KC Parent Magazine Dec. 2014

Where you ďŹ nd family, you will ďŹ nd us.

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yummy fun! cookie recipes

PLUS countdown to Christmas-KC style

tired of toys? alternative gift ideas

6 life skills every child needs

cold and flu? not for you!

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DEC 2014

DEPARTMENTS 12-PAGE HOLIDAY GUIDE, PG. 36

FEATURES

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18

30

Life Skills

Friend or Foe?

Mom Quiz

Six life skills to teach your child today

Help children navigate difficult friendships

Take the quiz to find out what kind of mom you are

10

Media Mix

14

Healthy Kids

44

Faith & Family

45

Craft Corner

48

Word from Dad

49

Women’s Health

SPECIAL SECTIONS 25

Party Guide

36

Holiday Guide

50

Calendar of Events

Our cover features Bella from Belton. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com Where you find family, you will find us.

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Life Skills

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Cold & Flu

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Countdown to Christmas

38

Cookie Recipes

42

Tired of Toys?

46

tired of toys? alternative gift ideas

6 life skills every child needs

cold and flu? not for you!

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EDITOR’SLETTER DEC 2014 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

W

hen I was a child, my mom didn’t bake a lot, and she really didn’t make cookies or anything special during the holidays. But, my Grandma—now SHE was a baker.

Every December I could always look forward to a batch of Grandma’s Swedish heirloom cookies delivered to us in an empty coffee tin. Cookies from Grandma always came in a coffee tin. I guess she was into recycling and reusing before her time. I digress—back to the important topic of cookies.

Each year my girls and I put aside at least one day to bake cookies. And each year we typically bake the same cookies.

But this year I’d like to jazz up our routine with some new recipes. Rather than test and try new ones, I went to our talented group of local writers and asked them for their favorite cookie recipes. And as a gift to you all, I’m sharing them in this issue.

Enjoy the recipes on pgs. 42, and if you have a must-try in your home, send it my way. I’d love to try it out.

This past fall, we ran our second Family Faves contest. With tons of entries and more than 60,000 votes (that’s a lot!), I’m happy to share this year’s winners with you on pgs. 26. Check it out and see whether your favorite made the list.

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Ted Massing Jackie Streiker Marla Westrup Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Hawke Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

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Local Contributing Writers William Bartlett (Belton), Jennifer Bosse (Kansas City), Carey Casey (Lee’s Summit), Karah Chapman (Kansas City), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Jennifer Higgins (Kearney), Christa Melnyk Hines (Overland Park), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Liberty), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Stephanie Loux (Olathe), Kate Meadows (Louisburg), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee)

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS Where you find family, you will find us.

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6 life skills every child needs

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Visit

Happy December and Happy Holidays, Kansas City!

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Margaret Sarver, Editor

Member of:

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Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212.

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9

MEDIAMIX

SEASONAL CHARM

authors highlight special moments for parent and child during the holiday

By McGeath Freeman

Let’s Play in the Snow

By Sam McBratney Best for: Ages 0-5

If you’re not familiar with Guess How Much I Love You, you’ve probably been under a rock for the past decade. This tale is a “Guess How Much I Love You Storybook” that follows Big and Little Nutbrown Hare as they play a game of I Spy in the snow.

If you were to describe this book in one word, touching, sweet, cute and gentle might be in the running, but charming would be at the top of the list.

As the Nutbrown Hares walk through the snow, the pages of this book give readers a beginner’s lesson in nature, connecting spiders to their webs, trees to leaves and so on. This is a wonderful addition to the Guess How Much I Love You family of books that parent and child will thoroughly enjoy.

What’s good: Simple text. Simple lessons. Simply charming.

What’s bad: Nothing. It’s a great follow-up adventure for the Nutbrown Hares.

The Christmas Quiet Book

By Deborah Underwood Best for: Ages 4-8

What’s the best kind of quiet? For many it’s snuggle time. And this book is perfect for a quiet snuggle time. Set against the holidays, Underwood’s book explores many different kinds of quiet.

My favorite was the “broken ornament quiet.” I know that sounds strange, but my children and I had a broken ornament moment, and this particular quiet spoke to us. Liwska’s sweet pencil

drawings add personality and charm to this quietly pleasing holiday tale. From mittens to gingerbread houses, you and yours will surely find a favorite “quiet” as well.

You may have missed this title, published a couple of years ago, but it’s a great addition for holiday bedtime— or if you just need a quiet moment away from the busy Christmas rush.

What’s good: Interesting scenarios to help children to contemplate quiet.

What’s bad: The ending lacks the emotion of the rest of the story.

Bad Magic

By Pseudonymous Bosch Best for: Boys, ages 11-14

We’ll call Bad Magic a companion to the “Secret” series. The first in a series of its own, this story follows Clay, Max Ernest’s 12-year-old brother. Max Ernest is older and mysteriously out of the picture. This is but one of Clay’s issues.

When he is punished for writing graffiti on the wall of his school (he claims he didn’t do it), Clay is sent to a camp for troubled kids. But it’s no ordinary camp. Tucked away on a South Pacific What’s good: Clever plot twists.

What’s bad: Overuse of the word “sucks.”

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kcparent.com december 2014

volcanic island, this camp has more mysteries than all of the campers can count together. But only Clay is curious enough to find out the answers. Spanishspeaking llamas, intelligent honeybees, ghost girls, pickpockets and a strange link to Shakespeare’s The Tempest make Bad Magic a very entertaining story.

Bosch weaves in snarky comments and semi-modern references to make this tale fun for all ages.

I am ... … an interior designer. … a sports Mom. … a loving wife. … an antiquer. … a foodie. … a blood donor. … compassionate. … competitive. … determined. … thankful. … a friend.

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Problem Solving: Regardless of vocation, learning to problem solve is an important life skill. In our instant gratification world, learning to be patient and not to give up easily are hard lessons to master.

“To help with problem solving, I work on not correcting my son when he tries to figure out something and comes to the wrong conclusion. I ask him questions or work with him to encourage him to self correct. I’ll say things like, ‘Why do you think that this happens?’ and ‘What makes you think that?’” Ronna Sparks Woodward, Kansas City mother of two, says.

Teamwork: Learning to get along with other is important. Workplace confrontations can happen to anyone, and learning to get along with others starts at a young age.

“Daycare, school and sports are excellent teamwork building opportunities. Teach them to value the other person’s ideas, as well as recognize the talents others bring to the task at hand. Teach them to look forward to working with others so that they might learn from others and build on their own skills,” Dionne Martin, Kearney mother of one, says. “Future employers love to see teamwork experiences on the resume. Do volunteer work, join a club, join the military, seek out opportunities to work with others.”

Technology Etiquette:

Six Life Skills

kids need for the future Flash forward to 2034.

Your 5-year-old is now 25 and looking for a job. Several of the jobs he/she will be doing haven’t even been invented yet. What life skills can you teach now to help prepare for the future?

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kcparent.com december 2014

Technology etiquette wasn’t important 20 years ago, but now teaching children how to use technology appropriately is crucial.

“Teaching your children technology etiquette and responsibility starts at home when they are younger. Teach them to value the person in front of them more than the invisible person being communicated to.

Teach them to turn down the phone ringer in public and to think about others. Practice acts of responsibility by not talking on the phone in a crowded area,” Martin says.

“They need to be constantly aware of their surroundings and the effect it has on others.

Technology is there for our convenience and not to abuse.”

Time Management: Kids learn to procrastinate early. It’s up to us to teach them how to use their time well.

“One of the biggest things we can help our children with is planning, such as time management and being able to break a large project down into manageable steps. I think we can help our kids learn these techniques by helping them take big projects—such as cleaning their rooms or doing yard work— and looking at all the steps that make up the whole,” Jennifer Richey, Kansas City mother of two, says.

Focus and Self-Control: No employer wants an employee who loses control or can’t stay focused on his or her job.

“Again, ways to model self-control and focus begin at home. As they get older, they have to be taught they are not the center of the universe, and that is a hard lesson to learn,” Martin says. “They tend to lose control when they learn they are

not the only one in the room and cannot demand all of the attention all the time.

Model to them how to stay focused on the task at hand and not let outside influences distract them. They learn this by watching their parents. Learning to wait your turn in a conversation and not interrupt are essential.”

Self Directed Learning: It’s not about the grade, but about the skills they learn.

“We need to instill in our kids a lifelong love of learning, learning for the sake of learning. I think this is much easier than it was when we were kids. I think that kids need to understand that learning doesn’t (or at least shouldn’t) end when they are out of school. They will likely have to continue their education for their careers but also just to enjoy life—learn a new hobby, fix things around their home,” Richey says.

Jennifer Higgins is a freelance writer, mother and teacher from Kearney.

These jobs didn’t exist 15 years ago...imagine what jobs our kids will have in 2034!

• Social media manager • E-commerce consultant • Mobile app developer • Cloud computing worker • Genetic counselor • Search engine specialist • Drone pilot • 3-D printing professional • Wind turbine technician • Zumba instructor

Another skill kids will need is money management.

Log onto KCParent.com and read “Raising Financially Responsible Kids.”

kcparent.com december 2014

13

HEALTHYKIDS

It is important to not only protect our own children but the other youngsters around us by keeping our children home with the warning signs of a cold or flu.

cold and flu? not you! ways to prevent cold and flu during the height of the season

h

earing that very first cough, sneeze or sniffle can send any parent into the fetal position with a wish to hibernate until spring. While not all illness can be avoided, here are a few tips to protect your family and decrease the chances that any of you will be down and out.

Hand Washing: I know this is simple, but approximately 80 percent of infectious diseases are spread by touch (WebMD. com/parenting/d2n-stopping-germs-12/ stopping-germs). Soap and warm water for 20 seconds will do the trick, or if water is not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer rubbed between your hands for 20 seconds will work equally well.

Flu vaccine: According to the CDC, in 2013-2014 influenza, otherwise known as flu, took the lives of 108 children in the United States. While that may not seem like a large number, many—if not all—of these deaths could have been avoided if the child had received the flu vaccine.

Influenza peaks in February, and it’s not too late to vaccinate yourself and your children if you haven’t already.

Germ etiquette: Not every child will stay home from school or daycare with a runny nose or case of the coughs. Teach your children the warning signs of illness and teach them little ways to decrease their exposure to these kids. For example, do

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not share drinks or snacks, pencils or other writing utensils. Also remind them to wash their hands after coming into contact with classroom hotspots, such as a drinking fountain or pencil sharpener.

Immunity: Immunity begins at home.

Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep.

The more run down and tired he is, the more likely he is to catch a bug and become sick. A diet full of fresh fruits, veggies and plenty of protein is another defense that parents can wield. Pack a healthy lunch and snack and encourage kids to drink plenty of water.

Cough and snot: It seems simple enough, but teaching your child to cough into his arm and wipe his nose on a tissue and not his shirtsleeve can go a long way toward prevention and can limit spreading of germs.

Children as young as 2 or 3 often can learn these tips, but it takes repetition and time. It is important to not only protect our own children but the other youngsters around us by keeping our children home with the warning signs of a cold or flu.

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.

She makes her home in Olathe.

As always, consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

hand washing

k

eep the cold and flu at bay with proper hand washing not only during winter, but all year long.

Hand Washing vs. Hand Sanitizer: Proper hand washing often is the best method to prevent common winter maladies.

Using soap and warm water and rubbing thoroughly for at least 20 seconds is recommended—which just happens to be the duration of the “Happy Birthday Song” repeated twice. “An alcohol-based hand cleanser or sanitizer works well, too,” says the AAP. “Put enough on your hands to make them all wet, then rub them together until dry.”

Hand Washing Facts

• Use warm water.

• Use whatever soap you like.

Antibacterial soaps are popular, but regular soap works fine. If you suspect that your hands have come into contact with someone with an infection, think about using an alcohol hand sanitizer.

• In public restrooms, consider using

a paper towel to flush the toilet and open the door, because toilet and door handles harbor germs. Throw the towel away after you leave.

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t’s funny how strange it is to think another year has passed every year, and how odd it is to get used to the new year for a while. A fun way to brighten the after-Christmas and back-to-school blues is to create a family time capsule each New Year’s Eve. Kids love traditions and presents, and this little family memory could end up being both!

You can be as creative as you like and take ideas from the whole family on what to put in your time capsule. Some ideas include having each family member fill out a survey or questionnaire of some sort (even Mom and Dad’s interests and goals can change!). You also can include handprints and/or footprints of growing children. Perhaps choose some artwork from the kids to see how their skills change over time and a few current photographs actually printed out!

I personally enjoy the idea of writing notes to each family member and sealing them up to read in the future—even one for your future self. If possible, add a tangible item that reflects family members or the family as a whole, maybe a vacation memento or a burned CD or flash drive with favorite family songs from the past year.

Perhaps your family will make a new time capsule each year, or maybe you simply add to the existing one and have a time of fun reflection from the previous year as you enter the new one. To see more dramatic differences, you can opt to do a time capsule on odd, even or every fifth year. Your family also may choose to wait to create a time capsule until your youngest goes to kindergarten and then open it when your oldest graduates from high school.

Hop onto Pinterest for some inspiration, chat it over with your family and find what works best for you!

Stephanie Loux writes from Olathe and enjoys incorporating meaningful traditions into her growing family.

