KC Parent Magazine December 2013

Where you find family, you will find us.

FREE Dec. 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985

200 REASONS

TO LOVE DECEMBER

Ho Ho Holiday Treats Apps to Ease Christmas Planning Tis the Season to Be Crafty

kcparent.com december 2013

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• Served as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Kansas Dental Association.

• Recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the Kansas Fifth District Dental Society.

• Pediatric Dental Coordinator for the Kansas Mission of Mercy since 2002.

• Appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Kansas Dental Board

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A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R D E VO N C A R N E Y

Dancer: Rachel Coats. Photography: Kenny Johnson.

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. All accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music.

DATES OF PERFORMANCES Saturday Sunday

Dec. 7 Dec. 8

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

1 p.m.

Friday Saturday Sunday

Dec. 13 Dec. 14 Dec. 15

7:30 p.m.

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

1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Dec. 18 Dec. 19 Dec. 20 Dec. 21 Dec. 22

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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

1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Monday Tuesday

Dec. 23 Dec. 24

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

1 p.m. kcparent.com december 2013

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DEC 2013

DEPARTMENTS HOLIDAY FUN GUIDE, PG. 16

FEATURES

24

38

40

Dickens Christmas

High Tech Ed

It’s Called Play

KC entertainment for this holiday season

How technology is changing education

And our children aren’t doing enough of it

10

Women’s Health

15

Blog Bits

17

Word from Dad

22

Craft Corner

28

Media Mix

32

Healthy Kids

SPECIAL SECTIONS 16

Holiday Fun Guide

33

Party Guide

42

Calendar of Events

Our cover features John Hayes from Lake Winnebago as Santa and Landen from Stillwell. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com Where you find family, you will find us.

FREE Dec. 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985

200

REASONS TO LOVE DECEMBER

ON THE COVER Apps to Ease Christmas Planning

18

Tis the Season to Be Crafty

22

Ho Ho Holiday Treats

26

200 Things to Love About December

42

Ho Ho Holiday Treats Apps to Ease Christmas Planning Tis the Season to Be Crafty

kcparent.com december 2013

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kcparent.com december 2013

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editor’s letter DEC 2013 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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kcparent.com december 2013

Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Hawke Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

100% LOCAL

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Jennifer Bosse (Kansas City), Jennifer Duxbury (Olathe), Tisha Foley (Belton), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Annette Griffith (Lee’s Summit), Stacey Hatton (Overland Park), Brenda Hill (Overland Park), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Liberty), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), 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.

kansas city’s #1 attraction guide

fall/winter 2013-14

FREE Dec. 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985

FREE Oct-Dec 2013 KCParent.com Since 2002 Where you find family, you will find us.

200

REASONS TO LOVE DECEMBER

KC LOVES FUN!

the

importance of

NICU stop

WORTH A DETOUR « GETAWAY ST. LOUIS & OMAHA « BEST SLICE OF PIZZA

Ho Ho Holiday Treats

a tantrum before it starts

Apps to Ease Christmas Planning

dealing with pregnancy

pain

Tis the Season to Be Crafty

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kcparent.com december 2013

5 fallforfaves tots sanity savers

for new moms

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kcparent.com oct-dec 2013

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.com

I

n my childhood, every year in the weeks leading up to Christmas, Dad would sit us down and read us one of his favorite books, A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens. I loved being read to as a child, and this was one tradition to which I always looked forward. As a matter of fact, a few years ago as a Christmas gift, I received the copy of A Christmas Carol that Dad read to us. It’s a special gift that I treasure!

Charles Dickens and his Christmas story have shaped so many of our present-day Christmas traditions. In Kansas City, we have several events that celebrate this beloved tale. From taking in the Rep’s terrific stage performance to experiencing a oneman retelling presented by Mid-Continent Libraries, try putting a little Dickens into your holidays this year! Kristina Light’s article on pg. 24 provides a round-up of all things Dickens in Kansas City.

One of the BEST gifts our family received last year was a season pass to a local attraction. I loved it for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the season pass cards don’t take up any room in my house, which makes for less stuff—and I am all about less stuff to clog up my home. Secondly, it provided family fun throughout the year. It was a gift that we truly enjoyed again and again. As you page through this issue, be sure to keep in mind that many of our advertisers offer yearly memberships or family passes to their venue. A pass to the Kansas City Zoo or membership to Union Station is the gift that keeps on giving!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Kansas City!

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

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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.

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women’s health

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kcparent.com december 2013

since 2001

T

he majority of us have experienced neck and shoulder pain at one time or another. Neck and shoulder pain is very common but rarely caused by a serious problem. Neck strain can be caused by poor posture, such as leaning over a computer, workbench or desk, poor sleep habits or general stress. As with anything, prevention is the key! Following are a few tips to help prevent neck and shoulder pain: Body Mechanics: Avoid slouching or a head-forward position—especially for long periods of time. If you work at a computer for long periods of time, attempt to sit straight in your chair with your lower back supported. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Get up once an hour to stretch your legs and neck muscles. Adjust your monitor so the top of the monitor is at eye level. If you use a telephone, try using a head set or speaker phone.

While driving, don’t reach for the steering wheel, your arms should be slightly bent and relaxed.

Sleep Habits: Purchase a pillow that keeps your neck straight. Some cervical pillows or rolls may help relieve stress in the neck. Don’t sleep on your stomach, because this twists the neck.

Decrease Stress: Practice relaxation exercises. Consider getting a massage. Try to minimize your stress by changing the stressor or changing your reaction to the stressor. Learn to say no and not feel guilty! Talk about your stressors. Adjust your standards and focus on the positive. Learn to forgive.

Stay Strong: Strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles, which will protect your neck and back. Maintain a healthy body weight. Even though we are talking about neck and shoulder pain, your weight does make a difference.

Melanie Yunger is a local nurse practitioner, wife and mother who can appreciate the importance of stress management!

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

I am ...

... a Resurrection member. ... a husband and a father. ... an IRONMAN competitor. ... a physician. ... a Jayhawk. ... a blood donor. ... a school volunteer. ... compassionate. ... involved. ... healthy. ... caring.

Joel juggles a busy schedule but that doesn’t get in the way of donating his life-saving blood at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection blood drives.

He is a loyal and dedicated blood donor who takes just 60 minutes from his schedule every 56 days to help save a life.

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kcparent.com december 2013

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five things

children with wish you knew

Autism is only a part of who I am.

Children with autism often display: • Difficulties with social interactions and relationships • Difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication • Restricted and repetitive play They also may engage in problematic behaviors such as tantrums, a strong need for sameness or repetitive body movements.

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kcparent.com december 2013

R

ecent research has indicated that approximately 2 percent of all U.S. school-aged children (1 in 50) have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Two percent doesn’t sound like very many, but it means that within a typical elementary school, six to 10 children are likely to have autism. With numbers this high, and continually increasing, it means that at some point in your life, you or someone close to you may have a child with autism.

So what is autism? Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with difficulties in social interaction, delayed or impaired verbal and nonverbal communication and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors, interests and activities. Symptoms of autism can vary in severity and can range from those that are very mild and almost unnoticeable by others, to those that are much more severe and that can have a significant impact on a child and his family.

Although every child with autism is unique, there are some commonalities that many children with autism share— and that they wish you knew about.

I experience the world differently than most. Children with autism may interpret the world differently that many other people do. Specifically, some children with autism may experience sensory input as stronger or weaker than would a “typical” person. Anecdotal reports have indicated that for children with autism, noises may seem louder, lights

may seem brighter and clothing may feel rougher, and that some of these sensory experiences can be painful or very distracting. Others have reported that they may require intense sensory experiences before they register the input. The ways that children with autism experience their world will impact their behavior and influence the ways in which they learn and participate in their communities.

I may not understand you. One of the key diagnostic criteria for autism is delayed or impaired communication skills. As a result, children with autism may have difficulty understanding when others are talking with them. Like all children, youngsters with autism may disobey their caregivers or they may zone out of boring conversations. But for children with autism, there is also a strong possibility that they simply do not understand what is being said to them.

Children with lower language abilities may have difficulty with basic language (e.g., instructions like “Go to your room and pick up your toys”), while those with higher abilities may have difficulties with more subtle language such as sarcasm or metaphors.

My problem behavior has a function. All behavior occurs for a reason. All of us, children with autism included, engage in behavior because it allows us to access differing types of reinforcement. For instance, many people go to work (the behavior) to access money or the goods that money can buy (reinforcement), or they speed in their cars (the behavior) to get to work faster (the reinforcement). For children with autism, who may have limited verbal repertoires, problem behavior can serve to let others know that they need or want something (or that they need or want something to stop). For example, if a child with autism

is uncomfortable at the grocery store due to the number of people or the overhead speakers, he may begin to cry or scream (the behavior) to escape the store (the reinforcement). Whenever a child with autism engages in problem behavior, he is trying to tell us something. While it is important to help children with autism learn the types of behavior that are or are not allowed in certain settings, it is equally—if not more—important to understand what need they are trying to tell us about and help them learn a positive way to communicate that need.

My family has a lot going on. All families are busy, but for families of kids with autism, busy can take on a whole new meaning. Often families of children with autism need to work hard to advocate for their children to ensure they are getting the services they need. Caregivers may have to provide extra assistance (sometimes lots of extra assistance) to help children with autism do routine self-care and household tasks. Caregivers may have difficulties running errands like getting groceries or attending appointments if their children have difficulties in crowds or unfamiliar places. In addition, having a child with autism may cause financial strain for families as they struggle to pay for needed therapies or adaptive equipment, or if they need to miss work to attend to the needs of their children. All of these issues can mount on typical family responsibilities and can result in families with high levels of stress or fatigue.

Despite the challenges, the family of a child with autism is his biggest resource, strongest advocate and greatest support.

Autism is only a part of who I am. Children with autism may engage in behaviors that cause them to stand out from their peers. They may make loud or unusual noises. They may flap their hands or jump in place, or they may have difficulty understanding metaphorical or sarcastic language. But regardless of what “autistic” features they may present, these features are only small parts of who these children are. Just like neurotypical children, those with autism have favorite colors, favorite foods and favorite activities. They can be affectionate and funny, and they have dreams for their futures.

Autism is only one trait in many a complex and unique personality.

Dr. Annette Griffith, BCBA-D, lives in the Kansas City area. She is the director of Momentum Behavioral Health and the mother of two young children.

As always, please consult you health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com december 2013

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get geography smart

By Margaret Sarver

Geography was not my strong suit during my school days. I’m determined not to let my girls suffer the same fate, so I make sure to reinforce and teach the subject as often as possible. Below, find some fun ways for the whole family to learn about or brush up on geography skills.

dine around the world

To learn about countries around the world, designate one night as Around the World Dining Night. Decide upon a country, go online to research its native dishes and cook up a multicultural dining experience. Or visit KCParent.com for a list of great restaurants around town that celebrate a wide variety of nations.

explore with little passports

Don’t let the “little” in the title mislead you. Delivered to your kids each month, these books contain tons of great information for kids and adults alike! We opted for the U.S. series in which you receive information on two states each month. From brain teasing games to crafts to recipes to many useful fun facts, you’ll feel as if you have visited each of the 50 states without leaving your home! Also available in world geography. LittlePassports.com

guess the state game

Did your kids have one of those wooden puzzles that is a map of the United States?

Chances are good you’ve got one lying around the house. Dust it off and play “Guess the State.” Simply drop the puzzle pieces into a bag. Family members take turns choosing a piece. The others have to ask yes/no questions to try to guess which state the person is holding. The person who guesses correctly gets to keep that puzzle piece. The person with the most pieces at the end of the game wins.

put together a puzzle

Puzzles are wonderful for so many reasons. They help sharpen spatial thinking skills while encouraging family time. Place out a 500-piece U.S. or world puzzle and work on it together as a family. We recently worked on a U.S. puzzle where each state was represented by its license plate. A fun way to learn more about each state!

get your craft on

Hands-on activities are so great to help reinforce skills. Make a simple model of the Earth by stuffing a paper grocery sack with newspaper. Shape it into a ball, staple shut and paint blue. Find cut outs of the continents and have kids color or paint these green. Place the continents on the paper bag globe and then label the oceans. While younger kids love this, it’s also great practice for older kids. Have them teach the younger ones how to make the globe.

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kcparent.com december 2013

The Penguins Are Here!

P

erhaps the most anticipated new Kansas City attraction of 2013, the Helzberg Penguin Plaza at the Kansas City Zoo, is open! For the past few years, the Kansas City Zoo has just gotten better and better. Whether you consider the addition of the African Sky Safari, the Tropics, the Tiger Exhibit or the Polar Bear Passage, watching the zoo make strides to become a truly outstanding attraction and one of the greatest zoos in the nation has been exciting. And now, the brand new, state-of-the-art penguin exhibit adds to the delight!

