nola family Parent Fearlessly
December 2020
Holiday Gift Guide P. 14
TEATIME AT HOME P. 24
Homemade Gifts P. 21
Camps P. 13
Birthing Options P. 29
First Dental Visits P. 26
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Mr. Rogers: It’s a beautifu l day in the neighb orhood. Name: Elliott Age: 5 Location: Irish Channel
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Minnie Mouse strolling through . the Garden District Names: Destini Child’s Age: 4 Location: New Orleans
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p: Ursula & A riel: Ursula & A riel get along for 2020. Location: Metairie
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nola family CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020
ON THE COVER Asher Oubre, 6, and big sister Maiah, 9, catching the moon in City Park. Photo: Twirl Photography
A FEW WORDS
EDUCATION & GUIDANCE
IN EACH ISSUE
7 From the Editor
6 Open House Calendar When to go
28 Mom About Town
23 Financial Lessons Budgeting with three
32 From the Bookshelf
FEATURES 3 Halloween Costume Contest Winners These little Boos won your votes
8 Holiday Tea Time & Dining with Santa Where to meet Mr. Claus
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| december 2020
10 Buying for the Store
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money jars
26 Pediatric Dentistry Baby’s oral health starts by year one
29 Health Latest trends in birthing
How shop owners make their magic
30 Wiggle Room Developmental toy gift guide
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31 Parenting Corner Keeping race at the forefront
Holiday Camps
Kid fun while school’s out
14
Holiday Gift Guide
Shopping ideas for all
21
Homemade Gifts
Unique gifts to last a lifetime
24
Holiday Tea Party at Home
Festive ideas for holiday entertaining
Danielle LeBlanc
Louisiana Christmas books
34 In the Know Classes and family support resources
35 Out & About What, Where, When: Virtual and special happenings
39 Spotlight Angel’s Place
publisher/editor ANN BOWER HERREN
Contr ibutors
ann@nolafamily.com
managing editor TREVOR WISDOM
ROBERT BAER is a Vice President at Fidelity Bank. He coordinates Fidelity’s Financial Literacy initiative.
trevor@nolafamily.com
office manager JENNY ZIGLIN jenny@nolafamily.com
advertising sales KRISTEN RENFROW kristen@nolafamily.com
designer CAT LANDRUM 2ND STORY CREATIVE edit intern ARIANNA BLAKELY
ARIANNA BLAKELY is an editorial intern with Nola Family Magazine. The native Bostonian is a journalism student at Loyola University New Orleans, class of 2022.
KIMBERLY BRADLEY a pediatric occupational therapist, writes the “Wiggle Room” column. She owns Kim4Kids in Metairie and can be reached at 504.517.5437; kim4kidsnola.com.
ad production SARA YOUNGBLOOD contributing photography TWIRL PHOTOGRAPHY
SCOTT CAMPBELL is publisher of Pelican Publishing, a nationally recognized, local publishing company established in 1926. He also is publisher & founder of River Road Press, a local boutique house of local and regional titles.
For reprint information, contact
ann@nolafamily.com Business Office:
5500 Prytania Street, #617, New Orleans LA 70115
504.866.0555
MONET SOMERVILLE, MS, & X. PATRICE WRIGHT, M.ED., are parent educators at The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital and contributors to the award-winning “Parenting Corner” column. They can be reached at 504.896.9591; chnola.org/our-services/the-parentingcenter.
A publication of
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and/or contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine or its advertisers.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
december 2020 volume 14, issue 9
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Tuesday, Dec. 1
De La Salle High School 4–7 pm
Thursday, Dec. 3
Archbishop Chapelle High School 5, 6, or 7 pm
St. Katharine Drexel Prep 5–7 pm
Friday, Dec. 4
Brother Martin 4–7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 5
Ursuline Academy
Early Childhood Tour (Toddler 1–K)
8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 am
| december 2020
St. Augustine High School
www.nolafamily.com
Monday, Dec. 7
Trinity Episcopal School
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Virtual & In-Person
Thursday, Dec. 10
Les Enfants (15 months–Four years old)
9 am
FR OM THE ED ITO R
Working on this issue brought back a lot of memories of both my own childhood and those of my daughter’s Christmases while she was growing up. I particularly remembered another cataclysmic, dealbreaker of a year, 2005, post-Katrina. Susie and I had just finished moving into a new house after losing ours to flooding (a house that I’d bought unseen after finding it listed in the MLS on the internet while still in Texas). We’d lost our homemade stockings and many of our Christmas ornaments, including those I’d made as a child that my mom had saved for me. The last thing I wanted to do was put up a tree, even if I knew where to find one. But Susie begged and begged, and just when I’d promised I’d get one the next day, a Christmas miracle happened. Walking for exercise that evening in the next block down, I came upon a discarded tree on the curb, fully decorated with lights, tinsel, and a few little purple ornaments still hooked onto branches. I couldn’t believe my eyes and lugged the little tree (about 4-feet tall) the block home with me. Needless to say, Susie was overjoyed! And the lights worked! And I was utterly amazed that my prayers had been answered, perhaps by my grandmother performing a good deed from the other side. I spent that entire holiday wondering who had discarded that tree and why. I hoped very much that they simply were moving back home somewhere, away from the craziness that was New Orleans in December 2005. I still wonder about them every year when I put one of those little purple ornaments on my tree. What didn’t flood in Katrina? The marvelous homemade ornaments that my daughter made for me. When writing the “Homemade Gifts” article, I remembered the fun we had every year making personalized jewelry boxes and Christmas ornaments, beaded necklaces and painted rocks. Once finished, we’d carefully wrap the gifts together, very excited about her beautiful crafts.
These two articles, plus “Out and About” and “Holiday Tea Time & Dining with Santa,” are filled with ideas for you and your children to end 2020 with wonderment and make your own memories to last a lifetime.
Have a grand holiday season,
Trevor Wisdom
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Too, I recalled the Teddy Bear Christmas tea we hosted when Susie was in kindergarten. I made the mistake of letting the kids make the sugar cookie dough and the sticky mess it made when hot little fingers overworked it. Also, I remember the sad cries when cookies came out as blobs instead of angels or as broken-pointed stars. (Hence, my hint in the “Holiday Tea Party at Home” for parents to make the cookie dough ahead of time and keep it cool in the fridge before decorating.)
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HolidayTea Time &
D ining with Santa
Wonderful, socially distanced opportunities to visit with Santa await you and your family this holiday season.
ENCHANTED HOLIDAY TEA
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
La Petite Palace, 5928 W. Metairie Ave. Suite 3, Metairie. Enchantment awaits! The NOLA Pixie Dust Holiday Beauty & Enchanted Prince will be visiting for story time, crafts, photos, and tea time. $30/person (ages 2+). Nov. 29, 1–2 pm; lapetitepalacenola.com.
The Court of Two Sisters, 613 Royal St. Enjoy a festive three-course brunch (buffet, if restrictions lift), visit with Santa, and a gift for every child. $50/person (ages 13+), $30/ person (ages 5–12), and $15/person (ages 0–4). Reservations required; court2si@ courtoftwosisters.com, 504.522.7261 ext. 24. Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 23. 10 am–noon and 1–3 pm. facebook.com/thecourtoftwosisters.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
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Copeland Tower, 2601 Severn Ave., Metairie. Breakfast at Copeland Tower includes individual gingerbread house decorating, family pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday music, and more. Please bring an unwrapped gift for Children’s Hospital. $42/ person, children 3 and under are free. For more information, please call 504-620-3751 or visit eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santatickets-125203839053. Dec. 5. 10 am–1 pm.
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COOKIES WITH SANTA & THE BELLES BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St. Guests young and old will be entertained by the Victory Belles, and enjoy holiday games and a visit from Santa. Special teddy bear gift for all children. $50/person, free for children under 2 years. Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20. 10-11 am and 3-4 pm; stagedoorcanteen.org.
CURBSIDE GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING KIT Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon St. Bring the joy of the Red Fish Grill’s annual gingerbread house building home. $60+ tax, includes a pre-assembled gingerbread house, royal icing, assorted candy, and more. Santa and his elf will personally bring the kit to your car. Dec. 5, 12–13, and 19. 3–4 pm. facebook. com/events/683203195642160.
FROZEN TEDDY BEAR TEA Swamplight Theatre, 950 SW Railroad Ave., Ponchatoula. Enjoy story time, songs and games with Santa’s elves, and surprise character appearances. Each Child will receive a teddy bear and a 5x7 holiday picture. Swamplight.org. $35/seat. Dec. 5, 11 am–1 pm; 3–5 pm. Dec. 6, 3–5 pm. Dec. 12, 11 am–1 pm. Dec. 13, 3–5 pm.
HOLIDAY TEA
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
The Ritz-Carlton, 921 Canal St. A special holiday celebration with an appearance by Papa Noel. Children will enjoy cookie decorating, viewing The Ritz-Carlton’s oneof-a-kind gingerbread display, and other holiday surprises. $70/person. Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19-20, noon; 504.262.5048
Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Blvd., Mandeville. Each child (ages 2–10) will be served breakfast, meet Santa, create holiday crafts, and play reindeer games. Parents are invited to take pictures. Registration is required. Free for children (ages 2–10), parents may purchase additional breakfast for $5. Dec. 12, 9–11 am. Pelicanpark.com.
YOUR SANTA BREAKFAST Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. Hosted by the Youth Service Bureau. Dec. 5. 8 am–noon. Facebook.com/events/282692096359639.
