Sonoma Family Life December 2023

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December 2023

Holiday Events

Movie Night In

Make it an Event

Minimalist Holiday DIY Ornaments Find Santa!

2 Ingredient Dough

Keep it Simple

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December 2023

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

7

Cooking with Kids Cookie Craft

10

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Holiday Kick Off Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah Honor and Service Santa’s Elves on Stage

Features 10 Keep it Light

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

16 Watch This. Do That.

Skip the stress and keep it simple this holiday.

Make it a family movie night to remember.

14 Why We Don’t Have a Christmas Tree

20 Not Your Mama’s Salt Dough

Feeling like an outsider at Christmas time.

How to make easy ornaments together.

You’ve Got Mail

24

Calendar of Events

32 Humor Break Santa the Food Critic

7

8 4 SonomaFamilyLife

Bits and Pieces

December 2023

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Dear Reader

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elcome December!

To take advantage of all the joy that this season brings, peruse our Calendar of Events Sharon Gowan (page 24), for a Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us bounty of local fun.

Our listings will point you to all the best stops where you can meet Santa, take in a light parade, do some shopping for crafts, and just generally indulge in all sorts of holiday revelry.

Having a simple holiday, doesn’t mean foregoing a spectacular one. Everyone has enough to worry about, especially in this busy month, so flip to “Keep it Light” (page 10) for ways to keep your stress low, your merry quotient high, and your memories meaningful.

the instructions for easy-to-make ornaments in “Not Your Mama’s Salt Dough” (page 20). For an edible project that will keep little hands busy, try our fun “Cookie Craft” (page 7).

The holidays are a complex time for many and can bring up a myriad of feelings and emotions. Consider an outside perspective in the heartfelt essay, “Why We Don’t Have a Christmas Tree” (page 14).

Finally, laughter is one of the best gifts that can be delivered, so head straight to the back page for “Santa the Food Critic” (page 32) and don’t forget a steamy mug of hot chocolate while you read it.

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

If you are decorating a tree this year, give it a homemade touch by following

Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707-205-1539 patty@family-life.us

Features Editor Tressa Eaton featureseditorfamilylife@gmail.com

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Shannon Carpenter Tiffany Doerr Guerzon Janeen Lewis PJ Library Sarah Lyons Pam Moore

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office

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Cooking with Kids

Cookie Craft Stained Glass You Can Eat

By PJ Library

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Stained Glass Cookies

Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Jewish temple after it was taken back from the Greeks in the 2nd century BCE. Every year during Hanukkah, Jews light menorahs for eight days to remember the miracles that happened long ago.

Ingredients • ½ cup softened butter • ¾ cup sugar • 1 large egg • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour • ¼ teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ cup crushed hard candy

here’s never been a better time to introduce children of all walks to different cultures and religions.

Did you know that “dreidel” is a Yiddish word, meaning “spinning top?” A legend explains why children play with dreidels on Hanukkah: In the time of the Maccabees, when the Greeks didn’t allow Jews to study the Torah, Jews would learn in secret.

Whenever the authorities would approach, children would quickly hide their books and take out their spinning tops.

Try this clever and easy sugar cookie recipe together with your kids.

Crushed hard candy melts into a beautiful “stained glass” illusion. The recipe can easily be adapted to make any shape holiday sugar cookie.

Hanukkah (this year celebrated from December 7 to 15) is a joyous holiday that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. The only ritual component of Hanukkah is lighting www.sonomafamilylife.com

Tip: Short on time? Use premade dough and skip down to step 3.

1. Using a mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter, and cream the mixture.

Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

the menorah and saying the blessings.

Everything else is optional – fried food, tales of heroism, gifts and gelt (golden wrapped chocolate coins). Ritually speaking, it’s all about the light, and for each of eight nights, bringing a little more of it into the world. And in these extra dark nights, we all need every bit of light we can get. ❖ Find more information at PJ Library’s Hanukkah Hub overflowing with hands-on

December 2023

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

On a lightly-floured surface, roll out batter about ¼ inch thick.

4. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Cut a small circle in the middle of each shape with a butter knife or smaller cookie cutter.

5. Place shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.

6. Remove the baking sheet, and carefully spoon ½ teaspoon of crushed hard candy into the center of each cookie.

7. Bake for 4-5 more minutes, or until the candy has melted completely.

8. Cool, first for 15 minutes on a baking sheet, then move to a cooling rack.

activities, seasonal recipes, downloadable activities, book lists, and much more.

PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation which delivers more than 670,000 free story books to kids around the world each month. The program hit a milestone in 2022 by shipping its 50 millionth book. Families raising kids from birth through 8 years old, including interfaith families, are welcome to sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, family make-up, or observance may be. Sign up at pjlibrary.org.

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Bits & Pieces Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove

Holiday Kick Off

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egin your holiday season with an evening of family-friendly fun at the 22nd Annual Holiday Celebration in Windsor. This multicultural holiday gathering will feature tons of activities, including mini-pinata making and lego dreidel workshops. At 6 p.m. there will be a Hanukkah menorah lighting featuring the Jewish Community Center of Sonoma County and at 7 p.m. there will be a tree Lighting featuring Santa Claus and “snow” beginning to fall on the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove where you can walk through 200 Christmas trees decorated by local classrooms, families, and merchants. The event takes place at the Windsor Town Green on Thursday, December 7 from 5–8 pm. A free event shuttle will run to and from the Town Green from Windsor High School. Get more details at townofwindsor.com/347/Holiday-Celebration.

8th Annual Hanukkah Celebration

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

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ver want to see gelt (golden chocolate coins) drop from a helicopter? You can at Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma’s 8th Annual Chanukah Celebration. Celebrate the festival of light and the power of light over darkness with hot latkes, jelly doughnuts, live DJ, a raffle, and the world’s largest dreidel. The celebration will take place at the Petaluma Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 10 from 4:30–6 p.m. This event is free with an RSVP. Reserve your spot at jewishpetaluma.com/chanukahcelebration.

Honor and Service

Wreaths Across America

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he mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. On Saturday, December 16 join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather at more than 4,000 locations in all 50 states to lay wreaths.

