EVENTS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

Holiday Happenings In The Lowcountry

BEAUFORT

A Night On The Town. Downtown Beaufort businesses stay open late Friday, Dec. 2; For info visit www.downtownbeaufort.com Light Up The Night Boat Parade, Dec. 3 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park presented by Main Street Beaufort, USA and The Beaufort Sail & Power Squadron. For more information call 525-6644.

Beaufort’s Annual Christmas Parade

Sunday December 4th @ 3pm, Free Family Fun, Boundary, Carteret & Bay Streets, Historic Beaufort SC

Sea Island Gullah Christmas/Gullah

Taste of Christmas & Rice Cook off. Show off your culinary skill and prepare the rice dish for which are known. Saturday, Dec 3rd 11AM-4PM. Visit www. gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org for more information on the Sea Island Gullah Celebration December 1-4, 2022

BLUFFTON

Bluffton’s Tree Lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., December 2nd, at Martin Family Park followed by Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park’s Pavilion. The movie, “Elf,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. Please bring blankets and/or chairs. Visit townofbluffton.sc.gov for more information.

Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade, Saturday December 3rd at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Santa & Shopping Day Friday, November 25th. Join us for a day-after-Thanksgiving “Santa and Shopping Day” with specials and sales throughout the harbour shops and restaurants at the Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina. Santa will arrive at 12 noon until 2:30 p.m. at the Neptune Statue for children to share their Christmas list and take photos! Additional kids activities from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Holiday Boat Lights Display through December 31st. Take a stroll through our version of a winter wonderland, as Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina transforms into a colorful affair. For more info visit www. sheltercovehiltonhead.com/events-news.

RIDGELAND

Holiday Festival of Music & Lights. Dec 1st - 24th @ 6-9pm. Blue Heron Nature Trail, I-95 Exit 21 10,000 lights illuminate dozens of displays along the trail.

Christmas Night on Main.

Dec 20th starting at 6pm 10688 S. Jacob Smart Blvd. Ridgeland, SC

SAVANNAH Savannah’s Boat Parade Of Lights

Sat, Nov 26, 7 – 9 PM - Dozens of vessels decorated in holiday cheer will parade the Riverfront at 7pm.

Holiday Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 1st, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Telfair Museums, 121 Barnard Street.

POOLER Holiday Fall Festival in the Park

Saturday, December 3rd. 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, 305 W. Collins Street -Pooler, GA

HARDEEVILLE 3rd annual Battle of the Badges on

Tuesday, November 15 The first pitch will be thrown at 6:00 PM in the Richard Gray Sports Complex. This event is FREE and open to the public. Hardeeville Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department @ (843) 227-4089

Hardeeville Christmas Tree Lighting

December 3rd. @ 5:30. at 205 Main Street Hardeeville. For more info visit www. hardeevillesc.gov

CHARLESTON

Lights Up Saturday, November 19, AT 6 PM – 8 PM, Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre.

Annual Christmas Light Parade.

December 10th. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a spectacular Pyrotecnico fireworks show, immediately followed by the start of the parade at Live Oak Dr. headed south ending at Patriots Point Rd.

EDISTO Annual Edisto Beach Christmas Parade

December 11th at 2 PM 100-600 Palmetto Blvd., Edisto Beach, SC

WALTERBORO

Walterboro Christmas Parade. December 1st @ 6:30 PM. The night time parade will travel down Hampton & East Washington Streets! Watch the tree lighting at City Hall at 5:30 then stay for the parade right after!

Tips to Help Families Manage Holiday Stress

Family Features ‘Tis the season for holiday parties, travel, hosting and more. While it is a joyous time of year, the never-ending to-do lists and school being out of session can make everyone feel a little overwhelmed, children included.

• Manage expectations. The commotion that often comes with the holiday season can be stressful for young children, but you can help alleviate worries by familiarizing them with what’s to come. Talk to them about upcoming travel arrangements, who they’ll see at events and what to expect throughout the season. If they are cautious in their current developmental stage, let loved ones know beforehand to give them a little extra space at festivities. Parents can also begin familiarizing little ones with relatives through photos and phone calls.

• Empower children. It’s important for children to understand they have a choice - and family members are willing to respect that choice. Parents should acknowledge their children’s body language and empower them to say “no” in uncomfortable situations. Parents can help by proactively asking questions such as, “Do you want a hug?” and if they say “no,” support them in their decision. This also helps establish healthy long-term social skills.

• Maintain your schedule. Children thrive on consistency, and during the holidays it’s important to at least try maintaining as much of what they’re used to as possible, such as naps, meals and playtime. Changes in schedule can result in more tantrums, so be sure to allow space for them to safely work through their emotions.

It’s also important to note that children feed off their parents’ energy, so make sure you’re in tune with your own emotions. When overwhelmed, openly discuss how you’re feeling and involve your children when taking breaks. For example, “It’s loud in here, would you like to go sit outside with me?”

• Have fun. Make time to spread joy and integrate activities to bond as a family, such as reading holiday-themed books, crafting, playing games, singing or baking. Whether old traditions or new, these are moments your child can cherish for years to come.

• Keep others in mind. While it’s important to set children up for success ahead of the holidays, parents should also teach children the holiday season can look different for others. Putting a focus on experiences rather than the gifts can help them have more to discuss with their peers when returning to school. It’s also a good time to consider donating toys to make room for new ones or volunteering at a local charity to show children joy can be experienced through more than just gifts.