies.

Megan Murray Elsener

Dance Along Nutcracker

Salt Creek Ballet Sugar Plum Party

The Chicago Cultural Center’s 13th annual Dance-Along Nutcracker is a delight for young and old. This sweet production invites children of all ages to dance along to the familiar music of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite. With music by the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band, the free program allows children to connect and interact with professional dancers from Ballet Chicago as the story is told. It takes place in the Preston Bradley Hall on Sunday, Dec. 1 with performances at noon and 3 p.m. Basic ballet lessons are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Don’t forget your tutus! chicagoculturalcenter.org

Bring your little ballerina to watch the Salt Creek Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker,” followed by a hands-on festive party Sunday, Dec. 1. The Sugar Plum Party includes tickets to the 1 p.m. performance at the Hinsdale Central auditorium and the magical holiday party in the fieldhouse. In addition to the crafts, music, food and refreshments, children are allowed on stage to see the inner workings of the set, such as rides on the gondola and getting into Mother Ginger’s skirt. Plus it’s the perfect chance to meet the actual Sugar Plum Fairy and Mouse King for autographs and photos. saltcreekballet.org

The Joffrey’s Nutcracker Family Dinner

Noble Horse Theatre’s Nutcracker on Horseback

‘Tis the season for the Joffrey Ballet’s epic production of “The Nutcracker” and the perfect way to continue the festivities is the Nutcracker Family Dinner at The Standard Club of Chicago. Following the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, Dec. 8, festive trolleys transport families from the theater to the dinner.

There will be face painting, cookie decorating, customized jewelry making, holiday manicures and hairstyles, cotton candy stations and a holiday magic show. And with the tradition of eating dessert first just like in the Land of Sweets, it will leave your little fairies in sugar plum heaven. joffrey.org/nutdinner

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind performance, Noble Horse Theatre is the only theater in North America to perform the historic play on horseback. It’s a showstopping 90-minute narrated performance (or 60-minute matinee) set to Tchaikovsky’s original score. At the end of the show, audience members can meet both the riders and white stallion horses or even go on a magical carriage ride around the city. Nutcracker show dates begin Nov. 13 and continue through the holiday season. noblehorsechicago.com

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS SEASON OF WONDER. Features a sky show that explores the spectacular sights of the winter night sky, seasonal programming, special holiday events, and a one-of-akind immersive experience in The World’s Largest Snow Globe. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org.

SNOW MUCH FUN. Build a snow fort, throw snowballs, dress up a snowman and ice skate - all inside.

The “ice” rink has space to skate in your socks. Free with admission.

Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago.

(312) 527-1000, chicagochildrens museum.org.

BUILD IT! MAKE IT! Exhibition features a variety of building materials for kids and families to play with ideas, explore materials and tinker with tools. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

MONUMENTAL. Kids examine

extraordinary features of Greek and Mayan architecture as they play and learn in new ways. Re-create the famous pyramids at Chichen Itza using building blocks and stones or construct a version of the Acropolis.

Using interactive components, children can place themselves among mythological icons of ancient times or use costumes and props for exciting dramatic play. Free with admission. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

(630) 637-8000, dupagechildrens museum.org.

OPENING THE VAULTS: WONDERS OF THE 1893 WORLD’S FAIR. Travel back to 1893

and experience the excitement of the White City. Visitors will see items that thrilled fairgoers 120 years ago including large taxidermied animals, fully articulated animal skeletons, and ancient fish from Wyoming’s Green River fossil bed. Using an iPad application, explore items still hidden in the museum’s vaults. Included in

Wint Wint Wi ntter er er Wo W on nd d der errfe fes fes stt See ppaage Se g 103 03

Discovery and All Access passes. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, field museum.org.

STORYLAND: A TRIP THROUGH CHILDHOOD FAVORITES. The

exhibit transforms seven beloved and award-winning picture books— “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “The Snowy Day,” “Where’s Spot?” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Abuela,” and “Tuesday”—into three-dimensional, bilingual play and learning environments. Free with admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

ILLUMINATION: TREE LIGHTS. An

interactive, artistic light experience among the trees that provides a new way to think about lights, trees and nature. Guests explore a path about a mile long and see trees washed in stunning light, plus are given a chance to manipulate and interact with the lighting elements. There also will be nightly, family-friendly entertainment including warm beverages, fire pits and s’mores. Free with admission. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES. The exhibit

showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of Walt Disney and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name.

Hands-on, interactive stations bring Disney’s technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can try recording sound effects, explore Disney’s revolutionary MultiPlane film camera and learn to draw some of their favorite Disney characters in the Animation Academy. $9, $7 kids 3-11, plus admission.

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES LONG GROVE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES. Features horse-drawn

carriage rides, visits with Santa and entertainment. Check website for detailed schedule. Weekends, Nov. 9-Dec. 31. Routes 83 and 53, just north of Lake Cook Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0888, longgrove online.com.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD AND HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT. The museum’s 45-foot

Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda, surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions.

School choral groups perform during the week, and ethnic song and dance performances take place on the weekends. Free with admission. Nov. 14-Jan. 5. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

HOLIDAY HUB. Holiday traditions begin at the Holiday Hub, with family-friendly activities, warm refreshments and interactive resources to help plan festive cultural and retail outings in the Loop. Plus seasonal displays, decorations and a charity partnership. Nov. 18-Dec. 24. Pedway Level, Block Thirty Seven, 108 N. State St., Chicago, loopchicago.com.

CAROLING AT CLOUD GATE-MILLENNIUM PARK. Hear

a variety of choral groups and join them in a holiday sing-along at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. 6 p.m.

Fridays Nov. 22-Dec. 20. Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe streets, Chicago. (312) 7443316, millenniumpark.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS

www.classiccinemas.com

And don’t forget to pick up a Reel Money Gift Card.

CHRISTKINDLMARKET CHICAGO. Experience a traditional

835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

German holiday market in the heart of downtown Chicago, featuring vendors from around the world.

Find unique holiday gifts, indulge in traditional German foods, sweets and beverages, and enjoy live music and entertainment for the whole family.

Highlight of the market will be the premiere of Chicago’s own Christkind and the Kinder Korner activities. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday Nov. 26-Dec. 24. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 4942175, christkindlmarket.com.

DALEY PLAZA UL SANTA HOUSE. Visit Santa’s House from

HANUKKAH FAMILY FUNLAND.

classiccinemas.com

Includes Hanukkah crafts and activities, a carnival, music, entertainment, a cartoonist, photo ops, Hanukkah Cafe, raffles, a tot room and more.