Local Sonoma and Napa County events will take place in cemeteries in Cloverdale, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Sonoma, St. Helena, Yountville, and more. Find out how you can get involved and participate at wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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Santa’s Elves on Stage

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he 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa presents, Elf The Musical, this season. It’s the goofy tale of Buddy the young elf who is unaware he is actually human. With Santa’s permission, Buddy goes to New York City to discover his true identity and help its citizens remember the true meaning of Christmas. This box-office-record-breaking musical combines vintage comic style , high-energy contemporary music, and delivers jolly holiday entertainment for the whole family. Tickets are $19–$41 and shows run though Dec. 23. Get tickets at 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

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elebrate the New Year with the Peanuts gang at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa. Enjoy fun crafts for kids, make a balloon Snoopy, and watch Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! on the big screen. Plus, do your best Snoopy dance and ring in 2024 with an Up-Down Balloon Drop and Baby Balloon Drop (for kids 4 and under) at Noon, and a second Balloon Drop at 3 pm. All special events are included with museum admission; $12 for adults; $5 for children ages 4–18; free for kids 3 and under. The event takes place on Sunday, December 31. Doors open at 10 am, admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Get more details at schulzmuseum.org.

You’ve Got Mail

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o you have a little spare time? Are your children looking for a craft to benefit others? The Sonoma County Library’s Send Our Seniors Mail program encourages kindness and support for elders in the community during the holiday season and beyond. Community members of all ages are invited to send handwritten cards, postcards, drawings, and letters with positive, kind, and thoughtful messages. It’s like sending a little piece of your heart in the mailbox. For a list of participating facilities and addresses visit sonomalibrary.org/sendmail.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

December 2023

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Spend time with your friends and loved ones, but don’t feel guilty if you don’t go to every party or gathering.

Keep it Light 10 Ways to Simplify the Season

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By Janeen Lewis

t’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, full of friends, family and festivities. But research confirms a different reality-most Americans have elevated stress levels during the holiday season. Instead of being full of good tidings and cheer, families often feel drained of time, energy, and peace. Stressors such as shopping, party planning, financial concerns, and trying to make the holidays perfect can make the end of the year hectic and overwhelming. These ten tips will simplify the season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah, or you are just trying to make it to the New Year in one piece.

1. Focus on your reason for the season Why are you celebrating? Is it for spiritual reasons?

Maybe you want to spend time with friends and family or enjoy the spirit of giving during the holidays.

Keep what is most important about the holidays at the center of your celebration. Reconsider any task or commitment that takes your time, energy, enjoyment, or finances away 10 SonomaFamilyLife

from your reason for celebrating in the first place.

2. Set firm boundaries around your time With all the holiday volunteering, office parties, and family gatherings, it’s easy to overcommit yourself. This year, pick one project you want to volunteer your time to, or pick a variety of simple acts of kindness you can do with your family.

December 2023

3. Let go of Martha One of the most stress-relieving things you can do at the holidays is set the bar a little lower. You don’t have to do everything the way Martha Stewart would to have a beautiful season. Embrace simpler decorations, meals, and gift giving. If you let go of expectations, you may be pleasantly surprised to find yourself content with a celebration you hadn’t even envisioned.

These ten tips will simplify the season and make it merry and bright.

4. Farm out your to-do list At the beginning of the season make a to-do list of what you want to accomplish. If you find that it is too long for the amount of time that you have, consider delegating some of the items. Have groceries delivered, and buy gifts online to avoid the holiday rush. Buy desserts from your local bakery, and shop at stores that provide wrapping stations. No time to clean the house? Hire a cleaning service just for the holiday season or ask for this service as a gift.

5. Gift others with experiences Ask those you give gifts to if there is an experience they would like to have in place of something material. Tickets to the theater? Family passes to an amusement park or aquarium? A relaxing day at the spa? Experiences give friends and family the www.sonomafamilylife.com

opportunity to make memories and pamper themselves, and they don’t take up valuable closet space.

6. Set a holiday tea time Recent research shows that drinking green and black tea has many health benefits, including promoting relaxation. In keeping with the holiday spirit, sip some calming peppermint tea, or try chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower.

7. Take a hike One way to tell your stress to take a hike might be to actually take one yourself. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins that trigger a happier, more relaxed mood. Aerobic exercise outdoors away from screens, phones and to-do lists can clear your mind and help you keep what’s important in perspective.

10 Holiday Hacks to Make the Season Bright 1. If you have an artificial tree, wrap the center pole with a strand of lights before you add the branches. This will make the tree shine brighter from the inside.

6. Store cookies in an airtight tin with flour tortillas between layers to keep cookies from drying out. You can also use a slice of bread.

2. Use a wastebasket to hold rolls of wrapping paper.

7. If you don’t want to put nail holes in your fireplace mantel, fit a tension rod in the wood frame and hang your stockings with shower hooks. You can also purchase nail free stocking holder hooks.

3. Use egg cartons to store small ornaments and ornament hooks. Use wine boxes to store larger, fragile ornaments.

4. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream on a cookie sheet. Freeze it for several hours and remove. Cut hearts out of the whipped cream with a cookie cutter and serve in hot cocoa.

5. Put a ball of sugar cookie dough between two sheets of wax paper. Roll it out between the papers so the dough doesn’t stick to the pin. While it’s still in the wax paper, put the flattened cookie dough in the refrigerator until you are ready to cut cookies out.

ALL YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET

8. Hang lightweight ornaments on long ribbons from your light fixture or chandelier to make an elegant holiday decoration.

9. Skip expensive candles and potpourri. Add water and natural ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, or cloves to a crockpot and heat. Enjoy holiday scents that aren’t overpowering.

10. To keep Christmas lights from getting tangled, wrap them around a clothes hanger or power cord holder.

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8. Reconnect with long lost friends and relatives Meet with an old friend you haven’t talked to for years, and catch up. Take some time off and visit relatives you miss seeing on a regular basis. Surrounding yourself with people you enjoy is powerful when you want to combat holiday stress.

9. Do something kind for someone else You don’t have to overcommit yourself to a charity or fundraiser to be kind. Small random acts of kindness can make someone’s day. Let someone in front of you at the supermarket line or let someone drive their car in front of yours in the parking lot. Send an anonymous Christmas card with cash or a gift

card to a college student or elderly person that you know is struggling financially. Attach quarters in clear storage baggies to parking meters or laundromat machines with a printed,

The thing that we remember the most are the memories we make. positive message. Having a kind spirit chases away stress and keeps the season warm and full of hope.

10. Celebrate memories more than material possessions Finances can cause a lot of stress during the holidays.

ENHANCING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE “WHOLE CHILD”

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie.

She has been published in several parenting publications across the country and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic.