The exhibit is home to about a dozen Humboldt penguins and nearly 40 cold water penguins. At a recent visit, the educational information displayed throughout fed my children’s curiosity about the Antarctic animals, and the television screens dispersed through the exhibit made it easy to see what was happening. The gem of the exhibit, though, is the fantastic viewing areas where you can watch the birds dive, swim, play and eat.

Tips for a visit to the Helzberg Penguin Plaza:

• Kansas City is SO excited to see this new exhibit, and the crowds are coming! Be

blog bits

prepared for lines if you visit on a weekend or when school is out. The exhibit is likely to be extremely popular for a while.

• Remember, the zoo is open year-round, and this exhibit is indoors, so you can come see it any time the zoo is open.

• The exhibit is stroller and wheelchair friendly—and visitors can see from these heights! I was extremely impressed with the television screens, viewing areas and variety of levels that make it a joy for everyone to view the penguins.

• Bring the camera—the birds are gorgeous and playful!

Inside the exhibit, the birds are closed off with glass, and their habitat is temperature controlled. The human visitor’s area maintains a comfortable temp for people, so you don’t have to pack on the layers as you might at other zoo’s penguin exhibits.

Kansas City Zoo

Kansas City mom Kristina Light (and other local parents) blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today!

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kcparent.com december 2013

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holiday fun guide

snooping apps to ease the season non-traditional christmas craft corner dickens of a christmas ho ho holiday treats christmas books holiday movies

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kcparent.com december 2013

17 18 20 22 24 26 28 29

word from dad

SNOOPING “I

THE PRESENTS HAD TO BE HERE; THEY COULDN’T BE ANYWHERE ELSE.

’m getting a train.”

Brad’s eyes glowed and his face lit up.

“I was snooping and lifted a quilt. I saw the box. A diesel.”

I envied him and narrowed my shrewd, young eyes. It’s time to be bold. I’d find out. Later tonight.

While the rest of the family watched TV that night, I tiptoed upstairs to my parents’ room and stopped before the door. It wasn’t precisely trespassing.

Mom and Dad never kept anyone out. But it was their room and it beckoned, dark and full of mystery. The presents had to be here; they couldn’t be anywhere else.

I entered. Where do I look first?

Under the bed? The closet? Of course, that had to be it, the mother lode. I crept to the closed door, but my hands stayed at my side.

Do this, and it’s all over. I wanted to believe in Santa. I listened to the radar

reports over the radio on Christmas Eve, proof that he’s real. But I began to recognize the same reports year after year. If I find presents, Santa’s gone forever. If I don’t look, maybe he still exists. Elves.

Flying reindeer. Toys, wonderful toys by the sleigh load. I backed away from the closet and sneaked out of the room.

Someday, I might find out Santa’s just a pleasant story. But not this night.

“Did you find anything?” Brad asked the next day.

“Nah.” He didn’t need to know of my decision. “Did you look at your train?”

He kicked an unoffending bit of snow. “It was just an empty box.”

Kids can’t fathom it, but parents were children once and they remember a lot. They’re also smart enough to scatter false clues. Enough to baffle the smartest of inquisitive boys and keep them wondering. Is Santa real?

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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Register today & receive $100 credit upon enrollment! kcparent.com december 2013

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Apps to Ease the Holiday Season You made it through the turkey and the food-induced coma that followed, so now it’s time to face the rest of the holiday season. Although the holidays are a wonderful time of year, they also can be stressful and overwhelming for busy moms and their families. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) found that nearly half of all women in the United States experience heightened stress during the holidays. Fortunately, many mobile apps are available to help you keep the stress at bay.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Holiday shopping is typically the most time-consuming to-do on the list, so finding ways to shop more efficiently is essential. Save time on comparison shopping with ShopSavvy (free for iOS and Android). ShopSavvy allows you to find the best local and online price for a product, simply by scanning the barcode. Shopkick (free for iOS and Android) gives you kicks (reward points) simply for walking into participating stores, such as Target, Macy’s, Old Navy and Best Buy. Just make sure to open the app before entering the store. Receive even more kicks by scanning and buying items.

Get Organized

With so many demands on your time during the holidays, staying organized is crucial.

Cozi Family Calendar & Lists (free for iOS and Android), named the “#1 app for a better life” by the Today Show, is an essential tool for busy moms. It includes a shared calendar, shopping lists, todo lists and a family journal.

SignUpGenius (free on iOS and Android) is perfect for organizing a family potluck.

All event information is in one central location, so you don’t end up with five fruitcakes at your holiday soiree.

Springpad (free for iOS and Android) allows you to take notes and effortlessly share them. Plus you can save links and pictures from the Internet and record a voice memo.

Save Time and Money on Travel

For those whose holidays involve travel, check out Hipmunk and Just Landed. Hipmunk Flight & Hotel Search (free on iOS and Android) enables you to easily find the cheapest and best flight and hotel for your trip. It also recommends the best places to go according to your interests.

Just Landed (free on iOS and Android) simplifies airport retrieval of all your friends and relatives visiting this holiday season. Simply type in the flight number to see the flight status, estimated time of arrival, and how many minutes you are from the airport. It will even tell you when you need to leave to be on time.

kcparent.com december 2013

Christmas!

The everything Christmas app! The app includes a Christmas countdown, advent calendar, and a small collection of holiday songs.

Sudoku Seasons With six different holiday themes, Sudoku Seasons has three modes of game play, easy, medium, and hard to challenge kids of all ages.

Plan the Perfect Meal

Epicurious (free on iOS and Android) enables food lovers to search 30,000 professionally created and tested recipes, make interactive shopping lists and view step-by-step cooking instructions. You also can access shopping lists at the store and check items off as you go, and get the recipe of the day sent to your home screen. For when you’re too busy to cook, Localmind (free for iOS and Android) tells you what the wait is at your favorite restaurant.

Armed with these helpful apps, you’ll have the tools you need to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Now start making those lists… and checking them twice.

Overland Park mom Brenda Hill is the public relations manager for the Kansas/Missouri region for Verizon Wireless.

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And for the kids…

Santa’s Christmas Village 17 fun activities that will get you into the Christmas spirit including solitaire, hangman, checkers and minesweeper.

Kiddie Christmas Tree Young kids will enjoy decorating a tree with ornaments, candy canes and a gold star on top! A simple, yet fun game.

Dr. Seuss Camera The Grinch Edition Personalize with your own photos with the “Grinchmas” cards and watch the laughs ensue! Who doesn’t want a picture of themselves dressed as the Grinch?

I am ...

... a future Resurrection member. ... a Mickey Mouse fan. ... a future rock star. ... a little brother. ... a dreamer. ... a blood recipient. ... fearless. ... the man. ... ornery. ... happy. ... fun.

Jack is an energetic child who one day hopes to join the band at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. In the meantime, he is battling Acute Myloid Leukemia for the second time. Jack has needed more than 100 units of blood to help fight his battle.

He is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes out of their day to help save his life.

Who are you?

Church of the Resurrection BLOOD DRIVE Monday and Tuesday December 2 & 3 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

13720 Roe Avenue Leawood, KS

Tuesday, December 3 Sponsor Code: COR

Monday, December 2 Sponsor Code: COR

kcparent.com december 2013

19

celebrate a

non-traditional

christmas

T

he sights and sounds of Christmas are all around: the magic of the Country Club Plaza’s annual light display, the wonderment of the mayor’s Christmas tree at Crown Center, the holiday retail extravaganza and your own home aglow with holiday cheer. Kansas City seems to serve up traditional Christmas cheer on every corner, but perhaps this year it’s time for your family to think outside of the gift-wrapped box and celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” in a new way.

Last year, American parents spent an average of $271 per child on Christmas gifts. Add in the expense of decorations, parties, other gifts and travel and it’s easy to see how U.S. families expect to spend more than $800 on Christmas alone. More and more, families are starting to look away from Christmas consumerism and toward ways to give Christmas away.

City Union Mission has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups

Christmas Traditions in a Nutshell (or in this case, Nutcracker Shell):

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to serve homeless and impoverished people of KC (CityUnionMission.org).

Or try dedicating a couple of hours to ringing the familiar bells of the Salvation Army. Signing up as a family or group is easy by going to RingKC.com to schedule your date, time and location.

Turn the traditional chocolate- or goody-yielding Advent calendar on its head and celebrate 12 days of giveaway in your family! Parents, fill 12 envelopes or small boxes ($5 gift cards, movie tickets, ornaments, small toys, books) with one giveaway each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Kids open one giveaway each morning and experience the joy and challenge of having to give away the gift to someone outside of their immediate family (think neighbors, teachers, friends, coaches, etc.) before the end of the day. Children learn the joy of giving and blessing others firsthand!

If your Christmas tradition consists of a large family gathering, then propose a slightly non-traditional approach to the

large family gift exchange by organizing a competitive game night where prizes in lieu of gifts are won by merit or participation. A simple web search for “Minute to Win It games” will bring up fun and easy ways to place a little friendly competition into family Christmas traditions. Multiplayer video games like Mario Kart and Just Dance are other great ways to get kids and adults dueling to see who claims the next prize.

Buon Natale! That’s Merry Christmas for all of us non-Italian speaking folks. This Christmas, broaden your cultural horizons and adopt a Christmas tradition from outside of the United States. Christmas Day in Italy heralds in sweet breads, such as panforte (Siena speciality), pandolce (sweet bread from Genoa), and panettone (a traditional Milanese bread). The celebration doesn’t end until after the Feast of Ephiphany on Jan. 6, when La Befana flies around on her broom at night in search of the Christ child, leaving gifts in the stockings of

In 2012, Americans planned to spend an average of $854 on Christmas shopping.

In 1821, William Gilley printed a poem about “Santeclaus” who was dressed in fur and drove a sleigh drawn by a single reindeer.

Sales during the holiday season may comprise 25 to 40 percent of a retailer’s annual sales.

In 1939, Robert L. May of the Montgomery Ward Company created a poem about Rudolph, the ninth reindeer.

Looking for more ideas for new holiday traditions?

Log onto KCParent.com and search “traditions.”

PERHAPS THIS YEAR IT’S TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY TO THINK OUTSIDE OF THE GIFT-WRAPPED BOX AND CELEBRATE “THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR” IN A NEW WAY.

PACE good children and coal for the children on the naughty list. Hospitality and fun ring out in the Mexican celebration of the Nine Days of Posadas, where family and friends carry candles through neighborhood streets in search of a home that will welcome them inside.

Each night a food rich, piñata-busting gathering of family and friends ensues to celebrate Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem.

Trim your tree, hang your lights and mail your cards, but take a chance and be of good cheer as you embrace a new tradition your family will remember for years to come. However you choose to celebrate this season, just remember it really is better to give than receive, and spending time with family and friends is a gift in itself. Feliz Navidad!

Jena Meyerpeter, mom of three, writes from Lenexa, while listening to Christmas music.

UMKC’s degree program for working adults

The Program for Adult College Education (PACE) enables full-time working adults to earn bachelor’s degrees. Classes meet in flexible weeknight, weekend and independent study formats.

The degree programs offered through PACE will help prepare you for a number of professional career fields or graduate studies in areas such as:

Education Law Allied health and medical programs Commercial economics and business-related areas

Classes begin soon.

Call the PACE office today.

816-235-1588 www.umkc.edu/PACE Ask about UMKC financial aid and scholarships opportunities. an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TT), 1-800-735-2466 (voice)

St. Nicholas lived in the 4th century AD in the province of Lycia on the southwest coast of Asia Minor.

The word Christmas is derived from the Old English phrase Cristes maesse (Christ’s mass).

THE UNIVERSIT Y OF MISSOURI-K ANSAS CIT Y: A UNIVERSE OF KNOWLEDGE IN A CIT Y OF OPPORTUNIT Y.

w w w. u m k c . e d u kcparent.com december 2013

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craft corner

Tis the Season to Be Crafty What is more fun than a family craft night? Here are four easy Christmas crafts that kids of all ages are guaranteed to love.

Melt-free Snowman

Festive Tree Tags

Pick up some paint chips at your local hardware store and cut into triangles. Using glue, attach a loop of ribbon on the back and top the trees with small buttons.

Whimsical Wrap

Wrap your gift with plain brown or white gift wrap. Stick pom-poms all over the gift with dots of glue. Tie a ribbon or string around the package for the finishing touch.

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.

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Fill a white tube sock about half way with stuffing. Tie a string or ribbon around the top to secure, then cut off any excess. Tie a piece of fabric or ribbon one third of the way down the sock to create the head and a scarf. Glue on buttons for eyes and the nose. If desired, cut off the end of a contrasting sock to make a hat.