SANTA’S PAJAMA PARTY Royal Sonesta Grand Ballroom, 300 Bourbon St. Children can wear their favorite pajamas, give their wish lists to Santa Claus, and visit the Sugarplum Fairy Princess, and drink hot chocolate with cookies. $65/adults, $45/children under 12. Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20. 9:30-11:30 am or 12:30-2 pm, Restaurant R’evolution.
TEDDY BEAR TEA The Roosevelt New Orleans, 123 Baronne St. Delicious food, specialty teas, and tasty pastries, as well as sparkling wine and mimosas available for purchase for the grown-ups. Children receive a Roosevelt Teddy Bear after a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dec. 5-6, 12–13, 19–20, and 23–24. Times and ticket prices vary by day; therooseveltneworleans.com.
BRUNCH WITH SANTA Mandeville Social, 800 North Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Enjoy brunch with Santa and photography. $12/child. Photography paid to photographer. Dec. 12, 10 am–1 pm. facebook.com/events/352990985850297.
BUILD YOUR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE The Ritz-Carlton, 921 Canal St. Children of all ages are invited to build a festive gingerbread house. Price includes one gingerbread house with all the decorating essentials and holiday refreshments. $175/ table. Dec. 12–13, 19–20, 1 pm; 504.262.5048.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING WORKSHOP Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon St. Decorate pre-assembled gingerbread houses at the restaurant. Order from a shareable seafood menu. $15/person, children 12 months and under free to attend. $45/Gingerbread House kit. For reservations, email clandry@ neworleans-food.com or call 504-539-5508. Dec. 12, 12:30-2:30 pm. facebook.com/ events/465954567696740.
PIRATES AND PRINCESSES HOLIDAY TEA ON THE BAYOU Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour, 6601 Leo Kerner Lafitte Parkway, Marrero. A festive holiday party including lunch, live entertainment, story time, a magic show, face painting, photos with Papa Noel himself, and of course an exciting tour of the surrounding swamplands on a traditional flat-bottom boat. Reservations required. ADULTS: $62/adult, $42/child (ages 6–12), and $19/ child (ages–5). Dec. 12–13, 10:30 am–1 pm and Dec. 12, 2–4 pm. facebook.com/ events/365168628020081.
SANTA & MRS. CLAUS The Book & The Bean, 235 Girod St., Unit A, Mandeville. Drop by, take some photos, and leave Santa a wish list letter. Freddie Blue & The Friendship Circle Band will be playing in the backyard. Grab a table and enjoy your coffee with live music. Visit and shop Girod Street and join in the festivities of The Christmas Past Festival. Dec 12. 10 am–4 pm.
SANTA’S BREAKFAST TEA The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. Bring the kids for a Christmas Eve treat! The family will all enjoy the breakfast and tea set menu. Kids can talk to Santa Claus in a special meet-and-greet. Call 985.898.3988 to make reservations. Pre-pay $30/adult and $15/child. Dec. 24. 10 am–12 pm.
TEA PARTY FOR THE DOLLS Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St. Celebrate the holidays with a sing-along and storytime, create Christmas crafts, and meet Santa. As always, children are encouraged to bring their favorite dolls. $10/person. December 12, 11 am or 1:30 pm. bkhouse.org.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
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B UYING FOR
How these owners cultivate their shop’s personality and stock just what you want
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| december 2020
Ever walk into a store, stand there in amazement, and think, “I’ve been looking for this everywhere! How did they know?!” Or maybe you thought, “I never knew this existed but it’s perfect for me!”
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We’ve all had that feeling. Somehow our favorite stores each have a unique personality that fits ours and we feel at home there as soon as we walk through their door. How do they do it? We asked three local small store owners to give us an inside look into their process and how they shop for you! Typically, owners “shop at market” several times a year for the wonderful items they stock. Although, this has changed somewhat during COVID times, with people less comfortable with travel and being with others in close spaces.
R THE STORE thing everywhere. Hunt Slonem is a good example. They were supposed to launch at Neiman’s and Bergdorfs and they asked to have us be their exclusive store.”
Batt explains their process further, “We all have three overrides per show. If two of us don’t want it but one person does, then we talk it out and analyze why it will work (for the store). And you can override the others (for something you really want).”
Before Coronavirus, the trio used to go to market sometimes six times a year, three times per season, in New York, Atlanta, and Dallas. “We have been to Las Vegas, which is fantastic, believe it or not, because they built a huge (market) center.” And yet, Hazelnut proprietors Bryan Batt, Tom with social distancing in Cianfichi, Katy Danos 2020, he adds, “We didn’t go to market. But we have relationships with vendors, we trust them, and can do our buying online because we know their quality. Although there is nothing like touching, feeling, seeing it.”
Hazelnut has been known since the doors opened in 2003 for their chic home design and decorative accessories, and also their wide assortment of Christmas decorations and ornaments. (“I’m a Christmas nut,” says Batt.) Items like the store’s unique French Quarter patiodesign toile items and other New Orleans-themed items were very popular especially after Katrina. Hazelnut is filled with stylish items that must appeal to each of the owners or it won’t be stocked. And their customers like what the owners like. Batt notes, “But other things we get and think will be huge, and they just sit. And then you get something funny for the hell of it and it’s the huge seller! You just cannot tell. It’s such a diverse city with different tastes, and people here aren’t afraid of color or making a statement,” Batt laughs. The three proprietors recognize that when they’re buying and building relationships with their vendors, it’s important to have something that they have an exclusivity on. “Because you don’t want to see the same
What’s selling at Hazelnut nowadays? Those fabulous Christmas ornaments, of course. And since March, there’s been a run on puzzles and games. “We started with fun, clever, well designed games and then puzzles. And thank god we did! When COVID hit, we couldn’t keep them in stock!”
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Bryan Batt, co-proprietor with husband Tom Cianfichi and friend Katy Danos, of Hazelnut on Magazine Street, says, “People will try to say there are certain trends (when buying) but don’t believe that. Katy, Tom, and I go together to market to buy. We don’t leave any stone unturned – some booths will be general appeal, but one or two are wonderful gems. We try to find something that’s really unique and no one else (no other store) will have. And if we all think it’s fantastic, it’s in!”
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us (me, my mom, and my sister-in-law), and so there’s a comfort level.”
Banbury Cross proprietors Monica Roth Forester and Peggy Roth
Monica Roth Forester is now minding the store with her mother Peggy Roth, who started Banbury Cross 25 years ago this January. Banbury Cross has a timeless quality and always been a family-run business. Daughters, daughter-in-laws, nieces, and soon granddaughters have worked hard to make this “small department store” the local go-to resource for children’s attire and accessories.
The buying process here is a search for one-ofa-kind things. But they are widely known for their classic styles, starting from when Peggy Roth first opened with her own Banbury Cross designs and slowly started adding things like cardigans, accessories, gift items, and baby/ infant day gowns, and so forth. The store then grew and grew. Monica notes about the store designs, “We do have our own production done. We have our designs we stick to. They’re simple, timeless styles, ‘classic Banbury pieces,’ that we always have in stock. Like boy’s gingham shorts. Fiftypercent of what we have are our designs. It’s very reassuring for our customers.” So what is bought in? The Roth ladies go to market in Dallas twice a year, which works for
their shipment time. January is for fall clothes (shipped to the store in July), and August is for the following spring (which arrives at the store in December). But it’s also a year round process. Forester says, “I look for new showrooms and on Instagram, and at new companies that pop up. We need to forecast what we think our customers will like and then we determine what’s sold previously. And I take recommendations from our customers. We’re always looking for the next thing!” Experience still wins out at Banbury Cross, though. “I’m one of seven kids and we’ve been dressing kids and families for 30 years (before this store opened). And I have four daughters. I like to be different. I tell them (our customers) to trust me and they do!”
Monica remarks, “I grew up with it and went to market with mom. I opened the Baton Rouge location (now closed) and ran it for 13 years while mom was still in New Orleans.” These proprietors know their customers, what they like, and what they come back for. And longtime customers have gotten to know the Roth Family’s buying style and so they come back here for certain things consistently, generation after generation. Forester laughed, “We buy what we like and we have great taste. Our customers come in and say ‘I like everything!’ Moms shopped here for their young kids and now they (their kids) are coming to us and buying for their new baby. They know and expect the familiarity of Grace Kaynor and Virginia McCollam are proprietors of Sotre on Magazine Street. This is a high-end gift shop that also is more than a gift shop. They do interior design, have art shows, and sell the work of local and global artists and artisans.
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| december 2020
Grace Kaynor is principal of Grace Kaynor Designs, who has clients from coast to coast. “We’re a full service interior design firm where you can come in and get something for the house, but you can also have (to order) blinds done, pillows made, rugs, linens, and more. And yet pick up gifts.”
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And while it’s more typical for owners to shop at market, these proprietors “don’t do that anymore.” Notes McCollam, “our focus has changed; so many stores used to copy us. We look for the next thing and do what’s different. And we don’t want to have vendors that someone else will get and then put in their store.”
Sotre proprietors Virginia McCollam and Grace Kaynor
More than anything, McCollam considers Sotre “an ambassador for sustainability.” To this point, Kaynor reiterates that they are
committed to stocking organic, natural or sustainable goods. “Things that are good for the environment. And we go a step further, like the Lilley Line that we carry. These items are made by women in El Salvador of recycled products. It’s a real cottage industry and a way of giving back ecologically as well.” Kaynor also mentions that wherever their goods are made, they must be made sustainably, like the items from Charles Farris of London. “They’ve been in business since 1845 and are the candlemakers to the royal family. All their candles are made from beeswax, the fragrances are natural, and (they use) recycled packaging. We like things that are handmade, even luxury. All the jewelry (we have) is made by hand at a workbench, using original craft methods or lost art methods.” Kaynor sums up their store philosophy when she says, “It’s really something that we’re committed to for future generations, and our families and our friends’ children and our planet. When people are getting a gift (from here), they’re giving to their families and the larger world.”