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There is nothing wrong with downsizing the amount of money spent on gifts. Making homemade or drawing a name out of a hat and buying one gift for that family member can take the pressure off of buying gifts for everyone. A white elephant exchange is an entertaining and inexpensive way to celebrate.

The thing that we remember the most are the memories we make with friends and family. Make some happy memories this holiday season and bid stress goodbye. ❖

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW ADULT CLASSES

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WE LOVE TO DANCE AND YOU CAN TOO! The Keenan School works to bring the fun and joy of traditional Irish dance to all! From the age of 3 to the teen years, dancers of all levels of interest and experience have a place here.

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SonomaFamilyLife 13

or a Santa hat, too. My sticker was no doubt cute, but to me, it was an ugly stamp of my otherness.

Why We Don’t Have a Christmas Tree The Struggles and Joys of Being Different

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By Pam Moore

am Jewish. My husband was raised Presbyterian, considers himself atheist, and until he met me, had never known a Jewish person.

So it was with some trepidation and a few drinks that I told him if he was serious about me, he would have to let me raise our possible children Jewish. Never mind that I wasn’t positive I wanted kids and we’d known each other all of two weeks. I was sure of two things: Dan was awesome and I had no time to date a guy I’d never marry.

He asked me what having Jewish children would look like. I wasn’t sure.

Seven years and two children later, I’m still winging it. But I had to answer the question, so I started with the one thing I was sure of.

We would not have a Christmas tree.

It’s hard for me to articulate what it means to be a Jew. It’s much easier to say what being a Jew is not. For me, being Jewish is not celebrating 14 SonomaFamilyLife

Christmas. As a kid, being Jewish at Christmas time meant feeling the pain of being different.

In the second grade, my well-meaning teacher handed my homework back with a sticker, a symbol of a job well done. I don’t remember what the sticker was, only that it was different than the red and green Christmas stickers that adorned my friends’ papers. I wanted a candy cane, an elf, December 2023

I used to dread holiday season small talk. I remember being ten years old, lying on my dentist’s mustard yellow chair for a cleaning, sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Inevitably, my friendly dentist asked the dreaded question, “What are you asking Santa for this year?” When

It’s more important to be who I am than to be like everyone else, even when it’s uncomfortable. he removed his instruments from my mouth, I replied, “Nothing.” I did not care to elaborate, and my tone conveyed that. Above his mask, his eyes betrayed shock. After an awkward pause, my mom looked up from her magazine and explained with an apologetic smile, “We’re Jewish.”

In high school I attended an all-girls Quaker prep school. Although none of the students were Quaker, practically none were Jewish, either. Aside from being the only one in my class to miss school on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, my Jewishness was a non-issue. Until the school replaced the time-honored Christmas Vespers pageant with the politically correct Lumina celebration. I was thrilled. I wouldn’t have to sing about the birth of our lord Jesus Christ anymore. No longer would I feign excitement over the tradition I secretly loathed. I never told my classmates I was invited to be one of few student representatives on the Lumina advisory committee.

When talk at the lunch table turned to www.sonomafamilylife.com

the tragic loss of the beloved ritual, I kept my mouth shut. I don’t blame 17 year-old me for prioritizing fitting in over defending my identity.

As a kid, I wanted a Christmas tree, badly. I was thrilled when a friend’s family invited me to help decorate their tree. I would daydream about what kind of tree I’d get if I were Christian (real, not fake) and how I’d decorate it (with rainbow lights, no tinsel). Even now, when we go to my in-laws for Christmas, I selfishly wish their tree were more festive.

Now that I’m an adult, I can have a tree. I can have any kind of tree I want. I can dress it up as fancy as a prom queen if I feel like it. But like I tell myself before taking a bite of my daughter’s leftover chicken nuggets, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Because for me, the presence- or absence- of a Christmas tree in my living room is about much more than home décor. It’s a public declaration of who I am and what matters to me.

I am a Jew. I am the greatgranddaughter of Jews who fled Pogroms in Eastern Europe and came to this country with nothing, hoping for a better life As a kid, I have fond memories of sneaking out of services with my brother and my friends for epic games of hide-and-seek spanning our entire synagogue and its grounds. I remember breaking the Yom Kippur fast at my grandmother’s house, the dining room table covered with food; a heaping bowl of warm, fresh bagels alongside platters of lox and cream cheese, my great-aunt’s noodle kugel, and my mother’s chopped www.sonomafamilylife.com

liver. I remember three generations of grandparents, great-aunts, great uncles, and cousins, taking turns reading the Haggadah at the Passover Seder, while my brother and I joked in whispers

As a kid, being Jewish at Christmas time meant feeling the pain of being different. at the kids’ table. I remember getting together with Jewish family friends who were as much family as blood relatives, every Christmas Eve for Chinese food and ice cream sundaes.

I remember going on a teen tour to Israel and feeling totally at home with 40 teenagers I’d never met before, an ocean away from my parents.

I also remember the deep longing I felt for a Christmas tree and a stocking full of Lip Smackers and scrunchies every December.

But if I had the chance, I wouldn’t trade that longing for the fulfillment of my childhood wishes, because the sum of all these experiences have shaped my values. I believe it’s more important to be who I am than to be like everyone else, even when it’s uncomfortable. If I can pass that belief on to my daughters, I will have given them a greater gift than anything I could put under a Christmas tree. ❖ Pam Moore is an award-winning freelance writer, intuitive eating coach, and host of the Real Fit podcast. Get her free guide to improving your body image at pam-moore.com.

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SonomaFamilyLife 15

work for a neighbor, or passing out gift cards to community workers.

Read this: The movie is based on the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. For additional reading about bullying try Real Friends by Shannon Hale or I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët.

Watch This. Do That.

The Fun Doesn’t Stop When the Movie Ends

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By Sarah Lyons ake a cozy winter family movie night to the next level by tacking on these fun and educational activities. Here are some family friendly movies with ideas for snacks, crafts, outings, and books to continue the fun. All of these movies are rated G or PG but please use your discretion and choose movies that you feel are appropriate for your family.

Watch this: Wonder Auggie Pullman was born with facial differences that have kept him from attending school, until now. He quickly shows everyone that what you look like is not as important as what is inside. Auggie is a boy with a lot of heart and will have everyone rooting for him as he faces making friends for the first time. This movie is heartwarming and is a great gateway for difficult conversations about bullying and accepting others who appear different from us. (Rated PG) 16 SonomaFamilyLife

Do that: Talk to your kids about bullying. What qualifies as bully behavior? How do you handle it? How can you help a person who is a victim of bullying?