Snazzy Stockings

Cut two small stocking shapes out of felt. Glue them together around the edges, leaving the top open. Decorate with more felt shapes and attach a felt loop with glue. Fill with tiny treasures!

kcparent.com december 2013

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KC Rep A Christmas Carol

A

a f o s n e k c i D

y t i C s a s n a in K “Marley was dead: to begin with.

There is no doubt whatever about that.

The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge’s name was good upon ’Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.”

Thus begins one of the best-loved works in all of literature and one of Christmas’ most beloved traditions. Include a bit of Dickens in your Christmas celebrations this year.

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Dickens Performances The story originated across the pond, but Kansas City pays homage with celebrations of A Christmas Carol and tributes to Charles Dickens all month long.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol thru Dec. 26 at Spencer Theatre at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO. Tickets: $20 and up. KCRep.org One of Kansas City’s most magical and wonderful holiday traditions is A Christmas Carol, this year celebrating more than 30 years on the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s stage. I have many fond memories of attending the production in my youth, and now it is a joy to share the timeless tale with my children.

For members of the audience it seems the theater truly becomes 1843 London, and the cast are the living embodiment of the characters they portray. Having read Dickens’ book almost every Advent for more than 20 years, I am always amazed and impressed at the ability of the Rep’s stars to bring the characters so accurately to life. Topping the list is Ebenezer

Scrooge himself, portrayed by Gary Neal Johnson, who has been pronouncing “Bah, Humbug!” for audiences in the star role for more than a decade. Johnson’s miserly portrayal is spot-on, as if Scrooge escapes directly from the pages of the book onto the stage. The rest of the casting is equally excellent, from Bob Cratchit to the four ghosts (Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future) who weave their magic beautifully through the tale.

Every year, the Rep strives to improve the production...which is admittedly challenging with such a familiar story to tell and a reputation for telling it with excellence. In recent years, the set and stage were redesigned with a marvelous staging of London using rotating staircases to depict indoor and outdoor scenes from different perspectives without interrupting the play for scene changes.

The music is beautiful, and the accompaniment of the harp is an extra special element of the show. Likewise, the costuming has been perfected over the years. My favorite, the Ghost of Christmas Present, delights audiences as he becomes a giant right before their eyes.

Watching the play is much like enjoying a cup of hot cider on a cold winter’s day...it is warm, delicious and

Vaile Mansion

a touch surprising. The story is, after all, a ghost story, and there are many haunting and spooky elements as old Scrooge is transformed by the poignant, sad and still often humorous lessons taught by the ghosts. What is especially charming is the way the moral of the story unfolds without preaching, without lecture, but through the beautiful transformation of a villain into a caring, compassionate, generous and sympathetic human being.

This is one holiday tradition you don’t want to miss!

A Dickens of a Christmas The Mid-Continent Public Library System hosts Night Before a Christmas Carol, offered various dates, times and locations. In a handcrafted one-man play, David zum Brunnen portrays all 17 characters from A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens himself in this heartwarming and unique rendition of the tale set in 1843. See MYMCPL.org for complete information and free event registration.

Dickens Carolers in Concert Dec. 20 & 21 at 8:00 and Dec. 22 at 2:00 at Chestnut Fine Arts Center, 234 N. Chestnut, Olathe, KS. Tickets: $22 ea.

ChestnutFineArts.com For more than 30 years, the Dickens Carolers have been performing at events and holiday parties across the Metro. The troupe is available for hire for holiday events, or you may attend their familyfriendly concert at Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Enjoy your favorite holiday songs as this talented ensemble performs.

Merry Old England

Victorian Christmas

Enjoy a taste of England at these area shops.

You can celebrate the history of the Victorian era at these historic attractions:

Brits, 929 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS, 785.843.2288. Follow Brits on Facebook. Brits specializes in hard-to-find items from the United Kingdom, boasting a wide selection of teas, jams and jellies, lemon and raspberry curds, British cooking and baking ingredients, British bangers, chipolatas, frozen haggis and haddock and kippers.

If you’re looking for souvenirs and collectibles, they have those as well, from books and DVDs to t-shirts and Dr. Who memorabilia.

Tip: Search KCParent.com for Lawrence day trip tips.

Victorian Winter Wonderland Thru Dec. 30 (closed Dec.23-25) at Vaile Mansion. Mon.-Sat., 10:00-4:00, and Sun., 1:00-4:00; $6/adults and $3/ children. 816.229.8293 A favorite mother-daughter holiday outing, we look forward to a tour of the magnificently decorated Victorian mansion. Volunteers deck the halls with beautiful Christmas decorations throughout, including a favorite upside down tree.

Queen’s Pantry, 510 Delaware St., Leavenworth, KS, 913.680.1899.

Tucked in an alley in the historic shopping district, this shop specializes in British goods. You’ll find fine teas, cookies and delicacies from England in this beautiful shop!

Tip: Search KCParent.com for Leavenworth for day trip tips—and don’t forget to treat the kids to a ride on the carousel at C.W. Parker’s Carousel Museum, our favorite Leavenworth destination.

A Visit from St. Nicholas Dec. 7, 10:00-4:00, at Shoal Creek Living History Museum. $5/person. Ages 5 and under free.

Celebrate a 19th-century Christmas. Tour homes decorated for the holidays and visit St. Nicholas in the Thornton Mansion, where he is resplendent in his green velvet robes. The horse-drawn sleigh ride is the highlight of the day!

This event celebrates many cultures and the history of Christmas, from America to Sweden, but it is a marvelous glimpse of Christmas past.

Kristina Light makes it an annual tradition to attend the KC Rep’s production of A Christmas Carol and reads the book to her children. kcparent.com december 2013

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Ho, Ho, Holiday Treats

Family Features -- Nothing says home for the holidays like the smell of treats baking in the oven and a crowded kitchen filled with loved ones. Whether making decades-old family favorites or starting new holiday baking traditions, you can create homemade holiday goodies in a (ginger) snap.

“The holidays are a time when families are in the kitchen at record rates to bake cookies, build gingerbread houses and create a wide variety of sweet treats,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton.

“The good news is, even if you only have 30 minutes to spare during this hectic time, you can make amazing desserts for gatherings or gifting.”

Try these easy treat ideas from Wilton to spread holiday cheer:

Holiday Helpers: Invite family and friends for a cookie decorating day to help prepare gifts for upcoming events. You provide the sparkling sugars and sprinkles, Peppermint Twisted Sticks and red and green icing ... everyone else provides the creativity.

Miracle on Your Street: Crunched for time with a party to attend? Pick up ready-to-eat cookies and artfully dip them in red and green Candy Melts candy for an elegant upgrade. No one has to know how simple it was to create a customized dessert.

It’s a Wrap: Turn your homemade treats into gourmet gifts. Stock up on holiday-themed gift bags and boxes, colorful tissue paper, ribbons and tags to transform made-from-the-heart goodies into extra special gifts.

For more holiday ideas and inspiration, visit Wilton.com.

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Festive Peppermint Twists

• Dark cocoa, light cocoa, green or white Candy Melts candy • Peppermint Twisted Sticks candy • Assorted holiday sprinkles, including holiday nonpareils, confetti and Jimmies, red and green colored sugars Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In disposable dipping container or bowl, separately melt Candy Melts candy in microwave following package instructions.

Dip peppermint sticks into melted candy; tap stick lightly to smooth sur-

Make the Season Simple and Sweet face. Immediately add sprinkles. Set on prepared cookie sheet; chill until set, 5 to 10 minutes.

Sweet Snowmen Cookies

Cheery Cereal Tree Treats

(Makes about 12 treats) 1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 4 c. mini marshmallows Juniper or leaf green icing color 6 c. crisp rice cereal White cookie icing Jumbo rainbow nonpareils, sprinkles or sugars, as desired Prepare 3D Silicone Tree Mold and silicone spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray.

In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted.

Tint with icing color. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared mold. When cool to touch, remove from mold. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50 percent power for 30 to 60 seconds to soften.)

Heat cookie icing following label directions. Squeeze snow and garlands on trees; add sprinkles and sugars as desired. Let dry.

Christmas Candy Swirl Cookies (Makes about 2 dozen cookies) 2-3/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 t. salt 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 c. granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 t. vanilla extract 1/2 t. almond extract (optional) Red and green Sparkle Gel

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray Easy Decorate Swirl Cookie Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In small bowl, combine flour and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture; beat until well blended. Press dough into pan cavities, filling 2/3 full.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown around edges. Cool in pan 10 minutes.

Turn pan over; lightly tap pan to remove cookies. Cool cookies completely. Decorate cooled cookies with Sparkle Gel. Let set, at least 30 minutes.

Sweet Snowmen Cookies

• White, red, green, black and orange Candy Melts candy • Peanut butter sandwich cookies • Holiday confetti, holiday and snow flake mix sprinkles • Cinnamon drops • Black sugar pearls • Silver pearlized sugar Melt white Candy Melts candy following package instructions. Place cookies on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. Spoon melted candy over top surface of cookie; chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Turn cookies over, candy side down, on cooling grid.

Completely cover cookies with melted candy; chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set.

Repeat, if needed, to completely cover cookie.

To decorate snowmen, melt Candy Melts candy following package instructions as needed. Using red, green and white candy in candy or disposable decorating bag, pipe hats, ear muff band and scarves, adding colored sugar trim to candy before it sets. For ball cap, cut a Candy Melt candy wafer in half; at-

tach with melted candy. Attach sprinkles for buttons, ear muffs and decorative accents using dots of melted candy. Using melted black candy and decorating bag, pipe facial features. Using melted orange candy and decorating bag, pipe nose.

Fast and Festive Christmas Cookies • Green, red, white, light and dark cocoa Candy Melts candy • Assorted purchased ready-to-eat cookies • Holiday confetti, nonpareils, holly mix, colored sugars and sprinkles

In disposable dipping container or bowl, melt Candy Melts candy separately following package instructions. Partially or completely dip cookies in melted candy.

Place cookies on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set.

Additional decorating ideas: Drizzle with melted candy in a contrasting color. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set.

Attach sprinkles with dots of melted candy. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set.

Pipe melted candy bows and other decorations. kcparent.com december 2013

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media mix

peace, love and holiday wishes Authors explore the gift of kindness with new titles.

By McGeath Freeman

Snow Bunny’s Christmas Wish

By Rebecca Harry Best for: Ages 4-8

This very sweet Christmas tale is about little Snow Bunny and her one wish—for a friend. Although she whistles happy tunes in her home in the forest, she is quite lonely. She decides to ask Santa for a friend, but the mail has just been picked up. She decides to follow the North Star and deliver the letter herself. She packs a bag of useful odds and ends then proceeds to follow the star.

Along the way, she discovers a bear cub in need of mittens, a fox in need of

tree decorations and lost deer in need of a map. It sure is a good thing Snow Bunny packed just those things in her bag.

This celebration of kindness and friendship is perfect for holiday bedtime reading. The illustrations, accented with sparkling silver, create a dreamy quality that will enchant young children. If you want this same message of giving and kindness for slightly older children, pick up a copy of Sieger’s The Fourth King.

What’s good: The charming illustrations will keep children entranced.

What’s bad: Older children will be bored with the tale.

Lena’s Sleep Sheep

By Anita Lobel Best for: Girls, ages 3-5

The holidays can be a difficult time for children to fall asleep, but a good relaxing book can help them off to dreamland. Lobel, illustrator of On Market Street and author of Nini Lost and Found, sets out to create a cozy tale for bedtime.

There are a full moon and loving parents, a comfy bed and stuffed animals. And like many kids, little Lena has a bedtime ritual that helps her fall asleep. She counts her sheep.

Unfortunately, Lena’s silly sheep won’t come out for her to count because they are afraid of the moon, thinking he is a big monster. Lena tries to talk them through it. Then the clever girl disguises them in her clothes, but they are too clumsy to be soothing. The moon finally ducks behind some clouds, and the sheep line up to be counted. Lena doesn’t even make it to 12 before she is fast asleep. Maybe it will work on your children, too.

What’s good: Children will enjoy the silly sheep.

What’s bad: A little hectic to be a soothing bedtime story.

The Field of Wacky Inventions

By Patrick Carman Best for: Boys, ages 8-13

The thrilling conclusion to the “Floors” trilogy takes Leo and Remi to Merganzer D. Whippet’s private estate. Mr. Whippet has gathered the managers of all his hotels to see them play out a very large and very strange game to see who will take over his hotel empire. Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The

Potato Chip Puzzles. Between the minidinosaurs and the crazy theme park, children will love to let their imaginations run free while reading this adventure.

What’s good: A quick read with creativity to spare.

What’s bad: The plot is a little thin compared to the first two books in the trilogy.

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family movie night: holiday style!

You’ve seen Elf. And the Polar Express. And The Grinch. You’d like to watch a holiday movie together but have grown tired of the same titles. Never fear!

