13 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 PregnancyandNewbornMagazine, CreativeChildand 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!
Festivity, fun and inspiration are everywhere this holiday season in beautiful New England! 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!
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo
RWP Zoo turns into a sparkling Winter Wonderland! Holiday Lights Spectacular as an all-new walk-through event featuring festive, larger-thanlife dazzling displays with 3.5 million illuminated lights! It’s a must-see event that should be on everyone’s holiday to-do list.
November 25 – January 1, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI; www.rwpzoo.org
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 25 – January 7, Eleanor Cabot Bradley House in Canton, Naumkeag in Stockbridge, Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover; www.thetrustees.org/winterlights
Columbus Park Trellis Lighting - Boston
Mayor Michelle Wu 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 21, 5 pm, Christopher Columbus Park, Boston; www.Boston.com
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 22, 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 2, 5pm. Seaport Common, Boston; www.bostonseaport.xyz
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Magic of Lights at Patriot Place
Foxborough 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 18 – December 31, 5 - 10pm, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough; www.magicoflights.com
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 3, 4:30 pm. USS Constitution in the Navy Shipyard, Charlestown; www.nps.gov
Macy’s Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Windows Unveiled
Macy’s (450 Washington Street) lights up Boston’s Downtown Crossing this year 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 12, Downtown Crossing, Boston; www.downtownboston.org
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 December 18 at 4pm, with special guests, live music, holiday treats, and warm beverages.
December 18 plus additional dates, Boston Common, Boston; www.chabaddowntownboston.org
Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature 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 3, 10am – 4pm. Gordon Chapel in Old South Church, Boston; www.oldsouth.org
Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration
Explore the unique dynamics between Irish, Jewish, and Mexican cultures at 1920s Ellis Island. One of Greater Boston’s most cherished winter productions, Revels’ multigenerational cast joyously brings traditions to life through music, dance, and song.
December 16–28, Sanders Theatre, Cambridge www.revels.org
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 23 through January 2.
Continued on page 32 >>>Concord Museum, Concord;
www.concordmuseum.org
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PHOTO BY PETER PARADISE
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!
November 25 – 27 and December 16 – 18. The Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston; www. commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker
Urban Nutcracker — Boston
Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker, the modern Bostoncentric holiday classic, will be back at the Shubert Theatre. This classing dance theatrical will showcase winter scenes set in present-day downtown Boston, blending the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical music of Tchaikovsky. Anchored by classical ballet, the performances also include a broad range of dance forms such as tap, hip hop, flamenco, and jazz.
December 17 & 23, Boch Center Shubert Theatre, Boston; www.bochcenter.org
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 10, The Lynn Auditorium, Lynn; www.TheGSBC.com
Holiday Market at Snowport — Boston
They may be small, but local businesses bring our community to life in a big way. This season Boston Seaport by WS Development teamed up with The Makers Show to create a holiday market unlike anything in New England. The Holiday Market at Snowport features more than 60+ small businesses, a tree market for all of your evergreen needs, and a festive menu from Tuscan Kitchen.
December 10 - 23. 88 Seaport, Boston; www.bostonseaport.xyz
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 25 – December 31, Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston; www.bostonballet.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOSTON BALLET
‘Twas the Night Before…by Cirque Du Soleil — Boston
Twas the Night Before...is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas tale, and marks Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas production in New England. This festive show brings a flurry of love, Christmas cheer, thrilling acrobatics and hugely lovable characters that will create a new holiday tradition for families to cherish.
November 25 – December 11. Boch Center Wang Theatre, Boston; www. bochcenter.org
Downtown Boston Holiday Market — Boston
Downtown Boston Holiday
Market pops up weekly, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am - 4 pm with local artisans offering everything from jewelry and art to home goods, personal care items and more holiday gifts. On the Summer Street Plaza @ Washington Street.
Opens November 25. Downtown Crossings, Boston; www.downtownboston.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.
Select Days from November 25 – December 11. SOWA Boston, Boston; www.sowaboston.com
Happy Holidays!
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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 is a great opportunity to stock up on holiday treats.
December 2, 6 pm. Corner of Hanover & North Streets, Boston.
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”, a jazzy arrangement 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.”Special Kid’s matinee shows available.
December 1 – 24, Symphony Hall, Boston; www.bso.org
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 28, Copley Square, Boston; www.boston.gov
Tuba Christmas
Tuba Christmas returns to the Downtown Crossing Steps, with over 100 players from the Boston Chapter performing beloved holiday favorites on various instruments in the tuba family, with instruments and players alike decked out in festive holiday gear.
November 27, 12 – 1:30 pm, Downtown Crossing, Boston; www.downtownboston.org
BOSTON.COM FROM DWYER PHOTOS/MICHAEL AP
Bright Nights at Forest Park — Springfield
Bright Nights is a holiday drivethru light experience 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 23 – January 1, Forest Park, Springfield; www.brightnights.org
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