Create that: Make encouraging cards to send to friends who could use a boost and mail or hand deliver your cards.

Go there: Declare a “Random Acts of Kindness Day” and spread cheer and good vibes in your community.

Try paying for the person behind you in the drive-through line, doing yard December 2023

Watch this: Cars Famous racecar, Lightning McQueen, gets lost on his way to the big race and ends up in the small town of Radiator Springs. His first instinct is to get out of town as soon as possible but the longer he stays, the less he wants to leave. This movie has a great message about friendship and slowing down and appreciating what is important in life. (Rated G) Do that: Set up your very own carwash. This can be a water table with dish soap and sponges for the kids to wash their matchbox cars, a drive through car wash for bikes on the driveway, or get the kids involved and wash the family vehicles.

Snack on this: Make stoplights using graham crackers. Spread frosting on the cracker and add a red, yellow, and green chocolate covered candy to make a traffic light. Other ideas could include “tires” (chocolate donuts) “tractor wheels” (Oreo cookies), or “Mack” and cheese.

Go there: Take the family go-kart racing, attend a local “touch-a-truck event”, or go to a classic car show.

Create that: Create your own race car using a toilet paper tube. Cover the tube in construction paper then add construction paper wheels and stickers.

Read this: Fans of Cars will enjoy reading If I Built a Car by Chris Van www.sonomafamilylife.com

Dusen or My Truck is Stuck by Kevin Lewis.

as watermelon, corn on the cob, or apple pie.

Watch this: Charlotte’s Web After Charlotte learns that Wilbur’s days are numbered, she comes up with a plan to save the pig. This movie is based on the classic 1952 book Charlotte’s Web by EB White and is a sweet tale of unlikely friends. (Rated G)

Create that: Make a spider web craft. Cut the center out of a paper plate. Use a hole punch to cut holes

Do that: What words would you use to describe yourself? What about your other family members? Use a paper plate and attach eight legs (use construction paper) to create a spider.

Write your name on the “body” of the spider (paper plate) and write one descriptive word on each spider leg.

Snack on this: For a Charlotte’s Web themed snack serve foods such BÁSICAS:

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Snacks, crafts, outings, and books continue the movie fun when the watching is done. around the remaining edge of the plate. Cut a piece of yarn and tie a knot at the end. Have the kids weave the yarn through random holes on the plate to make a spider web. To make it easier to weave, wrap a small piece of tape on the tip of the yarn.

Go there: Take a trip to a local petting zoo or farm where you can see real animals. Maybe you will even find a spider hiding somewhere.

Read this: A read aloud of Charlotte’s Web is a must before watching the movie. If you would like to try some spider themed picture books check out Be Nice to Spiders by Maragret Bloy Graham and I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton.

Watch this: Madagascar Alex the lion is the most popular animal attraction at New York City’s Central Park Zoo. Alex and his friends, Claudia, Melman, and Marty, end up on the remote island of Madagascar where they are no longer served daily meals. Alex’s carnivore instincts make his friends,

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December 2023

SonomaFamilyLife 17

a giraffe, a hippo, and a zebra, seem appetizing. He must learn to manage his instincts while confronted with an island full of eccentric lemurs.

This movie is silly and fun for kids while still being humorous for adults as well. (Rated PG)

Do that: Have a dance party. The characters in the movie love to dance so why not play some music and shake it in the living room.

Snack on this: Since the four friends land on a tropical island, try serving fresh fruits such as pineapple, bananas, and oranges.

Create that: Draw a circle on a yellow piece of construction paper.

Add a lion face to the circle. Use a plastic fork dipped in orange paint to create a lion’s mane around the circle.

Go there: After watching the movie, head to zoo to see some real life hippos, zebras, lions, and giraffes.

Read this: Julius: Fun Facts About Lions for Kids by James Randall Miller is a book full of fun facts for kids interested in learning more about lions.

For Kids who are intrigued by zebras check out How the Zebra Got Its Stripes

by Ron Fontes.

Watch this: Wall-E Wall-E is the last robot left on Earth.

He spends his days tidying the planet one piece of garbage at a time. But after 700 years he is very lonely. When a probe named EVE arrives, he falls in love and follows her across the galaxy.

This movie is heart-warming and has a good message about taking care of our planet. (Rated G)

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Do that: Walk the neighborhood and clean up trash that you find in common areas. Discuss what items can be recycled and why it is important. Consider planting a tree, flowers, or vegetables in your yard.

Create that: Make your own robot.

Gather empty cereal boxes, paper towel or toilet paper rolls, and any other found items to design and build your own robot. What jobs would your robot do?

Go there: Visit the local arboretum or garden and spend time in nature.

Read this: For books for young kids try What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French or The Adventures of an Aluminum Can: A

18 SonomaFamilyLife

December 2023

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Story About Recycling by Alison Inches.

Try In a Nutshell by Joseph Anthony for al book about the importance of plants for our environment.

Watch this: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs When hard times hit the town of Swallow Falls, its townspeople are stuck eating sardines for every meal.

Local inventor, Flint Lockwood, develops a machine that can turn water into food and becomes the local hero when tasty meals start raining from the sky. But things get out of control and Flint and his friends have to save the town before it’s too late. This movie is funny and a joy to watch. It will make you hungry while imagining what food you would like to see fall from the sky. (Rated PG)

like if it snowed ice cream. What is your favorite flavor?

Read this: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett and the sequel Pickles Over Pittsburgh are obvious choices before or after enjoying the movie which is inspired

by these books. For kid-friendly books about weather check out A Year in the Wind by Hanna Konola or Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemie. ❖ Sarah Lyons is a mom of six kids, including triplets. She loves to read, cook, and watch movies with her kids.

Happiness is... a day at the

Schulz Museum!

Do that: Have the kids draw a picture of their own crazy weather report. What food will fall from the sky next? Take turns pretending to be the newscaster.

Snack on this: Make a batch of spaghetti and meatballs to enjoy before the movie. While you eat, discuss what food you would like best if it fell from the sky and what food you would least like to see.

Create that: Make a playdough thunderstorm with gray, blue, and white playdough and yellow pipe cleaners. Use the gray playdough to make rain clouds, the blue to make rain drops, and the white to make hail.

You can use the yellow pipe cleaners to add lightning bolts. Let your child get creative and make their own thunderstorm.

