13 minute read
Prescence over Presents
The holiday season is here again and many parents find themselves scrambling to shop for all of the important people in their lives. Shopping for the perfect gift for your kids can be stressful. Gift giving can be full of joy but oftentimes what kids want and need is their parents time over a pile of gifts. This year try prioritizing presence over presents. This slight change in perspective can relieve this stress and give your kids the gift of memorable experiences that last longer than the thrill of a new toy.
THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE
Sharing an experience can be a great alternative to giving a physical gift. Find something your family enjoys doing together and make it into a surprise. Some ideas may include taking a trip, attending a concert, visiting a museum or a local attraction, or eating at a special restaurant. Most importantly, you will be enjoying the activity as a family. Experience gifts promote family bonding and create memories that will last a lifetime.
THE GIFT OF TIME
Time spent together has great value for kids. When you are shopping for gifts this year, look for items that promote family time such as games, puzzles, a cookie baking kit, sports equipment, or crafts. Take the time to play and spend time together. You may By Sarah Lyons find that these activities will become family traditions you return to every year.
THE GIFT OF HELPING OTHERS
Taking time to serve those in need not only brings joy to those who receive help but also to those who offer it. Kids who volunteer regularly have a better appreciation for the blessings they have in their own lives and are more likely to be generous and serve others as they become adults. Ask your kids what needs they see in the community and decide how your family would like to serve. Some ideas may include a coat or food drive, serving meals at a shelter, adopting a family for Christmas, raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, sending holiday cards to veterans, baking and delivering cookies to neighbors, or picking up litter in your community. Choose what fits your family’s time and budget and make it a priority.
THE GIFT OF TRYING SOMETHING NEW
Has your child always wanted to try a particular activity or sport but the cost of lessons was not in the budget? Consider purchasing this gift for your kids. This will give them the opportunity to try something new and will also let them know you were considering their interests. Families may also want to purchase a membership to a local zoo, amusement park, community center, or museum. This will be something the family can enjoy together over the year ahead.
You don’t have to get rid of gift giving all together, but being intentional about buying things that you can enjoy as a family and taking the time to purchase a few gifts that are really special to your child will help them see the importance of presence over presents. Your child will likely agree that the best gift is time spent with you.
Sarah Lyons is a mom of 6 and has been published in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, Creative Child and over 150 other parenting publications.
Holiday Event Guide
Festivity, fun and inspiration are everywhere this holiday season in the beautiful Bay Area! Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly activity or wanting to start a new tradition, there’s a holiday event that’s just right for you — and many of them are free of cost. Check out these family friendly holiday experiences and grab your tickets before they sell out!
Glow: Discover the Art of Light
SAN FRANCISCO
Turn up the radiance this winter! Six artists illuminate Pier 15 with light sculptures big and small, inviting you to connect and get inspired in their glow. Explore the galleries for captivating new light art by Anila Quayyum Agha, Craig Newswanger, and Sally Weber and returning favorites by Luke Jerram and Burt Libe. In Bechtel Gallery 3, splash in waves of light with The Last Ocean, Jen Lewin’s monumental, luminescent landscape created from recycled ocean plastics. Experiment with color, shadows, and more in the Seeing and Reflections gallery. And join in for sparkling adult and family programs. Don’t miss this wondrous seasonal expansion of the Exploratorium’s exhibits on light. November 17–January 29. See website for times & ticket info. Exploratorium, San Francisco; www.exploratorium.edu
Continued on page 30 >>>
<<< Continued from page 29
PARK THE IN CHRISTMAS OF COURTESY PHOTO
Christmas in the Park Opening Night
SAN JOSE
This 40+ year tradition is back in downtown San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. There are a few surprises including new light displays, a brand new 65’ tall walkthrough Christmas tree and Blinky’s Tavern - an all-new inflatable beer and wine garden! Admission is free.
Tree lighting November 25, 5:30pm. Christmas in the Park runs to early January. See website for event listings and ticket information. Downtown San Jose; www.Christmasinthepark.com
Walnut Creek on Ice!
WALNUT CREEK
Get your skate on at the Downtown Walnut Creek’s ice rink. The rink is open daily, however the times/pricing changes daily and the rink may be closed for private events.