I am ... … a big and little sister. … one year cancer free. … competitive dancer. … a sixth-grader. … a best friend. … a blood recipient. … a Mizzou fan. … an artist. … a smiler. … active. … brave.

Gabi is an amazing competition dancer with the medals to prove it.

She is also a kind and caring best friend with Sydney, Maggie, Leah, Caroline and Paris. She is also a blood recipient who battled bone cancer for two years and continues to win that battle today. She is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes of their time to help save her life.

Who are you?

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17

FRIEND or FOE:

guiding your child through the friendship labyrinth

S

ome stay in our lives for moments and some for years. They teach us, comfort us and influence our decisions. These people are our friends. In the formative years, children learn how to navigate friendships, how to make friends, how to cope with losing them and how to understand what a healthy friendship looks like. As children grow and develop, parents can play a role in guiding them.

Amanda Paul, school psychologist and mother of two, recommends parents be good listeners and promote open communication in order to have a guiding role with their child. “It’s very important for parents to maintain an open line of communication, so their children will feel comfortable sharing the details of their friendships.”

Jennifer, mother of two, finds that communication with her children differs by their personalities. “My daughter needs to talk more about what is going on, and she prefers her dad’s opinion to mine, although she tells me more of the details,” she says.

“My son is silent regarding friendships, and we get very little information from him.”

Despite her children’s differences, she makes a conscious effort to spend time with

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kcparent.com december 2014

each one individually and to leave space to listen to them both. “I don’t want to be a hovering worrier. I want them to know I’m here to listen,” she says.

Open communication with your child can be a good starting point for helping him to resolve conflicts when they do occur.

“When I’m helping my own children or the students I work with through a conflict, I find they respond best when I review the situation with them and ask them strategic questions to help guide them to their own

perspectives and developing his own sense of self, while her daughter, 9, tends to hold on to her own perspective and emotions surrounding the conflict. She finds this can lead to her daughter’s, at times, being deceived about whether a friendship is healthy or unhealthy. “My daughter does not tend to differentiate between trusted friends and untrusted friends. We are working on her developing an understanding that trusted friends make good choices, keep your secrets and don’t use them against you.”

At the end of the day, I want my kids to be happy, successful and well liked in their environments and have the coping skills to deal with it when they are not. solution,” Paul says. “This helps them to own the solution and develop coping strategies.”

Paul also reminds her children to think about how others might feel to encourage their empathetic thought processes. “I try to remind my children that everyone has disagreements, but that when conflicts occur, we have to practice understanding different perspectives and considering the thoughts and feelings of others.”

Jennifer notices that her son, 12, is more flexible with seeing things from multiple

Jennifer’s son developed a boundary between trusted and untrusted friends on his own. “My son has a good friend who makes very poor choices. When they got in trouble for something that my son knew was wrong, they stopped hanging out,” she says. “He will still say hi and talk to the other boy, but they no longer do things together. My son told me that he and the other boy have different ideas about what is fun and okay to do.”

Helping your children navigate friendships also includes modeling positive

conflict resolution and using praise to empower your children to make good choices.

“If your children are exposed to your conflicts, allow them to see the resolutions so they can observe that the conflict does not have to be the end to a relationship,” Paul says.

“Rather, it can help a relationship grow. I also recommend letting your children know when you are proud of them for making positive choices in their socializations.”

When you utilize open communication, model healthy conflict resolution and praise your children for positive socialization habits, you are guiding them to a more successful future.

“At the end of the day,” Jennifer says, “I want my kids to be happy, successful and well liked in their environments and have the coping skills to deal with it when they are not.”

Karah Chapman is a school psychologist. She encourages kids to learn from the good and bad of socializing and use that in developing healthy, productive relationships.

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19

w

fostering friendships between special needs children and their peers

hen high school junior Dan Walker was crowned homecoming king at Shawnee Mission East this year, a lot of people were cheering.

But no one was cheering quite like his best friend, fellow junior and varsity linebacker Jack Anderson.

“Dan and Jack really are an amazing pair,” says Dan’s mom, Sharon Walker.

The two boys have been best friends for 12 years, since they started kindergarten together at Brookwood Elementary in 2002. Dan was born with Down Syndrome.

But never has his disability defined nor interfered with the two’s friendship. Jack has tied Dan’s shoes. Dan has made Jack birthday cards for the past 12 years straight.

Their families have gone trick-or-treating together for many years.

The story of Dan and Jack’s friendship packs a solid life lesson: Friendship is stronger than labels or the social stigma that comes with having a disability. Fostering such a friendship simply requires that each person recognize the other as a human being who wants to be appreciated and encouraged.

Says Walker of her son and Jack, “They have a level of trust, caring, interest in each

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other’s feelings and activities, and sense of ease with each other that have supported the special bond they have.”

Here are some ideas for how to foster friendships between special needs children and their peers.

Communicate openly with other parents. Families that are open to

explaining the differences between their special needs child and that child’s peers are, in general, more successful in encouraging friendships to develop with their special needs kid.

But it’s not just about explaining the differences, points out Amy Allison, executive director of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City. It’s important to also key in on the similarities between a special needs child and his peer.

Jack’s and Dan’s parents have always communicated openly about the friends’ struggles and successes. “That honesty really helped deal with any issues that came up,” Walker says.

Put yourself in your child’s shoes.

It’s true that children with special needs require more adult intervention. So what if your third grader’s play date with her autistic classmate means you, as the parent, need to be a bit more present? Rather

than thinking about what you’ll miss by encouraging the play time, think about what your child and her friend and her friend’s parents will gain.

Confronting barriers between special needs children and their peers may be less about the kids themselves and more about the parents’ being uncomfortable, Allison says.

Promote inclusion, rather than exclusion, whenever possible. “I think

some barriers to friendship happen because special needs kids are constantly being pulled out of class or have an adult with them,” Allison says.

An essay by an 11-year-old girl, Harriet, on the website The-Art-of-Autism.com, captures the frustration Harriet feels whenever her autistic classmate, Eleanor, is treated differently during day-to-day activities like lunch and recess. Eleanor constantly has an aide by her side. It is as if, Harriet writes, she has a box around her and can’t engage with the world because she is different.

“Everyone is different,” writes Harriet.

“This box is a big barrier to her having real friends and her being a real friend.”

Lack of opportunities for friendships between special needs kids and their peers is often a result of special needs kids not being given the chance to engage.

Put your child out there. Kids need to

learn how to not only get along, but also support those who are different from them.

Moreover, kids must learn to recognize the myriad similarities that exist beneath those differences.

Sometimes, Allison points out, that learning process is painful or uncomfortable.

“Every child will face rejection at some point,” Allison says. A parent cannot control everything that happens during a play date.

Dan’s mom says she tried to make play dates as easy, fun and convenient as possible for Jack and his parents.

“You have to strategize,” Allison says. “A play date might mean running an errand with your special needs child and a friend, an activity with more structure built in.”

“Friendship is a spirit of goodwill between two people,” writes Karen Wang on FriendshipCircle.org, a website that provides support to families with special needs children. “Ability and disability don’t figure into that definition.”

Kate Meadows lives in Louisburg, where she throws her energy into writing, editing and being a mom to two boys.

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the UPSIDE of sibling rivalry

I

’ll never forget the moment I separated my two oldest children on account of bickering and my 6-year-old looked up at me and pleaded, “Please don’t make us go to separate rooms, Mom! Arguing is how we love each other.” Immersed in a tense situation, it took everything within me to hold back from chuckling. And if that were, indeed, the case, I could rest assured they loved each other very much!

Sibling rivalry is a fact of life for any child with brothers or sisters. After all, children bring to the table their own individual personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and when coupled with doing life together—sharing personal space and belongings—it’s only a matter of time before differences of opinion and conflict rise to the surface.

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so when squabbles ensue, it’s important for both parents and children to recognize the conflict for what it is: a learning opportunity. Siblings can be the best of friends or the worst of enemies, all for the very fact that they know each other so well. Learning to reconcile, compromise and seek each other’s best interests not only teaches children how to get along with each other, but it prepares them for relationships outside the home, as well.

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Kara Holdman, Lenexa mother of four, agrees. “The home should be a safe place to learn you aren’t always right, you aren’t always the winner and you aren’t always the leader. Siblings are a great way to prepare for adult life,” she says. “Parents should provide training and a justice system for this to work.”

Indeed, parental involvement is key. Learning how to argue respectfully is an art, one that is both caught and taught. When a child observes how his parents work through disagreements, he is learning as much through the process as he is when those same parents establish the ground rules for how he should get along with his own siblings. Parents should play an active role in training their children to work out differences.

It serves no one to let the kids “figure it out on their own” if they do not have the skills to do so! Little ones need to be instructed in how to listen (“Do not interrupt your sister when she’s talking to you.”), how to be self-controlled (“You may not hit your brother when you don’t get what you want.”) and how to be quick to forgive (“Holding grudges hurts both you and your sister!”).

Playing an active role can quickly lead to feeling like a referee, as many parents find themselves lost in a “whodunit,” trying to get to the bottom of what caused the ruckus. Do not allow tattling or ratting each other out, but instead encourage siblings to first try to work out the issue on their own before involving Mom or Dad. If kids can’t smooth things over on their own, then have them seek out help with a parent.

Working out differences will be a life-long challenge in any relationship. Siblings have an advantage when they focus on relationship restoration with one another—not vindication or revenge—and are given the opportunity to work things out before calling in reinforcements.

did you know?

The University of Cambridge’s Centre for Family Research performed a five-year research project on siblings and concluded that sibling rivalry is constructive, boosting mental and emotional development, increasing maturity and enhancing social skills.

Sibling rivalry need not get a bad rap. Kansas City mom Kate Stephens points out that conflict resolution between brothers and sisters can ultimately lead to close friendship. “You develop a deeper relationship when you’ve been through the ups and downs together,” she says. “You get to know one another more deeply because of the conflict. It could potentially help you manage a marriage better.”

It’s said that friends may come and go, but brothers and sisters are siblings forever. Learning to keep those relationships strong by loving and respecting one another will likely mean built-in lifelong friendships. Being family can be tough, but if children can get along with those closest to them, they can get along with anyone.

Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer who helps her three boys work out their differences—and relishes their sweet brotherly bond—all from their Olathe home.

Siblings can be great teachers. Log onto KCParent.com to learn how older siblings can teach younger brothers and sisters important skills.

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mommy

i t ’ s

G

uess what, kids? Mommy is TIRED and needs a nap! And here are a few reasons why she should take one.

n ap t im e !

you will see several benefits to taking a nap when you can, including maintaining your baby’s food supply.

Maintaining Mental Health

Combating Flu Season

A common challenge mothers face is postpartum depression, and sleep deprivation is often closely linked to this condition. It is essential for mothers, especially in the first few months postpartum, to rest. And let’s not forget about moms of older kids.

Mothers with children of all ages often feel overworked, underappreciated and exhausted, and such negative emotions can lead a mother to feel depressed. So, moms, get a good night’s sleep whenever possible and grab a 20-minute nap on occasion. It will do wonders for your psyche, helping you feel more capable and confident in your role as mommy.

With flu season upon us, another reason moms need to be well rested is to stay strong and healthy. Knowing the kids are likely to bring home lots of germs, Mommy needs to be armed with her own defense: her health. She will be the one to sit up all night with a sick kid, whether she herself is sick or not. So if you are feeling a bit run down and your 5-yearold’s nose is running, try to grab a 20-minute nap one day this week. Give yourself an extra boost to fight the germs invading your house.

Promoting Postpartum Recovery and Milk Supply Also for postpartum mothers, rest is necessary for recovery, whether the birth was vaginal or cesarean. The body needs to heal from the beautiful, yet traumatic, marathon that birth can be. Breast-feeding mothers need to take care of themselves physically and mentally to ensure they can produce an adequate milk supply. If you are an overly exhausted postpartum mom,

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Improving Memory and Alertness Another benefit of napping is improved memory and fewer mistakes. Moms are multitaskers and are usually pretty good at it. But even the most organized mom can feel overwhelmed at times. An exhausted body combined with an exhausted brain will not process information nearly as well.

Sneak in a quick nap and you will likely be more productive and alert planning the class holiday party in your head while running errands and singing “Let It Go” with your 3-year-old in the backseat.

Saving Cash!

Finally, napping saves money! Why wait 20 minutes in line for a $5 latte? Take a 20minute nap instead and save your money for holiday shopping!

Karen Johnson is a former high school English teacher turned stay-at-home mom.

She lives in Olathe with her three children, ages 5, 3 and 1. Follow her adventures at 21stCenturySAHM.blogspot.com

Nappi n g 1 0 1 :

Tips for a successful nap 1. Keep it short, between 10 and 30 minutes. Napping too long will interfere with your nighttime sleep routine and could make you groggy for the rest of the day.

2. Nap in the afternoon. Around 2:00 to 3:00 is best, because you will wake up feeling rested and still have plenty of day left to be productive. Also, this is usually when the body naturally needs a break.

3. Sleep in a restful place, with low lights and soft or no noise. Napping in front of the television or other noisy stimulation is less effective and will not give you as much rest.

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2014

Family Faves Winners After tabulating 60,000+ votes, we are pleased to announce the businesses readers have chosen as KC Parent Family Favorites 2014!