We asked KC Parent’s Facebook Fans for holiday movie recommendations. Below is a list of some titles that may be new to you. Whip up a batch of cookies, make some hot chocolate, grab the family and snuggle up for a movie night tonight!

Disney’s Prep and Landing The Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree Veggie Tales Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular Barbie’s Nutcracker Christmas with the Kranks The Fourth King Holiday Affair Let It Snow Arthur Christmas Disney’s A Christmas Carol The Christmas Pageant Annie Claus is Coming to Town Christmas with a Capital C Search for Santa Paws The Very First Noel

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I meet one of my girlfriends once a week at Target. Sometimes we shop, but what we really love is getting out.

Putting them in a buggy makes it easier for us to enjoy our time together.

no babysitter needed L Benefits of Adult Time • Opportunity to communicate.

• Rekindle a friendship.

• Recharge and unwind.

• Relieve stress.

• Experience a higher quality of relationships.

• Improve mood and decrease depression.

• Keep couples/adults feeling young and vibrant.

• People live longer in good, satisfying relationships.

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kcparent.com december 2013

ong gone are the days of spontaneity, where you could decide last minute that tonight is date night or drop everything to meet up with a friend for coffee. Being a parent requires you to spend a lot more time planning your outings, and one of the biggest hurdles is finding child care.

Many times it’s hard to find a sitter, it’s not in your budget or you just aren’t comfortable leaving your kiddos under someone else’s watch. Whatever the case may be, don’t presume adult or spouse time is a thing of the past. Instead, incorporate your children into your plans.

Seem impossible? No way! We’ve compiled a list of activities to keep little ones busy while you enjoy that much-needed one-on-one adult time.

date night

Whether it’s a romantic evening at home or having company over, the objective is to keep the kiddos entertained so you can exchange some sort of intellectual dialogue that won’t be interrupted every two minutes by “MOM!” Crafting Stations: Cut and prepare pre-assembled crafts for them to do. You can get free coloring printables online and look to Pinterest for some creative ideas.

Lights, Camera, Action!: Prompt kids to write their own story/play and put on a production, including props and costumes. They will love having an audience for their performance.

Obstacle Course: Set up tunnels, cones they have to jump over, beanbags to toss and sequence shapes to step on. Your options are endless. Don’t feel like you have to buy special items for this activity—get creative with what you have, whether it’s inside or out. “Obstacle courses are our go-to activity when we have people over,” Darren Wilks, Overland Park, says. “It keeps them entertained and it burns off energy so they are ready for an early bed.”

Treasure Hunt: Write clues on sticky notes that will lead them through the house or yard to their next spot. It’s your choice to have little treats along the way or a big treasure at the end.

Drive-In Movie: Decorate boxes into cars so they can “drive” into the movie. Supply them with play money and set up a concession stand so they can purchase snacks during the feature film.

Campout: Make a tent or fort to camp out in. Supply them with snacks, flashlights, pillows/sleeping bags and a pretend scenario of where they are camping. Later, help them roast marsh-

mallows and tell ghost stories before tucking them in for the evening.

Family Restaurant: Set up a pretend restaurant equipped with menus and place settings. Have the children dress up to take your order, prepare your meals and refill your drinks. “We gave our son cooked noodles, corn-on-the-cob and a bottle of water to play with in his pretend kitchen while we had a make up anniversary dinner,” says Sybill McDowell, Gardner. “He kept himself entertained for 45 minutes!”

Game Night: If you are hosting a poker night or game night for couples, make the kids feel a part of it, as well.

Set up age-appropriate board games or cards for them to play, too.

girls’ day out

It can be almost impossible to finish a complete sentence or conversation with your girlfriend while chasing your little one around on the playground. Here are a few places and ideas to turn your play dates into actual girl time.

Shop: Take your little ones shopping with you. Sounds crazy, right? Not really, especially if you are able to confine them to a stroller or shopping cart. “I meet one of my girlfriends once a week at Target. Sometimes we shop, but what we really love is getting out,” Melissa Owens, Leawood, says. “Putting them in

ENROLL TODAY

a buggy makes it easier for us to enjoy our time together.” Malls like Oak Park or the Great Mall have child play areas for kids to romp around while you can sit and catch up with one another.

Get Physical!: Get moving around the block with your strollers, speed walk to the park or host a Zumba exercise party in your living room. This is a great time to bond with friends, get in shape and burn off some steam.

Play Places: Utilize play places around town like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A and Burger King. Usually these places have seating areas in close range and are enclosed, so there will be less chasing going on and more talking amongst friends. Remember to bring hand sanitizer!

Bookstores: Barnes & Noble, Borders and other bookstores in the area have great kid areas for your little ones to explore. They can entertain themselves with the books, make believe on the stages or play with other toys supplied by the store. After catching a story time, make it a point to get together with a fellow mom while the kids play.

Jennifer Duxbury is a SAHM from Olathe who is expecting her second child and is making grown-up time a priority right now while she can!

We asked KCParent.com readers, How often do you and your spouse get a babysitter?

53% Never!

Can’t remember the last time we went out alone.

40%

7%

One or two times a month for a special night out.

Weekly.

We have a standing date night.

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healthy kids

are vitamins the answer?

C

hildren go through many phases of eating habits. Some of them appear to be healthier than others, especially if your child is an extremely picky eater. Parents may question whether nutritional needs are being met.

The answer is almost always.

Dr. Jason Wichman, a pediatrician at Pediatric Care Specialists, says “I do not recommend vitamins if kids are fairly good eaters and eat a variety of food.

I think most kids get the vitamins they need with their diet, and I encourage fruit and vegetables.”

Also, a vegetarian diet doesn’t necessarily make for a poor choice for a child. Many children thrive on this lifestyle. Dr. Wichman recommends youngsters take vitamins with iron and B12, if they are not getting these in their vegetarian diet. “Most vegetarian families do a good job making sure their kids get these vitamins through legumes and vegetables high in these nutrients,” he says.

There is a debate over whether or

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not to give vitamin D to older children.

For infants who are breast- and bottlefed, most medical professionals agree a supplement is necessary. However, the debate begins when infants start eating food.

“I do not recommend the mega doses of vitamin D,” says Dr. Wichman, “as I think that can sometimes be harmful—and vitamin D toxicity is a real thing that can happen due to vitamin D’s being fat soluble.” Vitamin D is not excreted like other vitamins, and if a person ingests too much, the vitamin is stored in the body and can reach dangerous levels.

Dr. Wichman says, “I don’t discourage vitamins in this age group but usually recommend a multivitamin instead of supplementing with a specific vitamin or high doses of certain vitamins.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “Vitamin D helps ensure the body absorbs and retains calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building bone. A vitamin D deficiency can lead

to rickets, a bone-softening disease that continues to be reported in the United States mostly in children in the first two years of life. “ For older children, there are vitamin D-enriched foods, such as milk, orange juice, yogurt, margarine and some cereals. It also can be found naturally in some foods like oily fish, liver (beef), eggs, cheese and various mushrooms.

The best option is to offer your children a well-balanced diet with a bunch of fruits and vegetables; but as always, if you have questions regarding whether your child should be supplementing with vitamins, please check with your medical provider.

Stacey Hatton is a former pediatric RN and an Overland Park writer. Her new book, Not Your Mother’s Book…on Being a Parent, can be found on Amazon.com.

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

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hat’s fun and what’s good for you don’t always translate as one and the same in the minds of young children.

But unlike broccoli and naptime, one good-foryou pill that’s easy to swallow is as simple as do re mi: discovering the joy in music.

Music is among one of the most artistic means of expressing oneself, and yet the benefits far exceed self-expression.

Neuroscientists, psychologists and early childhood development researchers the world over have concluded that music provides necessary brain cell connections needed for everything from increasing memory ability to more deeply understanding spatial-temporal skills, such as solving complex problems one would

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encounter in math, art and engineering. It should come as no surprise that this universal language also touts huge benefits in developing a child’s own language skills, as well.

Because of these long-known benefits, many parents opt to sign their children up for voice and instrument lessons, hoping these extracurriculars will reap rewards in the classroom and beyond. A 2007 study conducted by KU music professor Christopher Johnson did, in fact, confirm that elementary students involved in superior music education programs scored 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math in standardized testing than those not involved. Group ensembles such as band or choir provide children an opportunity to work together with others, too, building self-confidence and teamwork, character traits that far outlive band camp and choir concerts.

With all the academic and social benefits music boasts, the value of simply enjoying music for music’s sake shouldn’t be overlooked. Elizabeth Hammond’s oldest children both have taken piano lessons throughout elementary school on the very same Baldwin spinet on which she took lessons as a child.

“I tell them over and over again music is something they give themselves that no one can ever take away. It stays forever and adds dimension in life,” Hammond says. The Overland Park mom took lessons herself from third grade until she graduated high school, and now her children take lessons from her own

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childhood piano teacher. “My son feels accomplished when he puts the rhythm, melody, notes and counting together and masters his piece. Now he’ll sit down sporadically throughout the day and create a soundtrack to pictures he’s drawn,” she says. “When you allow children to see that everything in life is set to some kind of musical aspect, it sparks some deep creativity that allows them to feel a part of something they are creating.”

Exposure to music can be one of the simplest ways to bring joy to a child’s life and can begin the moment you bring him into the world. Even if you can’t carry a tune, you can still ensure that your child receives an appreciation for music by simply providing quality music within the home. Programs such as Gymboree Play & Music, Kindermusik and Let’s Play Music offer movement and music appreciation classes to lay a foundation for continued music education, as well. Methods such as Suzuki and Simply Music capitalize on a child’s capacity to perform music beyond their ability to sight read, teaching by ear first then incorporating sight reading later on. To find a licensed teacher, simply do a quick online search. Private lessons through locations like the Culture House or with a teacher like Spring Terburgh are also a perfect way to introduce your kids to music.

Easy ways to expose your child to music: Attend a symphony concert. The KC Symphony always hosts two free pops concerts, Celebration at the Station in May and Pops in the Park in September, which are great introductions to the arts. A free instrument petting zoo at the latter is an added bonus. Local community orchestras, as well as college and high school bands, offer public performances as well.

Tune in. Long gone are the days of dialing into a channel, only to get fuzzy radio static. Online radio provides a multitude of crystal clear (and free!) radio stations, so every genre you can imagine can come right to you! Expose your child to a broad spectrum of musical styles, from Celtic to calypso, blues to bluegrass. Accuradio, Pandora and Spotify are all free online stations to choose from.

Think outside the box. From farmers’ markets to the Plaza’s sidewalks, street musicians view the world as their stage. These eclectic variety shows can provide wonderful exposure to local talent.

Lauren Greenlee’s childhood was full of music. She now passes that gift on to her three children. She writes from her home in Olathe.

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inside bring outdoor activities

T

Tips to make indoor activities successful: Be creative. Many “outdoor” activities can be brought inside, with a little imagination and ingenuity.

Be flexible. Messes will be made, period. Designate areas of the house that are easy to clean up, such as the basement or kitchen.

Invite friends over. Simply having playmates helps kids break up the monotony of winter days.

Look on the bright side. Spring will be here before we know it!

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kcparent.com december 2013

oo bonechillingly cold for your kids to participate in their favorite outdoor activities? No problem—just bring the activities inside!

Have a campout: Nobody said you have to pitch a tent outside to enjoy a family campout.

You can turn your living room or basement into a temporary campsite using blankets and sleeping bags. Turn off the lights and tell stories around the “camp fire,” made with red, yellow and orange construction paper and a batteryoperated tea light.

The kiddos can draw the moon and stars with glow-in-the-dark paint or crayons and tape them to the ceiling. No campout is complete without s’mores, of course; just pop them in the microwave for ooey-gooey scrumptiousness!

Bring the zoo inside: The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round, but what if it’s too frigid to even consider bundling up and looking at lions and tigers and bears? Transform your house into a zoo!

Our children loved doing this when they were younger. They gathered their multitude of stuffed animals, separated them by type, chose an area of the house for each species, and took Mom and Dad for a tour. They told us what bears like to eat, how many hours a day tigers sleep and showed us how monkeys swing by their tails. Sometimes the animals roared or growled at us! Bonus: Setting up a pretend zoo is a great way for little ones to practice sorting skills and use their creativity.

Sidewalk Chalk: You can create a “sidewalk” inside your house with butcher paper, large pieces of cardboard or cut-up grocery paper sacks. Give your children some colorful sidewalk chalk and let them create masterpieces!

Hopscotch: While the chalk is out,

draw a hopscotch grid on paper, or use string to create one on the carpet. Have fun hopping around; hopscotch is great exercise and burns off pent-up energy!

Windowsill Garden: Do your kids love to grow flowers in the summertime?