Winter Holiday Camps FUN ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS TO KEEP THE KIDS HAPPY AND OCCUPIED OVER THE HOLIDAYS WHILE SCHOOL IS OUT.
Cascade Stables Winter Riding Camp
Franco’s Tennis Christmas Camp
Ages: 5 and older Cost: $85/day, $5/hr for before/aftercare Dates/Times: Dec. 21–23, 28–30, 9 am–3 pm. Contact: 504.891.2246
Ages: 5–13 Cost: $50/day for members and $60/day for nonmembers; $10 sibling discount Dates/Times: Dec. 23–24, 28–31, & Jan. 18, 8 am–5:30 pm, beforecare available Contact: 985.792.0205
Enjoy riding, crafts, games, and learning about horse care.
Church’s Karate Winter Break Camp Ages: 4–12 Cost: $45/day, includes before/after care; teacher and sibling discounts available. Dates/Times: Dec. 21-23; Dec. 28-Jan. 1, Jan. 4, 8:30 am–3:30 pm, early drop-up 7 am, late pick-up 6 pm Contact: churchskarateacademy.com, 504.517.8268 A full-day camp experience that is equally educational as it is exciting and fun. It is sure to be a safe, positive, and motivational camp adventure where your child is guaranteed to obtain physical and mental fitness. Campers participate in activities including karate, parkour, gymnastics, arts and crafts, board games, and Legos.
Ages: 5–12 Cost: $75/day plus tax, before/aftercare available for $20 Dates/Times: Dec. 23, 28–31, 9 am–3 pm, Contact: 985.727.5553, info@culinarykidsns.com Kids cook their meals, perform wild science experiments, enjoy indoor/outdoor games and exercises, make crafts, enjoy the gardens, feed the chickens, and meet guest visitors.
Longue Vue Holiday Camp Ages: 5-10 Cost: $85/day Dates/Times: 21-23, 9 am-12 noon Contact: longuevue.com/day-camp Kids develop gardening skills and learn how plants and gardens are connected to holiday celebrations around the world.
New Orleans JCC Winter Break Mini Camp Ages: K–5th grade both locations, preschool 3–5-year-olds Metairie only Costs: Members only; $280/week (Uptown), $195/week (Metairie) Locations: 53342 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans (Uptown); 3747 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie (Metairie) Dates/Times: Uptown & Metairie: Dec. 21–24 and 28-31; before/aftercare available. Contact: nojcc.org Staff will guide participants through an active day filled with group activities, creative arts, athletic games, and more. Bring a bagged lunch and wear closed-toe shoes so you can take part in all of the fun. Masks and temperature checks required.
Ages: 4.5–12 Cost: Single or multi-day enrollment: $59/day, $55/day for 2–4 days, and $48/day for 5+ days Dates/Times: Dec. 21-24, 28-31, Jan. 4, 9 am–3 pm. Before/aftercare available from 7:30–5:30 at additional cost. No aftercare on Dec 24 & Dec 31. Contact: ponytalesnola@aol.com or text: 504.469.0148 NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Learn the basics of safely handling, grooming and good balance riding a pony or horse appropriate to age and experience. Many other fun activities no matter the weather (inside and out) like crafts, driving a pony cart, and more!
¡Vamonos NOLA! Winter Camp Ages: 5–12 Cost: $360/session Location: 600 Eleonore St., New Orleans Dates/Times: Dec. 21–24/Dec. 28–31; 8:30 am–3 pm, extended care available Contact: info@vamonosnola.com or 504.495.2345 ¡Vamonos NOLA! is your Spanish Language Vacation Camp Destination. Your camper will make friends and build memories while laying a foundation of multilingualism.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Culinary Kids Holiday Camp
Kids spend fun-filled days at Franco’s in groups suited to their age. Activities include holiday arts and crafts, outdoor pool play with inflatables, making edible desserts, and exercise. Lunch and snacks are provided fresh from the grill daily.
Pony Tales Holiday Camp
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H oliDaY Gift GuiDe
2020
www.nolafamily.com
| december 2020
SHOPPING FUN FOR EVERYONE AND EVERY BUDGET – FROM CLOTHES AND TOYS TO ART, LIONS, AND BOOKS!
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4 2 1. Adopt an Animal
2. Art Out of the Box Activity Kit Endless family fun! Pick a subject and a technique card, and add imagination to unleash hundreds of artistic drawing possibilities. 80 activity cards. Ages 6-12 years ($19.99). New Orleans Museum of Art, noma.org/shop, City Park.
The perfect gift for toddlers and preschoolers, the Mini 3in1 Deluxe scooter grows with your child, ages 1 through 5, is virtually indestructible, and is the highest-rated scooter of its kind. Micro offers the highest quality scooters in terms of design and construction, meaning you can rest assured that it will last from adventure to adventure, year to year, and child to child. Ages 1-5 ($119.99). ZukaBaby, zukababy.com, 701 Metairie Rd., Ste. 1A-109, Metairie.
4. Mini-Kitchen Utensils Kids love to help in the kitchen, and Island Bamboo’s mini utensils are perfect for little hands. Dyes don’t run or bleed. Hand wash. ($8+) amazon.com and housewares stores.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Adopt a lion, elephant, penguin, ladybug, and more through Audubon Nature Institute’s “Adopt An Animal” program. Your symbolic animal adoption will help care for the more than 15,000 animals in Audubon’s care. Adopt by Monday, December 14, to receive by Christmas. All ages ($25 and up). Audubon Institute, audubonnatureinstitute.org/adopt-an-animal.
3. Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe Scooter
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10 8 9 5. Giant Hug Me Chicken
8. Christmas Ornaments
Ready for laughs? This giant rubber chicken – almost 3-feet tall and screams for up to 45 seconds – is sure to generate bellyaching laughs. (It did in our office!) Multiple colors. ($46.99). hugmechicken.com
Ornaments galore, fun and festive, can be found here to suit every Christmas tree and to knock out your friend gift list fast! Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com, 5525 Magazine St.
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This item takes outdoor ride-on toys to the next level with the side-by-side fun for two toddlers ($139.99). Le Jouet Toy Store, lejouet.com, 1700 Airline Dr., Metairie.
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6. Step2 Side-by-Side Push Around SUV
Perfect mom gift! Bold in size and style, this popular tote has room for all your extras to easily take you from work to play ($225). Little Miss Muffin, shoplittlemissmuffin.com, 766 Harrison Ave.
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7. Rose Metallic Big Breezy East/West Tote
9. Shark Chair Little ones will love snuggling into their shark chair for storytime and special family moving watching. Ages 3+, up to 100 lbs. ($63.99). deltachildren.com.
10. Nola Christmas Tees Locally designed, these printed tees will get your kids in the New Orleans Christmas spirit; tees: Newborn–Childrens XL ($24). Two Sprouts, twosprouts.com, see website for locations.
Trying to get you r message out? You could try making a wish... or you could call us at nola family and reach everyone that matters! (not that we’re knockin’ fairies) to advertise with us, call 504.866.0555 or email us at info@nolafamily.com
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11. Red Beans & Rice
14. Velvet Dress
Jeanette Weiland’s Red Beans & Rice is a playful and polite farm visit where kids of cultural diversities discover the earth to table connection. Ages 3-8 ($19.95). Octavia Books, octaviabooks.com, 513 Octavia St.
This exquisite dress by Sal & Pimenta out of Spain, is a customer favorite and perfect for attending Holiday tea parties. Available Sizes 2T through 10 ($98). Banbury Cross, banburycrosskids.com, 100 Atherton Dr., Metairie.
12. When I Was an Alligator
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Follow a curious Cajun kid as she magically and mysteriously transforms into a series of wetlands creatures, each animal revealing something of themselves in the process ($20.00). Octavia Books, octaviabooks.com, 513 Octavia St.
15. Madame Alexander Doll The newly released Sweet Smiles collection are the perfect dolls for toddlers to cuddle and nurture, with its soft fabric body. Available in three skin tones. Ages 2+ ($34.99). At specialty retailers and amazon.com.
13. Baby Gift Box
16. Wool Slippers
Carefully curated Sotre gift boxes make gift giving simple. New arrival baby box with stuffed unicorn, baby alpaca, and unicorn baby blanket ($145). Sotre, sotrecollection.com, 3933 Magazine St.
These comfy ladies slippers are perfect for coffee sipping in the kitchen on chilly mornings and scooting around the house. Sizes 6-9. Earthsavers, New Orleans, Metairie, Mandeville. Earthsavers.online.com
Roman Catholic School 316 Lafitte Street • Mandeville, Louisiana
Now accepting applications • ourladyofthelakeschool.org
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Three-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Our Lady of the Lake
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| december 2020
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17. All About Me Kaleidoscope
20. Plush Tie-Dye Shorts
Kids make one-of-a-kind kaleidoscopes while the companion storybook and self-concept tree project create opportunities to explore empathy and self-worth. Ages 4-7 ($24.99). meandmine.com.
Casual, cozy, fun and stylish, these colorful pastel tie-dye plush shorts are destined to become a well-worn favorite this holiday season. Sizes 3-12 ($25). Sayings Kids, sayingskids.com.