Winners are listed in alphabetical order; there are three winners in each category.

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Kansas City’s Family Favorite Medical Services Favorite OB/GYN Practice

Favorite Allergy Center

Kansas City ObGyn KC Women’s Clinic Women’s Health Associates

Allergy and Asthma Specialists of KC College Park Family Care Kansas City Allergy & Asthma

Favorite Pediatric Practice Johnson County Pediatrics Leawood Pediatrics Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

Favorite Family Practice College Park Family Care Leawood Family Care Shawnee Mission Primary Care

Favorite KS Dental Practice Fales Pediatric Dentistry Jenkins & LeBlanc Smiles Dentistry for Kids

Favorite MO Dental Practice Michael P. Berry Dentistry Pediatric Dental Specialists Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry

Favorite KS Orthodontic Practice Fry Orthodontics Hannah Orthodontics Oltjen Orthodontics

Favorite MO Orthodontic Practice Braces by Dr. Hansen Burleson Orthodontics Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics

Favorite Place to Have a Baby Menorah Medical Center Shawnee Mission Medical Center Saint Luke’s Health System

Favorite ER Facility Children’s Mercy Shawnee Mission Medical Urgent Care Saint Luke’s Health System

Favorite Medical Staff Bulleigh Orthodontics Children’s Mercy ​Leawood Pediatrics

Kansas City’s Family Favorite Attractions Favorite Animal Attraction Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo Sea Life Aquarium

Favorite Garden & Nature Center

Favorite Fair/ Festival

Deanna Rose Farmstead Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens

American Royal Missouri State Fair Old Settlers Days

Favorite Museum

Favorite Live Show

National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Science City

The Coterie KC Repertory Theatre Starlight Theatre

kcparent.com december 2014

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family faves

Kansas City’s Family Favorite Attractions continued

Favorite Sports Family Experience

Favorite Night Out for Parents

KC Chiefs KC Royals Sporting KC

AMC Fork & Screen KCP&L District Starlight Theatre

Favorite Free Attraction

Favorite Place to Burn Energy

Kaleidoscope Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Union Station

Best-Kept Secret in KS

Favorite Outdoor Family Destination

Black Hoof Park Overland Park Farmers Market Wild West Days at Mahaffie

Kansas City Zoo Shawnee Mission Park Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Best-Kept Secret in MO Powell Gardens Festival of Butterflies Shatto Dairy Farm Union Station Model Train Exhibit

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Black Bob Bay Monkey Bizness Sky Zone

kcparent.com december 2014

Favorite Indoor Venue Crown Center Legoland Discovery Center Paradise Park

Favorite Birthday Venue Paint, Glaze & Fire Paradise Park Sea Life Aquarium

Favorite Martial Arts Studio Amerikick Tiger Rock

Favorite Dance Studio The Culture House KC Ballet School Miller Marley

Favorite Gymnastics Center 360 Gymnastics Elite Gymnastics Emerald City

Favorite Drama Studio Christian Youth Theatre The Culture House Greenleaf Music & Art

Favorite Music Studio Music House REW Music School of Rock

the importance of dads

i

f you played sports growing up, you probably had a coach or two who was big on drilling the fundamentals. And sometimes it’s good for fathers to do the same.

In football, I was a running back and wide receiver, and I remember many practices where we worked on our footwork for pass routes over and over. Or in the backfield, we’d practice something as simple as the handoff exchange from the quarterback, taking it and then securing it so it couldn’t be stripped easily.

We did those things for hours and hours! We grew sick of those drills. We had better things to do!

Maybe you played basketball, and you can remember lining up in practice to do two-handed chest passes or bounce passes, or maybe you spent extra time dribbling with your off hand.

It was boring then, but as you know, there were good reasons to practice the fundamentals. You needed those skills to be a great player. Your coach wanted you to do those things without even thinking about them. He could give you the game strategy knowing those fundamentals were already in place, and in the heat of competition doing things right would give you an advantage.

Well, guess what? Fathering is like that, too. Our research has boiled good fathering down to three fundamentals: loving, coaching and modeling. To be a championship father, you need to soak these in, practice them and make them part of your skill set. loving is investing time, talk and touch that lays a foundation for relationships to grow and people to thrive—our children, as well their mother. I recently heard a definition of love that I really like: proactive kindness. We need to be proactively kind to our family members. coaching is the lifelong process of shaping, training and empowering our children as they move toward adulthood. It starts with being highly involved in their lives and gaining insights about them—their unique needs and interests—that will help direct our actions as fathers.

And third is modeling. Our children are influenced by what we do even more than by what we say. We need consistency in our expectations and our behavior, living out the values we want to transmit to future generations.

Those are the fundamentals, Dad. I hope you’ll practice them ,til you’re sick of them, , til you do them without even reminding yourself to do them.

I won’t say they’re easy; it may take time before you’re in game shape, so to speak. But when you’re in the heat of a fathering challenge, they’ll be there for you, and they’ll help you succeed.

Carey Casey is CEO of the Kansas City-based National Center for Fathering—Fathers.com—and author of the book Championship Fathering (2009). Carey and his wife, Melanie, live in Lee’s Summit.

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quiz . . .

f. Agree, but secretly begin agonizing about the safety of the rides.

what kind of mom are you?

Your 13-year-old daughter is begging for the latest smart phone. You say: a. No way. You can use a flip phone when you need to reach me. b. Yes, let’s go shopping! c. Okay, but first we are going to draw up a contract together and discuss the rules and responsibilities of owning a smart phone. d. W ell, I don’t want you to be the only one of your friends who doesn’t have one. e. S ure, whatever. Let’s add you to the family plan. f. Are you kidding? A phone will expose your developing brain to harmful radiation.

Your child has an early morning soccer game. You are most likely to wear:

A

ren’t we all a little guilty of labeling other moms? Sure, we all share the common goal of nurturing a happy, healthy family, and we make different choices to get there. But just for fun, have you ever considered what “mom” category you most likely fall into?

It is a busy school night.

What is for dinner? a. Tofu stir-fry b. Pizza c. Crockpot meal d. Hot dogs e. Mac and cheese f. O ne of your wholesome pre-made meals from the freezer Your family pet is a: a. Rescue dog or cat b. Cat or purse-sized puppy

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c. Golden or Labrador retriever d. A boxer or German shepherd e. Dogs, cats, fish, gerbils... we have a houseful f. Zhu Zhu Pet Your kids want to go to an amusement park with friends. You: a. Say okay, but with strict instructions that they are not to eat anything with artificial colors. b. Warn them not to ruin those jeans you got them. They cost a fortune. c. Look online to see if there are any coupon deals. d. Insist on going, too. You are never too old for roller coasters! e. Say no problem and offer to drive.

a. Y oga pants and an organic cotton t-shirt. b. D esigner jeans, Ugg boots, hip jacket and a cute hat. c. Comfy jeans and your favorite t-shirt. d. T eam shirt, capris and a great attitude. e. O ops, forgot to do laundry. Pull on something relatively clean. f. Soccer causes concussions. My kids don’t play soccer.

You relax by: a. Making homemade soaps and gardening. b. Shopping and a spa day. c. Relax? What? d. Cheering on your favorite team. e. Sleeping in and watching old movies. f. Cleaning and organizing.

A vacation for your family looks like: a. Camping. b. Relaxing at a beachside resort. c. D isney World and a full schedule of activities. d. W herever my child’s tournament is also being played. e. A leisurely drive to your destination with stops at historical landmarks and tourist attractions along the way. f. Family lake house.

How many extracurricular activities is each of your children in? a. 0-2 b. 2-3 c. 4-5 d. 6+ e. I don’t have a clue. f. I run all of the extracurricular activities my kids participate in.

Your car: a. Has a picture of the earth on it. b. Is detailed at least once a month. c. Has

your website on the rear windshield. d. F eatures decals of your kids’ names and the sports they play. e. I s littered with crumbs, sippy cups and toys. f. Is meticulously clean.

Your friend invites you to join her for a manicure. You say: a. C ome over! I’ll show you how to do an inexpensive, all-natural mani that you’ll love. b. Sure, I could use a little pampering. c. I ’d love to and then post a photo of the two of you enjoying your time on Facebook. d. A bsolutely! I wonder if they can put a baseball design on my nails? e. Fun! Let’s have lunch, too! f. Hmmm. Does this place clean their tools between clients?

Your favorite workout is: a. Om! Yoga all the way. b. Tennis.

c. Jazzercize. Group exercise is motivating. d. Running. Walking is for whiners. e. Chasing my kids. f. Weights and cardio with a personal trainer.

Your toddler has a meltdown at the store. You: a. Hand him homemade fruit leather you stashed in your purse. He is quickly appeased. b. Are surprised. This undesirable behavior clearly runs on your husband’s side. c. Take a photo of your screaming tot and post it to Facebook with the breezy status “Another day in paradise!” Your friends quickly commiserate. d. Annoyed, pick him up, abandon the cart and flee the store. e. Allow him to carry on. He’s only embarrassing himself. f. Get worried and wonder if he is acting out because he is coming down with something.

Your parenting mantra is: a. “Eat real food. Live simply. Recycle like there is no tomorrow.” b. “To be the best mom, you have to take care of yourself.” c. “Need something done? Ask a busy mom!” d. “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” e. “Keep calm and carry on.” f. “Cleanliness is next to godliness!”

You organize your family by: a. Using an old-fashioned day-planner. b. Hiring a virtual assistant. c. Plugging everything into your smartphone. d. Recording all activities on the family wall calendar, colorcoded according to the family member. e. Taking a fly-by-the-seat-of-yourpants approach. It will all work out. f. Assigning each person a folder.

On the first day of school. You: a. Sadly drop your child off and start researching how to homeschool. b. Skip through the morning routine singing “It’s the most wonderful day of the year!” c. Post Instagram photos of your kids dressed for the first day in Pinterestinspired poses. d. Give your kids a pep talk before dropping them off. e. Weep at the passing of another summer. f. Deliver an extra supply of disinfectant wipes to the teacher.

Your kids are performing in the school musical. You: a. Prepare a healthy dinner before performance time. Good food will help them focus. b. Work with the music teacher to ensure the costume designs are just right. c. Arrive an hour and a half before performance time. How else are you going to visit with friends and get a good seat for your YouTube recording? d. Rehearse daily with your kids.

You would be mortified if they screwed up. e. Remind your kids to practice their lines and assume they have it under control. f. Stay awake worrying the night before. What if a piece of equipment falls on their heads?

Could they fall off of the stage? You’ve heard about these things happening.

kcparent.com december 2014

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You opted for a natural birth with your children, hired a doula and had a birth plan in place when you were pregnant. You have a “breast is best” philosophy for feeding your babies.

You may have opted to homeschool your kids.

know what looks good, and your kids generally share your sense of style.

What others admire about you: Your commitment to living a more holistic, simpler life.

Social media has created a perfect storm of connection for you. You not only get to chat daily with friends and family from afar, you can share entertaining bits and pieces of your daily life with friends who may be right around the corner. Networking comes with ease, and you manage to find friends wherever you go. You frequently organize moms nights out, get-togethers and events. Your smart phone is your favorite device. Of all the moms listed, you are probably the most sleep deprived. But you thrive on busyness and tend to be exceptionally organized.

(B) Butterfly Mama If most of your answers were: (A) Crunchy Mama From food to cleansers, you take an all-natural approach to life. You are committed to a healthy lifestyle and to feeding your family wholesome, unprocessed foods. You either belong to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for locally sourced foods or you grow your own. You typically shop at places like Whole Foods and Sprouts with your cloth bags in hand. If you wear makeup, you keep it simple.

You rarely have a hair out of place, and other moms are constantly wondering how you manage to look so classy and put together all of the time. You have a quiet confidence and own your fashionable style. You not only care about how you look, you also have the attitude that selfcare is important to being a better mother. Your home further reflects your creativity and is a show stopper that is as comfortable as it is stylish. Whether you shop at garage sales or highend department stores, you always

What others admire about you: Your charming personality and fashion sense.

(C) Connected Mama

What others admire about you: Your vast network and your resourcefulness.

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(D) Sports Mama

(E) Free Spirit Mama

You love sports as much as your kids. Your competitive nature can get you a little riled up during games.

You push your children to always do their best, whether in school, sports or life. You typically wear your hair in a ponytail, sporting a sun visor and a t-shirt that says “Baseball/Soccer/ Football Mom.” You come to games prepared with a cooler full of healthy snacks, bottled water, blankets, an umbrella and a comfortable bleacher chair. Your favorite mode of transportation is your SUV or minivan to accommodate the sports equipment, random water bottles and any team members who need rides. As something of a mother hen, you carry a first aid kit and can always be depended on to offer praise and encouragement to every player.

You tend to take a go-with-theflow approach to life and prefer to live for the present. Your favorite outfit is whatever is clean and ready to throw on first thing in the morning. You don’t let a screaming child rush you into decisions you aren’t comfortable with. You aren’t one to hurry to urgent care the minute your child sneezes, falls or nibbles on some sand. You don’t worry too much about the daily messes and chaos of life. Your attitude is that inconveniences and frustrations will sort themselves out eventually.

For now, you say, let’s celebrate the moments and embrace the journey.

What others admire about you: Your can-do, upbeat and playful personality.

