magazine
L I V E • PLAY • DO
Holiday Performances | Light Displays Winter Break Camps | Holiday Gifts
DECEMBER 2021 - DIGITAL EDITION nwkidsmagazine.com
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Editor’s Note December has arrived and we are in the midst of the holiday season! For those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, we hope that you are enjoying a magical one. This December looks much different than last year and we are glad for that. With most in-person events and performances canceled in 2020, it’s such a treat to see many of our favorite holiday events return for 2021. This issue features guides to all of the holiday performances and light displays that you can fit into the month. As always, we’ll be starting off the new year with our annual School Open House Guides, so be sure to check us out in January. We hope that you and yours are well and we can’t wait to see you safely around town soon! Cheers,
Mary
Cover photography by OREGON ZOO
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Contents DECEMBER 2021 7 PJA Perspectives 8 Holiday Performances 12 Holiday Lights 14 7 Spectacular Winter Break Camps 16 Gifts for Readers 18 3 Ways Kids Can Help People Experiencing Homelessness
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Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editor/Account Manager Mary Brady mary@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Taylor robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com
Listings All Families Surrogacy.................... 20 Bennett Suzuki.............................. 20 Denim & Frills................................ 20 German International School........... 3 FAIS................................................. 2 Little Fruit Farm............................. 20
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Mr David’s School of Film.. ............. 20 NWCT............................................ 11 OES.. ................................................ 3 Play Fit Fun. . .................................. 11 Tillamook Air Museum.. ................. 11
Jewish Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich ThePortland PJA Perspective academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding writers from the middle school Humanities classes and writing exploratory to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life - from their perspective.
Friendship by V Ups. Downs. Loop-de-loops. Big drops. Long sequences where nothing happens. Sometimes all you want is to get off. But if you do, there’s still a long line you have to wait in if you want to get back on. There are other rides, of course, but you don’t like them quite as much. You like the ups and downs. The loop-de-loops are exciting. Don’t get off. Not until the ride is done. V is a new sixth-grader at PJA this year. In addition to writing, they enjoy reading, drawing, and watching crows.
Splash: A Pantoum Inspired by Splash by Roxy Living like this without knowing what it was like before the splash Standing up but then down again Seen but not heard, trapped in an ongoing loop Sitting in silence, waiting for it to come Standing up but then down again Emotions spilling over the top, not being able to hold it in anymore Sitting in silence, waiting for it to come Sitting in silence, waiting for it to come Emotions spilling over the top, not being able to hold it in anymore Its like I’m a project, an equation that needs solving I’m not a monster Thoughts that weighed me down are now pushed out into the world It’s like I’m a project, an equation that needs solving Like a tile on the pool floor, stepped on and bruised Thoughts that weighed me down are now pushed out into the world Feeling lighter already Like a tile on the pool floor, stepped on and bruised Don’t be afraid to make a splash Feeling lighter already Your words are not hollow Don’t be afraid to make a splash Friends are everything Your words are not hollow Living like this, knowing what it was like before the splash
Roxy is a new sixth-grader at PJA this year. In addition to writing, she enjoys drawing, hanging out with friends, and wearing the best masks in the world! V (left), Roxy (right) NW Kids Magazine | 7
Holiday Performances The holidays are upon us and we’re so happy to see many of our favorite theaters returning to live performances. Take a look at our roundup and start filling your December calendars with cheer and magic!
FEATURED EVENT Nov 19-Dec 19 Merry Happy Everything! Join Oregon Children’s Theatre for this original, family-friendly performance! Featuring local artists sharing favorite holiday stories and memories, a special holiday-themed improv performance from the teens of Impulse!, and a musical cabaret of beloved carols, this intimate holiday show is sure to leave you with the sensation of the familiar warm hug that only live theater can provide. So gather ‘round the hearth, bring your hot cocoa and get ready for an evening of cheer and joy! octc.org
Nov 5-Dec 19 Elf - The Musical Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf. The stage production features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (The Wedding Singer), lyrics by Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway), and a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). lakewood-center.org
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Nov 24-Dec 23 A Christmas Carol: The Musical Bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge has nearly humbugged his way through another Christmas Eve when the specter of his former partner, Jacob Marley, appears to warn him that three spirits will visit in the night to lead him through Christmases past, present, and future. Through a sweeping score and whimsical storytelling, Scrooge seeks redemption for his selfish ways in time for a happy Christmas Day. broadway rose.org
Nov 27-Dec 19 A Carol for Christmas A Carol for Christmas is a new musical inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story and set in the Midwest during America’s 1930’s Depression Era. The themes of greed, bigotry, contempt and apathy ring true today as they did then. The cry for the gifts of love, life and caring, give us all a chance to shed the chains of our past and give hope for a better future. portland5.com/winningstadtheatre/events/carol-christmas
Dec 11-19 Portland Panto Players present Cinderella: The Musical Panto Cinderella: The Musical Panto is a boisterous, family-friendly event filled with slapstick, witty dialogue, popular music, and a few wink-wink jokes for the adults. Panto is British theater that will get everyone shouting, laughing and having a wonderful time. Tickets $19-$25. Promo code Castle for $3 per ticket discount. portlandpantoplayers.com
Nov 28-Dec 31 Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Join Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghostly spirits who visit on Christmas Eve to guide the grumpy miser through a redemptive and transformative journey towards friendship and love. The traditional ghost story surprisingly staged and contemporarily cast. Hopeful, musical, and, above all, fun! portlandplayhouse.org NW Kids Magazine | 9