If so, you don’t need to wait until warm weather to encourage your child’s green thumb. Many plants and flowers grow well indoors. All you need are a few small pots (disposable food containers work well, too; just poke some holes in the bottom), potting soil, seeds or herbs or small flowers. Dry beans are fun to plant, too, and sprout quickly!

Play Ball: In the house?! you might be asking. I’m not suggesting your family play a game of dodge ball in the living room. However, many favorite sports can be tweaked to work well indoors. For example, a balloon and a small plastic bat can be used to play baseball. A trash can and a foam ball can be turned into a makeshift basketball game. With a little creativity and restraint, children can have a fun game without shattering windows or breaking vases.

Picnic Time: Our kids love to randomly have picnics in the middle of the living room. They drag out a blanket, help me make sandwiches, grab some chips and juice boxes, and voila! An instant picnic. For a true summertime feel, slice some fresh fruit and make some lemonade. Cleanup is a breeze, and in the middle of winter, you don’t have to worry about pesky flies or ants ruining your picnic.

Beach Party: The kids can slip on their swimsuits and have a beach party in the bathtub. Sunglasses, pail, shovel and toy boats can add to the ambiance of summertime fun. Grass skirts and Hawaiian music are optional.

Mud Pies: You don’t have to dig up the frozen ground to make mud pies in winter; just use everyday items from your pantry! Flour, cocoa, water, and a few nuts or beans for pebbles can be stirred into a bowl to make indoor mud pies. Spreading newspaper or waxed paper on the table before your kiddos get to work will make cleanup a cinch.

Tisha Foley’s kids are fans of indoor picnics year-round. Their family lives in Belton.

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hat we remember about our school days: chalkboards, cursive writing, heavy textbooks and the Dewey Decimal System. What our children will

remember about their school days: computers, eBooks, cell phones and texting. Education today isn’t at all like it used to be. And while parents and teachers overwhelmingly believe it’s important for schools to make good use of technology in educating students (according to Hart Research for LEAD, 2012), replacing the old with the new is still taking time for a lot of us to get used to.

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SHOULD eREADERS BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOL? VISIT KCPARENT.COM AND SEARCH “eREADERS” TO READ MORE ON THE SUBJECT.

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kcparent.com december 2013

Did you know that at least 41 states do not require public schools to teach cursive reading or writing? It’s true. Because Common Core standards don’t require cursive instruction, public schools are more likely to drop or de-emphasize it. Instead of cursive writing, the standards promote keyboard skills because its tests are taken on computers. Many schools—even before Core standards and in response to No Child Left Behind laws—had already cut their curricula mostly to the subjects being tested by their states. In fact, as early as the 1990s, cursive writing was getting less and less classroom time. While some parents may see this as an advantage, others disagree.

“I honestly think taking away cursive writing takes away from originality and creative thinking. I think cursive writing is an art,” Independence mom Vickylyn Acuna says.

Parkville mom Kelly Greeff agrees.

“I’m disappointed in using cursive less.

It’s a writing skill every child should know.”

With a world that’s so technology based, why bother with learning to read and write cursive? According to experts, handwriting training helps small children develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and other brain and memory functions. While some teachers may not see the importance of cursive writing these days, many others say that cursive writing is a restful, artistic activity for students, and it promotes perseverance because kids enjoy it so much.

Other changes in today’s education show up in textbooks. No longer are they filled only with text and pictures; today’s textbooks often include web-based sites with assessments, animations, videos, additional materials and other ways to support learning.

Ebooks are also on the rise. With the advancements of e-readers and tablet computers, eBooks are becoming more prevalent. But is this a good thing or

bad? It depends on the person.

“I guess I’m old-fashioned, but I’m completely against eBooks,” Acuna says.

“It’s a huge difference when you can hold an actual book in your hand. I think technology has taken away that piece in our lives. Books are a part of history—historical pieces.”

Greeff, on the other hand, doesn’t see a problem with this technology. “I am absolutely fine with eBooks. They’re more affordable and easy to read. Plus, they provide more options for teachers.”

Remember the days of being called upon to work a math problem on the chalkboard? This has also become a thing of the past as the disappearance of the chalkboard and dry-erase board spreads. In their place is interactive gaming, which has been receiving much attention as a powerful platform for student learning. Each day, new programs and web-based tools are teaching our students content that was once on paper or written on the board.

Technology also allows teachers and students to work together from a distance and to stay connected on assignments. With web-based platforms like Edmodo, students and teachers can discuss homework, post assignments and interact with peers as they work on projects.

When was the last time you visited the library for research? While we still use libraries, much of our research and learning is now more web-based. What used to take hours at the library to find can now be found instantaneously via the Internet. The trick, however, is to know which websites are trustworthy and offer legitimate information.

“Both libraries and the Internet have their significant advantages and disadvantages. Not everything can be found online; however, the Internet can provide a quicker, more accessible way of retrieving information. The library, on the other hand, has an endless number

TECHNOLOGY ALSO ALLOWS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO WORK TOGETHER FROM A DISTANCE AND TO STAY CONNECTED ON ASSIGNMENTS

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of research pieces that are too old to be transferred onto the Internet for use,” Acuna says. “Both are excellent research tools, but I believe there is a historical value attached to visiting a library that’s lacking when turning on a technology device.”

Greef says, “I will always enjoy libraries, and I hope that continues for my children. Online research is also extremely valuable with the right sources.”

With technology on the rise and in the schools, is there a way parents can prepare their children for the future of education? While there are ways, it depends on the parent and how they choose to do it.

“Technology is a tool that can enhance cognitive, behavioral and social growth and development. The more we allow and encourage our kids to explore the essence of how technology can improve our lives, the greater our minds will become,” Acuna says. “However, we can’t allow technology to replace our values and morals that can only be taught and instilled by parents.”

Greeff wholeheartedly agrees.

“Parents need to provide a solid home life and promote good family values and manners,” she says. “Computer skills are a must, but our children need a foundation.”

Liberty mom and author Gina Klein believes the overuse of technology and laptops in schools can make our children become obsessed with needing a screen in front of them at all times. Therefore, screen time is very limited in her house.

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pregnancy through when your kids aredraws in hightoschool As 2013 a close,with we wantour to thank our readers, familyyou, of products! for 28 years of readership and Plus, you’ll find all of our support. We look forward to magazinesthe andjourney a whole lot continuing with in 2014! moreyou at KCParent.com. .com

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it’s called

PLAY Unfortunately, over the past few years, the value our society places on play has evaporated like a puddle on a hot playground.

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and our kids aren’t doing enough of it

ith the holiday season in full swing, parents are on the prowl for the newest, coolest gadgets that will have their kids drooling long after the wrapping paper has been ripped off. It’s easy to get caught up in the hubbub—it seems as if every tablet, toy and DVD is stamped with some added educational bonus to our kids. As parents, this makes us feel good. We’re increasingly being told by books and marketing ploys that if we’re not buying all of these shiny, mentally stimulating products, we’re not helping our children excel.

If your kids are anything like my own, however, the packaging often ends up getting played with more than the actual gift. I’ve seen large boxes become space ships and medium-sized boxes turn into race cars. Is it possible that learning can happen without flashy equipment?

When we’re not purchasing the latest and greatest gadgets, we’re hard at work building an extracurricular schedule for our children. There is no limit to the number of activities in which one can enroll. Do you want your child to play soccer? Take music lessons? Join the Girl Scouts?

Learn Mandarin?

Perhaps you should sign her up for all of it. You’re only trying to create a wellrounded individual, right?

According to a 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics report by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, however, “For some children, this hurried lifestyle is a source of stress and anxiety and may even contribute to depression.” It’s difficult to imagine that our efforts to build up our children might actually be tearing them down, but more studies are beginning to emphasize the importance of unstructured play for kids over hectic after school schedules.

What has happened to our children’s free time? A Scholastic.com article titled “Make Way for Play” says, “Unfortunately, over the past few years, the value our society places on play has evaporated like a puddle on a hot playground. There are many reasons for this phenomenon: an increased emphasis by schools on academics; the corresponding elimination of recess and physical education; a greater number of organized activities like sports and lessons; the exploding use of computers and TV in kids’ lives; and parents’ fears that their children will fall behind if they aren’t enrolled in extra programs.”

I understand the pressure to raise

successful young people. I’ve often felt overwhelmed with the seemingly endless list of programs that I could enroll my toddler in. Even my youngest son, who just turned 1, has a plethora of options ranging from swimming classes to baby yoga.

It’s a bit intimidating to pick only one or to steer clear altogether, especially when you feel like every other parent out there is doing it all.

One of the reasons that I love my neighborhood, however, is that I can see how instrumental unstructured play is in our children’s lives. On any given day, I can walk outside with my own little ones and be greeted by groups of kids playing spy games or kickball or riding bikes. These children are all also involved in extracurricular activities, but their parents understand the value of free time. The kids are free to explore and create adventure and socialize with their friends. These are the activities that help our children excel—the ones in which they step back and allow their minds to wander, question and rise to challenge.

It might be something as small as finally overcoming the plastic rock wall on a play set or as big as working together to sell lemonade at a sidewalk stand. Just a few weeks ago, a large group of kids in my neighborhood did just that. Some made signs, others made the lemonade and a few rode up and down the street on bicycles vocally advertising the prices.

So now you may be wondering, “How do I encourage play?” The great thing about unstructured play is that it can be as simple as taking everyone out to the backyard. If you have younger children, sandboxes or sand tables are great for getting your child’s creative juices flowing. My 1-year-old will shovel and collect sand into piles for hours. My toddler loves to build sand castles and bury “treasure” for me to find.

Mother of two Anna Bannister says, “We do a lot of sensory play with water, rocks and dirt, which leads to a lot of exploration and creativity. We also do quite a bit of crafts, which not only spur creativity, but problem solving, too.”

Kaleidoscope, located in Crown Center Plaza, is free and is a great place for kids up to age 12 to explore, create and use their imaginations.

For older kids, a bike ride, a short hike, building a birdhouse or other small woodwork project can reignite their love for the outdoors. The Ice at Park Place in Leawood is an outdoor ice skating rink

For a complete list of play places in Kansas City, pick up a copy of KC Going Places or visit KCGoingPlaces.com

Indoor Play Suggestions

With colder temperatures, staying outdoors for long periods of time can be difficult. Here are some fun indoor ideas: • Dress up and props • A small work table for crafts and/or projects • Musical instruments, such as a plastic recorder, homemade (or store bought) maracas, pots/ pans and spoons • Indoor obstacle course • LEGOLAND Discovery Center • Indoor ice skating rink • Bowling

that could be just what they need to get some fresh air while socializing with their friends. Geocaching is also gaining popularity among a wide range of ages.

It’s basically a real-world treasure hunt. To learn more, visit Geocaching.com.

Providing our children structure is important. I’m not saying that extracurricular activities or tablets are terrible. Both can be very educational and enriching.

However, at the end of the day, it’s important to find balance and most importantly, have fun!

Jennifer Bosse is a wife and boy mom extraordinaire living in Kansas City.When she’s not watching her kids play, she’s blogging about it at Defining My Happy. kcparent.com december 2013

41

december

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

CALENDAR

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

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kcparent.com december 2013

Crayola Christmas Land at Crown Center

celebrate

see

skate

Be sure to stop by Crown Center this holiday season.

From Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land to the holiday concerts to the Gingerbread Express, there’s something for everyone!

CrownCenter.com

Take the family to the classic holiday performance of the Nutcracker. From the beauty of the Kauffman Center to the dazzling performers with the Kansas City Ballet, this will put every family member in the holiday spirit.

KCBallet.org

Spend the day ice skating with the family at Johnson County’s only outdoor rink, The Ice at Park Place.

During December take advantage of the special holiday hours. After skating, warm up with hot cocoa. 913.663.2070

visit experience The Toy & Miniature Museum closes its doors for renovations on Jan. 6. Make plans to visit this local treasure while you still have the chance. Be sure to visit their calendar for special holiday events.

816.235.8000

Celebrate the holidays at Union Station! Ride the Santa Express, see the beautiful tree and experience one of the many familyfriendly events planned throughout the month.

UnionStation.org

1 sunday

2 monday

First Sunday Family Fun Day Noon, Kansas City Museum. Create arts and crafts and listen to fabulous music inspired by our newest exhibit.

816.483.8300

Ballet Story Time 9:00, Degage Dancewear.

Come by the store each Monday in December to hear favorite stories. Wear your tutu! Free.

913.226.4432

Christmas Exhibit Sat & Sun, Thru Jan 31, Strawberry Hill Museum. See uniquely decorated rooms of the main museum house. 913.371.3264

Dear Santa Civic Center (Oak Grove). Put your Christmas wishes in writing and drop a self-addressed, stamped envelope and letter in a special mailbox. CityOfOakGrove.com

Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Let your little ones monkey around in our indoor play area at a discount. 913.631.7000

Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins 10:00, White Theatre. Paul Mesner Puppets teams with JCC to present the story of the trickster Herschel.