18. Plus Plus-Go Sets
21. 3D Puzzle Sphere
Your aspiring builder will have endless fun piecing together the parts of a super-fast go-cart. Great for at home and even better when on the go! ($18.99+). Little Pnuts Toy Shoppe & Party Boutique, littlepnutstoyshoppe.com, 400 Harrison Ave.
Roto Brain is a teaser puzzle game with three levels of difficulty that twists and turns to crack the code. Memory booster that tests IQ and enhances critical thinking. Ages 8-adult ($19.99) amazon.com.
19. Pink Sequin Beanie Hat Shine bright this holiday season with a stylish pink sequin ribbed beanie hat with fur pom. Sizes 3-8 ($44). Sayings Kids, sayingskids.com.
22. Kendama Fun for all ages, the Kendama is Japanese wooden skill toy that strengthens hand eye coordination, balance and reflexes. Endless trick possibilities to master. ($18). Little Miss Muffin, shoplittlemissmuffin.com, 766 Harrison Ave.
e d a m e m o
H Gifts
Ornaments
Plain glass ornaments are readily available for purchase everywhere, as are glitter pens, glue, glitter, and all manner of decorating items. Have your child decorate the ornament or write their name in glitter along with the year for grandparents and special family members to enjoy on their tree every year. Or, purchase plain wooden ornaments at a craft store. Your child’s school picture can be affixed to one side and decorated for a truly one-of-akind memento. Something more topical and fun, perhaps? Nothing says “2020” like “dumpster fire!” Make your own dumpster fire ornament with a small box, cover it with black construction paper, and fill with multiple orange, yellow, and red flames cut from construction paper. Write “2020” on the side in gold glitter and make it hangable by gluing a small metal pinch-style hair clip to the bottom.
Wreaths
Purchase circular forms from the hobby store, wrap in the appropriately colored ribbon (red or green for Christmas, or gold for Mardi Gras), snip the beads once to make a long string, and then glue them, one-by-one in alternating colors onto the ribbon to completely cover. Thumbtack a strip of ribbon onto the back for hanging from the door, and decorate with a large bow of red and green, or purple, green, and gold.
You don’t have to b e an artis memorab an to ma le gift for ke a a particu And when lar someo that gift ne. is m child, it b ade by﹘ ecomes e or with﹘ xtraordin a ary. Here are some fun ideas tha would be t any recip thrilled to ient receive.
Face Mask Hangers
We’re all needing to keep masks at the front door, ready to grab, so what better gift than a hanging organizer? Purchase a wooden wall decor board (pre-sanded) from a craft store, and then either stain or paint it. From there, evenly measure and mark spots along the bottom and then screw in hooks from which to hang masks. Decorate the piece with a theme, or paint your recipients’ name or a saying at the top. Make sure your child signs and dates their masterpiece on the back.
Decorated Apron
Admit it: you wear an apron and love it. And you’re not the only one! Purchase “blank” aprons at your local restaurant supply (in New Orleans, we have Caire) or craft store, and also several shades of acrylic paint and brushes. Cover your table with lots of newspaper and let the kids paint a special scene﹘whether their favorite foods, flowers, or a decorated Christmas tree. Even the littlest angel can decorate an apron by applying hand or foot prints! Simply coat their palms or soles of their feet with a layer of the paint and have them press down. If you’re not up to the paint, let them decorate the apron with color fabric markers or Sharpies.
Decorated Water Bottles
Your kiddo’s decorated water bottle will be a hit everywhere it goes. Plain water bottles can be purchased everywhere﹘from box stores to drug stores and all points in between. This is a craft project that can be tackled solo by the smallest elf using stickers. Or let your older kids create a personal statement on their bottles with Sharpies or stickers. Vinyl stickers are best. If you use paper stickers, a grownup will need to spray the bottle outdoors with decoupage glue (which goes on white but dries clear). No matter how you craft your special gift items this year, we know each masterpiece will become a cherished item.
Trevor Wisdom is managing editor of Nola Family magazine who has kept every precious homemade gift her daughter ever made her.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Attic full of Mardi Gras beads? Let your child turn them into wreaths! Depending upon what color beads you have, you can make either Christmas or Mardi Gras wreaths for hanging on your loved one’s front door.
Gifts mad love for t e with people inhe special your life
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If you love our magazine and have some sales experience, we’d love to talk.
nola family
We’re looking for great talent to join our growing team of digital and print account executives. Interested?
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| december 2020
Call 504.866.0555 or email ann@nolafamily.com
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FINANCIAL LESSONS
ENCOURAGING KIDS TO
BUDGET
THEIR MONEY
With the start of a new year right around the corner, why not start working with your children on developing, and documenting, a budget? If your family is making New Year’s Resolutions, this one will benefit your children for years to come and is something that can be adjusted based on their age. The two concepts you’ll have to work on center around the relationship between work (making money) and money (spending, saving, donating). These seem like pretty simple concepts but can be tricky to teach in a world where instant gratification seems to be the norm.
Where does my child get their money? This is not the money they get as gifts, but the money they spend when the gift money runs out.
There should be tasks associated with receiving an allowance, or a request for additional monies needed for a purchase in excess of what they have saved. For younger children, the tasks may be as simple as picking up their room, for older ones it could be taking out the trash or washing the
The three money jars One way to teach them how to budget is called the “three money jars” and here’s how it works. When your child earns money (from work or gifts), have them budget it into three jars: one for saving, one for spending, and one for sharing or donating. This exercise helps them focus on short term goals (like candy), long term goals (like purchasing a new app), and giving back (donating to a worthy cause). Some very real conversations will be had about exactly how to allocate the money, I’ll leave the percentages up to you. But the sooner you start the process, the sooner your child will learn that money is not an infinite resource and that if they really want something, they’re probably going to have to work to make money to pay for it. Once you’ve developed a budget, document it and refer to it often. If something changes, such as them making
more money, they will need to change the amounts they’re putting in the jars, update the budget, and make sure they understand the impact of the change – good or bad. Discussing their budget – and reviewing it at appropriate times – will help your child develop an understanding of the commitment needed to successfully manage their money throughout their lifetime. When they go to college should not be the first time they have to budget money, as by then they may have formed poor habits that may be hard to break. My wife and I often have spending conversations with my grandson. It seems like every time we’re in the car with him, he wants us to stop at a toy store and buy another dinosaur for him. Once we started discussing the impact the dinosaur purchases were going to have on our ability to visit Disney World again, the requests slowed down considerably. Yes, at five he is already a big-time Disney fan. His parents are going to have to set up three jars for him soon so he has the financial ability to continue being a fan when he visits Disney World with his grandkids.
Sponsored by Robert Baer is a Vice President at Fidelity Bank. He coordinates Fidelity’s Financial Literacy initiative.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Another question you should ask yourself is, “what is my child doing to earn their money,” with earn being the key word. And if your child is receiving an allowance, “what work are they doing to earn their allowance?”
car. Whatever you choose, the important concept for them to learn is that they need to work for the money they receive. You also need to determine how they are spending the money they earn.
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HOLIDAY TEA PARTY
at Home
From teddy bears to princesses, cookies to gingerbread men - fun ideas for your tea party Hosting a holiday tea party is an easy and fun way to entertain close friends or family during this COVID-19 holiday season. And with New Orleans’ usual lovely and temperate December weather, you can hold your tea party in the backyard for greater social distancing.
FIRST THINGS FIRST Draw up your guest list. And be sure to “stick to your tribe,” limiting your invitees to those friends and/or family members you have been safely associating with these past few months. The guest list will also help you and your child decide upon a theme, which will in turn will drive your invitations and decorations, and party activities.
THEME IDEAS • Little girls might choose princess dress-up (with dolls as extra guests) or teddy bears. • Boys might like teddy bears dressed in bow-ties (or make paper bow-ties on the day of the party). • If you’re planning to bake at the party, a pastry chef theme would be fun, with chef’s hats given to the guests when they arrive, or paper hats decorated and sent as invitations. • For a Kris Kringle gift exchange party, guests can dress as elves or elf hats can be sent as invitations to wear on party day.
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| december 2020
• An ornament decorating party could include baskets of different sized plain ornaments with glitter pens, glue, sequins, bows, and more at work tables or stations.
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Make sure your guests know to bring their dolls, teddies, elves on the shelves (or whatever item) with them on the big day.
DECORATIONS Carry over your theme into the decorations. For a classic tea party, arrange cut flowers in extra tea pots and tea cups to decorate your tables. Teddy bears of all sizes or bright paper bow-ties can decorate your house and the front door if you opt for that theme. If your daughter chooses a princess tea, decorate your tables in Cinderella blue or Belle yellow, with either birds or red roses as accents. For a baking party, tie ribbons on cookie cutters to decorate your tables and Christmas tree. And then give these or cute holiday oven mitts to your guests as a party gift.
TEA AND OTHER BEVERAGES Well, it is a tea party, so tea should definitely be served! Choose caffeine-free flavors for the kids, and opt for a fun holiday flavor like gingerbread spice, candycane, or caramel apple. And then consider brewing a classic such as Earl Grey or English breakfast for the grownups. If you’re planning to bake cookies at your party, nothing says the holidays like hot cocoa with cookies straight from the oven! Another December favorite everyone can enjoy is sparkling apple cider, served either in teacups or flutes.
Does your child experience the following: Difficulty holding a pencil/crayon? Trouble with transitions?
Picky eating? Poor coordination?
WE CAN HELP!