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©PNTS

Go there: In the movie it snows ice cream. Take the family out for ice cream and imagine what it would be

View holiday events, kids camps, and more at schulzmuseum.org 2301 Hardies Lane Santa Rosa, CA (707) 579-4452 n

December 2023

n

SonomaFamilyLife 19

discolored with flour.) Once the dough is about ½ inch thick, cut out shapes with cookie cutters just as you would real cookies. To create the hole which will be used to hang the ornament, a disposable drinking straw can be used to “punch out” an opening.

Not Your Mama’s Salt Dough Easy Ornaments To Make Together

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

R

emember the salt dough ornaments you used to make in preschool? Well, salt dough projects have come a long way, baby.

You can make realistic gingerbread cookie stars, rustic disks stamped with quotes or vintage images, glow-in-the-dark ornaments, or even keepsakes with your baby’s handprint. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. So get out your rolling pin and dig in to create ornaments that are perfect for gifting or to hang on your very own tree. Find the basic recipe and seven fun variations below.

Basic Salt Dough Recipe: 1 cup flour 1 cup salt ½-1 cup water Instructions: 1. To make ornaments, combine dry ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Add one-half cup water and mix. Continue adding more water and mixing until you get a play dough-like 20 SonomaFamilyLife

consistency. Knead the dough with your hands until smooth.

2. Divide dough in half, wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Place the other half of the dough on parchment paper and roll out with a rolling pin, using a non-stick cooking spray such as Pam to prevent sticking.

(Using spray instead of flour helps to prevent the ornaments from being December 2023

3. Cutting out the shapes directly on parchment paper will save the shapes from becoming distorted when moving them to a cookie sheet with a spatula. Bake at 250 degrees for three hours. Ovens can vary, so check after two hours by poking an ornament with the tines of a fork. If the “cookie” gives at all, it’s not done. Cool shapes completely before painting.

4. Once you’ve made a batch of beautiful ornaments, don’t forget the ribbon. Try using a length of twine, raffia, or a shiny gold string. Whatever you use, just thread the ribbon through the hanging hole in each ornament and tie a knot to create a loop.

Gingerbread Add two tablespoons of cinnamon and two tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour/salt mixture in the basic salt dough recipe. Combine the dry ingredients before adding the water. Knead the dough with your hands until you get a play dough-like consistency. Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.

Instead of sprinkling with flour to prevent sticking, use a nonstick cooking spray on your work surface and on the dough itself as needed.

Don’t forget to cut out the holes! Bake as directed.

To decorate, apply white 3-D fabric paint as you would frosting and sprinkle with white glitter. Using the www.sonomafamilylife.com

“chunkiest” glitter you can find will mimic the effect of sugar on “frosting.”

baking. Once the dough is stamped to your liking, bake as directed.

Stamp It Up! Stamping salt dough gives these ornaments a rustic, vintage look. Start by cutting out small and large circles with cookie cutters or quart and pint canning lid rings. Cut the circles out directly on the cookie sheet or on parchment paper for easy transfer. Be sure to cut the hanging holes in each shape before stamping. To stamp, ink the stamp as you would normally, then press the stamp into the dough. It’s a good idea to practice on a piece of scrap paper first. Use letter stamps to create holiday phrases or spell out names. Try a variety of stamps, even non-Christmas symbols such as music notes, birds, or branches. Dark green, black, and brown show up well after

Once the ornaments are completely cooled, you can add more ink to the edges. Using a makeup sponge, rub ink along the edges of each circle to

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. add to the distressed look. You can also paint the ornaments with a light coat of watercolor paint for a muted touch of color.

Glowing Ornaments Add two tablespoons of glow in the dark paint to the basic salt dough recipe and mix well. Then roll out

the dough and cut into shapes as usual. Because these ornaments will glow, you don’t want to cover the surfaces with a lot of paint. Try stamping before baking, or enhance the ornaments with a light dusting of glitter adhered with white glue after baking. Turn out the lights to see the ornaments glow softly.

Christmas Cookie Cut Outs Using the basic salt dough recipe, roll out and cut into Christmas cookie shapes. Poke the hanging holes in each, and then bake as directed.

After the pieces are cool, use 3-D fabric paint to add the decorative details to create a frosting-like look.

Create lines or dots with the paint, or squirt on the paint and spread with a plastic knife. Top with white glitter to resemble sugar.

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SonomaFamilyLife 21

Chalkboard Shapes Baked salt dough ornaments have an uneven surface, making it hard to create a “real” chalkboard surface. But you can still create the look of chalkboard by painting baked ornaments with matte acrylic in black. When the paint is dry, add a message with a white paint pen, or white 3-D paint. Try writing a phrase such as: “A+ Teacher” for a unique teacher gift!

Add Silver and Gold A coat of shiny gold or silver paint will add class to an ordinary shape.

After the baked pieces are completely cool, mom or dad can spray paint them in silver or gold. You could even up the glam by gluing on plastic jewels. A strong glue like E-600 will

22 SonomaFamilyLife

hold up over many holidays. See what a difference a little metallic paint can do!

Keepsake Ornament For a baby (or fur baby!) keepsake ornament, roll out your salt dough to a 1-inch thickness. You will need a thicker dough to make a good mold.

Make a deep impression of baby’s hand, foot (or your fur babies paw in the dough). Because you never know exactly where baby’s hand or foot will land, I recommend making the impression first, before cutting out the ornament from the dough.

Add baby’s name and the year by stamping the dough with letter and number stamps, or simply writing in the dough with a toothpick. Poke a hole for hanging, then

December 2023

use a butter knife to cut around your work. Cut a big circle, rectangle, or a free-form shape. Bake the ornament as directed, checking after two hours. The thicker dough will need a longer cook time. Or, for a fun family memory, use large wreath or christmas tree cookie cutters to cut out ornaments. Have each member of the family make a fingerprint in the dough. After baking, paint the wreath or tree in green and use a finer brush to paint the fingerprints red. ❖ Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer and mom of three kids. Her work has been featured on CNN.com, Parents.com, ParentMap, Grown and Flown, Motherwell and many more. She is also the author of the book Save Money on Groceries Without Losing Your Mind.

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magazine • web • email • events www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 23

December Calendar of Events Friday 1 Santa Photos. Take pictures with

Santa. Dec. 1–14: Mondays–Sundays.

11 a.m.–3 p.m. & 4–8 p.m. Dec. 18–23: Mondays–Sundays. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 1:30–4 p.m. & 5–9 p.m. Dec. 24: 8 a.m.–noon & 1–5 p.m. Runs thru Dec. 24. Coddingtown Mall. 733 Coddingtown Center. Santa Rosa. coddingtown.shop.

