ParentMap December 2023 Issue

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What Makes Us Human?

We’re connected by a rich tapestry of qualities that shape us all

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Gifts That Give Back Keep the holiday feels going after the season ends

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BRING THEM HOME NOW P. 6

Thinking Globally Forging connections and making an impact, both near and far

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In Every Issue Play List

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Local Resources Camps, Arts + Activites Schools + Preschools Faith-based Schools Holiday Gift Guide

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Parenting

Feature

COMMUNITY

What Makes Us Human?

Learn the five essential qualities and how parents can nurture them in kids

Neighborhood Spotlight: Ballard Winter is the perfect time to visit this enclave with Scandinavian roots

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Family Fun

ARTS + ACTIVITIES

Meaningful Family Traditions to Start in 2024 25 Simple ideas that create memories and build strong bonds for families

OUT + ABOUT

AGES + STAGES

December Play List 15 can’t-miss events to make your season bright

A Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Teens 27 These are the critical skills kids need to learn, according to science Picture Books About Forgiveness Relatable characters and themes simplify this important topic

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Amazing Holiday Performances for Families These shows deserve a standing ovation

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SEASONAL FUN

14 Gifts That Give Back 39 Keep the holiday feels going long after the season ends

For memory making made easy, we’ve sifted through a mountain of activities and rounded up a merry mix.

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DE AR R E ADER

Bring them home now For the past many weeks since October 7, I have been in a deep emotional battle. On the one hand, I have felt so grateful for my Western privilege: Knowing where my precious three children and two grandchildren are; knowing they are safe, having food and loved ones around them to hug and kiss them if they are scared or sad. Many mothers and grandmothers today do not have this privilege.

Holocaust survivors still alive today have flashbacks from what they endured during the Holocaust and now struggle to process the carnage that took place when Hamas Islamists entered Israel from Gaza and killed 1,200 people. There are tens of thousands of elderly survivors of the Nazi Holocaust who live in Israel and are once again facing up to the brutal reality of war.

Yet, now in rallies across the world, we hear loud and constant calls for the genocide of the Jewish people. The word “genocide” was introduced into the English language by writer Raphael Lemkin to specifically describe the Holocaust because no word existed to accurately underscore the horrors that the Jewish people suffered.

I am both Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestine. Most, if not all, Jewish people I know are. We want a safe and secure Israel, free from barbaric terrorism, barrages of rockets, suicide bombings and missile attacks. We also want a Palestinian State that gives the Palestinian people their dignity and right to self determination.

On October 7 at 6:30 a.m. the world changed. More than 240 people, aged 10 months to 85 years, from Israel, America, Thailand, Germany, Britain, Holland, France and Portugal were ruthlessly kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. They are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Arabs. What they have in common today is being held captive in Gaza.

As I write this, we have passed day number 40.

Of the 240 hostages being held by Hamas, an estimated 32 are children, including infants as young as 10 months old. I see their faces when I am playing with my grandchildren. My heart pounds not in the joy of the moment, but with the fear that these innocent children may never be held by their parents again nor see the light of day.

Yet, unbelievably, it gets worse for the families of the hostages.

Videos from around the world, showing posters of their kidnapped children being ripped down or defaced, flood their social media feeds. They see rhetoric from university campuses, menacing hate rallies and TikTok doubling down in support of Hamas, stating that not only do Israeli children deserve to be kidnapped, they deserve death. This is where my Western privilege ends and my weighty Jewish multi-generational trauma begins.

Today, there are 15 million Jews worldwide. This is 0.2% of the world population. Before the Holocaust, a short 75 years ago, the world Jewish population was 16.6 million people. We still haven’t, nor can we ever, make up for all of those lives lost. It wasn’t just 6 million Jews that died in the Holocaust, it was their descendants.

Our reality is that enough years will never pass to alleviate the generational trauma we suffer. Israel was to be the small strip of land where the Jewish people could say with pride never again.

But never again, is now.

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After the Holocaust, we said “Never again,” but the Jewish community literally Alayne Sulkin in Washington, D.C. sees the writing on the wall again: marking and vandalizing Jewish homes and businesses; propaganda that vilifies the Jewish people and Israel; violence against — and even murder of — community members because they are Jewish.

In 2005, one of Israel’s politically right-leaning Prime Ministers, Ariel Sharon, disengaged Gaza, moved about 9,000 Jews out of their homes and handed the Palestinians the proverbial “keys.”

Gaza was theirs to make of it what they wanted: perhaps a paradise on the Mediterranean Sea. Israel left Gaza with millions of dollars worth of homes, fields and greenhouses that produced food fully intact. All were burned to the ground by Palestinian extremists.

The Palestinian people have suffered greatly under the rule of Hamas, a terrorist organization, which was elected in 2006. Another election has not been held since. In order for the innocent Palestinians living in Gaza to live the life they deserve, Hamas must be eradicated, just as the Nazis were. There is no real chance of ever living in peace as long as Hamas is in control.

As parents, I hope you’ll join us in urging our political leaders to bring them home now. Holding babies, children, teens, mothers, fathers and aged Holocaust survivors captive will not help create a Palestinian State. It will not broker peace. It will continue to cost many lives on both sides, and it is a tragedy.

— Alayne Sulkin, publisher

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FE ATUR E

What Makes Us Human?

By Sam Goldstein and Robert Brooks

Note from the editor: This article from ParentEd Talks speakers Sam Goldstein and Robert Brooks is a well-timed reminder of our goal as parents — to raise great kids. A tall

order in the best of times, it seems less daunting when we lead with our humanity, whether we’re helping our kids navigate a fight with a friend or unpacking the complexities of a war

What makes us human? A simple answer from a genetic perspective is our 23 pairs of chromosomes containing countless genes.

However, as most of us realize, this definition falls far short of appreciating the complexity of our minds and existence. As members of the human species, we possess a unique set of features that define our reality and sets set us apart from all other living beings on Earth. Being human encompasses a rich tapestry of qualities that shape our thoughts, emotions and actions. In what follows, we explore and define five of the most important qualities of being human: consciousness, empathy, creativity, resilience and the pursuit of meaning and purpose. We will make a case for the significance of these qualities throughout our lives and briefly describe ways in which parents and other caregivers can nurture these five in children, a truly essential task.

overseas. In the end, if we nurture these vitally important qualities, as Sam and Bob posit, we create a far-reaching ripple effect that can truly have an impact.

Consciousness Consciousness lies at the core of our existence as humans. It is the capacity to be aware of ourselves, our surroundings, and our internal experiences. This self-awareness gives us the ability to reflect on our thoughts and emotions, contemplate our actions and engage in critical thinking. Consciousness enables us to explore our inner world, understand our motivations and ponder the mysteries of life.