913.927.8054

Yo-Yo Workshop 4:30, Go Big Skill Toys. Learn everything from basic skills to more advanced tricks. Bring yo-yo or purchase at store. Workshop is free. 913.248.3277

Night Before a Christmas Carol 2:00 at Woodneath Library & 7:00 at Blue Springs North. Watch as one actor portrays 17 characters from the tale, including Dickens himself. Pre-reg. MyMCPL.org

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:00, Raymore City Hall. Guest carolers, petting zoo, cookies, hot cocoa and, of course, Santa! Raymore.com

Make a Gingerbread House 10:00, American Girl Store. Design and decorate your own gingerbread house. Pre-reg. 877.247.5223

A Christmas Carol 1:00, Spencer Theatre. KC Rep returns with Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition. 816.235.2700 Art + Family = Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins. Free activities every Saturday and Sunday for the entire family. Nelson-Atkins.org Make Your Own Edible Ornament 2:00, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center. Create an edible ornament for the birds in your backyard. Free!

816.795.8177 Christmas High Tea 3:00, Henry’s Antiques and Tearoom. Enjoy the annual Christmas high tea. $26/person. Must pre-reg. 816.524.0057 Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park.

Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland. JacksonGov.org

Blood Drive Today & tomorrow, 8:00, Church of the Resurrection. Stop by to donate blood and help save a life. SaveALifeNow.org

Mayor’s Tree Lighting 5:30, Downtown Belton.

Enjoy food, entertainment and Santa’s arrival by fire truck. Belton.org Christmas in the Park 7:00, Conterstone Park (Gardner). Seasonal music performed by school children, lighting of park and visit from Santa.

GardnerKansas.gov

3 tuesday

Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Sylvester Powell Comm Ctr. Children 6 and under can play on developmentally appropriate toys for just $2.

913.722.8200 Night Before a Christmas Carol 10:00 at Antioch Library & 7:00 at Woodneath. Watch as one actor portrays 17 characters from the tale, including Dickens himself. Pre-reg. MyMCPL.org

Christmas Opera for Kids 7:30, St John’s United Methodist. Christmas opera sung by UMKC’s Conservatory Opera. Great intro to opera for kids.

Free. 816.523.6788

4 wednesday

Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land Thru Dec 31, Crown Center. Play on super-sized Crayola toys while waiting to visit with Santa. 816.274.8444

kcparent.com december 2013

43

Best Christmas Pageant

Dec. 6-8, Culture House. A play that invites viewers to watch how the town bullies teach everyone the true meaning of Christmas. $8-$10. 913.393.3141 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 10:00, Theatre for Young America (Union Station). A new play based on the beloved holiday poem. $9.

TYA.org

Christmas in Song Thru Dec 24, 7:30, Quality Hill Playhouse. Annual musical cabaret revue in celebration of the season. 816.421.1700

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

816.795.4300

Preschool Playtime 9:30, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Join us for an open gym with various toys and equipment. Snack and drink provided. 913.579.6867

Magic of the Holidays 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Magician Keith Leff delights all ages in this holiday performance. $3. Pre-reg.

913.715.2575 Gym Tyme 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Every Wednesday, toddlers and preschoolers can play in our gym for just $2. 913.631.5200 The Wiz 10:00 & 2:00, Coterie Theatre. Watch Dorothy and her three friends ease on down a fabulous yellow brick road. $12-$17.

TheCoterie.org Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Visit the nature center for stories, songs, and surprises geared to preschool children. $2.

913.764.7759

5 thursday

Lego Friends 10:00, Legoland. Visit the newly renovated Lego friends exhibit! 816. 471.4386 Holiday Exhibit 11:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Visit the museum and enjoy holiday decorations and vintage gift displays. 816.453.3276 Highlights Tour 2:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. See aspects of Western settlement through a 30-minute guided tour. 816.325.7575 Mayor’s Tree Lighting 6:00, Corinth Square (Prairie Village). Celebrate the holiday season with the 28th annual lighting ceremony. PVKansas.com Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:00, City Hall (Grandview). Enjoy live entertainment, tree lighting and candy canes from Santa. 816.316.4888

Santa’s Wonderland 6:00, Swope Park. Gather family and friends to celebrate the holidays with hot chocolate, lights and Santa! KCParks.org Journey to Judea 6:00, Countryside Baptist Church. Stroll through a retelling of the Christmas story. Guided tour lasts one hour. Free, but pre-reg at JourneyToJudea.com

The Fairy Princess

Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $10 Sundays, December 8, 15, 22 noon-4 p.m. | $10 Kansas City Museum’s historic Fairy Princess once again spreads holiday cheer at the Kansas City Museum.

A complimentary photo and Fairy Princess gift is included with your visit.

816-483-8300 AT CORINTHIAN HALL

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kcparent.com december 2013

kansascitymuseum.org

Holiday Family Fun!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Something for Everyone Before Museum Closing: December 7 See inside our nine-foot tall dollhouse.

December 22 Hear tales from Father Christmas.

January 4 Listen to festive music by a string ensemble.

r last u o y iss 14. m t ’ n , 20 Do 6 .

4 y 1 r 5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 n 20 e Janua i n o i toyandminiaturemuseum.org for vat e o b n t i e 816-235-8000 ing r ce to vis o g r chan Unde

The Sound of Christmas starring Elisabeth von Trapp with the Carolian Brass 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 Accompanied by one of North America’s finest brass quintets, enjoy the granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp perform a memorable medley from The Sound of Music plus holiday favorites.

jccc.edu/TheSeries | 913-469-4445 Performing Arts Series Johnson County Community College NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING BEER AND WINE AVAILABLE

kcparent.com december 2013

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celebrate the true meaning of

christmas

I

n all of the Christmas celebrations, be sure to take time to attend one of the following events that reminds us of the reason for the season.

Journey to Judea Dec. 5-8 at Countryside Baptist Church, 14150 W. 175th St., Olathe, KS. Four separate nights of outdoor tours this year. New tours will begin every 10 minutes and will take about one hour to complete. You can pick your departure date and time, as well as print your ticket, when you register for the event. FREE admission, but please register in advance at JourneyToJudea.com.

Sixth Annual Community Nativity Display Dec. 6-8 at Olathe Meetinghouse - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15915 W. 143rd St., Olathe, KS. Admission is free. People of all ages welcome to attend.

Hundreds of Nativity sets from around the world will be on display. Schedule: Friday, Dec. 6: Open 6:00-9:00; Live nativity 6:00-7:00; orchestra and chorale Christmas pageant at 7:00.

Saturday, Dec. 7: Open 4:00-9:00; Kansas Bronze Bell Choir 5:00-6:30; Live nativity 6:00-7:00; orchestra and chorale Christmas pageant at 7:00. Sunday, Dec. 8: Open 4:00-8:00; Kansas Bronze Bell Choir 5:00-6:30.

Very Merry Morning Dec. 7, 10:00-1:00, at Westside Family Church, 8500 Woodsonia Dr., Lenexa KS. Donkeys, sheep and goats, oh my! Families and friends are invited to come and journey at their own pace through a variety of interactive stations where kids can make an ornament, share the good news in the post office, venture through an obstacle course on the way to Bethlehem, decorate cookies and much more. The event is FREE, and lunch will be available to purchase from 2 Guys and a Grill in the gallery. WestsideFamilyChurch.com

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The Nativity Puppet Show Dec. 13-15 at Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO. Come see beautiful 7-foot puppets gracefully move through the aisles of the cathedral with musical and choral accompaniment as live actors narrate this familiar tale. The larger-than-life characters are brought to life by puppeteers, movement artists and volunteers who perform this eternal story of grace and love. PaulMesnerPuppets.org Journey Through Bethlehem Live Nativity Friday, Dec. 13, 7:00-9:00, Saturday, Dec. 14, 6:00-9:00, and Sunday, Dec. 15, 6:00-8:00, at New Vision Church of the Nazarene, 58 Hwy. & Sunrise Dr., Raymore, MO. Step back in time as you "journey through Bethlehem" and experience for yourself that very first Christmas. Free holiday fun for the whole family! Walk through the Christmas story; kids can create a holiday craft and visit with Santa (free photos!). Delicious cookies and hot chocolate provided. Presentations of the Christmas story begin every 15 minutes.

For more information, call 816. 348.0303 or visit NewVisionChurch.com Walk to the Manger Dec. 15, 9:00 & 11:00, at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9400 Wornall Rd., Kansas City , MO. The birth of Jesus reminds us of an incredible promise: Nothing is impossible with God. Walk to the Manger: Hosanna! is an original Nativity musical that celebrates the miracle of redeeming grace and a Savior who is called Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us. ColonialKC.org Giant Puppet Nativity Dec. 24, 4:00-5:00, at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 110th & Holmes, Kansas City, MO. The public is invited, and children are especially welcomed. The Christmas story performance features larger-than-life wise men, each with three church members inside to move the puppet figure and arms. A Christmas Eve candlelight service, including communion, also will be held at 11:00 that evening.

KCSPUCC.org

6 friday Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Luminary Walk 5:00, Today & tomorrow, OP Arboretum. Stroll candlelit trails through the gardens. $7; free/under 5. 913.685.3604 Journey to Judea 5:00, Countryside Baptist Church. Stroll through a retelling of the Christmas story. Guided tour lasts one hour. Free, but prereg at JourneyToJudea.com.

Holiday Party 5:30, Brush Creek Comm Center. Bring the family for entertainment, reindeer games, arts and crafts projects. Prereg. 816.513.7500 A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas Thru Sun, Blue Springs City Theatre. A play based on actual events in Laura’s life. 816.228.0137 Kids Night Out 6:00, Roeland Park Comm Center. Kids 8-12 enjoy a mystery dinner menu, games and a craft while you shop. $11-$12.

913.826.3160 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 Christmas on the River 6:00, Downtown Parkville. Annual holiday kickoff includes live entertainment, Santa and fireworks. ParkvilleMo.org PJ Party with St Nick 6:00, Zona Rosa. Santa makes his formal arrival at the pajama party for the entire family. 816.587.8180 Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7:00, Culture House. A play that invites viewers to watch how the town bullies teach everyone the true meaning of Christmas. $8-$10. 913.393.3141 Baby, It’s Cold Outside, Thru Sunday, Folly Theater. The Heartland Men’s Chorus performs fun holiday favorites. FollyTheater.org The Mystery of Christmas 6:30 dinner, 7:30 show, Liberty Performing Arts Theatre. A version of The Nutcracker that tells the story of Christmas.

816.767.9222 First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open late on the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

7 saturday Red Stocking Breakfast 7:30, Jack Stack Barbecue (Overland Park). Breakfast buffet, photos with Santa, craft table and more. Benefits Kansas Children’s Service League. $15-$20. 913.621.2016 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 Santa Claus Express Today & tomorrow, 9:00,

Presented by Bank Midwest

Join us for our upcoming Special Events: DEC 14 DEC15 USKC Memberships

make great gifts!

DEC18-22 DEC DEC

21 31

Story Time with Mrs. Claus Holiday Dance Showcase Featuring Miller Marley School of Dance & Voice, Ibsen Dance Theatre, and Steppin Out - The Studio Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express Train with Santa Polar Express Pajama Party Noon Year’s Eve in Science City

And DON’T MISS these unique Union Station attractions: See it before it sails!

Real Pirates, an exhibition from National Geographic

Enjoy the Holidays on the Region’s Biggest Screen!

Special movies playing at the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre

Catch a Live Holiday Production at City Stage!

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas presented by Theatre for Young America, Nov 26 - Dec 28

More Details At

30 W Pershing Rd | 816.460.2020

UnionStation.org

kcparent.com december 2013

47

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express

Thru Dec. 22, Union Station. Visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train. UnionStation.org 11:00, 2:00 & 4:00, Midland Railway. Photos with Santa, treats, storytelling and more. Pre-reg.

913.721.1211 Christmas Carnival 9:00, Sermon Center (Independence). Carnival games, face painting, balloon creations and a visit with Santa. Free. ci.Independence.mo.us 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 Home Depot Kids Workshop 9:00, Home Depot stores. Bring in the kids for a free hands-on workshop and build something together.

HomeDepot.com Christmas Open House 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Shop. Music, refreshments, demonstrations and stagecoach rides (weather permitting).

OlatheKS.org Whoville Holidays 10:00, City Market. Take a picture with the Grinch and create Whoville-themed crafts. Free. TheCityMarket.org Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Hear a story, learn cool facts about ani-

mals and make a craft. 816.513.8960 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 Wild 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Meet Santa, participate in holiday activities and follow along on guided tours.