What others admire about you: Your reliable, even-keeled sense of calm.

(F) Mama Bear Committed to the health and wellness of the family, you are an avid reader of medical news and

child development books. You tend to worry about your family frequently and pay close attention to any sniffles or complaints of body aches. You frequently evaluate whether your kids’ behavior is due to illness, allergy or some other disorder, and you aren’t shy about consulting with the pediatrician. Your kids knew about stranger danger and how germs spread before any other kid on the block. You keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in the car, the house and in your purse. You are happiest in a clean, well-organized environment.

What others admire about you: Your nurturing, fiercely protective spirit.

Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two children. Her newest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World, available at ChristaMelnykHines.com.

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a new year’s countdown that will have you looking up

10...9...8

Across the globe, the last seconds before midnight on Dec. 31 draw people together to follow the tick of the clock. The collective countdown heightens our anticipation. It culminates our celebrations. And it anchors us in the transition from old year to new.

Why not bring that same sense of anticipation into the hours and days past midnight by looking ahead to how you want to spend the next 12 months? Check out the prompts below for ideas to start your countdown.

10

Create a list of 10 new date night activities or destinations you want to pursue with your spouse in the coming year.

You could format it as a passport book listing each of the 10 options on a separate page. Then stamp or write the date on the activity’s listing when you complete it. For suggestions, check out the book Take Your Marriage from Good to Great One Date at a Time by Steve Pare.

9

The holidays can be a great time to catch up with those we don’t see often. But instead of waiting until next December for a frenzy of socializing, spread the good times out across the year. Scan your contact list or Facebook friends roster for nine people you would like to see face-to-face. Then make a plan for contacting them to arrange a meet-up.

8

Are you sleep deprived? Carving out eight hours each night for sleep could be one of the best moves you make for yourself this year. According

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to the National Institutes of Health, sleep has an impact on your immune system, mood, cardiovascular health, appetite, stress hormones, reasoning, problem solving and more.

7

Declutter your house by collecting seven items to give away. If that does not make a dent, collect another seven to throw away. Repeat this activity on a room-by-room basis for further deep purging. And if you can engage the whole family in contributing, you could amass enough for a garage sale this spring.

6

Gather ideas for six family outings you dream of taking together in the year ahead. Make it a goal to go on bi-monthly excursions. Or use the summer months to complete all six. Look for local attractions to explore your home region. If you’re anticipating a road trip, choose activities and outings to coincide with your vacation plans.

5

Consider five of your strengths or skills. For each, brainstorm one new way you can put it to use, whether to improve everyday life or to contribute to your job or an organization you belong to. By doing so you create a winwin scenario as you sharpen your skills and make an impact on others.

4

Bob Goff, author of the best-selling book Love Does, likes to quit something every Thursday. You don’t have to be so radical. Instead, devise a list of four things you want to leave behind in the New Year. Your list may include bad habits, unhealthy relationships or a volunteer position that no longer fits your life.

3

Aim for dinner together as a family three or more nights out of the week.

Researchers suggest the benefits to your children, such as improved psychological well-being, greater academic achievement and protection against the effects of cyberbullying, start accruing after three meals together weekly.

2

Dream up two projects you would like to pursue in the next 12 months. They could be home improvement projects, service projects to help a charitable organization or craft projects to give as gifts throughout the year.

1

Many people like to choose a word that describes their hopes for the coming year. What word would you choose?

Post your word in a location you will see daily, such as on your bathroom mirror or the refrigerator door. Notice how it shapes your days and inspires you to live up to it.

Happy New Year! Using a countdown like this one, you can count on living more purposefully. Prepare to celebrate your best year yet!

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist, mother of three and author of the book Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie Into Every Day.

Visit the KCParent.com calendar for lots of family-friendly New Year’s Eve events.

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Holiday Guide

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long distance holiday

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25 days of christmas cookie recipes faith & family craft corner alternative gifting ideas gift guide word from dad women's health

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long-distance holiday

W

hether you just moved out of state (or country) or have lived a long distance from family for years, staying in touch over the holidays each year can prove to be tough. However, when you and your children take time to get creative, staying connected can be a lot of fun for everyone in the family! Here are eight fun ways to say hello long-distance:

handmade gifts. Let them know you’re thinking about them by sending in the mail something your child has created, whether a coloring page or a fun craft project she made at home or school.

For some fun craft ideas to do at home, check out sites like Pinterest (Pinterest.com) for inspiration.

pottery. Have some fun while making great gifts for family! Visit a local paint-your-own-pottery studio and let your kids get messy with paint. Pick out a mug, set of coasters or cookie jar and allow your little one(s) to paint and stamp their handprints or footprints on them. What a great homemade keepsake!

photos. It’s so easy nowadays to take photos! With phone cameras, you can click away and text the photos to family or upload them to the social media of your choice. You also can have your photos printed onto cards, mugs, key chains and more on various photo websites or even in stores. Or you may opt to make a little photo album to send to the family. Oh, and for just $1, you can send a photo as a postcard using Postagram (PostagramApp.com).

skype. Have a face-to-face conversation with long-distance family on the computer! It’s just like being in the same room with them.

Skype is free, and signing up is easy. Go to Skype.com for more information.

write a letter. That’s right … write! Handwritten letters have a personal touch, and you can invest in some cute stationery for children on websites like Shutterfly.com or TinyPrints.com. What’s more, you can have the papers monogrammed with your child’s initials. For children who are unable to write just yet, write a note for them and have them scribble on the letter to add their own personal flare. keep a blog. It’s easy (and fun) to do! Document your child’s

life so that long-distance family will feel included in your everyday activities. There are a number of free and easy-to-use sites for blogging, such as Wordpress.com and Blogger.com.

social media. It’s so easy to keep in touch these days with the

Internet. More and more grandparents are signing up on Facebook, and they love to see recent photos and videos that you post of their precious grandchildren playing instruments, singing songs or reciting their ABCs. So, get busy posting to make them smile!

telephone date. Too busy for creativity? Make a phone date with family by setting a specific day and time to talk…and sticking with it. This also will teach your children that a simple phone call can brighten someone’s day.

Liberty mom and author Gina Klein and her family love keeping in touch with long-distance relatives throughout the year, whether it’s via snail mail or online. No matter how they do it, her two daughters always add their own personal flare! kcparent.com december 2014

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25 Days of Christmas Countdown: Kansas City Style Instructions: Select 25 ideas your family would enjoy. Choose one list (Kansas City version or home version) or mix the two. Hang your ornaments from a garland on the mantle, holepunch each ornament and tie a string to decorate a tree, or display with refrigerator magnets for a fun and festive touch.

Go sledding! Visit KCParent.com and search “Best Sled Hills” to find the best snowy hill near you.

Drive through the Country Club Plaza Christmas lights, Kansas City’s “Nighttime Fairyland,” as it was known in the 1930s.

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Watch A Christmas Carol at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, now showing for its 34th season. Watching the play is much like enjoying a cup of hot cider on a cold winter’s day: It is warm, delicious and a touch surprising, as the Rep strives to improve the show every year. KCRep.com

Visit the Fairy Princess on weekends at the Kansas City Museum, a local Christmas tradition since 1935.

KansasCityMuseum.org

Take a spin on the ice at the Crown Center Ice Terrace (CrownCenter.com) or The Ice at Park Place (ParkPlaceLeawood.com).

Ride through Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake Campground, featuring 300,000 lights, 175 animated figures and splashes of Christmas color. Tip: Avoid the crowd and visit Sun.–Thu. JacksonGov.org

Celebrate trains at Union Station, where you can see one of the largest model railroad displays in America. Trains of all sizes run through scenes of a festive winter wonderland set right in Kansas City. Enjoy a ride on the Jones Store Train, holiday décor, movies and more all season long.

UnionStation.org

Journey to Judea at Countryside Baptist Church, where you can experience the sights and sounds of God’s story up close and personal as groups literally walk through the story of the Bible. Dec. 4–7.

JourneyToJudea.com

Munch on Topsy’s popcorn fresh from a Kansas City holiday tin.

TopsysPopcorn.com

Drive under the holiday crowns at Zona Rosa. The crowns were part of Kansas City’s downtown holiday celebration from the 1960s through the 1980s. When Zona Rosa opened as a new shopping district, they chose to restore the tradition.

ZonaRosa.com

Visit Crown Center and play at Santa’s Christmas Crayola Land, enjoy the gingerbread village and window shop.

CrownCenter.com

Treat the family to a showing of The Nutcracker at the Kansas City Ballet. Enjoy Clara’s magical adventures with an enchanted Christmas tree, talented dancers, spectacular scenery and music by the Kansas City Symphony—plus, snow magically falls inside the theater! KCBallet.org

Experience Victorian Christmas magic on a tour of Vaile Mansion in Independence. The elegant rooms are decorated with elves, pixies, snowmen and fairies in a magical setting.

VaileMansion.org

kcparent.com december 2014

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Enjoy the holidays at Powell Gardens with a luminary walk or breakfast with Santa.

PowellGardens.org

Take your family to Winstead’s (101 Brush Creek Blvd., Kansas City, MO) on the Country Club Plaza for a Skyscraper (giant 4-person ice cream soda) and a view of the lights. Then, walk, drive or enjoy a carriage ride through the Plaza for a great view of the lights.

Celebrate an 1855 Christmas at Missouri Town on Dec. 13 as the Christmas customs of English, German and French settlers are brought to life in this historic antebellum community.

Visit Santa at the Kansas City Zoo during Holiday Wild on Saturday, Dec. 6.

KansasCityZoo.org

Ride the rails with Santa aboard the Belton, Grandview and KC Railroad on Dec. 6.

BeltonRailroad.org.

Eat breakfast with Santa.

Visit KCParent.com and search the calendar for listings.

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Enjoy more than 250 powerful voices performing Handel’s Messiah as the Independence Messiah Choir joins with the KC Symphony and Symphony Chorus to continue a 98-year tradition.

KCSymphony.org

Fall in love with the holiday’s most beloved misfit at the Coterie during Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. TheCoterie.org

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At-Home Christmas Countdown Ideas

Watch The Twelfth Day Dec. 5-7 at the Culture House. This holiday comedy is set at a quiet mountain inn that will never see a crazier Christmas. Based on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

CultureHouse.com

1. Read the Christmas story (Luke 1 & 2).

2. Trim the tree.

3. Bake cookies.

4. Decorate a gingerbread house.

5. Sip egg nog.

6. Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas.

7. Sing your favorite holiday songs.

Visit the KCParent.com calendar and choose one new event to try this year.

8. Pop popcorn and drink hot cocoa.

9. Make gifts for loved ones.

10. Wrap gifts.

11. Deliver treats to the neighbors.

12. Eat candy canes.

13. Write a Christmas poem.

14. Adopt a child from Angel Tree.

15. Send Christmas cards.

16. Cut out snowflakes.

17. Dance to holiday music.

Take photos aboard the KCS Holiday Express (Dec. 18-21) at Union Station. The six-car holiday train brings Santa and his elves to Kansas City.

KCSouthern.com

18. Do a good deed.

19. Take funny family photos.

20. Read A Christmas Carol.

21. Bake gingerbread men.

22. Make construction paper garlands.

23. Surprise someone you love.

24. Rewrite Jingle Bells.

Make a gift for a loved one at a local shop. Search Make It-Take It on KCParent.com.

25. Put sprinkles on it.

Kristina Light loves every holiday, but Christmas most of all. Her girls look forward to annual visits with the Fairy Princess, the Journey to Judea and, of course, the Plaza Lights. kcparent.com december 2014

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Cookie

RECIPES glazed lemon cookies 1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature 3/4 c. granulated sugar 2 large egg yolks 1/2 t. pure vanilla extract 1/4 t. salt 2 c. all-purpose flour 1 c. confectioner’s sugar 2 T. fresh lemon juice, plus more if necessary 1 t. finely grated lemon zest

With an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg yolks, vanilla and salt and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.

Divide the dough in half and shape into 1-1/4-inch diameter logs. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

W

e asked KC Parent’s writers and staff to share their favorite holiday cookie recipes.

Find a new favorite!

Heat oven to 350. Slice the logs into 3/8-inch thick pieces and space them 1 1/2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake until lightly golden, 16 to 20 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, lemon juice and zest until it forms a thick but pourable glaze (add more lemon juice if necessary.) Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and let set, about 15 minutes.

Every time I take these cookies to a function, I’m always asked for the recipe!

Tisha Foley

For more holiday recipes and craft ideas, visit KCParent.com.

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peanut butter yummies 1 c. peanut butter* 1 c. sugar** 1 egg

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all three ingredients together. Drop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 6-8 minutes (be careful not to over bake!). *If you have concerns regarding peanut allergies, try this recipe with a sunflower seed butter. **You can vary the sugar by using all white sugar, half a cup of white sugar and half a cup brown sugar, or all brown sugar.

While I’m not typically a fan of peanut butter cookies, the first time I made these I became one. I like this recipe because it’s simple and great for anyone who may have a sensitivity to gluten or peanut butter (if you use sunflower seed butter in lieu of the peanut butter).