MENU Who doesn’t love tea sandwiches (aka finger sandwiches)? Flavors can be as simple as peanut butter and jelly for little ones, and as extravagant as smoked salmon and caviar for grownups.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Check out the "Wiggle Room" article in THIS issue!
Classic holiday ideas: • Cucumber sandwiches
FIRST PLACE
• Egg salad sandwiches • Smoked turkey and chutney sandwiches • Potato Latkes with sour cream and applesauce • Currant or cranberry scones • Chocolate-dipped strawberries • Petit fours • Pound cake • Cookie or gingerbread baking If your little guests will be baking, make your cookie or gingerbread dough a day in advance and keep it cold in the refrigerator until ready to decorate. Use only a small portion at a time, keeping the rest cold; this way, the dough will stay pliable and be easy to work with. Have aprons, towels, and plenty of different cookie cutters on hand. Set up different work stations at your counter (or tables) both to keep some social distance and prevent crosscontamination from licked fingers and tools. Each station should have a tray holding separate ramekins for decorating, like icing, red hots, colored sprinkles, and M&M’s.
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT Who doesn’t love singing Christmas carols or Hanukkah songs? Answer: no one! Download a playlist in advance and leave time for everyone to sing their favorite holiday songs.
Trevor Wisdom is managing editor of Nola Family and loves throwing thematic parties for all occasions.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
No matter the theme you choose or number of guests, your party is limited only by your and your child’s creativity and love of the holidays.
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WHY DENTAL CARE STARTS BEFORE BABY’S FIRST TOOTH YOUR BABY’S ORAL HEALTH AND THEIR FIRST PEDIATRIC DENTAL VISIT
www.nolafamily.com
| december 2020
Not familiar with pediatric dentistry? These kid experts should play a regular role in your child’s development, from the time of their first baby teeth through their teen years.
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“Starting kids at the right dentist, at the right time, in the right way, can make a difference for a lifetime of oral and overall health,” says Dr. Susan Fallahi, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist at Uptown Pediatric Dentistry. “Adults sometimes harbour fears (about dentistry) that stem from difficult childhood experiences.” She continues, “If you start kids off at a dental office specifically designed for children - from the waiting area to the dental chairs and equipment - it creates a fun and relaxing experience that they will look forward to.”
What sets pediatric dentistry apart
Anticipatory guidance
• Pediatric dentists are kid specialists with two-to-three additional years of training specific to pediatric oral health.
The initial visit is recommended around the child’s first birthday. Explains Dr. Fallahi, “The best time to meet the parent and child is after the first tooth has come in. I advise the parents that optimal oral health and hygiene, and diet and nutrition best practices are essential so that we can lay a solid foundation. It is important to be proactive to give (the kids) a great start for when the primary teeth (all) come in. It’s how you keep the mouth healthy and prevent future issues.”
• These dentists are trained to accommodate children with special needs or special medical considerations that might be beyond the scope of what a general - or family - dentist could provide.
Practices and teams geared to kids Pediatric dentistry offices are designed with children’s comfort in mind. For example, Uptown Pediatric Dentistry’s waiting room is bright and welcoming, with games, books, toys, and entertainment options like cartoons and movies. The exam chairs are tailored for children to provide the most comfortable experience possible. The hygienists and staff are accustomed to working with children and are experts at kid-friendly communication.
Dr. Fallahi speaks at length with parents during visits, providing information specific to that child’s age group. She instructs them to pay attention to certain things as their child grows, such as “teething stages, thumb sucking, bottle and breast feedings, and other habits.” And equally important to a pediatric dentist is developing a rapport where families can get answers to questions (such as the ones on the next page), and getting a child started on a lifetime of oral health.
Seek out a pediatric dentist for more information and to get your child on the right path to a lifetime of oral health.
True or False?? Baby teeth don’t need brushing. False! A baby’s first tooth needs to be brushed with a soft bristle toothbrush as soon as the tooth breaks the gumline.
Thumbsucking is not harmful. False! Thumbsucking can malform the jaw and tooth alignment! Caveat: Thumbsucking is normal and a natural self-soothing mechanism for children under the age of two years.
Breastfeeding does not cause cavities. False! Not alone, it won’t, but if mothers allow breastfeeding on demand throughout the night, after the first teeth have erupted and the baby is on solid foods, that behavior can cause cavities, as the natural cleaning action of salivary flow decreases while sleeping.
Bottlefeeding does not cause cavities. False! The same is true here: don’t give children bottles at nighttime to feed at will. If your child still needs to wake up at night to nurse or feed, be sure to wipe their teeth with a soft cloth before they go back to bed.
Children should not get dental X-rays. False! While general dentists may defer X-rays, this can lead to unforeseen problems later down the road. Pediatric dentists have properly sized equipment to handle these tests easily.
Teeth should be brushed immediately after eating. False! Eating affects the mouth’s pH balance, making it more acidic (which causes demineralization). Wait 30-minutes before brushing to allow the saliva to bring the pH back up.
Fluoride toothpaste cannot be used before age five. False! Yes, you can and should use a fluoride toothpaste on young children! Early and consistent use of topical fluorides can make teeth more resistant to cavities for the lifetime of the tooth. Caveat: Use only a small dab the size of a grain of rice until they’re able to spit the toothpaste out.
Cavities in baby teeth don’t matter.
Trevor Wisdom is managing editor of Nola Family magazine; she loves going to the dentist.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
False! Baby teeth last 10-12 years in some instances and are very important for many reasons. Cavities can grow and lead to infection, pain, and tooth loss. These teeth are important to a child’s overall health. They’re needed not only for chewing but also maintaining the structure of the face and hold space in the jaws for the permanent teeth.
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5 Danielle LeBlanc MOM ABOUT TOWN
THINGS
I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW
Christmas is Danielle LeBlanc’s special time of year. She and husband Robèrt had one of their first dates at Celebration in the Oaks and then he proposed to her there, in a gazebo, the Christmas after Hurricane Katrina. Their boys, Bear (10 ) and Will (7), both are Newman students.
TRADITION GIFTS One of our favorite holiday traditions is the annual gingerbread house building workshop at Red Fish Grill. The kids sip hot chocolate and decorate houses while we adults sip bourbon milk punch. Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon St.
My favorite place for Christmas gifts is Hazelnut, especially their awesome ornaments. Last year I got the Prince and Willie Nelson ornaments for two close friends.
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CATION
Robert’s company, LeBLANC+SMITH, just opened Hotel Chloe. We recently stayed as a family in the Picard Suite. I loved having my morning coffee in a rocking chair on the front porch. Hotel Chloe, 4125 St. Charles Ave.
FAMILY
STAY
| december 2020
Hazelnut, 5525 Magazine St.
Nothing gets us into the holiday spirit more than Celebration in the Oaks. We go as a family each year and our boys especially love the Train Garden and the giant Mr. Bingle. City Park
EAT La Crêpe Nanou has been one of our family and date night favorites forever. And it is even more special this time of the year with it’s Christmas decor and its coziness.
Born to Rule Expectant moms take charge of their own childbirth Gone are the days of rote deliveries, with procedures dictated by the obstetrician or the hospital administration. Now a range of personalized birthing options are available that just twenty years ago were not being offered, much less considered.
The biggest driver in birthing trends is that expectant moms are taking charge and are more involved in their labor and delivery decisions and are choosing personalized new options on the big day. This in turn has spurred the popularity of and rise in birth centers and the services of doulas, birthing educators, midwives, and lactation consultants. Amanda Devereux of Nola Nesting has been on the birthing front lines as a doula since 2010. She observes that, “probably what I’m finding among my clients is a desire for autonomy. They (expectant mothers) are looking to be treated and cared for as individuals and they want their voices to be heard.”
Hospital birth centers Birth centers within hospitals are common today and offer individualized experiences to delivering mothers. Among the key features of these centers are their homelike environments that are still squarely within a hospital facility should special needs arise during or after birth.
Independent birth centers These facilities are more affordable than hospitals and in most instances offer a faster departure after delivery, with delivery performed by certified professional midwives. Generally, birth center staff administer to home births as well as those planned at the center. While widely available
Doulas and Midwives The chief difference between doulas and midwives is that doulas are not medical care providers and midwives are. A doula is there to comfort and guide the mother throughout her labor and afterwards, and serves as an advocate if she feels that the mother’s voice is not being heard by the attendant medical team. A doula also can be hired to stay on with the mother postpartum and support her in the early days and months of new parenthood, breastfeeding, and recovery. Midwives, on the other hand, are responsible for the mother’s health and safety before, during, and after delivery. There are three categories of midwives: certified, certified nurse midwife, and certified professional midwife, all of which must attend an accredited education program and be licensed. The differences between them are the degrees of their education. Different states have varying licensing credentials for midwives.
Birthing assists Hydrotherapy – Different from a water birth, immersion in warm water can provide relaxation and pain relief during any part of labor, including the pushing phase. Labor & delivery rooms often have their own tubs. Birthing balls & peanut balls – Some women find these can relieve pelvic or spinal pressure and pain when sat upon or draped over, or have them used to roll along their back or hips. Birthing chairs & birthing stools – The strength of working with gravity to push through a contraction in an upright or squatting position is behind these new designs. Nitrous oxide – Don’t laugh! The gas is a common delivery pain relief, as it does not slow labor, limit mobility or pose harm to the baby. It can be used while waiting for an epidural. Regardless of where you choose to deliver, know that multiple options are available to you – just ask – and then tailor your birthing plan to suit you and your baby.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Mary Kay Ford, Director of Women’s Centers, Ochsner Baptist, notes: “Giving birth is a very personal experience. With that in mind, we designed the Perkin Alternative Birthing Center to provide mothers-to-be with the option for a unique, natural birthing option located in the Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion. Our team of Certified Nurse Midwives works closely with mothers to help personalize their birth plan with many options including water birth in a home-like setting.”
and licensed in other states, Louisiana regulatory restrictions limit operation to facilities that have a collaborating physician to sponsor them. Exceptions exist in Baton Rouge, and on the North Shore and in Acadiana are two branches of The Birth House.
