13 minute read
What Not to Give Kids for Christmas
By Sarah Lyons
My children began their Christmas lists in October. Curious to see what made the list this year, I read over my daughter’s shoulder and was shocked to see that she had asked for a doll that spits up and wets itself, an expensive Lego set, and a live donkey. These items were NOT on my Christmas list for my children. When you begin your Christmas shopping this year, instead of asking what the kids would like for Christmas, consider asking the parents what they do NOT want their kids to get for Christmas.
A million pieces
Everyone is likely to get frustrated with a toy that comes with “a million” pieces. In no time, the pieces tend to get spread across the entire house and it is nearly impossible to get them back together. “Once the pieces are lost the whole toy is pointless because you can’t do anything with it if certain pieces are missing.” says Kassie Rew, mom of three. Prior to giving, consider the ages of the children in the home. A nine year old may ask for Polly Pocket dolls or Legos but they can easily turn into a choking hazard for a baby brother and a become huge stress for the parents.
Some assembly required
Every parent cringes when their child opens a fun and exciting toy and the box has the words “some assembly required” which usually means the parent spends hours reading frustrating directions and assembling the toy late into the night. If you are giving a toy that requires assembly, please consider putting it together prior to giving.
A not-so-joyful noise
Loud toys have been irritating parents since toys were invented. Musical instruments, toys with hammers, and
battery operated toys with no volume control all contribute to the already high level of noise pollution in the average household. When purchasing a loud toy for a favorite niece or nephew, please stop and imagine it being passed back to your own house when you have children. If that makes you shudder, keep shopping.
Batteries not included
While we are talking about battery powered toys, please consider a few things as you purchase a gift. Does the toy require batteries? If yes, are the batteries regularly available at a reasonable price? “We don’t care for toys that require massive amounts of expensive batteries. Sometimes the batteries cost more than the toy itself.” says Jessi Cole, mom of three. Check if the toy comes with batteries or if you must purchase them separately. Make sure to have batteries on hand when the child opens the gift, so they can begin playing immediately.
Toys that encourage violence
Lauren Heller, mom of twins, says “Anything that encourages hitting or violence against siblings is discouraged. They fight enough as it is.” Toys such as Nerf guns, swords, punching bags, and boxing gloves are not ideal for families that may not want weapons in the house. Amy Cameron, mom of three, has a different perspective “A water gun, lightsaber, or Nerf gun for only one sibling is not desired. They need to be equally armed.” It is best to ask permission before purchasing these items.
Many families love to receive craft items as gifts and even ask for them specifically. Others may find them messy, stressful, and frustrating. Play dough, paint, markers, stamps, beads, and glitter all fall into this category. “It doesn’t feel like a gift when we are trying to get ink out of laundry, carpet, or off the walls.” says Bridget Estelle, mom of four. Keeping this in mind, some families do enjoy crafts. Double check with the parents to see what their policy on craft supplies is before you make your purchase.
Purchasing a gift for someone is always challenging because you want it to be enjoyed. Ask the parents what they suggest, if anything is not permitted in the house, and if you have a great idea, run it by them first. Consider buying classic toys that are always a hit or an experience like a membership to a local attraction. Even if you have purchased one of the toys mentioned above or do in the future, don’t fret. Parents know that it truly is the thought that counts and are grateful that their children have generous people in their lives. a
Sarah Lyons is a stay at home mom to six kids, including two year old triplets.
Gifts parents LOVE to receive for their kids
• Educational toys • Experiences — zoo membership, movie passes, classes, camps • Complete gifts — a tablet, case, warranty, and gift card for apps • Accessories — a train to go with a new train set, furniture for a new doll house • Books • Batteries • Practical gifts — clothes, shoes, coats
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.
Through 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
New England’s tallest menorah will be lit nightly at sundown through Monday, December 6 to celebrate Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights!
Nightly through December 6, 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.
Through 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
Located at 110 Atlantic Avenue on Boston’s historic waterfront, Christopher Columbus Park is transformed nightly into a beautiful holiday display when the park’s 260 feet of trellis are illuminated with 50,000 blue lights along with 14 decorated trees near Tia’s, the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, and throughout the park. .
Nightly Boston Common, 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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Tree Lightings and Light Shows Continued
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.
Through December 24, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Zoolights at Stone Zoo— Boston
ZooLights is set to once again dazzle visitors of all ages! Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Take a one-way stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, bald eagle, Canada lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes. And this year, several illuminated large-scale lantern displays will light up your winter’s night. Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., starting Nov 30: Meet Mrs. Claus as she spreads holiday cheer through the Zoo! While Santa’s too busy at the North Pole this year, add some magic to your holiday season with a Santa ZOOm!
Nightly thru January 9, 2022, Stone Zoo, Stoneham
PHOTO COURTESY OF GILLETTE STADIUM
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
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.
Through January 2, Forest Park, Springfield
Performances Performances
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
Through 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
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
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
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 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.
Through December 8, Cutler Majestic Theatre, Boston & The Strand Theatre, Dorchester, (617) 945-1944, www.ballettheatre.
org/nutcracker Continued on page 32 >>>
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Performances Continued
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
PHOTO BY PETER PARADISE
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.
Through January 2, Concord Museum, Concord, www.concordmuseum.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
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 a
