14 minute read
Spread Kindness and Show Thanks
By Sarah Lyons
As the holiday season launches it is so easy to get caught up in the long list of items needed to be taken care of by busy parents. There is getting the house ready for the holidays. Presents to buy. Planning for holiday travel. School programs needing your support, etc.! There is a ton to do. In these busy times, as parents, it’s important to guide our children on how to spread kindness and show thanks. Why not try to spread some kindness giving others (and your own family) something positive to focus on? There are benefits, a few of which are outlined below, for both you and your kids as well as those on the receiving end of your kind gestures. As Flora Edwards said, “In helping others, we help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”
Being kind makes you happier
Being nice to others doesn’t just benefit them, it give you a boost too. If you have ever been able to help out a friend or a stranger in a time of need you know that being helpful actually makes you feel happy. Doing nice things for others boosts your serotonin. “Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that gives us the feeling of satisfaction and wellbeing.” says Lara Honos-Webb Ph.D. in Psychology Today “Most of the antidepressant medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to your brain. All of this means doing nice things for other people changes your brain in ways that make you feel better.”
Being kind makes you healthier
People who volunteer in the community and are charitable to others often experience lower stress levels and improved overall health. According to Happier Human, statistics show that people who are kind have less physical pain, get better quality sleep, and exercise more.
Being kind builds self-esteem
As parents we are always looking for ways to build self-esteem in our kids. Helping others and being generous with our time and talents can actually help build self-esteem because when we help someone, we feel like we have value and a purpose. We are also letting someone else know they are important and mean something to us.
Being kind doesn’t have to be time consuming, expensive, or hard work. Simple acts of kindness can show someone we care and have benefits to us as well. Open the door for someone, pick up litter as you pass, send a note or card in the mail, or simply smile at others and you are spreading kindness. Our kids follow our lead in how we treat others and kindness will become natural for them over time. Y
Sarah Lyons is a mom of 6 and has been published in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, Creative Child and over 150 other parenting publications.
As holiday celebrations cautiously make their comeback in 2021, we are creating and constantly updating a collection of Bay Area family friendly holiday experiences for families to enjoy this year and years to come. Please safely enjoy your family and these fabulous events during the holidays. With a much smaller offering Holiday Event Guide of events this year remember to check cancellation policies, get your tickets early, always check event’s websites for Covid-19 restrictions and requirements and confirm event information one last time, just before the date.
Holiday Lights, Dancing, Shopping and more!
As holiday celebrations cautiously make their comeback in 2021, we are creating and constantly updating a collection of New England family friendly holiday experiences for families to enjoy this year and years to come. Please safely enjoy your family and these fabulous events during the holidays. With a much smaller offering of events this year remember to check cancellation policies, get your tickets early, always check event’s websites for Covid-19 restrictions and requirements and confirm event information one last time, just before the date.
Tree Lightings and Light Shows
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo
RWP Zoo turns into a sparkling Winter Wonderland! Holiday Lights Spectacular is an all-new walkthrough event featuring festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays with 1.5 million illuminated lights! It’s a mustsee event that should be on everyone’s holiday to-do list.
November 26 - January 2, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI
www.rwpzoo.org
USS Constitution Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join the USS Constitution crew in the Navy Shipyard in Charlestown for the USS Constitution’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy holiday music, free hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit by Santa and his merry Elves.
December 4, USS Constitution in the Navy Shipyard, Charlestown
Hanukkah – Menorah Lighting
Look for New England’s tallest menorah at Brewer Fountain on Boston Common. A lighting ceremony of the first branch of the candelabra takes place on November 28 at 4pm, with special guests, live music, holiday treats, and warm beverages.
November 28 plus additional dates, Boston Common, Boston
Winterlights — Canton, North Andover, Stockbridge
This holiday season, three of the Trustees beautiful garden properties sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Bring the whole family for a magical, fun, and safe outdoor experience – with food, refreshments, and more. Included in USA TODAY’s top 10 Public Holiday Light Displays in the country for 2020, experience this treasure with your friends and family.