Santa Photo Time. Activities &

photos. Reservations encouraged.

Walk-up guests are welcome. Pet night December 12. Fridays. 11 a.m.–6:45 p.m. Saturdays. 11 a.m.–6:45 p.m.

Sundays–Thursdays. Noon–5:45 p.m.

Dec. 22 & Dec. 23: Noon–6:45 p.m.

Dec. 24: Noon–3:45 p.m. Santa Rosa Plaza. 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa. whereissanta.com/mall/1012.

Magical Christmas Train. Featuring the World’s Largest Christmas Tree & visits with Santa. 90-minute round-trip. $10.95–$59.95. Dogs: $10.95. Kids ages 2 & younger ride free on lap.

Open daily: 10:30 a.m. Closed Dec. 24 & 25. Skunk Train. 299 E.

Commercial St., Willits. Full schedule & times: tinyurl.com/bdd6nt6t.

FREE Cotati Holiday Tree Lighting.

Music, free coffee, hot cocoa & more.

Crafts for children, storytime, special guests. Food & craft vendors. 4–8 p.m. LaPlaza Park, W. Sierra & Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati. cotaticity.org.

Elf the Musical. Based on the 2003

film starring Will Ferrell. Adults: $29–$41. Youth (5–17): $19. Dec. 1-2, 7–9, 14–16, 21–22: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, & 23: 2 p.m. Runs thru Dec. 23. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Winter Lights Rink. Using no water or power, eco-friendly for holiday fun. Runs thru Dec. 31st. Open rain or shine. Thursdays & Fridays. 4–8 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays. Noon–8 p.m. Special hours Dec. 25 & 31.

Courthouse Square. Santa Rosa.

Downtownsantarosa.org/winterlights.

FREE Merry Healdsburg: Tree Lighting Celebration. Carriage rides

& live holiday music. 5–8:30 p.m. Tree lighting: 6:30 p.m. Photo w/Santa:

6:45 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza. North & Vine Streets, Healdsburg. tinyurl. com/546uv8f6.

FREE Winterfest & Fiesta Navidena. Live music, cookie

decorating, shopping, photos with Santa Claus. Food/wine available for purchase. 5–8 p.m. Downtown Plaza.

204 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Cloverdale. tinyurl.com/484ezhve.

Annual Festival of Lights. Garden

plants illuminated with holiday lights. No dogs allowed. $10. Ages 16 & younger: free. Fridays–Sundays, 5–7 p.m. Runs thru Dec. 17.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

18220 Highway 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org.

FREE Santa on the Sonoma Plaza.

Santa will light the tree, be available for pictures & listen to children’s wishes.4:30–6:30 p.m. Sonoma Plaza.

W. Spain St., Sonoma. tinyurl.com/ bddzw67h.

FREE Northern Lights. A winter lights art walk including tunnels of twinkle lights. Dusk to 9:30 pm.

Thru Jan 16. Sculpture Garden at

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24 SonomaFamilyLife

December 2023

www.sonomafamilylife.com

the LBC. 50 Mark West Springs Rd. Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org/ northernlights.

Saturday 2 Weekend Santa Sightings.

Photos with Santa. Appointments recommended, sign up to be notified of available slots. $10 donation to benefit the nonprofit Sonoma County Secret Santa Program. Fridays & Saturdays.

11 a.m.–3 p.m. Thru Dec. 17.

Montgomery Village. 911 Village Ct., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/smau9e4k.

Cirque de Bohème.

“Consolamentum” Circus Holiday Spectacle. $40. Youth: $30 (15 & under). Dec. 2–3, 9–10, 16–17 & 24: 1, 3 & 5 p.m. Runs thru Dec. 24.

CornerStone Sonoma. 23570 Hwy. 121, Sonoma. cirquedeboheme.com.

Guerneville Parade of Lights. The

theme this year is “The Spirit of Love and Light.” 7 p.m. Main St., Guernville. russianriveralliance.org/ parade-of-lights.

FREE Holidays Along the Farm Trails. Farm Tours, handmade

gifts, cut your own Christmas tree,

FREE Light Up the Square. A

visit from Santa, live music & performances. 5:30–7 p.m. Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Theatre Square.

Petaluma. tinyurl.com/2aup86s5.

SMART’s Holiday Express Toy Drive. Each adult passenger who

brings a new, unwrapped toy to donate will ride free. Kids accompanied by an adult also ride free. Santa Claus will be aboard on Trips 5 & 6. 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Train Schedule: sonomamarintrain. org/holidayexpress.

FREE Sonoma Community Tennis. Nonprofit offers tennis

workouts for high school students in preparation for the 2024 season. Saturdays. Hanna Center Tennis Facility. 17000 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. Call or text 916-879-0212. felipemonroytennis.com.

Kids & Parents Open House with Kids’ Cookie Decorating. For ages

5–12. $25. Sponsored by Heartizens.

11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Jendala Studio, 444 Moore Ln., Healdsburg. heartizens.org/event-calendar.

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SonomaFamilyLife 25

workshops & tastings. Many stops are free. Runs weekends thru Jan. 1, 2024.

Various locations in Sonoma County. farmtrails.org.

FREE Luther Burbank 43rd Home

buy persimmon bread. $5. Ages 12 & younger: free. Dec. 2 & 3: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Luther Burbank Museum. Santa Rosa & Sonoma Avenues, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/3kwh6h8r.

and Garden Holiday Open House.

FREE Handmade Holiday Crafts

Tour the home decked out in holiday finery, enjoy homemade cookies and

Fair. Featuring 90 local artisans. $5.

Ages 12 & younger: free. Rosie the

Trolley provides free transport to and from the Crafts Fair to the Luther Burbank Open House (above). Dec. 2–3: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/3b4askam.

FREE Petaluma Downtown Marketplace & Merchant Holiday Open House. Live holiday music,

Santa Photos All Season Long!

face painting, holiday cheer & tasty goodies. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be there for photo ops. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Fourth & Kentucky Streets.

Petaluma. petalumadowntown.com/ holiday-open-house.

FREE Sebastopol Maker’s Market & Community Festival. More

than 45 artisans selling ceramics, apparel, decorative household items, photographs, & much more. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sebastopol Center for the Arts.

282 S. High St., Sebastopol. sebarts. org/makersmarket.

FLC Conducts Messiah!