Human consciousness is not limited to mere self-awareness but also includes awareness of others and the world around us. This heightened consciousness allows us to empathize with others, connect on emotional levels and form meaningful relationships. It is the driving force behind our desire to seek knowledge, explore the universe and make sense of the complexities of existence.

The development of consciousness is rooted in the early attachment children have with the significant adults in their lives. Hugging and holding an infant or toddler and playing such well-known games as peek-a-boo helps children to differentiate themselves as individuals, separate from their parents. As parents speak and interact with their child, language begins to develop, a powerful tool to reinforce consciousness, awareness, and the self as a separate entity. In this regard, listen to how often toddlers use the word “me” in communicating their needs and what they want.

Empathy In our book Tenacity in Children, we position “Compassionate Empathy” as an inborn instinct, defining empathy “as the ability to understand the world of others on both cognitive and affective levels” and compassion as “calling on that understanding to initiate actions that express caring towards others.”

Empathy is a fundamental aspect of being human and fosters compassion, kindness, and a sense of interconnectedness with all living beings. Through empathy, we form strong social bonds, nurture relationships and build communities based on mutual support and understanding. It serves as the foundation for cooperation, altruism and the ability to address societal challenges collectively. Empathy reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but interconnected beings, and our actions can profoundly impact the lives of others.

We advocate that parents find realistic opportunities for children to enrich the lives of others from an early age. It is also essential that parents model empathy and compassion in the ways they communicate and interact with their children and others. In reading a story or watching a television show, parents can ask questions about how different characters feel. As parents attempt to see the world through the eyes of their children, they can validate their children’s thoughts and feelings, and display compassion and love. These actions can serve to transform the rudimentary manifestations of empathy into a powerful attribute throughout their children’s lives.

Creativity Creativity is an innate human quality that allows us to transcend boundaries and express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas in innovative ways. It is a driving force behind art, music, literature, science and technological advancements. Our creative capacity enables us to imagine new possibilities, solve complex problems, and bring forth beauty and meaning in the world.

Through creativity, we find outlets for self-expression, emotional release and personal growth. It is the spark that ignites our curiosity, encouraging us to explore the unknown, push boundaries, and evolve as individuals and as a society. Creativity is a celebration of our uniqueness and our ability to envision a better future.

We can’t help but wonder given the seeming chaos in the world today whether we have forgotten the instincts, attributes and experiences that uniquely make us human.

There are countless and often seemingly simple opportunities for parents to strengthen creativity in their children. Providing toddlers with crayons to produce their first drawings, singing songs together, reading books to the toddler, playing house with a doll, and using blocks to build simple towers allow parents to ask questions to expand a child’s interests and perspective and reinforce problem-solving skills. As toddlers move into early and then later childhood, many activities both in and outside of school can be introduced to reinforce creativity. Art projects, having children consider different ways to solve problems, or doing simple scientific experiments can all serve to enhance a creative mind.

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Resilience Resilience has been defined by psychologists such as Ann Masten as the capacity to adapt successfully to adversity, challenges and setbacks. As humans, we encounter numerous obstacles and hardships throughout our lives, but our innate qualities of resilience enable us to endure and persevere. It is the strength that emerges from facing adversity, learning from our experiences, and growing stronger in the process.

Resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but embracing them as opportunities for growth and transformation. It empowers us to navigate life’s uncertainties with courage, optimism, and determination.

Resilience is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and our capacity to find hope and purpose even in the face of adversity.

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Parents can help their children become increasingly resilient within a loving relationship by engaging them in a discussion of what has been learned from mistakes and setbacks, avoiding criticism of a child’s mistakes, promoting a problem-solving attitude, and communicating a message of optimism even in the face of adversity. In addition, and very importantly, parents can model resilient behaviors for dealing with adversity. If children frequently view parents as anxious and unable to deal effectively with problems, it will be more difficult for children to develop what we call a “resilient mindset” and resilient behaviors. In contrast, when parents display resilient actions, it provides a sense of safety, security, and hope to children.

Pursuit of Meaning and Purpose The pursuit of meaning and purpose is a quintessential aspect of being human. We seek to find significance in our lives, understand our place in the world, and discover our unique purpose. This innate drive motivates us to seek fulfillment, contribute to society and make a positive impact on the world.

The search for meaning goes beyond mere survival and material pursuits; it encompasses the yearning for spiritual fulfillment, personal growth and a sense of fulfillment in our endeavors. It is through the pursuit of meaning and purpose that we find deeper connections with ourselves, others and the universe.

Research indicates that one avenue through which children as well as adults, including seniors, find purpose is by enriching the lives of others. In our books

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Raising Resilient Children and Tenacity in Children, we posit that there is an inborn drive for children to help others. In our writings, we have described the power of what we call “contributory” or “charitable” activities to provide a sense of purpose.This is closely tied to our discussion earlier of “compassionate empathy.”

Arrive Curious.

Leave Inspired.

In addition, we have often emphasized that when faced with adversity, it’s important to focus on “personal control.” While we may not have control over the occurrence of certain events (e.g., the emergence of COVID), what we have more control over than we may realize is our attitude and response to the event.

That is why during the beginning, disruptive years of COVID, it helped to lessen a feeling of powerlessness and strengthen a sense of purpose and resilience in children and ourselves when we helped others.

Conclusion We can’t help but wonder given the seeming chaos in the world today whether we have forgotten the instincts, attributes and experiences that uniquely make us human. Being human is a multi-faceted journey that encompasses consciousness, empathy, creativity, resilience and the pursuit of meaning and purpose.

These fundamental aspects, which parents can reinforce daily, define our humanity, shaping our relationships, actions and impact on the world.

Our consciousness allows us to explore the depths of our being and comprehend the complexities of existence. Empathy enables us to forge meaningful connections with others, fostering compassion and understanding. Creativity empowers us to express our unique perspectives and shape the world around us.

Resilience fortifies our spirit and enables us to thrive in the face of challenges. Finally, the pursuit of meaning and purpose guides us on a path of self-discovery, personal growth, and contributing to the greater good.

As we embrace and nurture these essential attributes of being human in our children, we open them to the beauty of life’s journey, forming deeper connections with others and finding their place in the grand tapestry of humanity. These qualities not only define our humanity but also hold the potential to inspire positive change, create a better world and elevate the collective human experience.

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Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., and Robert B. Brooks, Ph.D., wrote the book on how parents can cultivate the essential instincts that power compassion and resilience in their children. In October, they spoke on the topic as part of our ParentEd Talks series.