KansasCityZoo.org Coleman Open House 10:00, Toy & Miniature Museum. Explore the museum’s largest dollhouse as the doors open for the only time this year.

816.235.8000 Holiday Greenings 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Create holiday decorations with items found in nature. 816.759.7300

Nutcracker Tea Party Noon, Ritz Charles. Enjoy finger food and tea while watching a shortened version of The Nutcracker. $25-$40. OPKansas.org

Fairy Princess Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec 22, 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Arts, crafts and a visit with the Fairy Princess. $10.

KansasCityMuesum.org

Musical Fun for Kids Noon, Crown Center. Holiday music geared toward families. Today enjoy the Doo-Dads. Free. 816.274.8444

Elf on the Shelf Party Noon, Shawnee Books &Toys. Elfis, the elf on the shelf, tells his story.

Enjoy crafts, snacks and more. Free. 913.962.1428

Photos with Santa Noon, Strawberry Hill Museum. Drop by the museum today and have a photo taken with St. Nick. 913.371.3264

DINNER AND A SHOW

This December, treat the family to dinner and a live show at one of Kansas City’s premier theaters.

Through January 5, you can enjoy The Wiz at The Coterie.

Ease on down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and her friends in this multicultural Tony award-winning classic. Crown Center is home to many fantastic restaurants, but all-time faves for the kids will always be Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant where trains deliver food to your table (FritzsKC.com), d’Bronx (dBronxKC.com), the New York style delicatessen and pizzeria, and Streetcar Named Desire, a cozy bar and grill.

Children will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads after a showing of the Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker (KCBallet.org) at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. For upscale

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dining, you can enjoy brunch or dinner next door at the elegant Webster House (WebsterHouseKC.com).

Step back in time for a pioneer Christmas at the Blue Springs City Theater with their production of A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas.

A favorite family-friendly restaurant in Blue Springs, Burgers American Grill (BurgersAmericanGrill.com) is a locally owned fast casual restaurant.

Enjoy Miller Marley’s annual performance of Clara’s Dream at Blue Valley North High School (Dec. 7 & 8 at 2:00 and 7:00). Favorite nearby dining includes Blue Moose (TheBlueMooseBarAndGrill.com), a traditional bar and grill.

Dramatic Truth’s The Mystery of Christmas, a portrayal of The Nutcracker telling the biblical account of Christmas. The show runs Dec. 6 & 8 at the Liberty Performing Arts Center.

Grab a pizza at The Dish (TheDish.com). It’s a hit with all ages.

Little ones will delight in Theatre for Young America’s The Night Before Christmas through Dec. 28 at Union Station. This new play brings to life the wild holiday adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl. Stop in at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (RMCF.com) for a treat before or after the show!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever comes to stage at The Culture House (CultureHouse.com) Dec. 6-8. In this hilarious holiday tale, the town learns the true meaning of Christmas. A favorite local restaurant is Oklahoma Joe’s (OklahomaJoesBBQ.com), one of Kansas City’s most popular barbecue restaurants – be sure to allow plenty of time to eat; you may find a line outside the door!

Holidazzle Noon, Bruce R Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. Children’s festival featuring a holiday movie, gift bag, refreshments and Santa!

816.513.0700 A Country School Christmas 1:00, Lanesfield School. Christmas tales with JoHo the Storyteller, caroling, ornament making and Santa. Free.

913.893.6645 Clara’s Dream Today & tomorrow, 2:00 & 7:00, Blue Valley North. Miller Marley presents this beloved holiday revue. 913.492.0004 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 Best Christmas Pageant Ever 2:00 & 7:00, Culture House. A play that invites viewers to watch how the town bullies teach everyone the true meaning of Christmas. $8-$10. 913.393.3141 Santa’s Wonderland 4:00, Penguin Park. Celebrate the season with family & friends. Enjoy festive music, light displays and Santa! KCParks.org Holiday Magic 4:00 & 7:00, Lee’s Summit High School Performing Arts Center. Join the Lee’s Summit Symphony for the popular Holiday Magic concert. LSSymphony.org Christmas Around Town 5:30, Shawnee Town

1929. Visit Santa, visit his reindeer and pick a gift from his old-fashioned wagon. 913.248.2360 Sounds of Christmas 8:00, JCCC (Yardley Hall).

Elisabeth von Trapp performs a medley of music.

913.469.4445

8 sunday

Art + Family = Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins. Free activities every Saturday and Sunday for the entire family. Nelson-Atkins.org Pop-Up Farmers House Market 1:00, Alexander Majors House Barn. During Dec the gift shop is transformed into a market with unique gift items for sale. 816.444.1858 Candlelight Vintage Homes Tour 1:00, Carroll Mansion (Leavenworth). Annual Leavenworth Christmas tradition, touring historic homes & churches. 913.682.7759 The Mystery of Christmas 2:00 & 7:00, Liberty Performing Arts Theatre. A version of The Nutcracker that tells the story of Christmas.

816.767.9222 Christmas Joy Concert 3:30, MANU Bell Center (Olathe). Come celebrate the joy of the birth of Jesus through story and song. $5. 913.971.3636 Journey to Judea 4:00, Countryside Baptist Church. Stroll through a retelling of the Christmas story. Guided tour lasts one hour. Free, but pre-

reg at JourneyToJudea.com

9 monday Early Bird Special 9:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive before 10:00 on Monday and Wednesday and admission is just $5 plus tax! 913.631.7000 Dear Santa Civic Center (Oak Grove). Put your Christmas wishes in writing and drop a self-addressed, stamped envelope and letter in a special mailbox. CityOfOakGrove.com Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children ages 5 and under are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! 913.541.0209 Santa’s Wonderland Thru Dec 24, Bass Pro Shop. Enjoy an interactive play area, make crafts, write letters to the North Pole and visit Santa.

816.795.4300 Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your toddler in to jump and have some fun! 913.422.7010 Spirit of Christmas Past Tour Thru Dec 30, Vaile Mansion. See the three historic homes decorated for the holidays. 816.325.7430 Tuba Christmas Noon, Kauffman Center. Attend this lunch hour concert by the Kansas City Symphony. Christmas songs, tuba-style! Pre-reg.

816.994.7222

kcparent.com december 2013

49

10 tuesday Real Pirates 9:30, Union Station. See artifacts recovered from the first authenticated pirate ship found in US waters. UnionStation.org Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. As the weather gets colder, bring the kids to open gym to burn off energy. 913.782.3300 Yo-Yo Workshop 4:30, Go Big Skill Toys. Learn everything from basic skills to more advanced tricks. Bring yo-yo or purchase at store. Workshop is free. 913.248.3277 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

11 wednesday Ice Castles Kia Bondurant, Make an appointment for these darling, winter portraits.

KiaBondurant.com Holiday Exhibit 11:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Visit the museum and enjoy holiday decorations and vintage gift displays. 816.453.3276 Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park.

piece. $15/first child; $13/siblings. 913.661.2529

Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland. JacksonGov.org

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

Story Time with Santa and Mrs Claus 7:00, MCPL Blue Springs Branch. Santa and the Mrs have made a trip from the North Pole to share a story. Free. Pre-reg. 816.229.3571

12 thursday

Tales for Tiny Tykes 9:30 & 10:30. Toddlers ages 18-36 months listen to a short story followed with a craft. 816.701.3481 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 10:00 & Noon, Theatre for Young America (Union Station).

A new play based on the beloved holiday poem. $9. TYA.org A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas Thru Sun, Blue Springs City Theatre. A play based on actual events in Laura’s life. 816.228.0137 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

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt 5:30, Conerstone Park (Gardner). Grab a flashlight and search for candy canes Santa hid throughout the park. $3.

Pre-reg. GardnerKansas.gov Journey Through Bethlehem 6:00, New Vision Church (Raymore). Walk through a live display of the Christmas story. 816.348.0303 Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday enjoy unlimited soft play, 100 arcade tokens, pizza and drinks (for 4) for only $21.99. 816.358.0088 Holiday Wonderland Party 6:00, The View Comm Center. Decorate cookies, make arts & crafts, take part in a candy cane hunt and much more! Free. 816.316.4888 Friday Night Family Fun 6:30, Plaza Library. Join us every Friday night for fun activities the whole family can enjoy! 816.701.3481

13 friday

The Nativity 10:00 & 7:00, Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. Paul Mesner Puppets brings 7-foot biblical puppet characters to life. $9-$15.

816.756.3500

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus 7:00, Pioneer Ridge (Gardner). The Tallgrass Theatre Co performs this play based on the newspaper column. 913.938.2668

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Little ones can listen to a story and then paint a master-

A Christmas Carol 8:00, Spencer Theatre. KC Rep

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

50

kcparent.com december 2013

Smile • Prompt, friendly care • Professional dental cleanings • Fun, interactive environment • Specialized dentistry just for kids!

returns with Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition. 816.235.2700

Liberty Meadows Training Center

14 saturday Breakfast at the North Pole 8:00, Jo Co Fairgrounds (White Building). Pancakes by Chris Cakes, crafts and photos with Santa and Mrs Claus. $5-$6. GardnerKansas.gov

• Horseback Riding Lessons Beginner to Advanced • Summer Riding Camps • Birthday Parties

2nd Saturdays 8:00, Downtown Leavenworth.

Fun and exciting activities each month.

LeavenworthMainStreet.com Santa Claus Express Today & tomorrow, 9:00, 11:00, 2:00 & 4:00, Midland Railway. Photos with Santa, treats, storytelling and more. Pre-reg.

913.721.1211

Holiday Houses 9:30, Jo Co K-State Research & Extension. Kids 7-12 will learn how to make gingerbread dough. $5. 913.715.7000 Craft Day 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Make one-of-a-kind natural gifts to give to family and friends. 816.228.3766 Story Time with Mrs Claus 10:00, Union Station.

Enjoy stories told by Mrs Claus in the City Stage.

Free, but need to pre-reg. UnionStation.org

Now located in Johnson County

199th St. 69 Hwy

Holiday Gift Lesson Packages available

Call for details.

Switzer

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

One free lesson!

207th St.

Just minutes from 69 Hwy!

21000 Switzer Rd. Bucyrus, KS 66013 Ryan Strand & Elise Worman 816.547.0602 | www.Liberty-Meadows.com

Whoville Holidays 10:00, City Market. Take a picture with the Grinch and create Whoville-themed crafts. Free. TheCityMarket.org Festive Ornament 11:00, Lakeshore Learning.

Prepare for a picture-perfect holiday season with this picture frame that kids can make! Free.

913.432.3998 Storybook Christmas 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Kraig Kensinger is back with his talented puppets and delightful holiday music.

816.833.9777 Second Saturdays 11:00, Grinter Place State Historic Site. Learn about Kansas City-area history and stay for lunch prepared on the wood stove.

913.299.0373 Christmas Craft Party Noon, Shawnee Books & Toys. Create fun Christmas crafts to decorate your home or to give as gifts. Free. 913.962.1428 Musical Fun for Kids Noon, Crown Center. Holiday music geared toward families. Today enjoy the T-Rex All Stars. Free. 816.274.8444 Winter Carnival 12:30, Liberty Performing Arts Center. Fun-filled afternoon of reindeer games, stories and holiday refreshments. $4-$5.

816.439.4400 A Christmas Carol 2:00 & 8:00, Spencer Theatre.

KC Rep returns with Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition. 816.235.2700

Truly unique gifts for this holiday season!

Buy one item, get

25

% off

second item of equal or lesser value.

May be combined with 1/2 studio fee offers only. Good thru 12/31/13.

paintglazeandfire.net

127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS • 913-661-CLAY kcparent.com december 2013

51

Giant Puppet Nativity on Christmas Eve Dec. 24, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. Christmas story performance with larger-than-life puppets. Free. 816.942.1155 Gardens by Candlelight 5:00, Powell Gardens.

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

15 sunday

Walk to the Manger 9:00 & 11:00, Colonial Presbyterian Church. An original Nativity musical with a live manger scene. 816.942.3272 Fairy Princess Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec 22, 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Arts, crafts and a visit with the Fairy Princess. $10.

KansasCityMuesum.org The Nutcracker 1:00 & 5:00, Kauffman Center.

The Kansas City Ballet performs this timeless holiday classic accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.816.931.2232 Holiday Show 1:00, Union Station. Miller Marley presents a dance and voice holiday show for the entire family. 816.460.2083

16 monday

Ballet Story Time 9:00, Degage Dancewear.

Come by the store each Monday in December to hear favorite stories. Wear your tutu! Free.

913.226.4432

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kcparent.com december 2013

Dear Santa Civic Center (Oak Grove). Put your Christmas wishes in writing and drop a self-addressed, stamped envelope and letter in a special mailbox.