Karah Chapman

snowballs

1 c. butter (softened) 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar 1 t. vanilla 2 1/4 c. flour 1/4 t. salt 3/4 c. chopped nuts Cream butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Incorporate the other ingredients one at a time. Refrigerate dough until firm (about an hour). Roll into 1-inch balls. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Put powdered sugar in a Ziploc bag and gently shake cookies in it to get a nice even coating of “snow.” Place in mini cupcake wrappers/liners to give away or enjoy!

If Christmas had a taste, for me it would be the buttery and nutty flavor of these cookies! Technically, they are a Swedish tea cake, but our family appropriately called them snowballs, because that’s what they looked like (plus, there’s nothing really “cake” about them!). Good any time, but especially warm out of the oven with a fresh dusting of “snow.”

Lauren Greenlee

fuzzy tongue chocolate chip cookies

To your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, add one teaspoon of each of these spices to the dry ingredients: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves.

I recommend putting the spices in a container with a lid. When the container is opened, all that wonderful scent comes rising out, and with each breath, you’re reminded that it’s Christmas.

William Bartlett

monster cookies 1/2 c. butter 1 1/2 c. brown sugar 1 c. white sugar 3 eggs 1 t. vanilla 1 c. peanut butter 2 t. baking soda 4 1/2 c. quick oatmeal 6 oz. chocolate chips 6 oz. M&Ms (no flour)

gingersnaps

3/4 c. butter or margarine, softened 2 c. white sugar 2 well-beaten eggs 1/2 c. molasses or sorghum 2 t. vinegar 3 3/4 c. flour 1/2 t. ground cinnamon 2 t. ground ginger 1/4 t. ground cloves Cream together the butter and sugar.

Stir in eggs, molasses and vinegar. Sift and add flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves. Let the dough stand at room temperature 15-30 minutes. Form the dough into ¾-inch balls. Bake on greased cookie sheet about 12 minutes at exactly 325 (too hot will cause the cookies to brown too much). The cookies are done when they have an even honeybrown color all over the surface. They will begin to swell at first as they get brown and will then begin to sink around the edges. Let them cool at least a minute or two before removing from the pan—then they will flatten out and crinkle like gingersnaps!

I love ginger snaps because of their delicious flavor and chewy goodness (they are soft and chewy, not crispy), but also because I have many fond memories baking them with my dear friend and mentor, Evelyn. I love favorite recipes among friends!

gooey butter cookies

1 stick butter 1 egg 1/4 t. vanilla 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese 1 box butter recipe yellow cake mix Powdered sugar Beat butter, vanilla, egg and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Mix in dry cake mix. Chill 30 minutes. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls in bowl of powdered sugar; roll into balls. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350 for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

This is my go-to cookie recipe. Simple, super easy and, best of all, yummy!

Margaret Sarver

Special thanks to Hoffman Models (HoffmanModels.com) for providing the talent, the

Culinary Center of Kansas City (KCCulinary.com) for providing the kitchen, Kia Bondurant (KiaBondurant.com) for taking the photos and Cookies By Colleen (Facebook.com/ CookiesbyColleen) for providing the cookies for the December cover and interior shots.

Kristina Light

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla and peanut butter. Mix well.

Add baking soda and oatmeal. Mix together. Stir in remaining ingredients and shape into balls. Drop on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

For some reason, we love to get this recipe out during the colder months.

Maybe it’s because we spend more time indoors then, or maybe it’s because these cookies are so dense.

Whatever the case, this cookie is a favorite in our household, and friends constantly ask for the recipe.

Chocolate, peanut butter, oatmeal— what’s not to love?

Kate Meadows

kcparent.com december 2014

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Sacred Tradition

FAITH&FAMILY

T

“But you shall remember the Lord your God.” –Deuteronomy 8:18

Traditions. They’re meant to usher us into a season of comfort and joy, peace and goodwill, but often leave us feeling more harried than merry. Take, for instance, the daily ritual of an Elf-on-the-Shelf ’s soaking in marshmallow bubble baths, T.P.-ing the tree and plunging down zip lines over the breakfast table. For such tiny creatures, these sly imps demand an inordinately large amount of my time and sanity, commodities already in short supply over the holidays.

Trying to conjure up a Norman Rockwell Christmas is not only exhausting, it’s a series of “Pinterest-fails” waiting to happen.

Santa strawberries, anyone? Nailed it.

I offer here our family’s alternative: keep it simple and sacred. We’ve decided to cut back on secular traditions and, instead, elevate the rituals imbued with the true meaning of Christmas to the top of our

to-do list. Here are a few of our favorite traditions that keep Christ in Christmas.

Join us and hold fast to the sacred in the season.

Manger on the Stairs

devotions. As each week progresses, we add more characters to our toy nativity, recalling the many guests—animals, shepherds, angels and wise men—who visited the baby Jesus.

Before the kids race to the presentladen tree, we have a rule in our home on Christmas morning: No one goes downstairs until the Christ Child arrives.

An empty manger upon the landing awaits the baby Jesus. While the kids in pajamas linger impatiently on the stairs for his debut, singing carols and ringing bells, Mom and Dad light the fireplace and prepare the cameras for the mad dash to the birthday bash downstairs.

Serving Together

Each Sunday of Advent, our family lights one symbolic candle and reads part of the Christmas story from an Advent book of

Faith & Family writer Wendy Connelly is a seminary student and mother of two from Overland Park.

Advent Wreath

Jesus teaches us to serve, so it’s only natural that at Christmas we look for opportunities to serve as a family. Some of our best holiday memories include ringing the Salvation Army bell, sorting sweet potatoes at Harvesters, assembling meal pouches with Stop Hunger Now and performing concerts at our local nursing home. Every blessing shared is a blessing received.

Brrrr... it’s cold outside, so the choice is yours...

Bundle up and go out to eat or the grocery store OR...

Stay snuggled up in your house and enjoy a cozy Dream Dinner around your table.

LET DREAM DINNERS HELP! TRY US ONCE WITH 6 MEALS FOR ONLY $74.95!

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kcparent.com december 2014

Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Mashed Potatoes

Sage and Parmesan Boneless Pork Chops with Toasted Onion Potato Wedges

Terracotta Chicken with Pita and Hummus

Creamy Tortellini with Bacon

To see the full December Menu visit: www.dreamdinners.com OverlandParkKS@dreamdinners.com 913.491.6733

®

CRAFTCORNER

diy snow globe 1

2

3 Add some crafty Christmas charm to your holiday season by creating a DIY snow globe! You will be surprised at how easy it is to create, and you probably already have most of the materials on hand. Grab an old baby food jar or mason jar, a small ornament and a few other materials to help your child make a snow globe of his very own.

step 1:

Using super glue or hot glue, attach the ornament to the inside of the lid.

materials needed: Small lidded jars Baby oil Glitter Ornament Glue

step 2:

Once the glue is dry, fill the jar with baby oil and about 1 T. of glitter.

step 3:

Put glue around the inside edge of the lid and then screw on to secure. Once the glue is dry, shake up your jar to watch it snow!

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com. kcparent.com december 2014

45

alternative gifting ideas

"Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received have been those that have allowed me to go somewhere or do something. It solidifies a memory that extends much further than Christmas morning.”

’t

is the season for crowded stores and limited parking spaces.

Parents are easy to identify: determined eyes and multiple lists in colorful scrawl. The gifts may vary, but the end goal is the same. We look forward to the joy on our kids’ faces when they receive exactly what they wished most for. These moments seem fleeting, however. What if we could harness that joy into something long-lasting?

Do you remember the scene in How the Grinch Stole Christmas when he has stolen all of the presents and the Whos still find a way to be cheerful? I’m reminded of this every year when I think of what to get my boys. They’re still young—not quite old enough to compile their own lists. We have focused in previous years on four categories: educational, musical, practical and fun, and then we typically purchase a small gift from each category. As the boys get older, however, I’ve begun to think about ways to enrich their lives outside of material possessions. Here are some ideas I’ve researched:

experiential. Some of the best gifts

I’ve ever received have been those that have allowed me to go somewhere or do something. It solidifies a memory that extends much further than Christmas morning. Ballet classes, art lessons or tickets to a monster truck show are fun gift ideas. The best part about experiential

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gifting is that the options are infinite and customizable to the person. Blue Springs mom Holli Ann says, “We do experiential gifts in our household. My daughter will be 4 in February, so she’s grown up with a mix of traditional and experiential.”

time. How often do you give each child

your complete and undivided attention? I have a 2- and a 3-year-old. As much as I’d like, giving them my complete attention doesn’t happen very often. Taking them out for one-on-one activities brings them so much joy. It also allows me to focus on their individual skills and interests. There are several activities my older would love to do, but my younger isn’t ready for. Some ideas are a lunch date, a movie he’s wanted to see, bowling, skating, bumper cars and miniature golf.

family-oriented. Instead of spending money on toys, consider investing that into a family vacation. It could be a weekend in the Ozarks, a trip to Disneyland or a destination with a price point anywhere in between. The most important part is just spending time together, away from the routine of everyday life. A fun way to decide on where to go is to present two options to the kids and have a family vote. subscription based. In “Too Many Toys: 15 Unique Gift Ideas for Kids,” on Babble.com, one great suggestion is an

educational magazine subscription, such as National Geographic Kids. Another is a craft delivery service like one from KiwiCrate.com. According to the site, every month is a fresh, fun learning experience.

Each delivery includes all the materials and inspiration for two to three activities: art, science, games, imaginative play and more.

Each month is a new theme, like gardening, dinosaurs and outer space. There are also subscription services for clothes, books and travel.

I feel like my kids are very fortunate.

They have a home, plenty of food to eat, an abundance of books and educational toys and parents who love them with everything they’ve got. I don’t have to buy them anything to prove this. As with anything else, however, my husband and I continuously strive for balance. Will there be a few presents for them to open on Christmas morning? Of course! The difference will be in the gifts not wrapped in shiny paper, the ones that will last a lifetime and require no battery replacement.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holidays.

Jennifer Bosse lives in Kansas City with her husband and two sons. She looks forward to alternative gifting with her family.

e d i u g gift ideas

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ute gif

t min for las

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing shares profound spiritual truths from the Bible told in a conversational tone. This deluxe edition comes in a gift box with a set of CDs along with the hardcover book.

Perfect for family devotions, bedtime, story time or any time. Amazon.com

piano Beginner’s Science Lab Children discover the magic of science with a readyto-use lab designed just for beginners! Kids just follow the step-by-step instructions to complete 12 simple experiments—from building a volcano and growing colorful crystals to creating realistic snow and experimenting with space sand! Available at LakeshoreLearning.com or Lakeshore store (Merriam)

lessons

Learn to play piano and have FUN doing it!

Ages 4+ • All Skill Levels • Affordable Flexible • Experienced Teacher (9 yrs)

WINTER SPECIAL: SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST MONTH AND RECEIVE ONE FREE LESSON!

Daytime lessons available for homeschoolers!

Call Spring Terburgh at 913-636-4472

By Margaret Sarver LESSONS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT OFF I-35 AND 119th ST IN OLATHE kcparent.com december 2014

47

WORDFROMDAD

Christmas Shopping

“T

his year, I’m going to trust you to get Mom something all by yourself. Choose something she will like. I don’t even want to see it ’til Mom unwraps it on Christmas morning. Do you understand?”

James and Ian returned a solemn nod.

I gave a 10-dollar bill to each and strode away, their instructions fresh in my mind. Nothing more than nine dollars, something for Mom to enjoy and meet me in 30 minutes. I’d briefed them and quizzed them. I even left them in front of a counter loaded with scented powders, soaps and other items to make Mom feel special.

My confidence rose.

When we met again, each one carried a shopping bag with a weighted box. I almost peeked at their choices, but held back. I’d told them I wouldn’t. I dropped some change in the bell ringer’s kettle and assured myself of the boys’ good choices.

On Christmas morning, Sandi and I

woke too early when two excited boys jumped on the bed. After they’d opened their presents, a gentle reminder brought them to Mom’s side, each carrying a small, wrapped box.

Sandi loosened the colorful paper and pulled the box free. Lego City Fire Chief Car. My jaw dropped, but Mom expressed her delight and opened the next package. Lego City Patrol Car. What? “Guys, I told you to get Mom something she’d like.”

“Bill, I do like these. Since they first started getting Lego toys, I’ve loved helping them with theirs. Now, I have my own.”

I couldn’t argue with that.

“Mom?” James stared at the toy. “If you need a hand, I can help.”

“Yeah, Mom.” Ian wouldn’t be left out.

“Let me show you.”

“Okay,” Sandi said, “But one at a time.”

Clearly, Yuletide giving hadn’t yet ended on this Christmas morning.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Take your family on a journey!

Engage with your family this season with Scripture, puzzles and prayer. Download Thriving Family’s FREE Advent calendar and explore the characters of Christmas.

ThrivingFamily.com/advent

journey manger 2014 ADVENT CALENDAR to the

48

kcparent.com december 2014

WOMENSHEALTH

national SAFE toy and gift month

t

oy related injuries are all too common. As we moms buy gifts for our kids this holiday season, this is something to keep in mind.

In 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that hospitals across America treated approximately 262,000 kids with toy related injuries. The majority of kids were under the age of 15, with 92,000 injuries in kids under the age of 5. Reportedly, the most common areas of injury are the head and face. Because of this, Prevent Blindness America declared December as National Safe Toy and Gift Month to bring awareness and education to adults everywhere and to help them make the best decisions regarding toy selection to keep our children safe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests selecting toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the

intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children. The following are recommendations made by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Toys that plug in are a no-no for anyone •

under the age of 10. This is to prevent burns or electrical shock.