Saturday night is Hanukkah Game Night for adults only. $10, $36 family of 4+ kids; $9 advance, $32 family; free adults. Nov. 27-Dec. 1. Check website for schedule. Buffalo Grove Town Center, 144 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. (224) 534-9613, hanukkahfamilyfunland.com.

HISTORIC HOLIDAYS AT CLARKE HOUSE MUSEUM. Experience a

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traditional mid-nineteenth century Christmas at Clarke House Museum this holiday season. Discover the simple joys of homemade decorations, including pine boughs and a tabletop Christmas tree, which adorned the 1850s Chicago home.

Learn about gifts exchanged by families like the Clarkes and pick up a period recipe to try. Free with admission. Nov. 27-Jan. 5. Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago. (312) 745-0041, clarkehousemuseum.org.

WONDERLAND EXPRESS. Enjoy indoor and outdoor lighted displays, designer wreaths and trees, and garden-scale trains that wind their way over bridges and through tunnels, and past more than 80 miniature versions of Chicago landmarks, a Stanley Cup replica, all handcrafted with natural materials. Call or visit the website for times. Nov. 29-Jan. 5. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847)

Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday Nov. 29-Dec. 20; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Dec. 21-23; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 24. Visit website to confirm dates and times.

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 744-3315, cityof chicago.org/dcase.

AURORA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS.

A drive-through of more than one mile of spectacular lighted displays, many of which are animated, and are illuminated by tens of thousands of bulbs. Free; donations accepted.

5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5-10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday. Runs Nov. 29-Dec. 26. Phillips Park, 615 S. Smith Blvd., Aurora, aurorafestivaloflights.com.

A HOLIDAY FANTASEA. Multispecies holiday aquatic show features dolphins, beluga whales and a sea lion, accompanied by multicultural holiday music and festive backgrounds from around the world.

The Oceanarium will be transformed with snow covered trees, rocks and twinkling lights. Special holiday costumed characters, including Santa, will make an appearance. Nov. 29-Dec. 28. Check website for times.

John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND TREES. 20,000 twinkling lights

and hand-decorated trees transform Cosley Zoo into a fairy tale winter wonderland. Visit the animals and purchase a cup of hot chocolate, your tree, wreath and holiday gifts. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 30. Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary Ave., Wheaton. (630) 665-5534, cosleyzoo.org.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR. A lightly narrated two-hour tour showcasing the best of Chicago’s holiday lights and sights. Passengers see views of the Magnificent Mile, State Street and Macy’s Holiday Windows, the John Hancock Plaza tree, Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest, Buckingham Fountain and have time to hop off at the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo

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ONGOING EVENTS and the Christkindlmarket. $29, $19 kids 3-11. 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. FridaySunday Nov. 29-Dec. 22, daily Dec. 26-31. Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Company, Various pick-up and drop-off spots around Chicago.

(773) 648-5000, chicagotrolley.com.

ZOOLIGHTS. The zoo becomes a winter wonderland illuminated by more than 2 million lights, including new 3D displays. Watch live ice carving, prepare family crafts, and enjoy the animal exhibits. New in 2013: ice skating at the rink in Farm-in-theZoo. 5-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday Nov. 29-Dec. 13, nightly Dec. 14-Jan. 5.

Closed Dec. 24 and 25. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

Chats with keepers and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Dec. 22). Free with zoo admission.

4-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 30-Dec. 22; daily Dec. 26-31.

Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street , Brookfield. (800) 201-0784, brookfieldzoo.org.

NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT SANTA HOUSE. Santa’s

little house on the Naperville Riverwalk will be occupied by Santa and kids can visit and have their photo taken. Photos $8 or two for $15. Runs Dec. 3-22. Check website for schedule. Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

BROOKFIELD ZOO ANNUAL HOLIDAY MAGIC. Features more

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN HOMEWOOD. View the tree light-

than one million twinkling lights illuminating the zoo’s walkways. Enjoy animated light displays, laser light shows, ice-carving demonstrations, live musical and dance performances, costumed characters, animal Zoo

ing ceremony, visit the outdoor marketplace, explore unique shopping opportunities and enjoy a free ice skating rink. “Holiday Pop-Up Retail” indie-craft vendors will fill empty storefronts for more shopping

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options and store windows will get a “Winter Wonderland” makeover.

6-9 p.m. Dec. 6; noon-8 p.m. Dec. 7.

Downtown Homewood. home sweethomewood.com.

holiday décor, and holiday trees. $15$18 activity wristbands. Dec. 6-Jan. 12. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595-PIER (595-7437), winterwonderfest.com.

DO-DIVISION HOLIDAY.

WINTER WONDERFEST AT NAVY PIER. 170,000 square

feet of holiday fun features indoor ice skating, entertainment, rides and inflatable slides. There are also thousands of glistening lights,

Businesses feature everything from holiday window decorations and live tunes to complimentary beverages and bites. Plus, a pop-up ice rink (possible), snowman-making and

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ONGOING EVENTS custom wreath-decorating activities for kids (noon-4 p.m. Saturday), caroling, performers from Suzuki Orff School of Music, hot chestnuts, hot cocoa, warm mulled wine, hot toddies and other festive foods. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 7-8. West Division Street in Wicker Park, Chicago, do-division.com.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE CAFE. Parents/adults and children

can meet Santa while enjoying a breakfast buffet. Call for reservations. $14. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturdays; 11:30 a.m. only Sundays. Dec. 7-15. Glenview Park Golf Club, 800 Shermer Road, Glenview. (847) 7240250, glenviewparks.org/index.htm.

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS.

Carriage rides and visits with Santa every Saturday Dec. 7-21.

The Wheaton French Market takes places 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday.

Holiday Open House on Dec. 7 features complimentary refreshments and holiday specials in participating stores. Cost for some activities.

ory

Check website for schedule. 129 W. Front St., Wheaton. (630) 682-0633, downtownwheaton.com.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT BROOKFIELD ZOO. An all-you-

can-eat breakfast buffet with music and special zoo costumed characters served at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., followed by a photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Afterwards, visit the zoo’s animals. Call (708) 688-8355 for reservations. $40.95, $28.95 kids; $29.95 members, $21.95 member kids. 9 and 11 a.m. weekends. Dec. 7-22. Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. (708) 485-0263 ext. 355, czs.org.

HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAYS. Festive

decorations deck the halls, and guests also enjoy special seasonal games, group builds and plenty of Lego holiday fun. Activities include a winter-themed Miniland, a penguin scavenger hunt, creative building challenges and photo opportunities with the life-size Santa and

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ONGOING EVENTS Snowman. $20. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 7-28. Legoland Discovery Center, The Streets of Woodfield (next to Woodfield Mall), 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. (847) 592-9700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago.

BROOKFIELD ZOO HOLIDAY BRUNCH. All-you-can-eat brunch

featuring an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus and costumed characters, who will be available for photos. Call (708) 688-8355 for reservations. $49.95, $35.95 kids; $39.95 members, $29.95 member kids. 11 a.m and 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Dec. 8-22.

Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. (708) 485-0263 ext. 355, brookfieldzoo.org.

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN. Event includes a buffet

breakfast, visit with Santa, and Wonderland Express exhibition viewing before public hours. Visit the website for ticket information. 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14-15. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook

Road, Glencoe., chicagobotanic.org/ wonderland.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT LAMBS FARM. Enjoy brunch with

Santa Claus, a variety of crafts and activities, and a photo with Santa.

Reservations required. Call (847) 362-5050. $15.95, $7.95 kids 23 months and under with activities. 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon weekends.

Dec. 14-22. Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. (847) 362-4636, lambsfarm.org.

SHEDD HOLIDAY BREAKFAST.

Enjoy breakfast and a 15-minute viewing of The Polar Express in 4D, plus visit with Santa. Snap a photo and receive a gift. Explore Shedd’s Polar Play Zone and finish your day with reserved seats to A Holiday Fantasea. Dec. 14, 21-22. $44.95, $34.95 kids 3-11; $5 off for members. Check website for schedule.

John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

WACKY WINTER WORKSHOPS.

Explore the shapes of the season with hands-on crafts and fun art projects.

Free with admission. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 26-30. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

and more. Special guest appearances with animated characters, plus face painting and balloon animals. Dec. 20-Jan. 5. Check website for schedule and cost. Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Road, Glenview. (847) 724-2800, glenviewicecenter.org.

COCOA AND COOKIES. Take a

HOLLY DAYS. Create a flex-

ible figure inspired by the new Neapolitan crèche or visit the Little Studio. Enjoy an interactive family gallery walk at 1:30 p.m. On Dec. 27 only, meet the Art Institute’s mascot Artie the Lion. Free with admission.

10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 27-30. Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe, Chicago. (312) 443-3600, artinstituteofchicago.org.

OTHER EVENTS WINTER CARNIVAL. Activities include daily family public skate sessions, pictures on the Zamboni, a charity hockey game, hockey and figure skating lessons, skating exhibitions, Sundaes on Sundays

wintertime tour of the museum grounds, decorate two sugar cookies, and sip on toasty hot chocolate. $1 for 2 cookies. Dec. 1-Jan. 31.

Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village.

(847) 439-3994, elkgroveparks.org/ museumcampus.asp.

KIDS YOGA STORY. Mr. Yogi

guides kids 4-8 through a variety of adventures from saving Gary Ganesh to finding Mr. Yogi’s home. Sound effects and engaging backdrops keep the student’s attention, all while sneaking in a little education. $15.

10-11 a.m. Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Ballroom Dance Chicago, 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago. (773) 627-2678, kidsyogastory.com.

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ONGOING EVENTS outdoor play will depend on the day. Possibilities include snowman and snow fort building with natural materials or garden scavenger hunt for natural objects. Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays. Free with admission. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY NIGHTS.

Enjoy themed activities and special presentations and performances during extended museum hours on Friday nights. Check website for guest performances and specially-staged activities. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 13, 20, 27. Free with admission. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

INTERACTIVE MUSIC SHOW. Get up and dance to live music with a children’s concert every week.

Children can dance, play instruments or just listen and sing along to classic and new children’s songs. Free with admission. 11:15-11:45 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 3834815, wonder-works.org.

BEGINNER’S ART STUDIO. Kids

and adults can explore their creative sides. Materials change daily and trained facilitators assist with the artistic process. Free with admission.

10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays and

ory

ART ON THE RUN. Free, fun and educational arts project for kids.

Projects change bi-weekly. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.

Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org.

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WEEKEND FAMILY CLASSES.

Wednesdays-Saturdays; 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 3834815, wonder-works.org.

tell their stories. Free with admission.

10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder works.org.

PAINT COVERED WEDNESDAYS.

Children use a large variety of paints, styles and canvases as they learn to

COOL KIDS WINTER PLAY. A

guided glimpse into the world of

Explore cool things about nature and plants with your family on Saturdays and Sundays. Classes include a variety of hands-on activities and projects for kids 4-10, accompanied by an adult. $22 kids, free adults.

9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

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SPECIAL NEEDS JUMP SESSIONS. Once a month, Sky High Sports turns off the music and dials down the distractions for special jumpers. Even children with physical disabilities can join the fun. $5, free parent or therapist. 3-6 p.m.

Dec. 3. Sky High Sports, 2244 Corporate Lane, Naperville, and 6424 Howard St., Niles. Nil.JumpSkyHigh.com and Nap. JumpSkyHigh.com.

SPECIAL KIDS DAY HOLIDAY PARTY.

Kids with special needs and their families can meet Santa for a photo and gifts and enjoy face painting, music and fun activities.

No reservation required. 3:30-8 p.m. Dec. 4.

Wilder Mansion, 211 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

(630) 530-7700, specialkidsday.org.

SANTA HOUSE SPECIAL NEEDS NIGHT. An evening for families with

special needs to visit Santa in his house on the Riverwalk, and have a photo taken.

Reservations required. Photos $8 or two for $15. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3-5. Naperville Park District Santa House, Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

TIC TOGETHER COMMUNITY

GROUP. Support Group for all those touched by Tourette Syndrome. 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 18. River Heights Business Center, 5375 Highway 34, Suite 4, Oswego.

THIRD THURSDAY. Third Thursday is a special time once a month for families of kids with autism spectrum disorder, visual, and mobility impairments to come play at the museum. The entire family can explore the museum from 5-7 p.m. during a typically quieter time. Photo books are available to help visitors structure a visit. Specially trained staff assist with art activities, and resource tables provide information on issues and services. Call for more information. Free with admission. 5-7 p.m. Dec. 19. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

RAINBOW TIME. Rainbow Time provides parents or caregivers the opportunity to drop off their child with autism to interact with specially trained dogs from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. Free. 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 21. Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. (847) 827-5551, Youth Services: (847) 376-2839, dppl.org.