Dec 11-26 George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Welcome the return of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Join Marie and her charming Nutcracker Prince as they are swept away by dancing snowflakes to a magical land of sweets ruled by the Sugarplum Fairy and all to the music of Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score! obt.org
Live streaming Dec 17, 19 & 21 (available on demand Dec 22-Jan 10) Christmas Revels 2021: Portland Jam A Hero is welcomed into a musical urban world and asked to join in the celebration. They are a bit nervous, and refuse to participate. And as they continue to refuse and back away, the music begins to fade, the people wander off, and the world grows steadily darker… portlandrevels.org
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Dec 18 & 19 Cirque Nutcracker The awe-inspiring talents of Troupe Vertigo join forces with the Oregon Symphony, bringing their unique hybrid of cirque, dance, and acrobatic art to Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday masterpiece, The Nutcracker. This concert is sure to be a delightful treat for the entire family. orsymphony.org
Dec 18 & 19 A Nutcracker Tea Northwest Dance Theatre presents A Nutcracker Tea: An abridged, familyfriendly adaption of the Nutcracker Ballet. Northwest Dance Theatre is a local nonprofit pre-professional dance company. portland5.com
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Dazzling Lights for Magical Nights! One of our favorite parts of the holiday season is checking out the light displays - whether it’s our neighbor’s yard or a professional production. Grab a cup of cocoa and a scarf and check out our list of this year’s holiday light displays to plan some magic! *Please check websites and social media for any updates and also for information on Covid precautions and restrictions.
THE GROTTO
Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto Enjoy indoor concerts in the Grotto’s chapel and family entertainments from puppet shows to outdoor caroling in the plaza. Holiday treats and gifts will be available for purchase. See website for concert schedule. Nov 26Dec 30 (closed on Christmas). $8 for children 3-11, $16 for 12 and up thegrotto.org/christmas-festival-of-lights
Christmas Ship Parade The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow. Today, The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Things have changed from the first lone ship. Now the displays are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river. Dec 3-21, Free christmasships.org 12 | NW Kids Magazine
Holidays at The Belle Enjoy this year’s new themed happenings at Victorian Belle. The mansion and grounds will be adorned with lights and there will also be a Holiday High Tea, live performances, kids’ crafts and much more! See website for pricing, dates and tickets. victorianbelle.com
Lighting of Maddax Woods Ring in the holiday season with a spectacular tree lighting and West Linn Ambassador Coronation ceremony. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this time honored holiday celebration. The evening of cheer begins with the crowning of the new West Linn Queen or King by a special guest from the North Pole. At 6pm, Santa will arrive on his vintage fire engine for the special crowning and tree lighting.. Dec 3, 5-8pm. Free westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec
CHRISTMAS SHIP PARADE
Peacock Lane This Portland holiday tradition is popular for a reason! Please check back as a decision on the 2021 event has not yet been made. Dec 15-31, Free peacocklane.org
Silverton Christmas Market Stroll along immersive paths draped in more than one million lights. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts from artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments. Visit Frosty and Santa to share your wish list or enjoy music and a local brew in the Biergarten. Nov 26-Jan 9. See website for pricing and tickets. silvertonchristmasmarket.com
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, the 29h annual Safeway Winter Wonderland powered by Advantis Credit Union, will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Nov 26-Jan 1. See website for pricing. winterwonderlandportland.com
ZooLights Experience ZooLights in a whole new way. This year’s event can be enjoyed on foot or by car and will still feature 1.5 million lights! Nov 19-Jan 9 (closed on Christmas). See website for tickets and pricing. oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights
ZOOLIGHTS
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7 Spectacular
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e great local d we’ve rounded up som an r ne cor the d un aro gh! Winter Break is rning all the way throu ur kids moving and lea yo ep ke l wil t tha ps cam
BodyVox Dance Center Each student will work with a BodyVox teaching artist to dance, expand their imagination, and move their body. They will explore the connections between dance, rhythm, music and creativity through a variety of classes. Ages 6-9 bodyvox.com/classes/winter-kidsdance-camp-2021
Mr. David’s School of Film A mix of Stop Motion, Lego Animation, Movie Making, and Green Screen Fun. Each day students build their animation and movie-making skills with creative challenges and themed projects include living holiday cards and more. Ages 5-13 mrdavidfilm.com
Northwest Children’s Theater & School Act, sing, dance, and play at Northwest Children’s Theater! Winter Break Camps in NW & SE Portland are on sale now. Ages 4-14 nwcts.org
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OMEGA Gymnastics OMEGA’s Camps keep your kids active with supervised play, gymnastics instruction and craft. Choose half-day or full-day weekly options. See website for more details. Ages 5-12 omega-gymnastics.com/camps
Oregon Children’s Theatre While not specific to Winter break, OCTC is offering two December classes: A virtual Wintertime Magic class for ages 3-5 and a Directing Workshop Series for ages 14+. octc.org
Play.Fit.Fun What do you do with your kids on non school weekdays? Play.Fit.Fun’s Non School Day Kids Action Camp is the FUN answer! They offer half and full day camp options where your kids can come play, stay active, make new friends and be well cared for and engaged. Grades K-6 playfitfun.com
Portland Audubon Portland Audubon has exciting outdoor adventures for 1st through 6th graders during the school breaks. Sign your child up for an experience in nature they won’t forget! Grades 1-6 aububonportland.org
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Gifts for Readers
Books are the perfect gift year-round, but there’s something special about hunkering down with a good book during the holidays. Check out our picks below and get cozy!