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Neighborhood Spotlight Ballard This neighborhood with Scandinavian roots is a great destination for a day out with the family

By Madison Miller

The Vibe Ballard was first established in the 1850s, and it grew quickly after it was announced that Seattle would be the western terminus for the Great Northern Railway. Known as the “shingle capital of the world,” Ballard was home to thriving timber and fishing industries, which drew throngs of new residents, including many Scandinavian immigrants.

Although Ballard has evolved over the years, it maintains its strong Scandinavian ties. It’s home to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (the Ballard Locks to locals), which sees as many as 500,000 vessels pass through the locks each year. Ballard also offers the most authentic Scandinavian cuisine around. (Lutefisk, anyone?)

Play on The Ballard Locks should be the first spot on your list to visit with the kids, who will love monitoring the boats as they rise and fall, watching salmon in the fish ladder viewing area and strolling through the

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botanical garden. For the colder months, there are great indoor spots that shouldn’t be missed. For those kids who can’t seem to stop climbing the walls, take them to Edgeworks Climbing gym (day passes start at $22.) For competitive kids, Mox Boarding House is a must. (Games are free to check out at its gaming library.) And no matter what your family’s heritage, you and your kids will enjoy a visit to the National Nordic Museum, which participates in free first Thursdays and hosts several kids’ and family programs each month, too. In December, the museum hosts “The Snow Queen” reading with Seattle Children’s Theatre. When you go, be on the lookout for one of the Pacific Northwest trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. It stands watch at the museum entrance.

Photo courtesy of Swansons Nursery

And during the holiday season, Swansons Nursery always impresses with its beautiful Christmas displays and model train.

Also of note is a Ballard home that decks the halls (or lawn in this case) with a larger-than-life “Nutcracker” display.

at Cupcake Royale. Offering more than 20 different cupcake flavors, everyone will discover a new favorite to enjoy. With its country western décor, Giddy Up Burgers and Greens is a great place to take kids for a casual dining experience. For dinner, Stoneburner is a great spot, offering seasonal menus and using farm-fresh ingredients to create its house-made pasta, pizza and other delectables. For those wanting to tap into Ballard’s roots, try Scandinavian Specialties. (Yes, it sells lutefisk, but we recommend trying the verdens beste kake from the cafe.)

Eats + Treats Take a break and satisfy your sweet tooth

Madison Miller is ParentMap’s trends and engagement editor.

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8 can’t-miss talks for parents ParentMap’s ParentEd Talks series continues with a tremendous lineup of expert speakers who will help boost your parenting IQ. Topics include tips for raising technology-savvy kids in a screen-obsessed world; deepening connection with our partners and children; fostering the key traits and habits that are predictors of children’s success and good health — and much more.

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Upcoming ParentEd Talks ParentEd Talks with host, Laura Kastner, Ph.D. ParentMap is honored to present Laura Kastner, Ph.D., as the host of its 2023–2024 ParentEd Talks series. Kastner is the author of a number of parenting books, including the acclaimed “Getting to Calm” series, and a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington.

DECEMBER 2023 Unplug and Rewire: Raising Screen-Savvy Kids in the Tech Era | Dec. 6, 2023 Joe Clement and Matt Miles are veteran teachers who have witnessed firsthand how damaging technology overuse and misuse has been to our kids. In this energizing talk, they will outline the challenges of raising screen-savvy kids and provide practical strategies for promoting well-balanced technology habits.

JANUARY 2024 Brave Listening: The Secret to Safeguarding Your Child’s Mental Health | Jan. 10 2024 In this essential talk, suicide risk assessment expert Stacey Freedenthal, Ph.D., LISW, will guide parents through the sensitive and challenging topic of supporting their child’s mental health. Among the powerful strategies Freedenthal will outline is brave listening, which not only helps our children feel seen, heard and supported, but can literally be the difference between life and death.

Nurturing the Healing Power of Play for Ourselves and for Our Children | Jan. 23, 2024 Amelia Bachleda, Ph.D., child development specialist from the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, will join Mike Browne, senior director of Community Engagement for Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington, for an engaging conversation about the brain science of play and the critical role of play in our lives.

FEBRUARY 2024 Conscious: Curious, Connected Discipline Strategies for Happier, Healthier Kids | Feb. 6, 2024 Parenting expert and Sproutable cofounder Julietta Skoog, Ed.S., will share her conscious discipline playbook in this talk that compassionately translates research, child development expertise and Positive Discipline principles into everyday parenting solutions that have helped countless families discover greater joy, connection and calm.

MARCH 2024 With Conviction: What Formerly Incarcerated Leaders Can Teach Parents About Raising Changemakers | March 27, 2024 In this thought-provoking talk, Freedom Project executive director David Heppard and T.E.A.C.H. (Taking Education and Creating History) founder Kimonti Carter will decode the systems that shape the ways we see ourselves and others, reflecting on the wisdom they gained from their experience of incarceration and subsequent leadership working toward criminal justice and prison reform.

APRIL 2024 Stronger Together: A New Model for Modern Marriage | April 16, 2024 Nate and Kaley Klemp, two of the most respected voices in the field of modern relationships, will impart key insights of their 80/80 marriage model, which is based on the concept of “radical generosity.” Learn game-changing strategies for redesigning the structure of your partnership based on practices and principles that will result in shared success and lasting satisfaction.

MAY 2024 What’s Love Got to Do With It? The Power of Nurturing Yourself First | May 1, 2024 To best nurture others, we must expand our capacity to nurture ourselves. In this can’t-miss talk, veteran mindful self-compassion facilitators Blair Carleton and Yaffa Maritz, LMHC, will teach caregivers how to cultivate a habit of restorative self-compassion, equipping them with powerful techniques for developing greater self-awareness, self-reflection, self-care and emotional resilience.

JUNE 2024 Calm and Connected: Coaching Coping Skills in Your Children | June 5, 2024 Mental health counselor and author Janine Halloran, LMHC, will draw on her decades of experience working with children and families to impart practical and effective strategies to help kids and teens develop the coping, self-regulation and social skills they need to manage stress, reduce anxiety and manage other common mental health challenges.

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Out + About

Seattle Men’s Chorus’ annual holiday concert “A TREEmendous Holiday”

Holiday Shows That Sparkle and Shine More than 40 fantastic performances that stand out

By Gemma Alexander

There’s nothing like taking in a live show to get into the holiday spirit, and our area has a cornucopia of choices. The options can be a little overwhelming, but ParentMap has rounded up all the holiday performances we could find — from Nutcrackers to Elvis illusionists — so you can experience the perfect holiday show.