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y o T l a t n e Developm
WIGGLE ROOM
E D I U G T GIF
toys for t s e b e th f o e m What are so y child’s development? andparents. promoting m m parents and gr
ays fro around the holid d also promote r question I get la pu y that are fun, an po ap ry er ve th a in e us This is we ys ills. to e my favorit d gross motor sk Here are some of to fine motor an d te la re s ill sk l developmenta
INFANTS & TODDLERS (under 3 years)
AGES 3-6
• Balls of various sizes and toys that pull apart and push together
• Easel. Painting and writing on vertical surfaces promote
(like Bristle Blocks, Large Duplos Legos) that promote use of both hands, gross motor skills, and fine motor strength.
• Magnetic stacking blocks. Magnetic blocks help promote stacking skills and also can be pulled apart to work on bilateral hand use.
• Spin Again Spinning Stacker. Placing various sized round gears
• Dolls and dress-up costumes. Dressing and undressing dolls
• Pound a ball, hammer toys. Toys with tools are an easy and fun way
• Wind up toys and fidget toys. Great for fine motor skills and
to promote fine motor development.
• Mr. Potato Head. A classic toy great for fine motor development and teaching body parts.
• Bath toys. Toys that involve pouring water can improve fine motor skills and self help skills.
• Large foam gym blocks. Large durable blocks are great for encouraging gross motor development by climbing on and over. They are great for working on stacking, have many uses for pretend play, and allow a child to jump and crash upon safely. • Marble run. Larger versions are terrific for fine motor and gross motor skills.
CLASSICS (Age 6 & up) • Simon | december 2020
plays helps improve fine motor skills and helps kids learn how to use utensils.
• Kid-sized gardening tools. Gardening is a wonderful sensory
on a peg gets really fun as they spin round and round down a corkscrew.
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• Cooking toys and food sets with utensils. Toy food pretend
• Shape sorter and large wooden puzzles with large knobs, large
coin piggy bank. Toys that require putting items into containers promote fine motor and visual motor skills.
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proper fine motor and pencil grasp development.
• Memory • Hi Ho Cherry O • Etch a Sketch, Aqua
Doodle, Magna Doodle
• Lite Brite • Ants in the Pants • Operation • Battleship • Don’t Break the Ice
experience for children and garden tools work on upper body strength.
and putting on and taking off costumes provide practice for dressing and self-help skills. also to help improve focusing when fidgety.
DEVELOPING GROSS MOTOR SKILLS • Grocery baskets. More stable than push toys, miniature
realistic baskets are great for putting items in (and out of) the basket and pushing around; improves gross motor skills and lower body strength.
• Plasma car. Incorporates motor planning and whole body work; safe indoors.
• Small trampoline or hippity hop ball: Great for jumping and
fantastic tools to get the wiggles out, especially on rainy days.
ALL AGES • Tents, bean bags, large cushions, tunnels. Perfect for
setting up a home cozy corner that can offer your child a safe place to reset, regroup, or relax with a book.
• Kinetic sand, modeling clay, floam, model magic,
play do, slime. Multi-sensory toys encourage sensory exploration through touch, decrease touch sensitivity, and promote fine motor skills.
• Art supplies: Pastels, oils, finger paints, dry erase markers, crayons, chalk. The younger the child is, the shorter and fatter the paint brush or art tool should be.
• Toys with tongs. Improve fine motor skills, especially when incorporated already into a game. (Fruit Stand Avalanche is a favorite.)
Many of these toys can be used across all ages, and all will provide endless fun while improving your child’s developmental skills. Use best judgement as to what your child would like to engage in most.
Kimberly Bradley, MS, LOTR, is a pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Kim4Kids in Metairie.
RACE TALK
PARENTING CORNER
HELP YOUR CHILD
APPRECIATE
DIFFERENCES It may be the end of a difficult year on many levels, but that does not mean that we should end discussions about highly charged topics, including race. Article after article has been written to highlight the systematic racism and inequities that exist in our country. We also have seen the ugly side of injustice play out on the screens of our phones, tablets, and TVs.
Raising a child who appreciates differences
As parents, are you still talking to your child(ren) about race, taking advantage of every teachable moment possible? Or, have you put away the race talk, just as you did your Thanksgiving decorations?
• Be intentional – expose your child to different races
Keeping race at the forefront Race talk, if parents want to teach their children about uniqueness, should remain at the forefront of parenting, not just when a racial issue is trending. Not that it should be discussed daily, but there are often opportunities to discuss, share stories, and model ways to treat all respectfully. It can start with something as simple as intentionally saying hello to people you encounter when grocery shopping, at the bank, or when walking in your neighborhood. Often society reminds individuals of race even if not as a conscious thought. For example, reading is a fundamental skill, but what if your child does not often see pictures of individuals that look like them depicted on the covers of books or magazines? This may deter them from having an interest in that book. Ultimately, this could be the difference between whether a child acquires a love for reading or not.
Implicit bias
through books, stories, celebrations of cultures (Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month).
• Be respectful – talk about race differences and the contributions made to the world by ethnic groups. When discussing, be mindful of tone and facial expressions. Keep it positive!
• Be reflective – avoid making subtle assumptions about people, attempt to unlock any unconscious biases you may have yourself, and be willing to learn more about other races you may be unfamiliar with.
• Be mindful – think about your words and actions and the messages you convey. Your child is always watching you and learning from you how to interact with others.
Model the behavior you expect to see Consciously thinking about the relevance of race talk and coupling it with purposeful actions could not only make a difference in how your child approaches differences, but also how you approach them.
Explicit bias By age 4, children can begin to show explicit bias with their teachers. Explicit biases are those that we are aware of. If a child’s teacher looks like them, the child is more likely to learn and to be more forgiving of faults than if the teacher were of another race or ethnicity. By the time a child is school aged, the explicit biases frame their world. This can be seen when children more often rate Black dolls negatively and white dolls positively, even if the child considers themself to be Black. This means that by the time a child of color is in school, they already have a negative outlook of themselves because of how society perceives people of color.
The authors are educators at The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. X. Patrice Wright, M.Ed., teaches school readiness and classes for parents of teens. She facilitates Talking is Teaching, a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of every day talking, reading, and singing to children ages 0-3. Monet Somerville, MS, is pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology with a Concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. She is a licensed Trust Based Relational Intervention Practitioner.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Race is a concept that is learned and this learning begins at home. As early as three-months-old, babies show a preference for faces that are similar to their parents and other close relatives. This is called implicit bias; essentially, it is the unconscious bias that we all develop. This occurs because the child has not been exposed to other races and/or ethnicities.
Consider doing the following:
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FROM THE nola family BOOKSHELF NEW LOUISIANA CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR THE FAMILY Louisiana has a long and wonderful tradition of producing great, high quality Christmas books for kids. The state is so unique, with many interesting traditions, that there are plenty of opportunities for authors to highlight our Louisiana approach to the holidays. Among these books are the iconic 1970’s Cajun Night Before Christmas, which was followed by an ornament book and coloring book of the same name, and the more recent Randolph Saves Christmas and Louisiana Night Before Christmas. These books have become a part of countless families’ Christmas traditions. This year, we have two new entries into the Louisiana canon of children’s Christmas books. First is Bonfires on the Levee, celebrating the Acadian tradition of lightning bonfires to light the way for Papa Noël as he delivers presents to the children of Louisiana. The second is The New Orleans Twelve Days of Christmas, based on the classic holiday song, but with a uniquely New Orleans theme.
BONFIRES ON THE LEVEE is a great children’s introduction to the annual custom of “lighting the way” for Papa Noël. Winter festivals of light occur all over the world and in Louisiana, blazing bonfires dot the Mississippi River levees for miles. This is a counting book for emerging readers and features ten bonfires ready to be counted as rhymes flow across the pages. The vibrant illustrations created in cut paper and foam collage enhance the text, offering little ones further engagement in this soon-to-be classic holiday tale of lighting the way for Papa Noël along the mighty Mississippi. Written and illustrated by Johnette Downing, her author’s note sheds light on the origin and function of the communal folk tradition that has sparked the interest of thousands of tourists annually. The book was selected in 2020 to represent the State of Louisiana at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., an indicator of how important this book is in capturing a longstanding Louisiana tradition. Downing is a multi-award winning musician and author who serves up a gumbo of Louisiana roots music and books and also is often called the “Musical Ambassador to Children.” Dedicated to celebrating childhood in Louisiana and beyond, she presents keynotes and workshops for educators globally.
THE NEW ORLEANS TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
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was written by New Orleanian Lisa Marie Brown. Ms. Brown has spent her life learning and teaching about the city she loves most. She is a tourism information counselor for the Louisiana State Museum, a licensed city tour guide, former elementary teacher, and an archivist at the Historic New Orleans Collection.
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The New Orleans Twelve Days of Christmas celebrates holiday time in the Crescent City through a fun rendition of the classic holiday song. Each day presents exciting local gifts: there are four ferryboats and two sweet pralines...there’s even moss hanging from an oak tree! Welcome to the land of second lines, oyster po’ boys, shotgun houses, and king cakes. Bright, festive illustrations accompany a lively cast of characters in this playful picture book. After singing this version, appetites will be keen to sample some of the Louisiana delicacies that were just sung about.