Buttons, batteries and magnets pose a risk when swallowed, causing stomach and intestinal problems, even death.

• Store toys in a designated place. Keep younger children away from older children’s toys.

Buy age appropriate toys.

• • Don’t leave children unattended with balloons.

• Be aware of toys that have pull strings

greater than 12 inches, which could be a strangulation hazard.

• Active play wins over passive entertainment such as watching TV. • Look for letters “ASTM”. This means the

toy meets national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

• Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.

• Avoid giving toys with small parts to

young children. If it can fit into a paper towel roll, it’s too small.

• Dispose of plastic wrap right away.

• Read all warnings.

Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mother and nurse practitioner who wishes you a happy holiday season!

$20 OFF YOUR PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE* Expires 12/24/14

14DM21

*For in-store use at U.S. Toy Stores only with free Preferred Customer Card.

Cannot be combined with other offer or discount. Can't be used with a Teacher Rewards Card. Reduction taken at register.Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Not validfor purchase of gift cards. Not valid on sale or clearance items. Other restrictions may apply.

103RD STREET

2008 W. 103rd Terr.

Leawood, KS 66206 913-642-8247 ustoy.com

103RD TERRACE GATES BBQ

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI STATE LINE ROAD

LEAWOOD, KANSAS

435

M-F 9-8 • SAT 9-6 • SUN 11-5

Look what's under the

TREE!

kcparent.com december 2014

49

december

THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

CALENDAR

Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

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kcparent.com december 2014

view

watch

see

visit

welcome

Take the family to Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land thru Dec. 31, at Crown Center. Kids play on super-sized Crayola products while waiting to tell Santa their holiday wishes.

816.247.8444

Kansas City Ballet performs the holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, Dec. 6-24 at the Kauffman Center.

Experience the breathtaking sights and sounds along with stunning choreography and dazzling dancers.

KCBallet.org

On Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 & 20, head to Legends Outlets for FREE Holiday Movies.

Doors open at 9:30 with shows beginning at 10:00.

Seating is available on a first come first served basis.

LegendsShopping.com

Kids can tell all of their holiday wishes to the Fairy Princess Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec. 21 at the Kansas City Museum. Arts, crafts and, of course, a visit with the Fairy Princess.

KansasCityMuesum.org

Ring in the winter season with the Winter Solstice Hike on Dec. 9 at 5:00 at George Owens Nature Park. Enjoy a walk along a torch-lit path and then warm up at the outdoor fire.

816.325.7115

1 Monday Kansas City’s Largest Gingerbread House Thru Dec 30, Paradise Park.

The best interactive gingerbread experience! Paradise-Park.com

CATCH THE BU

ZZ !

Spirit of Christmas Past Homes Tour Thru Dec 30. The BinghamWaggoner Estate, Vaile Victorian Mansion and 1859 Marshal’s home decorated for the holidays. $3-$6. 816.461.3491 Letters from Santa Thru Dec 18. Arrange for a personalized letter from Santa. Call 913.642.6410 by Dec 18 to remind Santa of name, address and gift list. $5/letter.

Step into the world of

Mayor’s Tree Lighting 5:30, Main Street (Belton). Join the mayor for festivities to kick off the holiday season. Belton.org/calendar

larger-than-life animatronic insects!

2 Tuesday Jingle Arrgh the Way 10:00, H&R Block City Stage (Union Station).

Theatre for Young America presents this musical adventure that goes all the way to the North Pole. $10. TYA.org Victorian Christmas Magic Thru Dec 30, Vaile Mansion. Tour the elegant rooms with marble fireplaces decorated with elves, pixies, snowmen and more. 816.325.7430

UnionStation.org

Prices as low as $7 .5 0 Memberships Make Great Gifts!

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Unlimited Rides Deal 4:00, Zonkers. Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4:00, receive $3 off unlimited ride wristband OR buy one, get another one half off. 913.393.3535

Union Station’s Centennial

Holiday Celebrations

Mayor’s Tree Lighting 5:30, City Hall (Blue Springs). Entertainment and refreshments. Santa and other special guests join the festivities.

BlueSprings.gov Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park. Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland.

JacksonGov.org

3 Wednesday Welcome Wednesday Notre Dame de Sion Co-ed Grade School Campus. See why children thrive in small class settings taught by skilled teachers. Pre-reg at NDSion.edu.

DooDad Mike 10:00, Johnson County Museum. DooDad Mike brings his high-energy rock concert for one show only!! $3, free for members.

JoCoGov.org Pixie Skate 9:30, Skate City (Overland Park). A program for ages 6 and under to learn how to skate safely and have fun. $5 includes skate rental and snack. 913.888.6668 Animal Tales Story Time: Winter Weather 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/person.

913.764.7759

Join us for events all season!

Board the KC Southern Holiday Express Train & meet Santa Dec 18-21 Treat the kids to mini-train rides Experience the expanded Model Rail Display

Full Schedule at

UnionStation.org

Kids and Clay 4:30, Ceramic Café. Kids learn basic skills such as hand building, slab work, pinch pots, etc., and create a fun masterpiece. $16.

913.383.0222 kcparent.com december 2014

51

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Thru Jan. 4, the Coterie. The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. TheCoterie.org

4 Thursday Open Gym 9:00, Indian Creek Community Church. Open gym time for kids through age 7. Ride on toys and play with balls, blocks and more. Free. IndianCreek.org A Christmas Carol Thru Dec 26, Spencer Theatre. The KC Rep’s performance returns for its 34th season. A favorite holiday tradition!

KCRep.org Christmas in the West 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Explore how pioneers celebrated the holidays in the 19th century during this 30-minute guided tour. 816.325.7575 Journey to Judea Thru Dec 7, Countryside Baptist Church. Experience the sights and sounds of God’s story as you walk through the tale of the Bible. Free, but tickets req’d.

913.592.3270

Holiday Open House 5:00, Kansas City Museum. Ring in the holiday season at the Kansas City Museum. Toast the holidays! KansasCityMuseum.org Family Science Night: Science Is Cool 5:30, Kansas City Zoo. The best of the best is here! Science experiments that the whole family can enjoy.

KansasCityZoo.org It’s a Wonderful Life, the Musical 7:30, Blue Springs City Theatre. Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey’s life. BlueSpringsCityTheatre.com

5 Friday Toddler Time 9:30, Sky Zone. If you can walk, then you can jump! Toddler Time is for the little ones to have their own jump time. $7.

913.213.5900

Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ® The Rudolph Co., L.P. All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg.

913.661.2529 Story Time 11:00 & 2:00, Wonderscope. Listen to That Apple Is Mine in the Artworks exhibit and then create a mosaic apple picture. Free with admission. 913.287.8888

Santa’s Secret Workshop Pine Ridge Church’s Small Mall

DooDad Mike

er 3

Decemb

Saturday, December 6

FREE

Hands-on Exhibit for KIDS!

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Open tO the COmmunity 7600 N.W. Barry Road (across from Park Hill High School)

816-741-5118

www.pineridge.org

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kcparent.com december 2014

Tuba Christmas Noon, Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. Attend the FREE lunch hour concert for sounds of the season, tuba-style!

816.471.0400 First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Candlelight Homes Tour Thru Sunday, Weston. Start the holiday season off right with a tour through five historic homes in Weston.

WestonMo.com Twelfth Day Thru Dec 7, Red Studio Theater (Culture House). An original comedic play performed by Culture House. 913.393.3141 The Nativity 7:00, Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. Paul Mesner Puppets brings 7-foot biblical puppet characters to life. $9-$15.

816.756.3500

Redeeming Birth: A Walk Through Bethlehem 6:30, Grace Christian Fellowship Church. An opportunity for the whole family to experience the Christmas story. Free.

913.202.9056 Festival of Lights Parade 7:00, Historic Downtown Lexington. Holiday parade through historic Downtown Lexington.

VisitLexingtonMo.com Chris Botti Concert 7:30, Yardley Hall (JCCC).

This smooth jazz trumpeter and Kansas City favorite puts a new spin on classic standards.

JCCC.edu The Spirit of Christmas 8:00, Performing Arts Center (Leavenworth). The River City Community Players present this children’s play. 913.651.0027

6 Saturday

Sar-Ko Aglow 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Park (Lenexa).

Come to the park to see it lit up for the holidays. Enjoy cocoa and carolers. Lenexa.com

Breakfast with Santa 8:00, Sea Life Aquarium.

Get in the holiday spirit by having breakfast with Santa himself! VisitSeaLife.com

Lantern Light Tour 6:00, Strawberry Hill Museum. Take a night tour, when the museum is illuminated using Victorian oil lamps.

StrawberryHillMuseum.org

Breakfast with Santa 8:00, Riverfront Community Center (Leavenworth). Pancakes, music, entertainment and pictures with Santa.

913.651.2132

Breakfast with Santa 8:00 American Legion, Post 318 (Parkville). Breakfast, music, crafts, merriment and some quality time with Santa Claus. ParkvilleMo.org Santa’s Secret Workshop 9:00, Pine Ridge Church. A small mall shopping experience for kids ages 4-12. 816.741.5118 Santa Train 9:00, 11:00 & 1:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Christmas train ride with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies. Pre-reg. 816.331.0630 Breakfast with Santa/Gingerbread Workshop 9:00, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Enjoy pancakes with Santa and creating crafts in a special workshop. 816.233.7003 Home for the Holidays 9:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Gift and craft event. Decorated Christmas trees to raffle, gift baskets and more.

Free. 913.583.1009 Parents Day Out 9:00, Antioch Community Church. Babysitting services provided for a donation or toy donation per child. Pre-reg at 816.452.7833.

kcparent.com december 2014

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Christmas Open House 9:00, Grinter Place.

Learn more about the life of the Grinters and see the house decorated for Christmas.

KSHS.org

Fill a Bag for $5 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Independence, KC, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs). Grab a bag and fill it as full as you can with selected resale clothing and pay $5.

ChildOrch.com

Small Mall 9:00, CW Parker Carousel Museum.

Elves help kids shop for gifts and then enjoy a free carousel ride. Craft sale for adults.

913.682.1331

A Visit From St Nicholas 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Experience a 19th century Christmas. $5; under 5 free. 816.792.2655

Holiday yard Stakes 9:00, Home Depot.

Kids learn how to build festive yard stakes for the holiday season in this free workshop.

HomeDepot.com

Holiday Greenings 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn to decorate for the holidays using native plants and trees.

816.759.7300

Holiday Wild 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Santa will be at the zoo, and this is your chance to tell him what’s on your wish list.

KansasCityZoo.org

Fairy Princess Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec 21, 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Arts, crafts and a visit with the Fairy Princess. $10.

KansasCityMuesum.org

Santa in Science City 10:00, Union Station.

Spend the day with Santa at Science City and enjoy other holiday activities throughout Union Station. UnionStation.org

FREE Holiday Movies 10:00, Legends Outlets.

See The Polar Express on the big screen. Doors open at 9:30. LegendsShopping.com

Children’s Art Class: American Indian Art 10:00, Nerman Museum (JCCC). Learn about contemporary American Indian art and create a clay vessel. $10-$15. 913.469.8500

Whoville Holidays 10:00, City Market. Take a picture with the Grinch and create Whovillethemed crafts. Free. TheCityMarket.org

Nativity Guide 2014 Journey to Judea Dec. 4 -7, 4:00-9:00, Countryside Baptist Church (14150 W. 175th St., Olathe, KS).

Journey to Judea is a dramatic, outdoor Christmas event for the entire family. Through a guided tour, experience the sights and sounds of God’s story up close and personal as groups walk through the story of the Bible. Over one hundred costumed actors and live animals bring the presentation to life. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved online in advance. ASL Interpreted tours and motorized assistance can be requested at registration. JourneyToJudea.com

Christmas Open House 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Shop. Music, refreshments, demonstrations and stagecoach rides (weather permitting). OlatheKS.org A Visit from St Nick 10:00, Hodge Park. Take a break from the present and experience a 19th century Christmas. $5/person. KCParks.org Bird Banding 10:00, Burroughs Nature Center.

View resident songbirds up close and personal.

See birds be released for population studies.

Free. 813.795.8177 Chilly Snowman 11:00, Lakeshore Learning.

Create a cute snowman with a scarf using a Styrofoam cup and felt. Free. 913.432.3998 Musical Fun for Kids Noon & 2:00, Crown Center. Musical fun for kids with the Doo-Dads.

Don’t miss the Holiday Hop at Crown Center!

Free. 816.274.8537 Nutcracker Tea Party Noon, Ritz Charles.

Enjoy finger food and tea while watching a shortened version of The Nutcracker. $25-$40.

OPKansas.org A Country School Christmas 1:00, Lanesfield School. Christmas tales, caroling, ornament making and Santa. Free. 913.893.6645

Enjoy these events to help your family remember the reason for the season. (you will have the opportunity to purchase fine Christmas gifts or mementos there). Smell the fragrant scents of herbs, spices and breads. See the potters, weavers and carpenters at work.