The Nutcrackers “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” Pacific Northwest Ballet presents one of the area’s most extravagant and beloved holiday art traditions: George Balanchine’s definitive 1952 choreography for “The Nutcracker,” together with quirky set designs by the late children’s book author Ian Falconer. Every family should go at least once, but many families make it an

annual tradition. Guests who want to make an already special occasion even more so may spring for a themed gift box, VIP seats or access to the Nutcracker Suite’s intermission dessert. But even if you stick to the basics, you can still look forward to roaming entertainers, crafts and photo ops in the lobby. Arrive early to explore it all, and be on the lookout for an exciting Easter egg on the set — a nod to Falconer’s most recognizable character, Olivia. Nov. 24–Dec. 27. Digital-only tickets are also available (streaming Dec. 18–27). $29–$195. McCaw Hall, Seattle.

“The Nutcracker” – Vashon Center for Dance Vashon Island has its own decades-long Nutcracker tradition. Vashon Center for Dance kicks off the holiday season

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early with its all-ages “The Nutcracker” at the Vashon Center for the Arts. Weekend performances are matinees — perfect for island families with young children. Nov. 30–Dec. 3. $18. Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon Island.

“Seattle City Nutcracker” With only two performances, and those taking place before many people are even thinking about holiday shows, it would be easy to miss the one-of-a-kind “Seattle

“Nutcracker Sweets” ARC Dance is a ballet school and performance company whose students and professional dancers unite each year to create Nutcracker magic in a 90-minute, kid-friendly “Nutcracker Sweets” showcase. Performances begin Dec. 2 at Cornish Playhouse and will be held on successive weekends in Ballard and Shorewood. $18–$48. Cornish Playhouse, Seattle: Dec. 2.

ARC Performance Space, Seattle: Dec. 8-10.

Shorewood Performing Arts Center, Shoreline: Dec. 16.

“Wade Walthall’s The Nutcracker” Evergreen City Ballet celebrates its 30th anniversary with “Wade Walthall’s The Nutcracker,” in two productions of different lengths and at two venues: Auburn Performing Arts Center and Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center. Students and guest dancers perform together in this South Sound classic, with one performance at each venue presented as an abbreviated, one-hour show perfect for the littlest ballet fans. Auburn Performing Arts Center: $39; Dec. 8–10. Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center: $44; Dec. 15–17.

“The Nutcracker” by International Ballet Theatre International Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” has been an Eastside tradition for decades. International Ballet Theatre performs the beloved ballet with choreography created by Vera Altunina in the style of the traditional Russian version, featuring Arabian dancers and a fierce battle scene.

Dec. 8–23. $62 ($31, kids younger than 12).

Meydenbauer Theatre, Bellevue.

Tacoma City Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Families can enjoy a holiday classic and still get the youngest ballet fans to bed on time with Tacoma City Ballet’s all-matinee run of the original Russian version of “The Nutcracker.” Like Emerald Ballet Theatre’s production, this “Nutcracker” is presented with live orchestral accompaniment. Dec. 9–23. $27–$127. Pantages Theater, Tacoma.

International Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”

City Nutcracker” from DASSdance. Since 2019, “Seattle City Nutcracker” has given this classic ballet a contemporary and local twist. Clara and Maria travel from their uncles’ Fix-It shop in the Central District to the Land of Sweets, where ballet meets jazz, modern, tap, acrobatics and even aerial performance. The Mini-Nutcracker matinee on Dec. 2 includes a continental breakfast, door prizes, balloon twisting, and pictures with Santa and the Nutcracker characters. Dec. 2–3. $32. Broadway Performance Hall, Seattle.

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“The Nutcracker” by Emerald Ballet Theatre Emerald Ballet Theatre presents four matinee performances of “The Nutcracker” with a combination of youth and professional performers, and gorgeous costumes and sets. This is one of a handful of “Nutcrackers” accompanied by live music, in this case performed by the Emerald Ballet Theatre Orchestra, conducted by David Waltman.

The orchestra will be joined by Columbia Choirs of Metropolitan Seattle for the first weekend. Dec. 2–10. $21–$49. Northshore Performing Arts Center, Bothell.

“The Nutcracker” by Olympic Ballet Theatre Olympic Ballet Theatre has its own version of the holiday favorite ballet, but the choreography by OBT artistic directors Oleg Gorboulev and Mara Vinson still includes your favorite scenes from the original – snowflakes, mouse battle, flowers and all.

There’s a full length, 2-hour version and a slightly abbreviated morning matinee, each performed in two venues. Everett Performing Arts Center: Dec. 8–10; $27–$55.

Edmonds Center for the Arts: Dec. 14–20; $10–$55.

Christmas Carols and Nights Before Christmas ACT’s “A Christmas Carol” For nearly 50 years, ACT’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” has been as much a Seattle tradition as Dickens’ original story, and for families, the 90-minute show is a rite of passage. Famously too scary for small children, there is an enforced minimum age of 5 to attend. Nov. 24–Dec. 24. $49–$94. ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle.

“A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol” With dozens of audience suggestions redirecting the performers during the performance, Unexpected Productions Improv’s “A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol” might turn into something completely different from Dickens’ story. The one thing you can count on: Unexpected Productions will keep things family friendly.

Nov. 24–Dec. 23. $20. Unexpected Productions, Seattle.

“’Twas the Night …”

Studio East’s annual reimagining of the classic poem rejects the idea that not even a mouse was stirring on that special night before Christmas. With a man in red on the roof, there was bound to be some chaos.

Expect runaway mice, hungry cats, the reindeer and of course, Santa, all performed by actors ages 6–19. Dec. 2–17. $23.

Kirkland Teen Union Building, Kirkland.

Allen Fitzpatrick in “A Christmas Carol” Allen Fitzpatrick, who worked with Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and has appeared in 28 productions at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, follows in the footsteps of Dickens himself, who performed public readings of the story for many years. Now in its third year, this solo adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” is becoming a Vashon Island holiday tradition. Dec. 16. $18–$25.

Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon.

Holiday Theater “A Very Electric Christmas” If you’re tired of the classics, consider this fresh story of a bird named Max who gets blown off course on his flight south for winter. Landing at the North Pole, he encounters dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias in a cutting-edge light show with glow-in-thedark dancers on a darkened stage. Classic music by Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky anchor the show in tradition, as do its themes of family, friendship and hope. Nov. 16–Dec. 31. $40–$73. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” Based on the classic holiday movie, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” follows four performers during their Christmas gig at a Vermont resort. The title song and other standards from the movie, paired with onstage snowfall, make this a favorite holiday musical for the whole family. Other

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“A Christmas Story, The Musical” The 1983 “Christmas Story” movie, set in 1940s Indiana, walks a fine line between heartfelt nostalgia and sidesplitting comedy.