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PERFORMANCES THE CHRISTMAS TOY SHOP. The

story of the Christmas that almost wasn’t. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3-4 at East Leyden High School, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park; 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5-6 at North Central College, Pfeiffer Hall Theatre, Naperville; 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Museum of Science and Industry; 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Dec. 9-12, 16-20; 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at Philip Lynch Theatre at Lewis University, Romeoville. Recommended for families with kids 3-10. $10, $7 in advance. AlphaBet Soup Productions, P.O. Box 85, Lombard. (630) 9321555, absproductions.com.

THE LITTLE PRINCE. Opens Dec. 5. Stuck, thirsty and alone, a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert meets an enigmatic, charismatic young prince fallen from the sky who regales him with tales of life among the stars. This fully immersive theatrical interpretation illustrates the story with fantastic characters and gravity-defying physical feats. $45-$75. Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 3370665, lookingglasstheatre.org.

MRS. CLAUS, A HOLIDAY MUSICAL. Join the Elf Class as they

try to find the missing list in time for Christmas. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. Dec. 5-23. Visit the website for schedule. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 111th and Western, Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

THAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY EDITION. Opens Dec. 9.

Celebrate the holiday season with this show, which features an array of holiday-themed favorites like “Santa and Taco Bell,” “The Crazy Reindeer,” “Snowmen from Pluto,” and “Santa’s Mean Day.” 8 p.m. Mondays. $12, $6 for kids under 12. 8 p.m. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD.

Join Kidworks Touring Theatre Co., as they travel around the world, bringing alive holiday games, stories and traditions celebrated by children around the globe. Spin the Hanukkah Dreidel, act out the first Christmas Tree Story from Germany, beat the drum in a Kwanzaa ceremony and parade under the Chinese Dragon. Recommended for kids 4-12. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 and 11. For information, visit kidworkstheatre. org or (773) 972-7112. $6 per child.

Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 7286000, oldtownschool.org.

WINTER SERIES: ONE THOUSAND PIECES. Full-length,

full-company One Thousand Pieces, inspired by Marc Chagall’s America Windows at the Art Institute of Chicago. Dec. 12-15. $25-$99.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, 1147 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. (312) 850-9744, hubbardstreetdance.com.

THOSE SILLY REINDEER. It’s

ARKANSAW BEAR. Explores how

children cope with loss. An engaging play with a simple, strong message, recommended for families with kids 8 and up. 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14. $15.

Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 5984549, gorillatango.com.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. The story of a rabbit made real by a child’s love. $9.50, $7.50 kids. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 7-14. Theatre at the Center, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. (219) 836-3255, theatreatthecenter.com.

almost Christmas Eve at the North Pole and Holli, the Snow Princess, has gone on vacation. Since she left, temperatures have been rising and all the snow has melted. So Santa sends Jack the Bird and LeeLee the Christmas tree off on an adventure to find Holli and bring her back before Christmas Eve. Dec. 12-29 at the Rivendell Theater. $18, $12 kids.

Li’l Buds Theatre Company, 1206 W. Rosedale, Chicago. (773) 334-4543, lilbudstheatre.org.

TIDINGS OF TAP! Chicago Tap

Theatre presents performances to celebrate rhythm and whimsy-filled

Thos Th ose S Siilllly y Re R ein ei inde inde deer er S e thhis Se i pag age

interpretations of favorite Christmas, Hanukkah and winter songs for families. 8 p.m. Dec. 13-14; 3 p.m.

Dec. 15. $35, $22 kids. UIC Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison St., Chicago. (312) 996-3991, uic.edu/depts/adpa.

and audience participation to bring young audiences into the world of Dreamland. $15. 2-3 p.m. Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 598-4549, gorillatango.com.

WINTER PAGEANT. Features collaborators from The Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts, surf rock band San Andreas Fault, and a force of performers, in a new original myth. Celebrate the holiday season with this beautiful story that calls upon themes of hope, community and love against the backdrop of intricate mechanics and visual wonder. 7 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 7 p.m.

Saturdays; 1:30 and 4 p.m. Sundays.

Dec. 13-22. $25, $15 kids, free kids under 3. Redmoon Theater, 2120 S. Jefferson St., Chicago. (312) 8508440 ext. 111, redmoon.org.

WELCOME YULE! Full-length musical production includes favorite carols, dancers, children’s chorus and appearances by holiday characters.

Dec. 14-23. $35-$120. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

SARAZAD AND THE MONSTERKING. Through Dec. 14. Nine-year-

old Sarazad has trouble dealing with the teasing bullies at school, who think she’s a weirdo because of her active imagination. When she is whisked away to the realm of the MonsterKing, Sarazad must distract him by weaving tales of pirate captains, talking fish, monkey detectives and bossy robots. A reimagining of 1001 Arabian Nights, this production uses imaginative costumes, puppetry,

ELF THE MUSICAL. Through Dec. 15. The tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father. Call for cost. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 9771700, broadwayinchicago.com.

MILEEP AND THE ATTACK OF THE JELLYBEAN PEOPLE.

Through Dec. 15. The story of an imaginative boy named Mileep and his futuristic, magical and musical journey through the universe and

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PERFORMANCES beyond. Recommended for families with kids 4 and older. 11 a.m.

Saturdays and Sundays. $10, $5 kids 13 and under. Corn Productions, Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 650-1331, cornservatory.com.

THE CHICAGO TAP DANCE SUPER SHOW. Through Dec. 19.

Family-friendly show with costumes and music. 7:30 p.m. Mondays. $15.

7:30 p.m. Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.

(773) 598-4549, gorillatango.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Through

Dec. 21. Families can have breakfast with Santa Claus on select performance dates, with a festive buffet-style menu complete with seasonal favorites. $15 and up. 10 a.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 1 p.m.

Sundays. Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111, drurylane oakbrook.com.

WICKED. Through Dec. 21. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One—born with emerald green skin—is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Check website for cost and time.

Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000, broad wayinchicago.com.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Through Dec. 21. The saga of George Bailey, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been squashed by family obligations and civic duty, and whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair. $14, $12 kids. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca. (630) 250-7518, overshadowedproductions.com.

RAPUNZEL. Through Dec. 21. Based

on the original Grimm Fairy Tale, this story tells the tale of a young girl with a beautiful singing voice who is locked away in a very, very tall tower.