CityOfOakGrove.com Santa’s Wonderland Thru Dec 24, Bass Pro Shop. Enjoy an interactive play area, make crafts, write letters to the North Pole and visit Santa. 816.795.4300 Santa’s Gingerbread Village 10:00, Crown Center. See three locomotives travel through Santa’s gingerbread village. 816.274.8444

17 tuesday

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

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

Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Sylvester Powell Comm Ctr. Children 6 and under can play on developmentally appropriate toys for just $2.

913.722.8200

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

The Wiz 10:00, Coterie Theatre. Watch Dorothy and her three friends ease on down a fabulous yellow brick road. $12-$17. TheCoterie.org

Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Let your little ones monkey around in our indoor play area at a discount. 913.631.7000

Yo-Yo Workshop 4:30, Go Big Skill Toys. Learn everything from basic skills to more advanced tricks. Bring yo-yo or purchase at store. Workshop is free. 913.248.3277 Night Tree 6:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Create edible decorations for the wild winter residents of Burr Oak. Pre-reg. 816.228.3766

18 wednesday

Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park.

Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland. JacksonGov.org

19 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

Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486

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

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.

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. As the weather gets colder, bring the kids to open gym to burn off energy. 913.782.3300

Christmas with Mrs Claus 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Sit a spell with Santa’s better half and hear her tales. 913.715.2552

A Very Fifties Christmas 1:00, All-Electric House.

The 1950s All-Electric House is decorated for the holidays. Rock around the aluminum tree!

JoCoMusuem.org

Gym Tyme 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Every Wednesday, toddlers and preschoolers can play in our gym for just $2. 913.631.5200 A Visit with Santa 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Santa is coming to share the winter habitats of his animal friends. $2. 913.764.7759 Morris Finds Christmas 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Puppet show for ages 2-6 about a moose who finds a friend on his way to the North Pole. $5. 816.833.9777

3rd Thursdays 5:00, Martin City. Shop Martin City business and help support local community organizations. MartinCity.Wordpress.com Christmas in Song Thru Dec 24, 7:30, Quality Hill Playhouse. Annual musical cabaret revue in celebration of the season. 816.421.1700 Overland Park Civic Band Christmas Concert 7:30, MANU (Bell Center). The OP Civic Cen-

ter Band performs the annual concert. Free.

913.971.3636

20 friday Lego Friends 10:00, Legoland. Visit the newly renovated Lego friends exhibit! 816. 471.4386 Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 3rd Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station.

The galleries open their doors to art lovers every third Friday of the month. EnglewoodStation.com Drive Through Nativity Today & tomorrow, 6:00, Culture House. Listen to a biblical retelling of the Christmas story. Donation admission.

913.393.3141 Friday Night Family Fun 6:30, Plaza Library. Join us every Friday night for fun activities the whole family can enjoy! 816.701.3481

21 saturday

Breakfast with Santa 9:00, Powell Gardens. Pancake breakfast by Chris Cakes, storytelling, crafts and rides on the Holiday Express barrel train. $7-$13. 816.697.2600 x209 Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Hear a story, learn cool facts about animals and make a craft. 816.513.8960

Teaching children and adults the love of dance for 43 years.

now enrolling!

recreation & competitive levels ages 2 & up

913.764.4146 135th St. & South Arapaho Dr. www.leighsschoolofdance.com kcparent.com december 2013

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The Wiz at the Coterie

Thru Jan. 5. Watch Dorothy and her three friends ease on down a fabulous yellow brick road. $12-$17. TheCoterie.org Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure!

816.753.5784 Whoville Holidays 10:00, City Market. Take a picture with the Grinch and create Whoville-themed crafts. Free. TheCityMarket.org Fairy Princess Saturdays & Sundays thru Dec 22, 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Arts, crafts and a visit with the Fairy Princess. $10.

KansasCityMuesum.org Snowy Bear Puppet 11:00, Lakeshore Learning.

Children bring arctic wonders to life as they make friendly polar bear puppets. Free. 913.432.3998 Reindeer Games Noon, Shawnee Books & Toys.

Lots of demos of family fun games. Find the perfect gift. Free. 913.962.1428 Art + Family = Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins. Free activities every Saturday and Sunday for the entire family. Nelson-Atkins.org

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

22 sunday

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 Drop and Shop 1:00-4:30, 360 Gymnastics. Kids can play while you finish shopping! $10/child.

913.707.3756 The Nutcracker 1:00 & 5:00, Kauffman Center.

The Kansas City Ballet performs this timeless holiday classic accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.816.931.2232 Father Christmas 1:30, Toy & Miniature Museum.

Hear stories of Christmases past from Father Christmas himself. 816.235.8000

Lost Christmas Eve 3:00 & 7:00, Sprint Center.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs their rock opera The Lost Christmas Eve. SprintCenter.com

23 monday

Ballet Story Time 9:00, Degage Dancewear.

Come by the store each Monday in December to hear favorite stories. Wear your tutu! Free.

913.226.4432 Santa’s Crayola Christmas Land Thru Dec 31, Crown Center. Play on super-sized Crayola products while waiting to tell Santa holiday wishes.

816.274.8444

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oli .S. da T y oy Gi 20 ft 13 Gu id e

Holly Jolly Movie 1:30, MCPL Kearny Branch. Forget about Santa’s naughty or nice list and enjoy a holly jolly movie. Free. Pre-reg. 816.628.5055

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

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Celebrating 60 Years of Holiday Memories

20% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*

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

2008 W. 103rd Terr.

Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Cannot be combined with other offer or discount. Excludes Lego, Leawood, KS 66206 Playmobil60 & Thomas product. Not valid for purchase of gift cards.

Celebrating YearstheofTrainHoliday Memories Other restrictions may apply. EXPIRES 12/24/13.

913-642-8247 13DM33

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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

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 A Christmas Carol 7:00, Spencer Theatre. KC Rep returns with Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition. 816.235.2700

24 tuesday

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 wednesday

Merry Christmas!

Make memories today with those you love.

26 thursday

Christmas in the Park 5:30, Longview Lake Park.

Drive through the park to view it turned into an enchanted winter wonderland. JacksonGov.org

27 friday

Safari Day Camp 8:30, Kansas City Zoo. One-day camp with lots of hands-on activities. Pre-reg.

816.513.5723

JUST WHAT YOU WANT THE BEST WEEKEND PLANNER FOR FAMILY FUN IN KC! JOIN THE 15,000 PEOPLE WHO ALREADY ENJOY OUR WEEKLY E-NEWS.

Dance daddy & daughter

Friday, February 7, 2014, 6-9 pm and saturday, february 8, 2014, 6-9 pm Providence Community Church 10113 Lenexa Drive 913.307.0710 www.sovgracekc.org/dance

all inclusive:

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price includes jack stack dinner for dads and chick-fil-a for the girls. $60 per couple ($10 for each additional child). no tickets will be sold at the door.

All net proceeds will be donated to Providence Community Church’s partnership with the Forest Avenue Family Shelter in Kansas City.

space is limited. tickets must be purchased in advance. kcparent.com december 2013

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from KC Parent Thanks to the Kansas City community for 28 years of readership and support! talented puppets and delightful holiday music. 816.833.9777

Real Pirates 9:30, Union Station. See artifacts recovered from the first authenticated pirate ship found in US waters. UnionStation.org Holiday Exhibit 11:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Visit the museum and enjoy holiday decorations and vintage gift displays. 816.453.3276 Christmas Exhibit Sat & Sun, Thru Jan 31, Strawberry Hill Museum. See uniquely decorated rooms of the main museum house. 913.371.3264 The Wiz 2:00, 4:00 & 7:00, Coterie Theatre. Watch Dorothy and her three friends ease on down a fabulous yellow brick road. $12-$17.

TheCoterie.org

28 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 New Year’s Party Hat 11:00, Lakeshore Learning.

Ring in the New Year with pizzazz wearing this glittery handmade hat! 913.432.3998 Storybook Christmas 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Kraig Kensinger is back with his

Christmas at Lanesfield Saturdays thru Dec 29, 1:00, Lanesfield Historic Site. See the school decorated for an old-fashioned Christmas! 913.893.6645

29 sunday Santa’s Gingerbread Village 11:00, Crown Center. See three locomotives travel through Santa’s gingerbread village.

816.274.8444 Art + Family = Fun 1:00, Nelson-Atkins.

Free activities every Saturday and Sunday for the entire family. 816.751.1278

30 monday

Zoological District Free Day 9:30, Kansas City Zoo. Free admission to residents of Jackson and Clay counties as a thank you for your support.

Tumbling Camp 10:00-Noon, 360 Gymnastics.

Basics to advanced tumbling. One day camp. $12/child. 913.707.3756

31 tuesday: new year’s eve Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place. Spend the last day of 2013 ice skating with the family.

913.663.2070 Noon Year’s Eve Noon, Science City. Welcome 2014 with family friendly activities to celebrate the New Year. 816.460.2083

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

Dentistry for infants, children, teens and all those with special needs

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

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

www.KIDZDENTIST.com

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find us on facebook

tour the town: fun ideas for kc families school’s out

christmas characters

Make a craft when you visit the princess!

You can also sled in a tube!

Snow Creek

Kansas City Museum

Bowling Many local alleys host school’s out specials or mom and tot days perfect for little ones! Call the alley near you for details. For a complete guide to KC-area bowling alleys, visit KCGoingPlaces.com and search “bowling.”

Fairy Princess Kansas City’s very own Christmas character, the Fairy Princess, has been celebrating holidays with local children since 1935 when Kline’s Department Store introduced her. For 25 cents, children visited the princess, telling her their Christmas wishes. The tradition continued until Kline’s closed in 1970. In 1987, the Fairy Princess returned as a holiday tradition at the Kansas City Museum. Now you can visit the Fairy Princess on the first three weekends in December, 10:00-4:00 on Saturdays or Noon-4:00 on Sundays, for $10/child. Visits include a photo, sweet treat, crafts and present from the Fairy Princess.

Skiing You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a day on the slopes!

Snow Creek (1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston, MO, 816.640.2200, SkiSnowCreek.com) is the region’s nearest ski and snow board facility.

They offer lessons for beginners and group packages.

Ice Skating Indoor and outdoor rinks abound in KC! Take a spin on the ice at one of these rinks.

Ice Sports Arena 19900 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.441.3033, KCIceCenter.com HCA Midwest Community Ice 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence, MO, 816.795.7577, IndependenceEventsCenter.com Line Creek Community Center Ice Rink 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.513.0760, KCMO.org The Ice at Park Place 11565 Ash St., Leawood, KS, DestinationParkPlace.com/Happenings/Ice Crown Center Ice Terrace Crown Center, 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, CrownCenter.com Linden Square NE 70th & N. Cherry, Gladstone, MO, Gladstone.mo.us The Rink at Burlington Square 6109 NW 63rd Ter., Kansas City, MO, 816.249.2600, KCIce.net Roller Skating Remember the last time you laced up the skates and took a spin on the rink? Call and check websites for current schedules: B & D South Skate Center 13903 E. Noland Ct., Independence, MO, 816.252.1084. ’50s Skate Night: Sun., 7:00-9:00. Admission and skate rental 50 cents each. BandDSouth.com Landmark Skate Center 701 SW Oldham Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.524.2000. Wednesdays are Family Fun Night: Family of four skates for just $12.00 (skates included). Admission is just $3.75 for individuals. Landmark2Skate.com kansas city’s #1 attraction

guide

fall/winter 2013-14

The Grinch “Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot… but the Grinch who lived just north of Whoville did not!” begins Seuss’ perennial classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. On Saturdays (through Christmas) from 10:00 to 1:30, fans celebrate Whoville Holidays at the City Market (TheCityMarket.org). Bring a camera and take your photo with the Grinch (10:30-11:30 and Noon-1:00). Little Who’s are invited to make Whoville-themed tree ornaments, a Grinch mask and more!

The Elf on the Shelf The Elf on the Shelf is one of the newest holiday traditions for today’s children. Fans of the elf will love the special Elf on the Shelf party at Shawnee Books & Toys (BookAndToy.net) on Dec. 7 at Noon. Meet the store’s elf, Elfis, and enjoy elf crafts, snacks and discover the magic of Santa’s elves!

Fans of the book also will enjoy an elf-themed story time at Barnes & Noble on the Country Club Plaza on Dec. 14 at 11:30, or at the Independence location on Dec. 14 at 3:00.

The Big Man Himself Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting children in Kansas City all month long (search “Santa” on the calendar at KCParent.com), but one not-to-be-missed event is Jo Ho the storyteller as Mrs. Claus at the Johnson County Museum on Dec. 18 from 10:00 to 11:00 (JoCoMuseum.org). Enjoy merry tales of holiday happenings at the North Pole with her.

KC S LOVE FUN!

For over 500 great places to visit in KC, pick up a copy of KC Going Places!

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