A Crocodile in the Family This is a charming children’s story about a family of birds who stumble across a lone egg in the Australian bush. After taking it home to care for the egg themselves, they discover it’s actually a baby crocodile! The bird family raises the baby crocodile as one of their own, and as their community continues to ask questions about their reason why they keep him, the family says the answer is simple. Because he belongs, that’s why! Kitty Black (Author) Daron Parton (Illustrator). $16.99
Hullabaloo Book Company Hullabaloo Book Company offers a highly-curated children’s bookshop and subscription service. Each book selection features at least one of their six “Amazing Attributes,” qualities they want to instill in kids: Kindness, intelligence, curiosity, bravery, creativity, and emotional awareness. Subscriptions start at $19.95/month hullabaloobookco.com
The Seventh Raven When Robyn and his brothers are turned into ravens through the work of an unlucky curse, a sister is their only hope to become human again. Though she’s never met her brothers, April will stop at nothing to restore their humanity. But what about Robyn, who always felt a greater affinity to the air than to the earth-bound lives of his family? David Elliott’s latest novel in verse explores the unintended consequences of our actions; regardless of our intentions. $17.99, ages 14+
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Nauseni Slippers If you’ve never worn felted wool slippers, now is the time. Nauseni makes our absolute favorites! They have a minimalist, modern look and are made from 100% natural wool with felt mid-soles and genuine Himalayan buffalo suede leather outer soles for extra comfort and durability. They mold to the foot for the perfect fit. Toddler through adult sizes are available. $55-$75 nauseni.org
Mexican Handloomed Blanket Verve Culture carefully sources items from artisans around the world to fill homes with the essence of authentic items made to be used, displayed, and most importantly, enjoyed. This 100% cotton serape is the perfect throw blanket and also makes a great beach or park blanket in the spring and summer. $120 verveculture.com
Mozy Leg Blanket Take your book outside with a blanket that wraps around your waist and allows you to handsfree and cozy! It’s light enough to be packable but warm enough to keep the chills at bay. The original Mozy is best for 20-60 degree climates and has multiple pockets for all of your essentials. Youth sizes: $60-$139.99 getthemozy.com
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Ways for Kids to Help People Experiencing Homelessness
Looking for a family-friendly, hands-on way to give back to the community? People experiencing homelessness are in immediate need of food, clothing, and access to hygiene. Families can volunteer from home to help meet these needs by making sack lunches, hosting a clothing drive, or packing hygiene care kits. Blanchet House of Hospitality distributes these essential items during its meal services. The nonprofit, located in downtown Portland, serves three hot meals daily, Mon-Sat, to anyone who comes to their doors all without judgement. Your contribution is an act of kindness that will provide dignity, hope, and community to people living without shelter and trying to survive in the tough conditions.
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Make Sack Lunches Making sack lunches at home is a fun and meaningful way to help with your family or friends. You can make as few as 10 or as many as 100 sack lunches containing a sandwich (meat or pb&j), fruit, and wrapped snacks to be handed out every Saturday to Blanchet House’s guests. You can choose a date from the online calendar to drop off your lunches at blanchethouse.org/sack-lunches
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Host a Clothing Drive Blanchet House’s guests need adult-sized clothing that is appropriate for being outdoors in the cold and rain. You can donate clothing that respects the dignity of the receiver by only donating new and gently used clean clothes.
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Pack Hygiene Care Kits Care kits contain essential relief items. Things like clean socks, a rain poncho, a hand warmer or gloves, bath wipes, and snacks offer comfort to someone living outdoors. Blanchet House offers the care kits that you make to their meal guests. Learn more at blanchethouse.org/care-kits
Any donations can be dropped off at Blanchet House, 310 NW Glisan, Mon-Sat, 8-10:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:00 p.m. Thank you for helping to alleviate suffering in our community! To find out more about Blanchet House’s services visit BlanchetHouse.org NW Kids Magazine | 19