Recommended for families with kids 2-12. 10:30 a.m. and noon weekdays and 1 p.m. Dec. 21. For information,

visit chicagokidscompany.com. $12.

Stahl Family Theater, Saint Patrick Performing Arts Center, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 2868470, stpatrick.org.

THE SNOW QUEEN, OR WHEN CHRISTMAS FREEZES OVER!

Through Dec. 21. A topsy-turvy re-telling of the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. The show features original music, lyrics, choreography and magic. 7:30 p.m.

Fridays; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays. $25, $22 seniors, $15 students, $10 kids 10 and under. Piccolo Theatre, 600 Main St., (inside the Main Street Metra Station), Evanston. (847) 424-0089, piccolotheatre.com.

NUNCRACKERS. Through Dec. 22.

It’s the annual Christmas program put on by the nuns of Mount Saint Helen’s and what will go wrong this year? Well, at the last minute, Reverend Mother must dance the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Father Virgil replaces Sister Julia Child of God in the cooking demonstration. With audience participation and sing-along, this is a hilarious show for the family, with a heartwarming message on the real meaning of Christmas as the finale.

Call for cost. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles.

(630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre. com.

SING A LONG WITH SANTA.

Through Dec. 22. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays. $15, $10 kids 16 and under. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles.

(630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre. com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL. Through Dec. 22. The

Charles Dickens holiday classic with music the whole family will enjoy. 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Sundays; 2:30 or 4 p.m. Saturday matinees. $38-$42.

Theatre at the Center, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. (219) 8363255, theatreatthecenter.com.

Fri. Dec. 27 2pm & 7pm On sale at the Allstate Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster.com

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PERFORMANCES THE PEOPLE’S A CHRISTMAS WISH. Through Dec. 22. All seems

hopeless when Dasher finds himself separated from Santa and mounted on a wall in a taxidermy shop. The only thing that can right this sleigh is a genuine Christmas miracle.

Features Quest’s signature large-scale puppetry, a rockin’ musical score and plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family. The show runs at The Blue Theater (on the campus of St. Gregory the Great Church) at 1609 W. Gregory, Chicago. Tickets and information at questensemble.org, reservations@questensemble.org or (312) 458-0895.

Fridays; 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays. Dec. 26-Jan. 5, there will be a special family-friendly holiday schedule. $40-$48, extra for dinner packages. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, marriotttheatre.com.

IF SCROOGE WAS A BROTHER. A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Through

Dec. 28. The Goodman presents its annual production of the Dickens Christmas classic. $25-$83. Visit website for schedule. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org.

BEAUTY & THE BEAST. Through

A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Through

Dec. 24. The story of old, grumpy Mr. Scrooge and his employee Bob Cratchit. $30, $15.50 kids 12 and under. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

MARY POPPINS. 1 and 8 p.m.

Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and

REINDEER. Through Dec. 29.

Broadway in Chicago, Emerald City Theatre and First Stage perform this classic. Call for cost. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. (800) 7752000, broadwayinchicago.com.

Dec. 28. Farcical Fairy Tales presents a hilarious take on Beauty and The Beast. This interactive three woman show puts a new spin on the original classic tale and is fun for children of all ages. $10, $5. 2-3 p.m. The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora. (630) 585-0300.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED

Through Dec. 29. It’s all about Scrooge in this hilarious and heartwarming reconstruction of the classic Christmas ghost tale. Spirited jokes and holiday music chronicle a journey from self-hatred to love as Scrooge faces his past, present and future and learns the wealth of family. Call for cost. eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago. (773) 752-3955, etacreativearts.org.

$20-$55. Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, Chicago. (773) 325-1700, mercurytheaterchicago.com.

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY AND THE THANKSGIVING VISITOR.

Through Dec. 29. Thanksgiving and Christmas mean something different to everyone. For 7-year-old Buddy, they mean a new home and a new family. Call for cost. Provision Theater Company, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. (773) 506-4429, provisiontheater.org.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY. Frank Capra’s story

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER.

is performed as a 1940s radio play, complete with Foley sound effects and commercial breaks. Call for cost.

American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St., Chicago. (773) 409-4125, atcweb.org.

Through Dec. 29. Returning for its annual voyage, the whole family will enjoy this heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit.

LLAMA, LLAMA. Spend a whole day with Llama Llama and Mama Llama as they encounter the daily fun and foibles of llama life. Help them get through school stress,

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences

By Dr. Douglas W. Larche with Susan Elliott Larche Based on the novel by Lois Lowry | Directed By Ernie Nolan

JAN 18 – FEB 22, 2014 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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PERFORMANCES

GREAT HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES!

Win Wi ntter er Pag gea ean ntt S e page Se ppaaggee 108 08

grocery store grievances and bedtime business. Best suited for ages 3-6. $16, $13 for kids. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

(773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre. com.

RAPUNZEL. Princes, princesses, and even evil witches find their happy endings in this story of growing hair and growing up. Best suited for ages 3-10. $16, $13 children. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

THE TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC.

This is Emerald City Theatre’s first production for ages 0-4. The performance includes gentle sound and lighting effects that create a full sensory experience, building a simple story with the audience through repetition and participation. The show lasts about 45 minutes. $14, $7 kids under 1. Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 529-2690 ext. 810, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

BEAT KITCHEN CONCERTS FOR KIDS! Families can enjoy a show

from one of the city’s popular kids’ music artists. Visit website for a

schedule of entertainers and specific show dates. $6. 3:30 p.m. Saturdays; noon Sundays. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.

JUICEBOX. Parents and young children can enjoy Chicago’s best music, dance and theater in a kidfriendly setting. Kids can sit on the floor, walk around, meet the artists and sometimes play with instruments and puppets. Parents are welcome to bring snacks and juiceboxes. 11 a.m. alternate Fridays. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 744-6630, chicago culturalcenter.org.

STORYTOWN. From superheroes to undersea adventures, princesses to dinosaurs, Storytown takes the audience on an interactive, fully improvised adventure. The cast uses audience suggestions and ideas to create a different story every week.

Kids design the setting and help shape the story, and the actors, artists and musicians bring it to life.

10:30 a.m. Saturdays. For information, visit storytownimprov.com.

Recommended for families with kids 3-10. $10. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 3275252, stage773.com.

Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet – The Nutcracker Sunday, December 1 2:00PM

Max & Ruby Nutcracker Suite

A Christmas Carol

The Nureyev State Ballet “Sleeping Beauty”

Thursday, December 19 7:30PM

Friday, January 24 7:30PM

Friday, December 6 1:00PM & 4:00PM

For complete show descriptions, please visit rialtosquare.com

102 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432 A 501 ( C ) 3 Not-For-Profit Organization

For Tickets Call

815-726-6600

Rialto Gift Cards Make Great Christmas Gifts, Too!

or visit

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or

ChicagoParent.com December 2013 111

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Celebrate the Holidays in Evanston!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW DEC 5, 2013—FEB 2, 2014

cityofevanston.org/holidays

First Night Evanston returns for a gala New Year’s Eve to remember! firstnightevanston.org

The Nutcracker on Ice Enjoy a very special family outing!

Competitive figure skaters and skating school students perform in this enchanting, magical holiday tale on ice.

Free activities

in Fountain Square Davis at Sherman Admire the huge lighted tree, then dine and shop!

One weekend only: December 6 – 8 Fri. at 7:30 p.m.; Sat. at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. at 2:30 p.m.

Menorah Lighting

5:30-6 p.m., Wed., Dec. 4

Buy tickets at 847-448-8258 or at the door.

General: $9. Reserved: $10. Group discount.

Kwanzaa Celebration 11 a.m., Thurs., Dec. 26

By Rick Cummins and John Scoullar

Robert Crown Community Center 1701 Main St., Evanston

plus Holiday Photos with Santa Claus

Based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

ChicParent_Xmas13.pdf 1 11/14/2013

Noon to 4 p.m., Sats., Dec. 7 & 14, 820 Davis 3:19:10 PMdowntownevanston.org

Directed by David Catlin

Through Dec. 21

C

M

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CM

In association with

MY

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CMY

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Treat your family to a Breakfast Buffet With Santa

Group Discounts Available

Visit LOOKINGGLASSTHEATRE.ORG or call 312.337.0665

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4 ways to ring in 2014

W

ith its late night celebrations and flowing champagne, New Year’s Eve often seems like a holiday exclusively for adults. But here are some ways to celebrate the dawning of a New Year with your little ones in tow.

1

If you’ve ever wanted to walk a red carpet, Build it Big Bubble Bash is your chance.

Even better, this red carpet is made of bubble ble w wrap!

Plus, Pl P lus there’s ’s water w balloon b a p paintiing, a b bubble anaconda on nd da and d sto stomp omp rockets.

And k nd would what att w wou ould a party rty be without food and music?

At noon, get a jump on Times Square with a New Year countdown.

$30, $25 member. 9 a.m.-noon.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

(630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org. ren

2

You don’t h have hav avvvee tto be noc-turnal to celebrate elebrate eleb b the arrival of 2014. Zoo arr Years Eve includes Yea des a DJ, D games and d prizes, plus the pri chance to makee cha noisemakers and noi nd a ruckus when the ruc he clock clo strikes 8 p.m.

Your You little partyy animals ma will feel right ight at home.

Free with h

admission. 6-8 p.m. Brookfield Zoo, 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. (708) 688-8400, brookfieldzoo.org.

3

Make your mark on the coming year with the Lego Wish Board at Legoland’s Kid-Friendly Celebration. The mosaic, which will be displayed throughout 2014, includes kids’ wishes and resolutions for the New Year. Plus enjoy music, and a mocktails, Lego go builds an hunt. balloon b a hu hunt u If make you ou don don’t n’tt m itt o on n New Year’s Eve, the p party E ccontinues con co o tinuees Jan. 1. $20. $2 20 0. 10 0 aa.m.-7 Legoland p.m. p p.m p. .m Le Lego ego Discovery Center, Dis The Streets of Th 601 N. Woodfield, 60 Road, Martingale R Schaumburg.

Schaumbu

(847) 592-9700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago.

4

For an event that’s for the whole family, check out First Night Evanston, which showcases 30 performances.

Kids will love the afternoon events ts and workshops, such uch as crafts, afts, storytelling, m music, usic, and even a flea circus. s. Later, parents nts can enjoy music, c, icee sculptures and food trucks tr in the final inal in nal h ho hours ours of 2013.. Che Check eck we eck ec w website for or cost. ost. 1 p.m.midnight. nigh htt. Raymond R Park, Chi Chicago hi Avenue, ue, ue e, between Grovee aand Lake streets, ts, Evanston. firstnightevanston. nightevanston. eventbrite.com. tbrite.com.

Elizabeth Diffin

A World Premiere

Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, 2013

Citadel Theatre

300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest IL

Tickets

$37.50 Fridays & Saturdays $35.00 Thursdays & Sundays $32.50/$30.00 Seniors $15.00 Students/Children

Mention code CP1113 for ticket discount!

Call 847.735.8554 for discount or visit us online at www.CitadelTheatre.org

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THE NUTCRACKER. Performances

by Ballet Chicago are Dec. 14-22.

Tickets available at athenaeumtheatre.org, by phone at (773) 9356875, or by visiting the Athenaeum box office. Recommended for ages 3 and older. Call for cost. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, Chicago.

(312) 251-8838, balletchicago.org.

THE NUTCRACKER. On Dec.

12-16, Ballet Légere presents “The Nutcracker Ballet” at Dominican University Performing Arts Center Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division, River Forest. $25, $20 seniors and kids 11 and under. (773) 237-1874, balletlegere.org.

THE NUTCRACKER. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7; 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington.

Join the cast forr “Clara’s Tea” before the matinee nee performances, Dec. 7-8 at 12:30 p.m. m.

Call for cost.

Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble, c/o Ballet Légere Barrington Dance Academy, 758 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. on.

(847) 382-6333, 3, byde.org.

THE NUTCRACKER. Guest

dancers from nationally renowned dance companies join the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the

Nutcr local talent of the Rockford Dance Company to present this holiday tradition. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Call for cost.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 968CPAC (2722), coronadopac.org.

THE MAGIC OF THE NUTCRACKER. Performances at

Libertyville High School’s Butler Auditorium at 3 p.m. Dec. 7-8.

Libertyville High School is located at 708 W. Park Ave. There will also be a special “storybook” version for preschoolers, “Clara’s Dream”, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 7, also at Libertyvi Libertyville High Tickets can School. Tic only be purchased through chas Dancenter Da North. The No Nutcracker N aalso will be pperformed at the Genesee th Theatre in Th Waukegan Wau at 3 pp.m. Dec. Tickets for 14-15. Ti Theatre the Genesee T performances are available at f i their box office at 203 N. Genesee St., or by calling Ticketmaster at (312) 559-1212 or ticketmaster.

com. For information, visit themagicofthenutcracker.com. Call for cost.