November 26 – January 9, Eleanor Cabot Bradley House in Canton, Naumkeag in Stockbridge, Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover, www.thetrustees.org/winterlights
KLEIN KYLE OF COURTESY PHOTOS
Columbus Park Trellis Lighting - Boston
The Mayor turns on the 50,000 glowing blue and white LED lights along the 260 foot trellis and 14 nearby trees on at 5 pm in Christopher Columbus Park (110 Atlantic Ave), transforming the waterfront park into a magical light garden through the holiday season. The event includes music, entertainment, and refreshments.
November 22, Christopher Columbus Park, Boston
Massachusetts State House Tree Lighting
Agiant Christmas tree in the Rotunda lights up in the annual tree lighting event ceremony at 5pm. This marks the official kick-off of the holiday season in Massachusetts.
November 23, State House, Boston
Light Up Seaport
Gather on Seaport Common (85 Northern Ave) for live music, treats from nearby restaurants, and various giveaways, and then see the Christmas tree lighting.
December 3, Seaport Common, Boston
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Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium will shine bright this holiday season as guests experience the thrill of spectacular lights displays featuring familiar holiday favorites and accompanied by a festive soundtrack. Created with nearly one million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive experience for guests of all ages that can’t be missed this holiday season.
November 19 - December 24, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
PHOTO COURTESY OF GILLETTE STADIUM
Blink! Light Show and Giant Christmas Tree Lighting at Faneuil Marketplace
The “Big Tree” at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is by tradition the tallest decorated tree in the Northeast. Lights (30,000 of them, plus 1,000 strobes) go on during a ceremony including live musical performances. The show runs daily through the holidays.
November 29, Faneuil Marketplace, Boston
Bright Nights - Springfield
Bright Nights is a holiday drive-thru light experience which includes the Winter Garden, Jurassic World, Kwanzaa, Everett Barney Mansion, Happy Holidays, Springfield, as well as the additions to Toy Land featuring Milton Bradley Company and Hasbro iconic toys and games, and the Springfield Thunderbirds display.
November 24 - January 2, Forest Park, Springfield
North End Tree Celebration & Holiday Stroll
Celebrate the season with the tree lighting, meet Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and caroling. Local North End students will be having their annual bake sale (all proceeds benefit the school), so it’s a great opportunity to stock up on holiday treats.
December 3, Corner of Hanover & North Streets, Boston
Macy’s Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Windows Unveiled
Macy’s (450 Washington Street) lights up Boston’s Downtown Crossing this year on Black Friday when the festive evergreen trees on the Summer Street side of the store light up and the store’s famous holiday window displays are unveiled. Look for Santa and his Elves, as well as entertainment from the Boston Children’s Choir and other performers.
November 26, Downtown Crossing, Boston
Copley Square Tree Lighting
Wreaths with red bows decorate Copley Square, and the Old South Church bell tolls when the lights on the Copley Square tree go on - look for appearances by Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty, plus live music by local groups including the Boston Pops Brass Quintet.
November 29, Copley Square, Boston
Performances
A Magical Cirque Christmas — Worcester
The enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
November 30, Hanover Theatre, Worcester, www.thehanovertheatre.org
Holiday Pops — Boston
Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops present the beloved annual Holiday Pops concert at Boston’s Symphony Hall. You’ll get to hear and see all your favorites: the Pops’ classic «Sleigh Ride» and «Twelve Days of Christmas,» jazzy arrangements of traditional favorites, «O Holy Night,» «Home for the Holidays,» a virtual performance with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and a special new reading of «A Visit from St. Nicholas» («‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”). Special Kid’s matinee shows available.
December 3 - 24, The Hanover Theatre, Boston, www.bochcenter.org
The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical — Boston
The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical is the thrilling spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and heartfelt moments that will bring the family together, this joyous and uplifting celebration will leave audiences captivated by the splendor of the season.
November 26. Boch Center Wang Theatre, Boston, www.bochcenter.org
Cirque Dreams Holidaze — Boston
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!
December 10 & 11. Boch Center Shubert Theatre, Boston, www.bochcenter.org
Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas — Boston
Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias, light up the stage. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky.