December 1 - 14 Monday - Sunday 11:00am - 8:00pm (Break 3:00pm - 4:00pm) December 15 - 17 Friday - Sunday 10:00am - 9:00pm (Break 1:00pm - 1:30pm; 4:00pm - 5:00pm) December 18 - 23 Monday - Friday 11:00am - 9:00pm (Break 1:00pm - 1:30pm; 4:00pm - 5:00pm) December 24 8:00am - 5:00pm (Break 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Performance by Santa Rosa Symphony Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong. $32–$105. Dec. 2 & 4: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3: 3 p.m.

(Pre-concert talk one hr. prior to each performance.) Weill Hall. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/5n74buwd.

Blippi The Wonderful World Tour.

Monster trucks, excavators, & garbage trucks galore. $29–$59. 2 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/5dzzc3xy.

Saturday 3 FREE Storytime with Mrs. Claus.

Visit our Facebook page for Santa Photo Hours 1300 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa 978-5800 www.Coddingtown.Shop 26 SonomaFamilyLife

December 2023

Special guest appearance at the end of the afternoon. Arrive half hour before show for a kids open mic, where www.sonomafamilylife.com

kids can share their letters to Santa.

Donations welcome. Concession will be open. 2 p.m. Cloverdale Performing Arts Center. 209 N. Cloverdale Ave., Cloverdale. tinyurl.com/ywkwm3cv.

Tuesday 5 Sandy Loam Early Release

world’s largest dreidel, DJ playing Chanukah music, fire juggling, latkes & jelly donuts. Sponsored by the Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. 4:30–6 p.m. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/3bv8bada.

Enrichment. For K-5th graders who have half-days days on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Provides farm, nature & art-based experiences. Sliding scale: $10–$45. 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. tinyurl.com/56urztnn.

Polar Express Experience. For ages

5–11. Write letters to Santa, create a pinecone owl ornament, screening of Polar Bear Express w/hot cocoa & popcorn balls. Bilingual. $60.

Sponsored by Heartizens. 3–6 p.m. sign up hello@heartizens.org. Jendala Studio, 444 Moore Ln, Healdsburg. heartizens.org/event-calendar.

Thursday 7 FREE Sebastopol Holiday Tree Lighting. Music, Santa, Sebastopol Ballet, Peacetown Children’s Choir, tree lighting, & Goatlandia’s goats. 5–8 p.m. Sebastopol Town Plaza. 6908 Weeks Way. Sebastopol. sebastopol.org/community-calendar.

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove & Tree Lighting. More

than 200 decorated trees. 5 p.m.: performances. 6 p.m.: Menorah lighting. 7 p.m.: Tree lighting: Tree Grove open daily thru Jan. 1, 2024.

5–8 p.m. Windsor Town Green. 701 McLelland Dr. Windsor. tinyurl.com/ mr42taux.

Kids’ Chanukah STEM Workshop.

Create 3d printed dreidel, music & refreshments. Parental supervision required. $20 per child. Limited space available. 3:30 p.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. 205 Keller St., Ste. 101, Petaluma. tinyurl.com/mr3hvfz2.

Friday 8 FREE Chanukah Celebration. A

helicopter will drop gold-foiled chocolate coins, a mega menorah, the www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 27

The Nutcracker. Featuring the

Petaluma School of Ballet & North Coast Ballet. $26–$36. Dec. 8: 7:30 p.m. Dec.9: 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10: 1:30 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/2keb45dy.

A Baroque Christmas.

Performances by Chamber Music

Society of Lincoln Center. $45–$105.

7:30 p.m. Weill Hall. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu/cmslc.

19th Annual Posada Navideña.

Calidanza Dance Company, dancers & musicians will perform traditional Mexican holiday songs. $5–$10. $2

MAKE A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION

CUT YOUR OWN TREE At Pronzini Christmas Tree Farm

U-CUT TREES CYPRESS • MONTEREY PRECUT TREES NOBLES • DOUGLAS GRAND • SILVER TIP

lap pass for ages under 2 available on day of show. 6:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Saturday 9 FREE Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade. Boats start at Petaluma

Marina and make their dramatic entrance into the Petaluma Turning Basin. 6–8 p.m. 12 C St., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/mr3cz364.

The Snow Maiden. Sonoma Conservatory of Dance performs choreographed Russian folktale. $15–$30. Dec. 9-10. 1 p.m.

Sebastiani Theatre. 476 1st St. E, Sonoma. tinyurl.com/dyxxkcfs.

FREE Gingerbread House Workshop. Grades K–6. Make a

TREE STANDS • TREE PRESERVATIVES • LED TREE LIGHTS

Great Selection of Wreaths, garlands, holiday decorations & more

gingerbread house. Materials provided.

Kits are available while supplies last.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Petaluma Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr. Petaluma. Other libraries, including Windsor, Sonoma Valley Regional, Cloverdale, and more will host this event as well, visit tinyurl. com/4t4fh4n4.

FREE Common Ground Family Holiday Meet-Up for Families with Special Needs. Fun play

structure/jungle gym. Tables & chairs nearby for parents & caretakers.

Special appearance by Santa. All the arcade machines & noises will be kept off. 9–10:30 a.m. Epicenter.

3215 Coffee Ln., Santa Rosa. commongroundsociety.org.

Breakfast with Santa. Arts & crafts

with the elves. Santa Photo shoot. $12 per person. Children 2 & under: free. Two sessions: Register for 1 of 2 time slots: 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Cotati

3795 Adobe Road, Petaluma • 707-778-3871 • www.pronzinifarms.com 28 SonomaFamilyLife

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Room (behind City Hall). 201 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. cotaticity.org.

FREE Rec the Halls Annual Holiday Celebration. Write letters to Santa,

cookie decorating, free refreshments, holiday games, photos w/Santa & more. Noon–4 p.m. Callinan Sports & Fitness Center. 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/h42n9jzh.

Monday 11 FREE Light Up The Night: Chanukah Festival. Featuring the Chabad Jewish Center, live music, grand menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts, crafts & prizes. 4:30–7 p.m.

Montgomery Village. 911 Village Ct., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ydtamp7n.

CNHS: Curtain Call. A dance

production inspired by Broadway musicals, performance by Cardinal Newman High School. $10–$15.

Ages 5 & younger: free. Dec. 11-12.

7:30–9:30 p.m. Jackson Theater, 4400 Day School Pl., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/rx765ssu.