But no matter how funny stockinged leg lamps, bunny jammies and flagpole licking might be, musical theater, presented here

by ManeStage Theatre Company, has a way of tipping things toward the heartfelt, making this a Christmas dream that probably won’t shoot your eye out. Ages 4 and older.

Dec. 1–17. $30. Liberty Theater, Puyallup.

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family friendly treats include the Dickens Carolers and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus at select showings. Children younger than 4 are not admitted. Nov. 25– Dec. 27. $39–$149. The Fifth Avenue Theatre, Seattle.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” “Miss Bennet” is a sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and the first in a trilogy about the other Bennet sisters by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Set two years after the book ends, the play gives the dowdy middle sister, Mary, an opportunity to step out of the shadows and maybe even find love. Dec. 1–23. $30.

SecondStory Repertory, Redmond.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Your kids can help Charlie Brown overcome the commercialization of Christmas with Taproot Theatre’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Based on the television

“A Very Electric Christmas” at Seattle Children’s Theatre

Christmas special classic about a pageant, a spindly tree and a heartfelt speech, the play’s runtime is only 40 minutes, short enough to hold even the squirmiest child’s attention.

Dec. 1–23. $7–$32. Taproot Theatre, Seattle.

“The Velveteen Rabbit” If you want those warm holiday feelings without quite so much Christmas, Olympia Family Theater presented “The Velveteen Rabbit.” The simple story about a little boy’s favorite Christmas gift contains powerful lessons about the way that love makes us both beautiful and real. Dec. 8–31. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Pay what you can, $5–$35. Olympia Family Theater, Olympia.

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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” An all-new musical adaptation of the classic holiday television special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” contains hits like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and, of course, the titular song, along with all your favorite weirdo, outcast characters, ready to teach another generation that what makes you different is what makes you special. Dec. 8–31. $31. Tacoma Little Theatre, Tacoma.

“Black Nativity” After a decade off the stage, “Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” is being revisited by Intiman Theatre, with an all-new creative team led by Valerie Curtis-Newton.

The reimagined production celebrates the Christmas story with actors, dancers, soaring vocals, a rousing gospel choir and the chance to sing along. Dec. 12–30. $5–$105. Broadway Performance Hall, Seattle.

“Christmas With C.S. Lewis” For some young readers, discovering the Christian themes in “The Chronicles of Narnia” was a disappointment. For others, it made the much-loved children’s fantasy series even more precious. If your family is in the second group, this play about an Oxford Christmas hosted by author C.S. Lewis, who shares the story of his own conversion, will be a must-see. Dec. 21. $64.

Theater on the Square, Tacoma.

Comic Romps and Pantos “A Very Die Hard Christmas” Even if you are in the camp that argues “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie, you can’t deny that Seattle Public Theater’s “A Very Die Hard Christmas” is holiday hilarity. It might not be for everyone, but if you like your Christmas entertainment with lots of action, ’80s jokes, soft rock jams and snarky German terrorists, we’ll see you there. Nov. 22–Dec. 23. Sliding scale $10–$100.

Seattle Public Theater, Seattle.

“Sleeping Beauty, A Holiday Panto” Although it doesn’t always have a holiday theme, panto is a holiday tradition. This version of the “Sleeping Beauty” fairy tale is filled with pop music, raucous routines, hysterical humor and dynamic dances. Audience participation is encouraged in Centerstage’s annual British panto show. Nov. 25–Dec. 17. $42–$45. Knutzen Family Theater, Federal Way. “Fa la la la la, ha ha ha ha: A Holiday Musical Extravaganza!”

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with a sing-along and concluding with a movie musical based on audience suggestions, this family-friendly improvised show promises joyous yuletide fun. Dec. 2–23. $15–$20. Unexpected Productions, Seattle.

“Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs” The Fremont Players and Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra are back with an all-new, original show in the British panto tradition. If you’re new to panto, you might be surprised that it’s a tradition of fractured fairy tales and cracked classics loaded with childish jokes aimed at the kids and double entendres lobbed over their heads. Expect audience participation and slapstick in this mashup of wolf-centered fairy tales. Dec. 9–Jan. 7. $12–$22. Sunset Hill Community Club, Seattle.

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Holiday Music The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition Join thousands of others in kicking off the holiday season on Dec. 1 with the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition. In this fundraiser for the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank, dozens of caroling teams will compete to outsing each other under the Market clock and sign. Kids will relish being out after dark while families do their holiday shopping and enjoy seasonal drinks and treats at the Market, all accompanied by carols. Dec. 1. Free, but consider donating to a good cause. Pike Place Market, Seattle.

Photo courtesy of The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

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“A TREEmendous Holiday” Seattle Men’s Chorus brings its annual holiday concert to Seattle (Dec. 9–23), Tacoma (Dec. 1) and Everett (Dec. 3) with holiday fun and cheer, and an opportunity for audience members to join in the Pacific Northwest’s gayest sing-along. Pantages Theater, Tacoma: Dec. 1; $43 and up. Everett Civic Auditorium, Everett: Dec. 3; $34 and up. Benaroya Hall, Seattle: Dec. 9–23; $44–$104.

“The Snowman” At Seattle Symphony’s Family Concert, designed for kids ages 6–12, kids can watch the classic film about a snowman who takes a little boy to the North Pole, with live musical accompaniment. The program also includes pieces like Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by teenage piano prodigy Jonathan Zheng. Dec. 2. $20–$25. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

Symphony Tacoma: “Winter Wonderland” The first of Symphony Tacoma’s holiday performances is a matinee of its annual chorale concert of holiday pops at Pantages Theater. It will feature both the Symphony Tacoma Voices and Tacoma Youth Chorus.

Dec. 3. $28–$91 and $35–$53. Pantages Theater, Tacoma.

Six13 Hanukkah Concert Six-man a cappella group Six13 juxtaposes traditional and contemporary Jewish

music, including favorites such as “Elton Johnukah,” “West Side Chanukah” and “Feliz Chanukah.” Sing along in English, Hebrew, Yiddish, Spanish and Ladino. There will be crafts and a Six13-led beatbox workshop before the show. Dec. 3. $30. Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island.

The Klezmatics – Hanukkah Dance Party Globally renowned klezmer superstars The Klezmatics will perform their unique blend of Eastern European Jewish tradition, contemporary themes and diverse musical influences on the first night of Hanukkah at Town Hall Seattle. Dec. 7. $20–$25. Town Hall Seattle.

“Hometown Holiday” The music may not be entirely holiday themed, but 100.7 The Wolf’s “Hometown Holiday” is arguably Seattle’s country music event of the year, and it is certainly festive.

This year, the lineup includes Brothers Osborne, Elle King, Nate Smith, Riley Green,

Ian Munsick, Bryan Martin and others. Dec. 7. $30–$150. Accesso ShoWare Center, Kent.