November 26. Emerson Colonial Theatre, Boston,
www.emersoncolonialtheater.com Continued on page 32 >>>
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Performances Continued
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker — Boston
Create an annual tradition with your family this holiday season at one of New England’s favorite celebrations. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the dazzling snow scene – set to the iconic music of Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker is a production beloved by audiences of all ages that your family will never forget
November 26 - December 26, Boston Opera House, Boston, (617) 695-6955, www.bostonballet.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOSTON BALLET
A Christmas Story: The Musical — Boston
THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 1.5 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”
December 7 - 19, Boch Center Wang Theatre, Boston, www.bochcenter.org
The Nutcracker — Weston
Share the merriment of the holiday season as the accomplished dancers of Commonwealth Ballet and guest artists frolic, battle and dance through Clara’s holiday dream. Join the family party set before a magical tree and enjoy the laughter, magic, and wonder of this holiday classic accompanied by the beloved Tchaikovsky score. This fully staged production is sure to captivate and entertain all ages. It’s the perfect start to the holiday season!
December 17 - 19 The Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston, www.commonwealthballet.org/ nutcracker
Greater Salem Ballet Company: The Nutcracker — Lynn
Follow Clara on her magical journey. Brave the battle of the mice and soldiers led by the Nutcracker Prince and be amazed by the growing Christmas tree. Glide through the Christmas tree forest complete with falling snow and arrive at the palace of sweets where Clara is entertained by a cast of characters and dazzled by the Grand Pas de Deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
December 11, The Lynn Auditorium, Lynn, www.TheGSBC.com
The Nutcracker — Boston & Dorchester
Discover the magic. Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre brings its original, enchanting production of The Nutcracker to the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston then to The Strand Theatre in Dorchester. Now in its 34th season, JMBT’s The Nutcracker whisks young and old alike to the Land of the Sweets where dreams come true and anything is possible.
November 30 - December 8, Cutler Majestic Theatre, Boston & The Strand Theatre, Dorchester, (617) 945-1944, www.ballettheatre.org/nutcracker
Urban Nutcracker — Boston
Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker, the modern Boston-centric holiday classic, will celebrate its 20th annual season at the Shubert Theatre. The move to the historic Shubert Theatre will continue to allow even more Bostonians an opportunity to experience what The Boston Globe has deemed “a holiday arts tradition reflecting the rich multicultural diversity of Boston.”
December 18 & 19, Boch Center Shubert Theatre, Boston, www.bochcenter.org
Shopping & Craft Fairs
Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church — Boston
Lovers of finely crafted beeswax candles, turned wood, and sparkling blown glass know to arrive early, where 30 New England artists and artisans will offer some of their finest work on one day only.
December 7. Gordon Chapel in Old South Church, Boston, www.oldsouth.org
Winter Revelry: Holiday Pop Up Market in Seaport — Boston
Shop for the perfect tree at the pop-up tree farm, sample the hoppy brews and winter wines at Aeronautic Brewing’s winter lounge, and immerse yourself in the festive offerings from some of the Boston area’s best master artisans at Winter Revelry, Seaport’s holiday market located in the Innovation and Design Building.
December 6 & 7. Innovation and Design Building, Seaport, Boston, www.bostonseaport.xyz
Concord’s renowned literary tradition takes a creative twist during the holiday season when the Concord Museum opens the annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. A benefit exhibition with related programs, Family Trees fills the Museum with trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes fancifully dressed for the occasion with charming original ornaments inspired by a dazzling selection of children’s picture books.
November 24 through January 2, Concord Museum, Concord, www.concordmuseum.org
SOWA Winter Festival — Boston
You’ll find the perfect handmade gifts, sip on winter cocktails, and discover the best of the SoWa Art + Design District. Shop from 100 of the region’s best makers and specialty food vendors in the SoWa Power Station which is transformed into a local and unique marketplace. While you stroll, savor favorite winter cocktails, seasonal craft brews and wines. Enjoy food and activities, as well as the galleries, artist studios, and shops that call SoWa home year ‘round. This is a family friendly event.
December 3 - 12. SOWA Boston, Boston,
www.sowaboston.com Y