FREE Festival of Christmas. Casa

Grande concert choir and band performances. Sunday, the River Town Voices & PVBC Chorus will perform.

Caroling, children’s crafts & games, living nativity & more. Food court $3.

Sat. & Sun.: 4–8 p.m. Petaluma Valley Baptist Church. 580 Sonoma Mt. Hwy., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/55tfhs5m.

FREE Cazadero Christmas Gathering. Christmas stroll & tri-tip

BBQ. (Santa Claus arrives at noon for pictures.) Rain or shine. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Cazadero General Store. 6125 Cazadero Hwy., Cazadero. tinyurl. com/4w724kyx.

FREE Free Family Day & Second Saturday Art Program at the Museum of Sonoma County.

Explore current exhibitions & free art making activities. Noon–2 p.m.

Museum of Sonoma County. 425 Seventh St., Santa Rosa. museumsc. org/events.

Sunday 10 FREE Community Jingle & Mingle.

All ages welcome for an art project that will focus on the power of words, color & intention. Noon–3 p.m. Jendala Studio, 444 Moore Ln, Healdsburg. heartizens.org/ event-calendar.

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Friday 15 Chanukah Shabbat Dinner. Festival

of Light with friends, traditional Chanukah & Shabbat foods. $15–$25. 5:30 p.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. 205 Keller St., Ste. 101, Petaluma. Tickets: tinyurl. com/2s8v7sjf.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical. Performed by the Apprentice Program of Roustabout Theater. $22–$30. Dec. 15: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17: 2 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/3u9vt49n.

Nutcracker. Performed by the Santa

Rosa Dance Theater, featuring new choreography by Artistic Director, Joshua Trader. $29–$35. Dec. 15: 7 p.m. Dec. 16: 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 17:

2 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. santarosadancetheater.com/ nutcracker.

chocolate for purchase. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Old Courthouse Square. Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/y3aaxhz8.

Saturday 16

all your holiday shopping done in one place, while supporting small businesses. Over 100 vendor booths. $5 admission. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Santa Rosa Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ atc2bupu.

Kids Night at the Museum. Pizza, games, cartooning & holidays crafts.

Ages 5–10. $40. 10% sibling discount.

5:30–9 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/yw8tm65t.

FREE Wreaths Across America.

There will be ceremonies to honor veterans across America. Local cemeteries in Cloverdale, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Sonoma, St. Helena & Yountville will participate. wreathsacrossamerica.org FREE French Christmas Market: Marché de Noël. Live music, local artisans, pastries, treats, wine, and hot

SO-HO-HO Holiday Market. Get

Gingerbread Doghouse Workshop.

Parent & child will work together to decorate Snoopy’s doghouse.

Dec. 16: 10 a.m.–noon. (Ages 3–6). $35 adult/child pair. Dec. 16 & 17, 1–4 p.m. (Grades 1–6, no adult required). $35. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/fkesfy8z.

Monday 18 Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Performed by the international cast & Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet.

Acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, hand-crafted sets & costumes. $36–$126. 7 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/bdcp5j6r.

Sunday 31 Supporting Families in Conflict Zones

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December 2023

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

Up-Down Balloon Drop & Baby Balloon Drop. Ages 4 & younger baby balloon drop: Noon; second balloon drop: 3 p.m. Included in price of admission ($5–$12). Doors open at 10 a.m. Admission first come/first served. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/mum3hm7t.

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TICKETS & INFO downtownsantarosa.org

Season-long skating with themed sessions like Barbie, 70s Disco, Country Western, and Ugly Sweater! downtownsantarosa.org/winterlights downtownsantarosa #winterlights

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Humor Break

But maybe next Christmas you can convince your mother to ease up a little bit on the holidays and give Santa a peanut butter cookie. And did you know that your father does not suffer from any disease that requires him to eat gluten-free?

If you can pass that along to your mother, that would be swell.

Santa the Food Critic Turns Out He Would Have Preferred PB Cookies

By Shannon Carpenter

T

o the wonderful Carpenter Family,

Your Christmas cookies were so wonderful and thoughtful! I do appreciate you worrying about my sugar intake. Is that a hint of nutmeg and sawdust I taste? Yum, so scrumptious. You can tell your mother, who’s on a health kick, that maybe she can ease up on your dad.

One cookie isn’t going to give Santa a heart attack.

I know your dad made a pretty big deal saying that Santa would prefer peanut butter cookies, but you made the right call. I’m Santa, and definitely not your dad. That would be crazy, right? Who wants delicious peanut butter cookies on Christmas? I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a kale cookie.

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That really hit the spot. I wouldn’t think you could match the taste of seaweed, but you were able to pull it off! Well done! It’s amazing what one can do with soy-based almond flour this time of year. Of course, I would have enjoyed more than just one, I am Jolly old Saint Nick after all, but I understand that portion control helps with willpower. My corner of one cookie was very filling.

I know you heard a lot of colorful words on Christmas Eve night when you should have been sleeping. That was just your dad, again I’m not him, staying up late trying to catch me. He’s a strange fellow, isn’t he?

And just so you know, the phrase “What the heck is this cookie?

Where are my good cookies!” is an adult euphemism. It means Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.

December 2023

I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a kale cookie.

Finally, it was very thoughtful of you to leave warm milk out for dad. I mean Santa. Me, I’m Santa and not dad. But it was very environmentally friendly of you to let entropy heat up the milk by leaving it out all night.

Bacteria are people too, and I loved every bit that I chugged down just so you could see the lip prints on the glass.

Have a very Merry Christmas this year. I’m off to the next toy that I have to put together because apparently buying little playhouses that require power drills seemed like a good idea to your mother.

Again, thank you for the sugar-free, gluten-free, taste-free kale cookies.

They were fantastic doorstops.

HO HO HO, Santa (Who is still not your dad.) ❖ Shannon Carpenter is a professional humorist and the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad manual. www.sonomafamilylife.com

D E C . 1 5 TH

D E C . 1 6 TH

D E C . 1 7 TH

7PM

2PM & 7PM

2PM

5409 Snyder Lane · Rohnert Park, CA Box Office: (707) 588-3400 | Website: SpreckelsOnline.com General $35 | Seniors $32 | Youth $29 (12 & Under) About Santa Rosa Dance Theater (707) 539-0516 | SantaRosaDanceTheater.com Ballet · Pointe · Variations · Classical & Contemporary Repertoire Pre-Ballet through Pre-Professional · Adult Ballet · Professional Faculty

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