The Strings: “Holiday String-Along” Perfect for families with small children, this 35-minute interactive program of musical games, stories and songs is performed by musicians of the symphony’s string section and includes your favorite holiday music.

Pre-concert activities begin 30 minutes before each show. Don’t wait — these tickets sell out fast! Dec. 8–9. $12. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

“A Festival of Lessons and Carols” This 75-member choir, bringing together members of Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle, continues its 45-year tradition based on the Christmas Eve observance at King’s College in Cambridge, England. The 90-minute classical performance consists of nine Christmas readings, each followed by traditional carols performed by the choir and audience.

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Dec. 8–20. $25–$83. Multiple venues in Lynnwood, Kirkland and Seattle.

“A Pacific Northwest Christmas” For a truly Northwest Christmas concert, the Vashon Island Chorale will perform 10 works by local composers, including Reginald Unterseher’s ebullient “Christmas Joy,” Jessica French’s nostalgic “The Oxen,” Giselle Wyers’ “After the Winter” and a world premiere

by Calvin Rice. Dec. 9–10. $25 (younger than 18 free).

Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon Island.

Sing-Along with Santa If your kids would rather sing with Santa than take pictures with him, this is the Saturday-morning holiday event for you. Dec. 9. $10. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma.

“Christmas Around the World” The spiritually focused Ensign Symphony & Chorus explores Christmas music from countries around the world in this musical journey. Dec. 11. $25–$45.

Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

Symphony Tacoma: “Hallelujah!”

Symphony Tacoma’s second holiday concert is a performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” with its uplifting oratorio performed by Symphony Tacoma Voices. Dec. 15. $35–$53. St. Charles Borromeo Church, Tacoma.

Handel’s “Messiah” by Seattle Symphony Many Northwest families never miss Seattle Symphony’s annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” But every family should hear it performed live with a full chorus and talented soloists at least once. Dec. 15–17. $25–$85. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

The Coats In what has become a holiday tradition at Benaroya Hall, The Coats perform another uplifting holiday concert of catchy, danceable songs while demonstrating their impressive vocal ranges and harmonies. Dec. 16–17. $50. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

“Caroling! Caroling! An A Cappella Christmas!”

This joint performance of A Cappella Northwest, Northwest Sound Men’s Chorus and Northwest Mix Chorus is inspired by the tradition of door-to-door carolers and presents a program ranging from the sacred to the standards. Dec. 17. $25–$35. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland.

■

Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts.

She blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets at @gemmadeettweet.

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By Madison Miller January 1 is filled with promise and potential for a good year to come, making it an excellent time to reflect on what changes you would like to make to your and your family’s lives. We know that parenthood is stressful and sometimes chaotic, but establishing new routines or traditions can lead to a stronger, healthier family.

Add a little sparkle to your inbox.

Here are some family traditions to consider introducing to your New Year’s resolutions list this year.

Get our weekly picks for holiday outings and family adventures.

1/ Share at least one meal together each week. Studies have shown that families sitting down to eat meals together leads to stronger bonds. Don’t have time to cook? Enlist the kids to be your sous chefs for even more time together.

Join the fun

ParentMap.com/enews

2/ Commit to participating in at least one family activity each week. This could be a board-game night, a movie night or any activity that brings your whole family together. Remember, it doesn’t have to be an all-night Monopoly marathon, just something everyone would enjoy doing together for a couple of hours.

3/ Turn off those screens at least one hour before bed.

Studies have shown that being on a smartphone or tablet right before bed disrupts sleep patterns. Make a point of powering down (and maybe picking up a good book?) before everyone turns in for the night. FYI This is good practice for parents, too.

4/ Plan regular date nights. Prioritize time as a couple throughout the year. Scheduling monthly date nights can improve your relationship and set an excellent example for your kids. A tip: Sit down to pick dates and activities in advance so you’re committed to the year ahead.

5/ Go on one family vacation in the coming year. This one is all about spending time together, focusing on fun, without the distractions of everyday life. Keep in mind that vacations don’t have to be expensive getaways. Even packing up the car to visit friends or relatives in another town counts.

■

Madison Miller is ParentMap’s trends and engagement editor.

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The Ultimate Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Teenagers It’s never too late to teach them the emotional regulation skills they need

By Sanya Pelini, Ph.D.

Tweens and teens with poor emotion regulation skills do not throw tantrums or have meltdowns like 5-year-olds would. Instead, they lash out in more destructive ways. When they strike, they are often out for blood: They say the things that will hurt the most, engage in risky behavior, and sometimes are verbally or even physically aggressive.

We now know that aggressive displays and postures are often driven by anger in younger and older children alike.

We also know that certain short-term management strategies, such as visualization exercises, are great at helping young kids learn to regulate their emotions. One such exercise is asking young kids to imagine that they have a balloon in their belly that they can slowly inflate and deflate, which slows their breathing and in the process, calms them.

But what of teens for whom some of these approaches may be ineffective? Is it too late for them, or can they still be taught to reinforce their emotion regulation skills? Science says that they can.

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Emotions in tweens and teens For many teenagers, this period in their life often feels like an emotional roller coaster, and there are many reasons for this:

• Everyone knows about the fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone levels during the adolescent years and how these changes affect teenagers’ moods.

Hormonal changes mean that mood swings are common among kids this age, as are extreme reactions to what others may view as “normal situations.”

• Teenagers want to be liked by their peers or they want to belong to a certain group, meaning that they are more likely to experience stress in their attempt to fit in. Researchers say that when people experience high levels of stress or feel upset, they are more likely to act impulsively in an attempt to make themselves feel better. They are also more likely to prioritize short-term soothing (e.g., eating fattening snacks or engaging in sexual activity) over other self-regulating strategies.

• Social media has changed what it means to be a teen today compared to the experience of being a teen for past generations. Teenagers have easier access to negative content, and there is also more social comparison, which can have a negative impact on their well-being. Social media is also affecting their exercise and sleep routines, making it harder for them to deal with emotion-provoking situations.

• The family environment plays an important role in

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determining whether teenagers succeed in developing emotion regulation skills. If teenagers feel overly criticized, victimized or unsupported, they may find it difficult to regulate their emotions.

Several researchers have found that teaching emotion regulation skills to adolescents can help them feel better and act better. It can improve their mental health, decrease anxiety and depression, lead to more fulfilling family and social relationships, increase self-esteem, improve academic performance and reduce risky behavior.

Steps to help teens manage their emotions 1/ Teach emotion regulation skills. Teaching your teenager to recognize their emotions and those of others, helping them to learn to identify their triggers, and guiding them to identify appropriate coping

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mechanisms for emotion-provoking situations are the most effective ways to strengthen their emotion regulation skills.