Visit a crowded inn and a humble stable where the King of Kings was born! Tours will be conducted every 20 minutes. 913.268.6300 Very Merry Morning Dec. 6, 10:00-1:00, at Westside Family Church (8500 Woodsonia Dr., Lenexa, KS). Come experience the nativity story through the eyes of your preschoolers.

WestsideFamilyChurch.com

The Nativity Presented by Paul Mesner Puppets Dec. 5-7, Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. This December, the celebrated annual spectacle comes alive for the 11th time.

Come see beautiful seven-foot puppets gracefully move through the aisles of the historic cathedral with live musical and chorale accompaniment.

A cast of over forty puppeteers brings these larger-than-life Biblical characters to life! PaulMesnerPuppets.org

Christmas at Resurrection 2014 Dec. 10-14, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS). Christmas at Resurrection is a Kansas City musical tradition! This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists in a celebration of Christmas and the depiction of the traditional Christmas story. Enjoy a great family holiday tradition! COR.org

Redeeming Birth: A Walk Through Bethlehem. Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13, from 6:30–9:00 (last tour starts at 8:30) at Grace Christian Fellowship Church (7320 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS). An opportunity for the whole family to experience the Christmas story. You are invited on an interactive walk through the city of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. See people at work in the marketplace with busy shopkeepers and vendors everywhere

Giant Puppet Nativity Dec. 24, 4:00-5:00, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ (110th & Holmes Kansas City, MO). The annual retelling of the Christmas story will feature larger-than-life wise men as part of the giant puppet nativity performance. The public is invited, and children are especially welcomed. A Christmas Eve candlelight service, including communion, will also be held at 11:00. KCSPUCC.org

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THE

NUTCRACKER

Kansas City Ballet School Dancer : Grace Anne Reed. Photography: Kenny Johnson.

DECEMBER 6-24, 2014

CHOREOGRAPHY

MUSIC

FEATURING

Todd Bolender

Peter I. Tchaikovsky

Kansas City Symphony

At the magnificent:

Sponsored in part by:

Connect with us

Follow our blog for behind-the-scenes information.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT KCBALLET.ORG OR CALL 816.931.2232.

KANSAS CITY’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT TRADITION. Experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of the magic Christmas tree, dazzling costumes and scenery, stunning choreography and dozens of beautiful dancers. Commemorating the 100th birthday of Kansas City Ballet’s Todd Bolender. * Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball

DATES OF PERFORMANCES Saturday Sunday Friday Saturday Sunday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Dec. 6* Dec. 7 Dec. 12 Dec. 13 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 19 Dec. 20 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 24

2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

kcparent.com december 2014

55

The Nutcracker

Thru Dec. 24, Kauffman Center. The Kansas City Ballet performs this timeless holiday classic accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony. 816.931.2232

Clara’s Dream Today & tomorrow, 2:00 & 7:00, Blue Valley North. Miller Marley presents this beloved holiday revue. 913.492.0004 A Christmas Carol 2:00, Spencer Theatre. KC Rep returns with Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition. 816.235.2700

Trip the Light Fantastic! 11:00 pm, Longview Lake Campground. Enjoy a midnight ride through the hundreds of lighted, animated displays. Pre-reg at 816.503.4800.

7 Sunday

Christmas on the Farm 2:00, Watkin’s Woolen Mill. Stroll along lantern-lit paths to the Watkins family home. Enjoy crafts, refreshments and more. 816. 580.3387

Go Green for the Holidays Festival 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Center. Join StoneLion Puppets for a festival of art, music, theater and fun. Free. 816.221.5351

A Kansas City Christmas Today & tomorrow, 5:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Choir and orchestra perform. Enjoy dessert buffet after show. Free. LenexaBaptist.com

Holiday Bricktacular Saturdays & Sundays in Dec. Lego halls will be decked and enjoy special weekend events.

LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

Christmas Around Town 5:30, Shawnee Town 1929. Visit Santa, greet his reindeer and pick a gift from his old-fashioned wagon.

913.248.2360

Santa’s Wonderland Thru Dec 24, Bass Pro Shops. Enjoy an interactive play area, make crafts, write letters to the North Pole and visit Santa. BassPro.com

Santa Photos Thru Dec 21, Nebraska Furniture Mart. Come to the store to visit Santa and receive a free photo. 913.288.6327 Holiday Homes Tour Noon, Lexington. Five homes to visit in legendary Lexington. Driveyourself tour, map of homes listed on ticket.

VisitLexingtonMo.com The Nutcracker 1:00, Kauffman Center. The Kansas City Ballet performs this timeless holiday classic accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.816.931.2232

Personalized gifts for the holidays!

Great party room for creative family holiday gatherings!

Ornaments out of pottery, fused glass and clay.

CERAMICCAFEKC.COM 95TH & MISSION ROAD

913.383.0222 56

kcparent.com december 2014

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place. Spend the day ice skating with the family at the only outdoor rink in Johnson County. 913.663.2070

Journey to Judea 4:00, Countryside Baptist Church. Experience the sights and sounds of God’s story as you walk through the tale of the Bible. Free, but tickets req’d. 913.592.3270

Tuba Christmas Noon, Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. Attend the FREE lunch hour concert for sounds of the season, tuba-style!

816.471.0400

Santa’s Workshop 5:00, Cornerstone Park (Gardner). Visit with Santa, see the elves in action and receive ornament and candy cane.

913.543.5305

9 Tuesday

8 Monday

Xtreme Bugs 10:00, Union Station. Get up close and personal with massive, moving insects to discover their unique behaviors.

UnionStation.org

Mommy and Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. Bumper bowling for moms and tots. $3/ea includes game, shoe rental and drink. 816.524.3322

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 10;00 & Noon, the Coterie. The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. TheCoterie.org

Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your kids to play on the large assortment of toys in the gym. $2.

913.422.7010

Spirit of Christmas Past Homes Tour Thru Dec 30. The Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Victorian Mansion and 1859 Marshal’s home decorated for the holidays. $3-$6. 816.461.3491

Story Time for Toddlers 10:30, MCPL (North Oak Branch). Fun and interactive story time for toddlers and their caregivers. Free.

816.436.4385

Unlimited Rides Deal 4:00, Zonkers. Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4:00, receive $3 off unlimited ride wristband OR buy one, get another one half off. 913.393.3535

Winter Solstice Hike 5:00, George Owens Nature Park. Enjoy the beginning of winter with a walk along a torch-lit path and then warm up at the outdoor fire. 816.325.7115 Winter, Prairies and Starlight 6:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Explore the magic of the tall grass prairie and the stars on a cold winter’s night. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

10 Wednesday Welcome Wednesday Notre Dame de Sion Co-ed Grade School Campus. See why children thrive in small class settings taught by skilled teachers. Pre-reg at NDSion.edu.

Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old.

913.715.2550 Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30, Plaza Branch.

A special story time for babies (newborn to 18 months) with parent or caregiver. 816.701.3481

Thursday, December 4 5-8 p.m. | Free Ring in the holiday season with the Kansas City Museum at our Neighborhood Holiday Open House. We’ll toast the holidays with sweets, savories and beverages as special guest Irma Starr presents our 2014 Fairy Princesses and Fairy Princess Costume Contest Winners.

Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 |10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 |Noon-4 p.m. $10 per person The Fairy Princess returns to the Kansas City Museum to spread holiday cheer the first three weekends in December. Your child will share their holiday wishes with the Fairy Princess while getting their picture taken, listening to holiday stories and creating wonderful holiday memories with your family!

For Details Visit kansascitymuseum.org

kcparent.com december 2014

57

Little Rockers Concert 10:00, School of Rock (Overland Park). Bring the young kids out for a show just for them. Today Babloo performs his high energy show. 913.642.7625

Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park. Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland.

JacksonGov.org

Candlelight Tours 6:00, John Wornall House.

Sing-alongs, storytelling and an hour long tour of the house. A taste of Christmas in the kitchen! $7. 816.444.1858

Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $5 plus tax!

913.631.7000

12 Friday

Santa’s Wonderland 6:00, Gillham Park.

Celebrate the holidays with festive live music, light displays and a visit from Santa and his friends. Free. KCParks.org

11 Thursday Jingle Arrgh the Way 10:00, H&R Block City Stage (Union Station). Theatre for Young America presents this musical adventure that goes all the way to the North Pole. $10.

TYA.org

Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring little ones ages 2 to 5 to run and play in the gym. $1/child.

816.784.6100 Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Prereg. 913.661.2529

Magical Night Before Christmas 6:30, Mosaic Life Care at Shoal Creek. Join in with holiday carolers, watch a live theater performance and take family photos. Free. 816.437.8266

13 Saturday

Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World Lee’s Summit.

Every Friday enjoy story time with a story, crafts and a snack. Free. 816.246.7323

Breakfast with Lego Santa 8:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Legogland. LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

Christmas in the West 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Explore how pioneers celebrated the holidays in the 19th century. 816.325.7575

Auditions 4:30, The Culture House. Try your hand at acting! Auditions being held for Harvey and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

913.393.3141

Breakfast at the North Pole 8:00, White Building, Jo Co Fair Building. Spend a morning with your family at the North Pole. $5-$6.

GardnerKansas.gov

Hard Hat Tour 2:00, Kansas City Museum. Take a hard hat tour of Corinthian Hall to see how it looks mid-renovation. KansasCityMuseum.org

Second Friday Art Crawl 5:00, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy feature artists, music, dining and shopping. 816.630.6161

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus 9:00, Powell Gardens. Pancake breakfast, storytelling in front of a glowing fireplace and make-and-take crafts. $8-$13. PowellGardens.org

Pay for Play Rainbow Play Systems (Olathe).

Indoor play on Rainbow equipment. $4/child for 2 hours of play. 913.780.6500

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kcparent.com december 2014

2014 WINNER

family faves May be combined with 1/2 studio fee offers only. Good thru 12/31/14.

paintglazeandfire.net 127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS 913-661-CLAY

Christmas Celebration 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. The customs of English, German and French settlers are brought to life at this celebration. $3-$5. 816.503.4860

Kids in the Kitchen - Holiday Cookies 10:00, Jo Co K-State Research and Extension. Handson cooking lessons for kids. $10. Pre-reg at 913.715.7000.

The Wizard of Oz Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. The holidays go over the rainbow with the beloved characters from Oz. $5. 816.833.9777

Holiday Marketplace 9:30, Roeland Park Community Center. Enjoy donuts and cocoa, a visit from Santa, holiday crafts and a special shopping experience just for kids!

913.826.3160

Kids Craft Day 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. Make one-of-a-kind nature gifts to give to family and friends this holiday season. 816.228.3766

Santa Photos Thru Dec 21, Nebraska Furniture Mart. Come to the store to visit Santa and receive a free photo. 913.288.6327

Wonderpalooza 10:30, Wonderscope. Enjoy a special performance by Rockin’ Rob. Different performers each month. 913.287.8888

Photos and Cookies with Santa and Mrs Claus Noon, Atkins-Johnson Farm.

Enjoy a visit and photo with Santa and Mrs Claus while enjoying cookies and cider.

AtkinsJohnsonFarm.com

Zootastik Learning Fest-Amazing Animals 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Activities, demonstrations and crafts will take place in the main lobby. Free. KansasCityZoo.org Children’s Art Class: Coiling Clay 10:00, Nerman Museum (JCCC). Learn about contemporary Mexican pottery and create your own miniature pot. $10-$15. 913.469.8500 Whoville Holidays 10:00, City Market. Take a picture with the Grinch and create Whovillethemed crafts. Free. TheCityMarket.org FREE Holiday Movies 10:00, Legends Outlets. See How the Grinch Stole Christmas on the big screen.

Doors open at 9:30. LegendsShopping.com

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Thru Sunday, Union Station. Visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. UnionStation.org Nature Story Time 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Hear a story, explore outside and make crafts. Today’s theme is “holidays outside.”

Free. 816.325.7115 Welcome Winter Wreath 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Kids make a festive wreath out of tissue paper and a paper plate. Free.

913.432.3998

Winter Wonderland & Nutcracker Benefit 1:00, Shawnee Mission South High School. Performance to benefit Operation Breakthrough. $12. 913.897.9888 The Nutcracker 2:00 & 7:30, Kauffman Center.

The Kansas City Ballet performs this timeless holiday classic accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.816.931.2232 Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMo.com

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take note: december ’14

Dec. 1: Eat a Red Apple Day. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, or so they say. In any case, during a month full of sweet treats, opt for a healthy snack instead.

Dec. 4: National Cookie Day. McLain’s Bakery (7422 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO) has been serving delicious baked goods, including cookies, to local customers since 1945. Famous for their chocolate cup cookies, this bakery is a delicious place to celebrate Cookie Day. McLainsBakeryInWaldo.com

Dec. 9: Christmas Card Day.

Dec. 13: National Ice Cream Day. Treat the family to homemade ice cream and waffle cones at Sylas and Maddy’s (two locations: 11925 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.393.3500 & 1014 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, 785.832.8323).

For more than 100 years, Hallmark Cards has called Kansas City home.

Visit the Hallmark Visitor’s Center where you can watch as cards are manufactured, enjoy the magic of Hall’s Christmas trees and more.

HallmarkVisitorsCenter.com

Dec. 24: National Egg Nog Day. Enjoy locally made egg nog from Shatto Dairy Farm, whose concoction is frequently voted the best egg nog in Kansas City.