See website for hours, ticket info. Civic Park, Walnut Creek; www.walnutcreekdowntown.com.
Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday
SAN JOSE
Debuted in 2020, this drive-through experience will continue this new holiday tradition in at Lake Cunningham Park. The “mile of smiles” features a synchronized light show with some of your holiday favorite tunes. Over 100,000-pixel lights capable of displaying 14 million colors illuminate twelve different themed lands and this year, a holiday fair food festival awaits upon exiting our event.
November 26–January 1. See website for event listings and ticket information. Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose; Christmasinthepark.com
A Christmas Carol
SAN FRANCISCO
A.C.T. once again presents its celebrated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive fable. A timeless tale of Yuletide magic, A Christmas Carol teaches us all the true spirit of the holiday season!
November 30–December 24. See website for showtimes and ticket info. Toni Rembe Theatre, San Francisco; www.san-francisco-theater.com
The Velveteen Rabbit Beloved Holiday Tradition
SAN FRANCISCO
Brimming with wit, festive costumes, madcap characters and the perfect amount of holiday cheer, ODC/Dance returns to the stage with the beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. The Velveteen Rabbit features captivating narration, a delightful musical score and larger-than-life storybook characters portrayed by the world-class dancers of ODC/Dance.
November 26–December 11. See website for showtimes and ticket information. The Blue Shield of California Theatre at YBCA, San Francisco; www.odc.dance
RICHMOND
Celebrate creativity and community at the Craneway Crafts Fair…a benefit for KPFA Public. The Fair showcases affordable contemporary art and original crafts exhibited by 200 artists, and presents handmade fair-trade goods from indigenous communities around the world.
December 3 & 4. See website for hours and ticket info. Craneway Pavilion, Richmond; www.cranewaycraftsfair.com
The Nutcracker
LIVERMORE
Experience the magic of the Nutcracker. This annual Tri-Valley holiday event continues to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s wellknown music and ballet to life with all of its elegance and beauty. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical Nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers and a glittering sugar plum fairy.
December 10–18. See website for showtimes and ticket info. Bankhead Theatre, Livermore; www.livermorearts.org
Alameda Civic Ballet’s The Nutcracker
PERFORMED IN CASTRO VALLEY
This holiday season prepare to be transported on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. From the heroic battle against the Mouse King, travel through the Land of the Snowflakes and on to the Kingdom of the Sweets. There you will meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and be entertained by the wonders of the Land of Enchantment. Choreographed by Artistic Director Abra Rudisill with gorgeous costumes and beautiful sets – all to the classic Tchaikovsky score – this is a production sure to bring out the child in all of us.
December 3 & 4. See website for ticket information and showtimes. Castro Valley Center for the Arts 19501 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley; www.alamedacivicballet.org
San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker
SAN FRANCISCO
Set at a Christmas Eve party in 1915 San Francisco, Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl given a magical nutcracker doll. The Nutcracker comes to life in her dreams, battles the evil King of the Mice, and takes Clara to a Crystal Palace full of dancing. With brilliant choreography by Helgi Tomasson and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker is a festive treat for the entire family!
December 8–27. See website for times and ticket info. Ages 5 and up. War Memorial Opera House, 415-865-2000; www.sfballet.org
Continued on page 32 >>>
BALLET FRANCISCO SAN OF COURTESY PHOTO
<<< Continued from page 31
BALLET MARIN OF COURTESY HEFTI JOHN BY PHOTO
Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker
SAN RAFAEL
Delight in the Magic of Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker! Rich in old-fashioned holiday grandeur, Clara’s whimsical Christmas Eve dreams come to life through the art of classical ballet enriched with clever storytelling, mischievous humor, heroic characters, and plenty of fanciful surprises. Lavish, Victorian costumes and sets frame choreography a cast of over 175 super-talented dancers shipped in from all over the state and country as they bring adventure to life in this full-length ballet production.
December 10 & 11. See website for times and ticket information. All ages. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 415-453-6705; www.marinballet.org
Oakland Ballet Company Presents Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker”
OAKLAND
Oakland Ballet Company’s spritely and colorful version of this holiday classic is a holiday tradition that is fun for the entire family. Brimming with holiday magic, this is the Nutcracker to see! With live music by the Oakland Symphony.