INSPIRED LEARNING

The emotion regulation process model developed by researchers explains that most people respond to difficult emotions by:

• Identifying emotion-evoking situations and avoiding them when possible (situation selection).

• Consciously deciding how to deal with a situation in order to reduce its emotional impact (situation modification).

• Refocusing attention within an emotionally charged situation (attentional deployment)

• Viewing a given situation in a different way to reduce its emotional impact (cognitive change).

• Changing emotional responses after activation to alter the experimental, behavioral or physiological elements of an emotional response (response modulation).

Understanding the emotion regulation process model is particularly helpful for teenagers, who often act in ways that cause them distress when trying to fit in. Knowing about this model can help them develop important strategies to deal with emotion-provoking situations, such as: Avoiding situations or friends who are mean, critical or hurtful, or reducing the amount of time spent with them.

• Avoiding certain topics.

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• Choosing to focus their attention on positive things or to ignore negative triggers.

• Coming up with strategies to make emotionprovoking situations more manageable; for example, by going to difficult events with a friend.

• Deciding to focus on enjoying oneself rather than on negative triggers, as in situations like attending a party.

• Changing how they view emotion-provoking situations; that is, looking at things from a different perspective rather than seeing everything as an attack.

• Altering how they react to their own emotions; for example, by thinking things over, journaling, talking

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to a friend or a parent, waiting before they respond, working out, drawing, among other choices.

2/ Introduce your teenager to mindfulness. In a study seeking to determine the link between adolescents’ mindfulness and their emotional well-being, researchers assessed mindfulness, emotion regulation and psychological distress among 1,067 adolescents.

They found that the teenagerss who engaged in mindfulness suffered from fewer episodes of depression, anxiety and stress.

Many mindfulness exercises exist, and it is important to help your child explore different ways of focusing on one thing at a time (guided meditations, body scans, deep breathing) in order to choose which approach works best for them.

That said, mindfulness is a skill that takes time to develop. The good news is that there are great mindfulness apps out there, such as Headspace, Three Good Things and Happy Not Perfect to help introduce your teenager to this practice.

3/ Make emotion regulation a family affair. When it comes to dealing with adolescents, it is important not to “preach water and drink wine.” If your teen sees you reacting violently, they will come to believe that their violent behavior is justified.

Incorporating mindfulness and gratitude activities into your daily life is an easy way to promote mindfulness. For example, every night before you begin eating dinner, ask every family member to share one thing for which they were grateful that day.

4/ Encourage your teen to participate in extracurricular activities.

Extracurricular activities are an effective way to help your teenager focus on activities that make them feel good. Creative activities such as painting or drawing can help them learn to express their emotions in different ways.

5/ Encourage your child to engage in regular physical activity. Regular physical activity can help adolescents deal with their emotions more effectively. Exercise boosts the body’s endorphins (“feel-good hormones”) and therefore helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

It also improves sleep quality and helps boost self-esteem.

While all emotions are valid, not all reactions to one’s emotions are acceptable. When teaching emotion regulation skills to teens, it is important to set clear definitions of acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and to apply appropriate consequences any time unacceptable behavior is displayed.

■

Sanya Pelini is a parent and researcher in education. She holds a Ph.D. in educational research.

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Middle School Experience Panel A virtual discussion on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7pm 3 2 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

Find out why high schools all over Seattle love JDS graduates.

Hear from alumni, faculty, and JDS parents and students about how our program can challenge, nurture, and help your teen discover their best self. Invite a friend, too! Questions & RSVP: admissions@jds.org

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Teach Kids About Forgiveness with Picture Books

it to find out if Sister Bear can convince Brother Bear to forgive Cousin Freddy in spite of his anger.

Simple themes and relatable characters help kids understand this important concept There comes a time when every parent has to teach their kid to apologize. At some point, their child hits, or bites or says the wrong thing, and we get down on their level and calmly explain that hitting hurts, teeth are for chewing food, and when we hurt someone’s feelings, it’s important to say “I’m sorry.”

During the tough toddler years, I found myself prompting my firstborn to apologize over and over again, like a broken record: “Uh-oh! Blank is for blanking.

Please say you’re sorry.” And he would promptly and proudly repeat the requisite “I’m sorry” without much thought. It wasn’t until a friend of his followed up an apology with “Do you forgive me?” that I started to question what’s behind the ritual.

Apologizing is only half the equation. Forgiveness com-

pletes it. One acknowledges your mistake. The other acknowledges its effect and your commitment to do better. When you really think about it, it’s a tough concept, especially for young kids. Help them dive into forgiveness with these great reads: “Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day” by Carmen Agra Deedy Trouble between friends calls for this book about two best friends who live on two different hills. They play well together every day until one day they don’t. It’ll take a new idea (that isn’t so new) to bring them back together again.

“The Berenstain Bears and the Forgiving Tree” by Jan and Mike Berenstain A brand-new bike and an accident are the focus of this book about forgiveness. Read

“The Sour Grape” by Jory John This title says it all. A sour grape walks around holding grudges.

But are those hard feelings worth it? See how forgiveness and compassion play into this tale that will appeal to every young reader.

“That’s My Carrot!” by Il Sung Na A giant carrot. A bunny rivalry.

Who will win in the end? The bunnies can if they learn to forgive each other and work together to find the missing carrot.

“Otter and Owl Say I’m Sorry” by Crystal Bowman A big idea that ends in disaster leaves Owl worried that he’s ruined his friendship with Otter.

But a very simple lesson helps him mend the break.

“The Forgiveness Garden” by Lauren Thompson Inspired by the real Garden of Forgiveness in Beirut, Lebanon, this book tells the story of two friends who learn the power of forgiveness through its simple yet touching narrative.

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— Allison Sutcliffe

See p. 13

Parent smarter, not harder!

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FAM I LY F UN

December Play List 15 ways to make the season bright

By Julie Dodobara

Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar.

Snowflake Lane. Photo courtesy of bellevuedowntown.com

December is sure to be a flurry of activity, so plan to fill it with as much activity as your heart desires — whatever suits your crew. For memory making made easy, we’ve sifted through a mountain of activities and rounded up a merry mix for your consideration: heartwarming holiday shows, leg-stretching outdoor activities, free fun, new outings and treasured annual favorites, to name a few. Grab your calendar and let’s get started.