Dancenter North, 540 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. (847) 367-7970, dancenter-north.com.

THE NUTCRACKER. Production

15. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton, Naperville. (630) 637-SHOW, finearts. northcentralcollege.edu.

THE NUTCRACKER AND PRE-BALLET HOLIDAY SHOW. Hyde Park School of

features guest artists and members of Naperville’s DanceWest Dance performs the classic, eWest Ballet sic, Company. The perforrforpreceded bby a holiday liday mance lasts about show ffeaturing the h school’s youngscho two hours. Call est dancers. es (630) 637-SHOW Performances are P for tickets.

2 and 7 p.m. Dec. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 114 and 2 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Mandel 13; 1 and 5 D Hall, 1311 E. p.m. Dec. 14; 1 H State Street 57th St., (57th and p.m. Dec. 15. Call 57t Dance University Avenue), for cost. Pfeiffer Unive Hall, 310 E. Benton, n, Chicago. $20, $10 kids and students, free kids 4 and Naperville. (630) 778-1303, under. (773) 493-8498, hydeparkdancewest ballet.com. schoolofballet.org.

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA. The tea features refreshments and special THE NUTCRACKER BALLET. activities such as making ornaments, Performances run 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 1 coloring Nutcracker pictures, photo and 5 p.m. Dec. 21; 3 p.m. Dec. 22. opportunities with the characters, $15-$25. Illinois Youth Dance and autographs by cast members.

Theatre, Lake Zurich Performing Arts The Sugar Plum Fairy and other Center, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich. characters from the ballet will be in (847) 438-4500, IYDT.org. costume and kids are welcome to attend in costume. The tea ends in THE NUTCRACKER. Joffrey Ballet time to attend the 1 p.m. Nutcracker of Chicago performs Dec. 6-28 at ballet. $15; additional cost for the Auditorium ballet. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 12:45 pp.m. Dec.

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acker Th Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. U Congress Parkway, C Salt Creek Ballet Chicago. Tickets C aavailable at (800) 982-2787 or ticket98 master.com. $31-$132. mas joffrey.com. joffrey THE NUTCR NUTCRACKER. Judith Svalander S l d School S h l of Ballet performs Dec. 14-22. $15-$23. 83 E. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. (815) 455-2055, jsvalander.com.

NUTCRACKER. Runs through Dec.

28. Performances are 10 a.m. most Tuesdays-Saturdays, with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. $15.

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, marriotttheatre.com.

and students of community-based arts school Performing Arts Limited located in the heart of Rogers Park.

Nutcracker Tea at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, includes local treats and impromptu twirls with the cast and d Sugar Plum Fairy. y.

Performances are 2 p.m.

Dec. 7-8.

Recommended for families with kids 4 and older. $5-$30.

Performing Arts Limited, Northside de College Prep, 5501 01 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago. (773) 262-3262, performingartslimited. com.

THE NUTCRACKER. This

NORTH SHORE SCHOOL OF DANCE: THE NUTCRACKER. The

holiday ballet is performed at Lake Forest High School Raymond Moore Auditorium at 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. Dec. 8. Recommended for families with kids 3 and older. $15$22. Lake Forest High School, 1285 N. McKinley Road, Lake Forest. (847) 432-2060, northshoredance.com.

THE NUTCRACKER. Performance features professional dancers, youth company Ensemble Español in “The Chocolate Variation,”

production is in conjunction with The Berkshire Ballet Theatre.

Performances are 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21 and 3 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets start at $20. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

THE NUTCRACKER. Sunday’s performance includes special admission to the “Sugar Plum Party,” where audience members can meet characters from “The Nutcracker,” step on the stage and

enjoy refreshments. Performances are 1 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Hinsdale Central High School auditorium. At 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 7, the take place at the performances ta Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University in Stat University Park.

Un Recommended R for families fo Performing with kids 3 and w Arts Limited oolder. $15-$31.

Salt Creek Ballet.

Sa (630) (63 769-1199, saltcreekballet.org. saltcr

THE NUTC NUTCRACKER. Live narration ti provided id d by wizardly toymaker Drosselmeyer captivates young audiences, as he unfolds a dreamlike tale of a young girl’s encounters with royal subjects, fairies, and a cast of more than 100 dancers and performers. Runs Dec. 6-15. $26, $18 kids and seniors. Schaumburg Dance Ensemble, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us schaumburgdance.

THE NUTCRACKER. Performances are 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 30 and 2 p.m.

Dec. 1. After the Saturday matinee, there is a Behind the Scenes Tour for $50 that lets visitors see the sets, costumes and characters, plus take photos with the Nutcracker or Sugar Plum Fairy on stage in front of the set. Buy tickets at (630) 937-8930 or at bataviafineartscentre.org. $25$35; $20-$30 for kids 10 and under.

State Street Dance, Batavia Fine Arts Center, 1201 Main St. (entrance on Wilson Street), Batavia. (630) 2320444, statestreetdancestudio.com.

DUELING NUTCRACKERS. Duke It Out is a fun morning for families beginning with an Instrument Petting Zoo and a choice of two performances, each featuring the classical and jazz versions of the holiday tradition The Nutcracker Suite, with dancers from Foster Dance Company and musicians from Axiom Brass and Quintet Attacca. $5. 9 a.m. Dec. 7. Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.

(847) 905-1500, musicinst.org.

MOSCOW BALLET’S “GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER”. This

production features 40 dancers from the Moscow Ballet along with dancers from the Chicago area.

Call for cost. 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 671-5100, rosemonttheatre.com.

Hyde Park

Chiic Ch ca ag goP oParen ent. t.co co c om December De D ecem cceem mb ber er 2013 20 01 13 115 11 1 15 ChicagoParent.com

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be more than a bystander.

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116 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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“I am a Mom who left the corporate world to Work From Home! I now earn a secure residual income with a car bonus !”

Looking for 2-3 motivated individuals that want the same.

Visit BusinessThatMakesSense.com

552 South Route 59 Naperville, IL 60540 www.onceuponachildnaperville.com

Chicago 630.874.1087 Chicago 630.874.1087 www.SeekingSitters.com www.SeekingSitters.com

offers expires 12/31/13

Infant and Toddler Care Preschool Afterschool Care Summer Camp

1-847-991-4242

Do you care about kids?

Need additional income?

Enjoy helping others?

We have part-time and full-time opportunities working with unique, educational toys, books and games.