While the bonfires on the levee have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 concerns, you and your family can keep the tradition alive by reading about them this year. And singing about New Orleans food and beloved local spots? Well, that’s always timely. I recommend getting both of these books for your kids and for the whole family’s enjoyment.
JOYEAUX NOËL!
Scott Campbell is publisher of Pelican Publishing, a nationally recognized, local publishing company established in 1926. He also is publisher & founder of River Road Press, a local boutique house of local and regional titles.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
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In The Know
We have complete listings on our dedicated ‘classes’ calendar just go to nolafamily.com and click on ‘Calendars.’
Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Louisiana State Police – Troop B 2101 I-10 Service Rd., Kenner. Wednesdays, 1–4 pm. Walk-in or call 504.471.2780 for an appointment. Free.
Ochsner Baptist To register, see ochsnerstore.org/collections/ events-and-classes
Happiest Baby on the Block Learn techniques to calm and soothe a crying baby. Dec. 2, 6-7:30 pm. $25/couple. Grandparents Class (Virtual) Learn about the new definition of active labor, pain relief options, skin to skin care, rooming in, breastfeeding, safe sleep, and more. Dec. 10, 6:30-8:30 pm.
Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital To register, call 504.896.9591 or see chnola. org/the-parenting-center.
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Parents’ Hour (Virtual) Talk with other parents about what is going well – and not so well. Share ideas about parenting during the pandemic. A staff member facilitates the group. Wednesdays, mornings and evenings alternate: Dec. 9 and 23, 10-11 am; Dec. 2, 16, and 30, 8-9 pm. Free and open to the public.
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Happiest Baby on the Block (Prenatal-4 months) (Virtual) Learn techniques proven to quickly calm crying and boost infant sleep based on the ideas in the popular book by Dr. Harvey Karp. Dec. 12, 10-11 am. Free, preregistration required.
KIDS & TWEENS Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital See listing above for registration information.
Car Seat Fitting Station Installation by a nationally certified technician. Outside of The Parenting Center, 938 Calhoun: Tuesday, Dec. 15, between 9 and 11 am. Free, drop-ins welcome, appointments preferred.
Growing Up for Girls (9-12 years) (Virtual) Practical information about female anatomy, what happens during puberty, body image, menstruation and hygiene is presented in an informal, fun and hands-on manner. Girls participate with their mother or caregiver. Dec. 15, 6:30-8 pm. $20/child.
Touro Family Birthing Center
Sprout Pediatrics
For information or to register, call 504.897.7319 or visit touro.com/events.
Happiest Baby on The Block (Prenatal-4 months) (Virtual) Learn techniques proven to quickly calm crying and boost infant sleep based on the ideas in the popular book by Dr. Harvey Karp. Dec. 12, 10 am-noon. Free, preregistration required.
West Jefferson Medical Center
To register, call 504.264.1070 or visit bewellnola.com/yoga-at-sprout-pediatrics.
Yoga For Children (4–8 years) “Peace” is the theme of this month’s class. Children will learn to reset and find their inner peace. Dec. 12, 8-8:40 am. $15/child.
West Jefferson Medical Center See listing above for registration information.
For additional information, please call 504.349.6200. Pre-registration is required.
Sibling T.L.C. Prepares children ages 3+ for the arrival of the new baby. Dec. 12, 2:30–4 pm. Free.
Caring for Your Newborn (Virtual) Registered nurse discusses newborn behavior and care. Dec. 19, 1-4:30 pm. Free.
Mother-Daughter Rap Breakfast discussion for mothers and preteen girls. Dec. 19, 9-11 am. $25/couple.
Out & About DECEMBER
1 TUES
Virtual Santa Meet & Greet Sing songs and share wishlists with Santa from home this year! For prices and instructions, visit eventbrite.com/e/ virtual-santa-meet-greet-christmas2020-10am-1030am-est-times-slotstickets-124755108889. 9 am or 9:30 am.
Celebration in the Oaks
The Reveillon tradition is most commonly enjoyed by local families and/or friends gathered around a large table in an old French Quarter restaurant or reserving one of the small private dining rooms they offer. New this year, restaurants will be offering takeout Reveillon options for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Visit holiday. neworleans.com for more information. Prices, times, and locations vary.
3 THURS
Holiday Happy Hou r at Cafe Hope Café Hope, 1 Timberlane Drive, Gretna. Enjoy cocktails specials, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, Christmas caroling, local artist painted ornament auction, and even child sitting services. For more information, visit cafehope.org. 5–8 pm.
4 FRI 2 WED
Live Kids Cooking Classes: Almond Bark Pretzels Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Kids 7–11 years old, or adults young at heart, are invited to cook along with Miss Jennie via zoom and Facebook Live. For more information and recipe, visit facebook. com/eatdrinksofab. Free. 4–5 pm.
Chr istmas Extravaganza Expo Coquille Parks & Recreation, 13505 Highway 1085, Covington. Louisiana’s Biggest arts & crafts expo will feature 500 booths, 15 food booths, and a kids village. For more information, visit ChristmasExtravaganzaExpo.com. $5/ person, children under age 13 are free. 9 am–5 pm. Continues through Dec. 6.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
New Orleans City Park, 2 Friedrich Ave. The 2020 season is the 34th anniversary of City Park’s largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks. This year it will be a driving tour! Ticket prices may vary. Continues through January 3, 2021. Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm. Friday-Saturday, 5-11 pm. Visit cito. wrstbnd.com for tickets.
Reveillon Dinners
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''Chr istmas at Ter raBella" 111 TerraBella Blvd., Covington. Join for the annual “Christmas at TerraBella” celebration, featuring music performances, food trucks, and more. The Lighting of the Tree will take place at 6 pm. For more information, visit terrabellavillage.com/ the-terrabella-institute. 5:30 pm.
5 SAT
Super Satu rday
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City Park Volunteer Center. City Park hosts a community volunteering event the first Saturday of each month to keep the Park looking sharp. For more information, visit neworleanscitypark.com/super-saturday, or call Tony 504.483.9459. 9 am–noon.
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Chr istmas in the Country
Giving Thanks
Lee Lane and throughout Historic Downtown Covington. Savor the turn-of-thecentury charm of Lee Lane with your family and friends and make holiday memories! Enjoy refreshments and live music while discovering quality merchandise and one of a kind gift items. Continues every Saturday until Christmas. 9 am–5 pm.
Legacy Park, 730 Baronne St, New Orleans. Enjoy a gift swap, where people who bring a new unwrapped toy may take home an art item created by young artists. Carolers will offer the sounds of the upcoming holiday season, and winter-y snacks and hot chocolate will be sold by local vendors. Noon–4 pm.
Jazz for Kids
A Mer ry Madisonville Christmas & Santa's Front Porch
The Broad Theater, 636 N. Broad St. Presented by WNOZ 95.3, kids will enjoy a free movie screening. For more information, visit wnoz953.com/events/ jazz-for-kids/. Noon–3 pm.
The Town of Madisonville. Instead of the traditional annual parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride through the town and end at the Madisonville Park for Santa pictures in the new gazebo, along with entertainment by local school groups and talent, caroling and Christmas movie in the park. Refreshments will be provided, some for purchase. 2:30–7:30 pm.
Sign up for a Virtual Information Session or On-Campus Tour. Visit www.mpcds.com/openhouse! MPCD NOLAFamily 7x4.875 Ad 2020-08-17.indd 1
8/20/20 8:19 AM
Lou isiana Renaissance Festival Chanukah at Riverwalk 46468 River Rd, Hammond. The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is many things: theme park, theatre, holiday shopping destination, and educational experience, all rolled into many awesome adventures. Enjoy the festivities this weekend and next, December 12-13. 9:45 am - 5 pm. Ticket prices may vary.
Arts Market New Orleans
The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, 500 Port of New Orleans Place. Chanukah at The Riverwalk is celebrating its 31st Anniversary and remains the largest annual gathering of the New Orleans Jewish Community. Enjoy music, kosher food, fireworks display, children’s entertainment and activities, dreidels, menorahs and gelt. The 11ft. tall Menorah will be lit at 5:30 pm.
(Saturdays) Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn, City Park. The ever-popular Saturday markets sponsored by Arts Council New Orleans are live again at a new park location. Arts shopping-only for safe social distancing (no food or music). Limited to 100 people at a time, check-in at the gate. See facebook.com/ artsmarketneworleans/ for information. Free. December 5, 12, 19. 9 am-3 pm.
8 TUES
Virtual Craft Class - Make A Chr istmas Bunting Craft Class Make a Christmas felt bunting in this virtual craft class - family class or for yourself! Regardless of your skill level, experience or training, you will walk away learning a new skill that you will be able to make into your own style. Go to eventbrite. com/e/virtual-craft-class-make-a-christmasbunting-craft-class-tickets-125805025217 for tickets and supplies. 8 - 9:30 pm. $5/ device.
Virtual Paint and Learn P ainting on Canvas Art Class Rudolph Reindeer Paint a jolly reindeer together as a family! Regardless of your skill level, experience or training, you will walk away learning a new skill that you will be able to make into your own style. Go to eventbrite. com/e/virtual-paint-and-learn-paintingon-canvas-art-class-rudolph-reindeertickets-125543787849 for supplies and tickets. $5/device. 6–7:30 pm.