December 17. See website for ticket information. All ages Paramount Theatre, 510-893-3132; www.oaklandballet.org
BALLET OAKLAND OF COURTEST HEFTI, JOHN BY PHOTO
Stapleton Ballet Presents: Nutcracker
SAN RAFAEL
The vibrant Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker provides a magical start to the holiday season! This engaging production features lavish costumes, ornate sets and joyful choreography that celebrates the spirit and exuberance of over 200 dancers performing alongside guest artists.
Dec. 17 & 18. See website for times and ticket. All ages. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 415-473-6800; www.stapletonschool.org
Yuletide Youth Holiday Concert
OAKLAND
Join the award-winning singers of the Oakland Youth Chorus in a celebration of the songs, traditions, and diverse cultures that honor and create community. Sing together as we raise our voices to empower others and create harmony.
December 3. See website for hours and ticket info. Scottish Rite Center, Oakland; www.oigc.org/events
My Very First Nutcracker
SAN JOSE
My Very First Nutcracker” is a special one-act presentation of “The San Jose Nutcracker,” ideal for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. This joyful holiday production features the festive holiday party, at which Uncle Nikola reveals his fascinating gifts. Kids will marvel at the historic San Jose Electric Light Tower rising magically above the streets of San Jose, and cheer on adorable mice and toy soldiers who compete to win a magic crown. Introduce your family to the magic of classical ballet! This performance has a run time of approximately 55 minutes.
December 16–18. See website for showtimes and ticket information. California Theatre, San Jose; www.newballet.com
Glowfari – Oakland Zoo
OAKLAND
Glowfari is an unforgettable experience for all ages to enjoy! Featuring hundreds of larger-than-life glowing animal lanterns throughout the Zoo; and with new animals displays for 2022 featuring animals from the land down under, kangaroos and koalas! Plus, check out icons of the California coastline including whales, otters and jellies. Finish the evening with a visit to Santa and ride the Express Train through our Winter Wonderland! This event sells out early. November 11–January 29. Oakland Zoo, Oakland Hills; www.oaklandzoo.org
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets
SAN FRANCISCO
Celebrate the holidays with Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets, a unique 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet designed for families with small children and audiences of all ages. This special production is danced storytelling that is affordable, magical, zany, and fun. Foehringer uses his choreographic skills in contemporary dance and ballet to craft a show that is sure to thrill dance newcomers and the most jaded balletomane. See all of the favorite Nutcracker characters in beautiful costumes performing on a colorful set with live chamber orchestra music. December 3–18. See website for times and ticket information. All ages. Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center. www.mfdpsf.org
<<< Continued from page 31
Los Gatos Children’s Christmas/ Holiday Parade
LOS GATOS
Get your holiday spirit on at this beloved family event. The parade route begins at the corner of No. Santa Cruz Ave. and Almendra, and continues down Santa Cruz Ave. to Main St. and ends close to Los Gatos High School. Thousands of spectators and participants alike flock to downtown Los Gatos on the annual event.
Dec. 3, 11am–1pm. See website for more information. All ages. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos: www.lgsrecreation.org/parade
WWW.NEWBALLET.COM OF COURTESY PHOTO
The San Jose Nutcracker
SAN JOSE
San Jose’s favorite Nutcracker comes to the beautiful California Theatre in downtown San Jose, for a truly magical holiday experience. “The San Jose Nutcracker” is a joyful holiday production that transports the well-loved story to turn-of-the-century San Jose, with historical references that highlight our valley setting as a birthplace of innovation.
December 16–18. See website for showtimes and ticket info. California Theatre, San Jose; www.newballet.com
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
JAMES MIKE OF COURTESY PHOTO
SAN FRANCISCO
Visit London — at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls! Enter the winding lanes of Victorian London and immerse yourself in a world of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Discover holiday revelry in this lamp-lit city brimming with over 800 lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens, the pages of history, and the sometimes saucy world of the Victorian stage.
November 19–December 18. See website for showtimes & ticket info. Cow Palace, San Francisco; www.dickensfair.com
Holidays at Filoli
WOODSIDE
Holidays at Filoli is the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House adorned in Holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows.
November 19–January 8. See website for hours and ticket info. Filoli, Woodside; www.filoli.org
Parents Press
BEST OF 2022 2022