For more information, call Sherre Brutzkus

www.CEOmoms.biz

to learn more!

We Need Your Help!

visit us on-line @ kidwatchplus.com

847-905-1293 • sherre@core.com

3901 N. Ridgeway • Chicago, IL 60618

773-539-5431

www.discoverytoyslink.com/sherre

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Surrogate Mothers with a big heart needed to help infertile couples. Must be 21-37 and have had a child. $25,000 to $35,000+ and expenses paid.

Private insurance preferred.

For more information call:

Parenting Partners 847-782-0224

www.parentingpartners.net

Member, Chicago Better Business Bureau

Let us be your designated driver for the hoLidays.

here we come

We are the people, for the people providing transportation services for all people. We provide service to and from appointments, school, after-school, day care centers, small group outings and much more!

H E R E

HERE WE

COME

C O M E TRANSPORTATION

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • Car Seats Provided • Safe Drivers Reasonable & Affordable Rates • Available 7 Days a Week Wheelchair Accessible • 12 & 7 Seat Vans Available State of ILL/MBE Certified • Courteous & Professional Drivers

773-812-6359 or 708-244-7277 PO Box Matteson, IL 60443 • overcomer2@sbcglobal.net

We provide service for adults & children With special needs

We offer great discount for families!

Bring this ad and get up to 2 weeks of free classes in any style!

Check our website at : powersourcema.com

Judo - Jiu-Jitsu - Taekwondo for kids ages 4 & up • Discounts for family of 3 or more • No belt promotion fees in Judo• No set up fees

World class instructions with a winning team led by Brazilian 3rd degree Black Belt Andre Campos.

For men, women and children 4 and up.

PowerSource Martial Arts 3309 Vollmer Rd., Flossmoor, IL 60422

708-960-4913 • powersourcema.com

Nanny Services

Tutor Services

We specialize in active role models who support your family’s lifestyle.

Individualized sessions to your child’s needs by a certified tutor.

After-School Solutions

www.collegenannies.com Lincoln Park • 773-697-9326 | Glenview • 847-998-5657 118 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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ARR Alternative Reproductive Resources One of the first agencies in the country and Chicago’s premier agency is looking for interested:

Egg Donors:

Gestational Surrogates:

$7,000 to all healthy, $30,000+

to women nonsmoking women between the ages of 21-38 and between ages of 20-29. delivered at least one child.

To learn more, Contact ARR:

773.327.7315  info@arr1.com www.arr1.com

Become A Fan On Facebook & Twitter An Upscale Children’s Resale Boutique

954 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 883-0880

Wonderful Selection of Holiday Clothing & Outerwear

20, 30, & 40% OFF

Great selection of toys appropriate for gift giving!

(Closed Dec. 25th thru Jan 1st)

Storewide Clearance begins Jan. 2nd Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5 954 W. Armitage • Chicago (773) 883-0880 • www.2ndchild.com

Jeannie McQueenie’s

Birthday Band

Your Families Matter.

Your Opinions Matter.

Earn Cash For Having Both!

Participate in market research discussions on children’s products from major manufacturers. You’ll receive generous cash compensation for your valuable consumer opinions.

and Mask MakingNEED Classes!

A TUTOR?

For booking call 773 220-6693 or email jeannie.mcqueenie@gmail.com www.jeanniemcqueenie.com libraries, schools, and festivals

Please visit: www.focuscope.com or call 708.386.5086

Ed u ca ti o n al & Fu n Pro g ram s Th ro ug h C reat ive Pu p p et ry

Happy Holidays from

to join the Focuscope Respondent Community.

Give Your Child The Tools To Succeed!

With Club Z! 1-On-1 In-Home Tutoring • All Subjects • All Ages Give Your Child The • SAT/ACT Prep • LD/ADD ToolsFIRST To Succeed!

• Reading • Math • Science

SESSION FREE! * First Session Free!

With Club Z! One-On-One Tutoring In Your Home

Research discussions are strictly confidential and NEVER involve any sales

• Foreign Languages • Study/Organizational Skills

• Flexible Schedules U All Subjects U PreK- Adult Call for details • No Long-Term Contracts U*New SAT/ACT prep U Study Skills Clients Only. Call For Details.

• Affordable Rates • Qualified Tutors All USubjects • All Ages • SAT/ACT Foreign Languages UÊFlexible Schedules U Affordable Rates U Certified and Degreed Tutors Prep • LD/ADD • Flexible Schedules

Affordable Rates • Qualified Tutors

847-234-2622 focuscope www.clubztutoring.com

847-234-2622 000-000-0000

http://clubztutoring.com/northlakecounty www.clubz.com/localwebpage

ChiCago oak Park oak Brook

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Christkindlmarket by the numbers

55 60

Number of vendors at this year’s Christkindlmarket Chicago. Their wares include everything from nutcrackers to European sweets and treats.

Percentage of vendors that were Germanspeaking last year, giving visitors a real taste of a true German Christkindlmarket. Many of the vendors travel from Germany for this event.

18 6 1

Number of years Christkindlmarket has been held in Chicago. This year’s market will run 29 days.

Number of feet tall for the Advent Calendar, a popular part of the market.

The number one selling ornament at the Christkindlmarket is the Christmas pickle.

Christkindlmarket Chicago Daley Plaza Nov. 26-Dec. 24 Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday (closes at 4 p.m.

Christmas Eve) Admission: Free christkindlmarket.com

120 December 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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Fresh Ideas for Curious Minds!

Winter 2014 Worlds of Wisdom and Wonder Sunday afternoon programs for motivated and inquisitive students in grades preK - 8

Buffalo Grove | Burr Ridge | Chicago | Elgin | Elmhurst | Naperville SAVE 10% thru December

Also offering

Winter Break Workshops!

Theater

Art

ETC!

Visit us on the web for program-specific information and course offerings

a Northern Illinois University partner

The Center for Gifted is a not-for-profit organization under IRC Section 501(c)(3)

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Offering a variety of programs year-round...

11/15/13 12:10 PM

November 15, 2013 – January 5, 2014 A tradition for all ages, Season of Wonder celebrates the magic of the winter night sky.

From breath-taking auroras, to icy comets, discover the spectacular sights of the night sky and enjoy nature’s most impressive light show. With seasonal activities, and a one-of-a-kind immersive experience in the World’s Largest Snow Globe, ’tis the season to wonder, observe, and discover at the Adler!

#LookUp adlerplanetarium.org

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