12 SAT
Mer ry Market Longue Vue House and Gardens. Celebrate the Holidays at Longue Vue House and Gardens’ Merry Market outdoor marketplace. Enjoy outdoor shopping with local vendors, crafts, photos with Santa, and snacks from Edith and Edgar’s Museum Cafe. $12/person. Free for children 2 and under. 1–4 pm.
Jefferson Par ish App reciation Day
First Night of Hanukkah
Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Thanks to a generous grant from Jefferson Parish, residents and government employees (regardless of residency) of Jefferson Parish can visit Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for half the regular ticket price (adult or child. For more information, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org. 10 am–5 pm.
Alliance Française of New Orleans, 1519 Jackson Ave. This interactive workshop will teach children to create a story box based on a particular story which they can then explain in French to their friends, family, or teachers. This workshop will be equally linguistic, artistic, and cultural. Participants are required to bring a shoe box in which they will create the story box, but all other materials will be provided. For more information, visit facebook.com/ events/677686289834735. $35. 10–11:30 am.
A Candy Cane Celebration Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Rd, Destrehan. Calling all kids! Enjoy an afternoon on the Plantation grounds and in the old Mule Barn. Fun events are planned, including a visit with Santa. For more information, visit destrehanplantation.org/events/a-candycane-celebration. $14/child, $16/adult, children under 2 are free. Advanced ticket purchase required. 1–3:30 pm.
Petits Penseu rs Alliance Française of New Orleans, 1519 Jackson Ave. The popular children’s philosophy discussion group (en français) returns this Fall asking children ages 6–9 years old to put on their thinking caps for some of life’s greatest mysteries. The theme for December is: “Qu’estce qu’aimer?” (“What is love?”). For more information, email marketing@ af-neworleans.org. $5/members, $10/ nonmembers. 1:30–3:30 pm.
Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk Storyland in City Park. This 2-mile course takes participants through New Orleans City Park. The day is filled with hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, a holiday costume contest, and much more! 2 - 5:30 pm. $25/ child under 10. $30/person ages 10+. Visit runsignup.com/Race/LA/NewOrleans/ Celebration to register.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
10 THURS
11 FRI
French Story Boxes Snow White
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The Lights Festival Hancock County Arena, 4184 Kiln Delisle Road, MS. Enjoy food, live music, dancing, and the breath-taking sight of lighting the sky with thousands of lanterns! For more information, visit thelightsfest.com/sky-lantern-events/ new-orleans. Tickets start at $34. 3–8 pm.
child. Visit culinarykidsns.com/Calendar/ Upcoming-Events/parents-night-out-117 to register.
Paint a Gingerbread House as a family or by yourself! Regardless of your skill level, experience or training, you will walk away learning a new skill that you will be able to make into your own style. Visit eventbrite.com/e/virtual-familypaint-on-canvas-art-class-gingerbreadhouse-tickets-125803653113 for tickets and supplies. 3-4:30 pm. $5/device.
as a family and enjoy a family friendly virtual interactive evening of comedy, magic, stories, and just down right old fashion family friendly fun all from the comfort of your own home! Go to eventbrite.com/e/holidayhijinks-with-sir-pat-trick-magical-entertainertickets-124770960301 for tickets. $25/device. 6–7 pm.
13 SUN
20 SUN
Rivertown, Kenner. Sponsored by Arts Council New Orleans, featuring works for sale by local artists and artisans. See facebook.com/artsmarketneworleans/ for information. Free.10 am-4 pm.
Kahoot Tr ivia: Nu rsery Rhymes
19 SAT
Holiday Hijinks w ith Sir PatVirtual Family Paint on Canvas Tr ick Magical Entertainer Art Class - Gingerbread House Pop the popcorn and celebrate the Holidays
Artists Sunday
22 TUES
How well do you think you know Nursery Rhymes? Guess the right answers and your family may win a prize! Visit eventbrite. com/e/kahoot-trivia-tickets-122632209239 to register. 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
24 THURS
CHRISTMAS EVE
The Nutcracker Pr ince
25 FRI
Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N Jefferson Ave Covington. Enjoy an evening of Holiday Cheer with music and dance as students from LAAPA share a unique version of this Christmas classic. $16/adult, $12/ages 12 and under. 6–7 pm.
in Jackson Square, Chr istmas Virtual Craft Class - Caroling 2020 Style ! Make Chr istmas Str ing Art Learn how to make your own Christmas string art. Go to eventbrite.com/e/christmasvirtual-craft-class-make-christmas-string-arttickets-125724869469 for supplies and tickets. 4 - 5:30 pm. $5/device.
16 WED
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Live Kids Cooking Classes: Latkes
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Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Kids 7–11 years old, or adults young at heart, are invited to cook along with Miss Jennie via zoom and Facebook Live. For more information and recipe, visit facebook. com/eatdrinksofab. Free. 4–5 pm.
18 FRI
Parents' Night Out! 915 Marigny Ave., Mandeville. Drop off the kids for a 3-hour, movie themed dinner/ dessert/pajama party! Children will need blankets and pillows. Ages 5-12. 6-9 pm. $35/
St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square. Presented by Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre since 1946, 1-hour of holiday singalong festivities will take place in the cathedral this year. Song books provided, masks and mindful distancing required. 7 pm. See website for information and possible ticket giveaways, and live streaming that night: patioplanters.net. WLAE-TV will televise Caroling in Jackson Square live from St. Louis Cathedral on Cox Ch. 14 & 1014, Spectrum Ch. 11 & 711, and ATT & DISH Ch. 32/1032.
21 MON
Winter Camp Day 915 Marigny Ave., Mandeville. Kids make their own breakfast, lunch and snacks. Enjoy kitchen science experiments, games, and more with our professional teaching staff. All meals included. Ages 5-12. 9 am-3 pm. Extended care available 8 am - 5 pm. $75/child. Call (985) 727-5553 to register.
CHRISTMAS 26 SAT
Gretna Farmers Market (Saturdays) 739 Third St., Gretna. Support small businesses at the Gretna Farmers Market every Saturday. Visit the Gretna Farmers Market Facebook page for information. 8:30 am-12:30 pm.
30 WED
Live Kids Cooking Classes: Sugar Cookies and Natu ral Fru it Frosting Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Kids 7–11 years old, or adults young at heart, are invited to cook along with Miss Jennie via zoom and Facebook Live. For more information and recipe, visit facebook. com/eatdrinksofab. Free. 4–5 pm.
Angels’ Place
SPOT LIGHT
A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON FOR FAMILIES AND SICK CHILDREN
Help When You Need It “When a child’s been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, mostly cancer, it turns the world of that family upside-down,” says Angels’ Place executive director Mark Firmin. The mission of Angels’ Place is to serve those in need during a difficult time of their lives at no cost. “We step in to help these families with certain nonmedical support so they can focus on that child. We try to support (them) in any way we can.” Since 1997, Angels’ Place has been a safe haven for 350 families and children with severe conditions. Founder Anita Gilford created Angels’ Place as a tribute to her son, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a child. Through prayer and hope, he recovered, and as a result, Gilford devoted herself to helping other families in similar positions before retiring in 2015. With three full-time staff members and an annual budget of $225,000, the 501(c)(3) currently assists more than 80 families throughout Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
Special Programs The biggest help Angels’ Place offers is respite care. Volunteers stay with the children in their hospital rooms or at home allowing families to handle other responsibilities while knowing that their child is in good hands. “They can sit with the child, read a story to them, play a game, just help that child pass the time,” says Firmin. Respite volunteers go through an extensive training process, and serve as invaluable resources for the families. “We do a really nice gift card service, which [are mostly from] Walmart, Target, or fast food if needed. We also do Visa gift cards,” Firmin notes. The nonprofit also can help with household necessities, including bills. “We’ve had a family that was a little worried about a water bill. We can’t give money, so we gave them Visa gift cards to pay that bill.” Another great gift they give are event tickets ranging from Saints games to Jazz Fest.
Mark Firmin shares a high-five with a young “angel”
Changes in Light of COVID-19 Typically, the kids and staff have large parties to celebrate the holidays. Due to COVID-19, these gatherings had to be modified or cancelled. “We used to do parties, and I want to get back to that, but we can’t gather right now. Some of these kids can’t go out, so we’ve had to think outside the box,” said Firmin. Angels’ Place celebrates Halloween with costumes and a party
A Place to Turn To Families look to Angels’ Place for hope. Nick Trumble is a father of three boys, and when his youngest developed a serious illness in 2012, they gave him a support system. “Angels’ Place has been a beacon of light for my family. When my son was diagnosed with leukemia, he was homebound for almost a year – it was the most humbling experience of my life,” Trumble remarks. “Mark, Mary, and the Angels’ Place team were, and still are, able to provide us with parties, tickets to special events, the occasional gift card, and Christmas gifts for all my children.” Now aged 8, the young boy is “doing pretty well.” Without Angels’ Place, many families struggling with sick children would not know where to turn. “The services they provide make New Orleans a better place,” notes Trumble. “Whoever thinks that New Orleans is ‘the city that care forgot’ isn’t paying attention.” Be an Angel for an Angel. To show your support or volunteer, call (504) 455-2620 or visit angelsplacenola.org.
Arianna Blakely is an editorial intern with Nola Family Magazine. The native Bostonian is a journalism student at Loyola University New Orleans, class of 2022.
december 2020 | www.nolafamily.com
Things will look different for Christmas this year. “We’re not going to be able to do a party, but we can do the presents and the gift distribution. We can have the families come pick up some gifts, and we’ll have Santa Claus waving at them with a mask on, socially distanced.” Firmin explains, “we’ll try to make the best of it.”
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