Available at your local grocery. Shattomilk.com

Dec. 27: Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day. Enjoy this winter childhood tradition by discovering new ways to make intricate designs with this how-to-guide: Instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-6-Pointed-PaperSnowflakes/

NEED COPY

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Dec. 16: Chocolate Covered Anything Day. Satisfy your candy cravings with fresh dipped fruits and chocolate covered strawberries coated all around for maximum sweetness at Laura Little’s (2100 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS), a real neighborhood candy store and a landmark in the area since 1970.

LauraLittleCandy.com

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express

Dec. 18-21, Union Station. Visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. UnionStation.org

Redeeming Birth: A Walk Through Bethlehem 6:30, Grace Christian Fellowship Church. An opportunity for the whole family to experience the Christmas story. Free. 913.202.9056

Santa’s Workshop 5:00, Cornerstone Park (Gardner). Visit with Santa, see the elves in action and receive ornament and candy cane.

913.543.5305

Polar Express Pajama Party 6:45, Union Station. Come and see Polar Express in your pajamas. $5; free for Union Station members.

816.460.2083

Major League Improv 6:00, ComedyCity.

A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13.

816.842.2744

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King 8:00, Polsky Theatre (JCCC). Modern jazz adaptation of the holiday classic. $10-$20. 913.469.4445

15 Monday

14 Sunday

Kansas City’s Largest Gingerbread House Dec 30, Paradise Park. The best interactive gingerbread experience! Paradise-Park.com

Fairy Princess Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec 21, 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Arts, crafts and a visit with the Fairy Princess. $10.

KansasCityMuesum.org

Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your kids to play on the large assortment of toys in the gym. $2.

913.422.7010

Holiday Tea 12:30, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop.

Enjoy tea, refreshments and the beautiful trees in the Heritage Center. Make an ornament to take home. $5. Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

Spirit of Christmas Past Homes Tour Thru Dec 30. The Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Victorian Mansion and 1859 Marshal’s home decorated for the holidays. $3-$6. 816.461.3491

Santa Dives 1:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Did you know Santa loves to scuba dive? Stop by to snap photos of Santa under water.

VisitSeaLife.com Holiday Dance Showcase 1:00, Union Station. Celebrate the holidays at Union Station with terrific dance performances!

UnionStation.org Story Time for Preschoolers 1:30, NelsonAtkins. Enjoy story time led by librarians from the Kansas City Public Library. Free.

Neson-Atkins.org Women’s Basketball 2:00, Allen Fieldhouse.

See the KU Jayhawks take on Arkansas State.

Visit the pre game with inflatables and crafts. $5. KUAthletics.com Santa’s Wonderland 4:00, Penguin Park.

Experience the wonder of the season at Kansas City’s holiday tradition, Santa’s Wonderland!

Free. 816.513.7500 Gardens by Candlelight 5:00, Powell Gardens.

Take a family stroll through the gardens aglow with hundreds of luminaries.

PowellGardens.org

Letters from Santa Thru Dec 18. Arrange for a personalized letter from Santa. Call 913.642.6410 by Dec 18 to remind Santa of name, address and gift list. $5/letter.

Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784

17 Wednesday Santa’s Wonderland Thru Dec 24, Bass Pro Shops. Enjoy an interactive play area, make crafts, write letters to the North Pole and visit Santa. BassPro.com Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 10:00 & Noon, the Coterie. The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. TheCoterie.org

16 Tuesday

Animal Tales Story Time: A Visit with Santa 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/ person. 913.764.7759

Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land Thru Dec 31, Crown Center. Kids play on super-sized Crayola products while waiting to tell Santa their holiday wishes. 816.247.8444

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000

Victorian Christmas Magic Thru Dec 30, Vaile Mansion. Tour the elegant rooms with marble fireplaces decorated with elves, pixies, snowmen and more. 816.325.7430 Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under.

Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place. Spend the day ice skating with the family at the only outdoor rink in Johnson County. 913.663.2070

Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30, Plaza Branch.

A special story time for babies (newborn to 18 months) with parent or caregiver. 816.701.3481

18 Thursday Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Thru Sunday, Union Station. Visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. UnionStation.org Open Gym 9:00, Indian Creek Community Church. Open gym time for kids through age 7. Ride on toys and play with balls, blocks and more. Free. IndianCreek.org

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A Christmas Carol Thru Dec 26, Spencer Theatre. The KC Rep’s performance returns for its 34th season. A favorite holiday tradition!

KCRep.org Christmas in the West 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Explore how pioneers celebrated the holidays in the 19th century.

816.325.7575 A Not-So-Quiet Night at the Museum 6:00, Nelson-Atkins. Live music, free programs, art activities and more for a fun adult night out.

Nelson-Atkins.org The Nutcracker 7:30, Kauffman Center. The Kansas City Ballet performs this timeless holiday classic accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.816.931.2232

19 Friday Xtreme Bugs 10:00, Union Station.

Get up close and personal with massive, moving insects to discover their unique behaviors. UnionStation.org

Dance

daddy & daughter

with special guests

Queen Elsa & Olaf

fri., feb. 6 & sat., feb. 7, 2015 6-9 pm providence community church 10113 lenexa drive 913.307.0710 www.sovgracekc.org/dance

all inclusive: price includes jack stack dinner for dads and chick-fil-a for the girls, and photo with queen elsa & olaf.

Register by Jan. 10th and take advantage of the early bird discount: $65 per couple ($15 for each additional child).

Registration after Jan. 10th is $75 per couple.

event will sell out. tickets must be purchased in advance.

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Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Prereg. 913.661.2529 Story Time 11:00 & 2:00, Wonderscope. Listen to A Houseful of Christmas in the Artworks exhibit and then create a sponge Christmas tree. Free with admission. 913.287.8888 Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World Lee’s Summit.

Every Friday enjoy story time with a story, crafts and a snack. Free. 816.246.7323 3rd Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station. The galleries open their doors to art lovers every third Friday of the month.

EnglewoodStation.com Lantern Light Tour 6:00, Strawberry Hill Museum. Take a night tour, when the museum is illuminated using Victorian oil lamps.

StrawberryHillMuseum.org The Doo-Dads Holiday Rock-n-Roll Matinee 6:00, Record Bar. Bring the whole family for an evening of great food and fun. $5/adults; free for kids. 913.558.1428

20 Saturday Breakfast with Father Christmas 9:00, Alexander Majors House Barn. Tell Father Christmas holiday wishes and enjoy storytelling, crafts and more. WornallMajors.org

Fairy Princess Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec 21, 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Arts, crafts and a visit with the Fairy Princess. $10.

KansasCityMuesum.org FREE Holiday Movies 10:00, Legends Outlets.

See The Santa Clause on the big screen. Doors open at 9:30. LegendsShopping.com Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Photos with Santa 10:00, Briarcliff Village (parking lot in front of GreenAcres). Bring your camera to take photos with Santa. BriarcliffVillage.com Brunch with Santa 10:00, Vesper Hall (Blue Springs). Enjoy breakfast with Santa. Please bring a small wrapped gift for your child. $8.

BlueSpringsGov.com Whoville Holidays 10:00, City Market. Take a picture with the Grinch and create Whovillethemed crafts. Free. TheCityMarket.org Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Hear a story, learn cool facts about animals and make a craft. 816.513.8960

Festive Card Holder 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Create card holder decorated with a darling snowman. Free. 913.432.3998

Santa Photos Thru Dec 21, Nebraska Furniture Mart. Come to the store to visit Santa and receive a free photo. 913.288.6327

The Wizard of Oz Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. The holidays go over the rainbow with the beloved characters from Oz. $5. 816.833.9777

Holiday Homes Tour Noon, Lexington. Five homes to visit in legendary Lexington. Driveyourself tour, map of homes listed on ticket.

VisitLexingtonMo.com

Skate with Santa 2:00, Line Creek Community Center. Join the jolly big man for some fun and festivity on ice! $6 admission, $2 skate rental.

816.513.0760

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

Winter Solstice 6:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Take a break from the holiday busyness with a stroll through the woods. 913.764.7759

21 Sunday

22 Monday Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land Thru Dec 31, Crown Center. Kids play on super-sized Crayola products while waiting to tell Santa their holiday wishes. 816.247.8444

Santa’s Wonderland Thru Dec 24, Bass Pro Shops. Enjoy an interactive play area, make crafts, write letters to the North Pole and visit Santa. BassPro.com

Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park.

Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission.

816.246.5224

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Union Station. Final day! Visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. UnionStation.org

Mommy and Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. Bumper bowling for moms and tots. $3/ea includes game, shoe rental and drink. 816.524.3322

Ends January 11

Kids under 12 FREE

45th & Oak, Kansas City. Missouri 816.751.1ART | n e l s o n - at ki n s . o r g Photo by Jenny Wheat Photography NelsonAtkins_KC Parent Ad_PlainsIndians_Dec2014_FIN.indd 1

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Giant Puppet Nativity

Dec. 24, 4:00, St Peter’s United Church of Christ. Christmas story performance with larger-than-life puppets. Free. 816.942.1155

Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under 4 to run and play in the gym. $1. 816.784.6100 Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park. Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland.

JacksonGov.org

23 Tuesday Elf’s Day Off 10:00, Roeland Park Aquatic Center. School’s out! Head to the aquatic center for a day of sweet treats and pool time. $7.

913.826.3160 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place. Spend the day ice skating with the family at the only outdoor rink in Johnson County. 913.663.2070 The Christmas Attic 4:00 & 8:15, Sprint Center.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra debuts a new show, The Christmas Attic. SprintCenter.com

24 Wednesday The Nutcracker 1:00, Kauffman Center. The Kansas City Ballet performs this timeless holiday classic accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony. 816.931.2232 Giant Puppet Nativity 4:00, St Peter’s United Church of Christ. Christmas story performance with larger-than-life puppets.

Free. 816.942.1155

25 Thursday Christmas Day Merry Christmas from KC Parent!

Thanks to the Kansas City community for 29 years of readership and support!

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26 Friday Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring little ones ages 2 to 5 to run and play in the gym. $1/child. 816.784.6100 Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity.

A comedy sporting event with everything decided upon by the audience. $9-$13.

816.842.2744

27 Saturday Nature Film Festival 9:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. End-of-the-year film festival showing nature movies and documentaries.

816.228.3766 Wagons Ho 10:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. See a film, tour the exhibit galleries and take a covered wagon tour. $7.50-$10. 816.325.7575 Celebration Noisemaker 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Get ready to ring in the new year with this fun homemade noisemaker. Free.

913.432.3998 Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park. Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland.

JacksonGov.org

28 Sunday The Jack Snaps Family Show 11:30, Fabulous Foos Custard. A family show with original children’s music, dancing, magic and interactive fun. 816.914.1166 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 2:00, & 4:00 the Coterie. The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season.

TheCoterie.org Women’s Basketball 7:00, Allen Fieldhouse.

See the KU Jayhawks take on Arkansas State.

Visit the pre-game with inflatables and crafts. $5. KUAthletics.com

30 Tuesday Vacation with the Critters 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Discover nature on school break and learn about animals that call Missouri home. 816.759.7300 Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place.

Spend the day ice skating with the family at the only outdoor rink in Johnson County.

913.663.2070

31 Wednesday New Year’s Eve Wonder Eve 9:00, Wonderscope. Ring in the “noon” year at Wonderscope! Music, balloon drop and more. Wonderscope.org

29 Monday

Daddy Daughter Dance Feb 6 & 7. Purchase your tickets now for this fun evening! Event will sell out! SovGraceKC.org/Dance

Santa’s Christmas Crayola Land Thru Dec 31, Crown Center. Kids play on super-sized Crayola products while waiting to tell Santa their holiday wishes. 816.247.8444

Noon Year’s Eve Noon, Science City. Welcome 2015 with family friendly activities to celebrate the new year. 816.460.2083

Victorian Christmas Magic Thru Dec 30, Vaile Mansion. Tour the elegant rooms with marble fireplaces decorated with elves, pixies, snowmen and more. 816.325.7430

New Year’s Eve Party Noon, Paradise Park.

Ring in 2015 early with the legendary ball drop in the Foam Factory. Early-evening, kid-friendly party. Paradise-Park.com

We Welcome your children to our Warm, fun environment, Where every child is treated With personalized care.

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• Comprehensive pediatric dental care including orthodontics • Low radiation digital x-rays • Individualized oral health education

Dr. John T. Fales, Jr.

13496 S. Arapaho Drive • Olathe, KS 66062 913.782.2207 • 913.489.0028 Fax

www.KIDZDENTIST.com

find us on facebook kcparent.com december 2014

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EXPLORE KANSAS

CITY ZOO

Visit penguins and polar bears year round with a 2015 Friends of the Zoo annual membership.

• FOTZ Members get FREE admission • FREE or reduced admission at over 150 other zoos and aquariums • DISCOUNTS on merchandise, education programs, events and parties!

• FOTZ-only events, quarterly newsletters and monthly coupons • DISCOUNTS on food and beverage purchases • Your contribution may be tax deductible

OPEN YEAR ROUND

It’s affordable family fun for animal lovers of all ages!

OPEN DAILY kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234

The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association kcparent.com of Zoos and Aquariums. december 2014

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Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Crown Center.

Share your favorite Crown Center holiday moments with us. #crowncentermagic

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2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108