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� Bundle up and head to a Puget Sound or Lake Washington beach to watch a parade of Christmas ships cruise by, spreading sparkle as they go. Listen to live choral music broadcast from the brightly lit boats. Ships depart from various ports and make all kinds of stops on select dates through Dec. 23. Free to listen and watch from shore. � Snowflake Lane is Bellevue’s incredibly popular spectacle of the spectacular. Grab a spot on the sidewalk near Bellevue Square to see the “snow” fall, and watch drummers and dancers perform along the parade route. This over-the-top nightly event is a must-see, at

least once. Daily through Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. Free.

� Good grief! Does the neverending commercialism surrounding the holidays get you down? Rediscover the true meaning of Christmas at Taproot Theatre’s adaptation of the Peanuts cartoon classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

With a 40-minute runtime and plenty of matinee options, this show is an all-ages treat.

Multiple showtimes on select dates, Nov. 30–Dec. 23. Tickets $7–$32. � Families in the North Sound area can get gliding and sliding this winter at Everett’s seasonal ice rink, Pacific Ice. Located

in front of Hotel Indigo’s Jetty Bar & Grille at the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place, the rink is open daily through Jan. 8, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Book your timed-entry tickets online in advance; $12–$15, entry fee includes skate rental.

Highlighted Events for December

Through Dec. 24 | Daily

Dec. 1–3 | Friday–Sunday

Dec. 6 | Wednesday

Snowflake Lane

Winter Wonderland

Downtown Bellevue

Children’s Museum of Skagit County, Burlington

“Unplug and Rewire: Raising Screen-Savvy Kids in the Tech Era” Online ParentEd Talks event

model train and surrounding holiday village display, part of Winterfest. View the train and village daily through Dec. 31 (except Dec. 25), 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For a donation of $2, take a turn driving the model train during select times. Viewing is free.

� Revel in the holiday spirit as caroling teams try to outsing one another at the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition.

The annual event, now in its 38th year, raises money for Pike Place Market’s senior center and food bank. To enjoy the singing, head to the Market Friday, Dec. 1. 6–8:45 p.m. Free. � The Children’s Museum of

Skagit County brings a true Winter Wonderland to the lowlands, complete with real snow, real reindeer and visits with Santa. For those who prefer to stay warm and dry, indoor activities include simulated skiing and snowboarding, snow science and curling. The fun is for the whole family (adults and teens, too) and free.

Friday–Sunday, Dec. 1–3.

Museum admission is separate.

� Each December, the Washington State Fair forgoes farm fun for “Holiday Magic.”

Bring your brood to delight in seasonal wonders such as sparkling lights, train rides, “snowfall,” Santa visits, ice skating and festive food. Select dates Dec. 1–23. Admission $10–$20; ages 2 and younger are free. � Head to Cougar Mountain Zoo for its annual Issaquah Reindeer Festival, where kids get the chance to visit with Santa, feed his antlered team and enjoy story time with an elf. Daily Dec. 1–30 (except Dec. 24–25). Note: Santa does head back to the North Pole Dec. 26, but even in his absence, the fun continues. Admission costs $15–$18; ages 1 and younger

Issaquah Reindeer Festival. Photo courtesy of stateofwatourism.com

are free. Additional charge for some activities.

be reserved online on a sliding scale, $5–$35.

� Join ParentMap for our next ParentEd Talks event when we welcome veteran teachers Joe Clement and Matt Miles.

Clement and Miles will unpack the challenges of raising screen-savvy kids, and offer practical strategies for promoting well-balanced tech habits for the whole family. Hop into the webinar live, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1–2 p.m., or receive a recording if you can’t join at that time. Self-selecting sliding-scale fee of $0–$15.

� ’Tis the season for an enchanting light display to stir festive moods. This winter, Astra Lumina, a lighted night walk inspired by the stars, makes its Northwest debut at the Seattle Chinese Garden.

The all-ages immersive experience also features cosmic visions and astral song. Select dates, Dec. 8–Jan. 7. Prices start at $29.

� The treasured classic tale of a stuffed rabbit that becomes real through the love of his owner comes to life onstage in Olympia Family Theatre’s production of “The Velveteen Rabbit.” This heartwarming adaptation is perfect for families with kids ages 5 and older.

Multiple showtimes on select dates, Dec. 8–31. Tickets can

� An Eastside favorite, Bellevue’s Downtown Ice Rink pitches its tent in Downtown Park for the 26th year. Families can learn to ice skate during free, all-ages skating lessons on select dates (you still need to book your rink entry). Check online for more special events and themed skates. Open daily through Jan. 15. Skate sessions cost $15–$20 and include skate rental.

� Take a break from the holiday hoopla and treat your dino enthusiast to a journey back to the Middle Triassic and Late Cretaceous eras. At Jurassic Quest, you’ll walk among 80 life-size dinosaurs at the Washington State Fair Events Center. Friday–Sunday, Dec. 15–17. Tickets $19–$22; additional charge for rides.

� Mercer Island’s Stroum Jewish Community Center hosts kid-focused Hanukkah events around town, including free Hands-On Hanukkah craft sessions at multiple locations, and a family Hanukkah cookiedecorating workshop. Select dates Dec. 1–14. Check with the J for precise dates and locations.

� Stop by the Seattle Center Armory to admire a delightful

Julie Dodobara is ParentMap’s calendar editor.

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LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / GI F T GUI D E

14 Gifts That Give Back Long After the Holidays Are Over

By Amber Guetebier

Giving during the holidays can bring you comfort and joy. Purchasing a thoughtful gift that gives directly back through charitable organizations and actions can take joy to a new level. Whether you’re shopping for someone with a big heart or you want to know your money is going to an ethical company, there are plenty of places to support. From Indigenous businesses to supporting the Seattle Public Library, here are 14 gifts that give back with every purchase.

1/ Everest the Penguin While you can’t go wrong with any of the beautiful hand-knit creations from Cuddle + Kind, we think Everest the Penguin is always a winner. Handmade in Peru using sustainable, fair trade practices, he’s crafted from 100% cotton yarn and available in either 13-inch or 20-inch sizes. He’s nontoxic and hypoallergenic, not to mention soft as can be, but that’s not even the best part. For every doll purchase, Cuddle + Kind partners with a charity to donate 10 meals to end child hunger. It has established partnerships with several humanitarian agencies to distribute the meals, including Children’s Hunger Fund

Everest the Penguin from Cuddle + Kind

and World Food Program USA School Meals Program. The dolls are safety certified for ages newborn and older.

Cost: $62–$85 2/ Light-up bath cubes Inspired by a child with autism who disliked taking baths, and his mother, who used the technology of Glo Pals to help him

overcome his fear, these floating, colorful, light-up cubes are full of personality, with adorable faces. Characters have bendable arms, light up and come with two corresponding light-up cubes. Choose from five colors, all of which correspond to a character: Sammy (red), Lumi (purple), Blair (blue), Pippa (green) and Alex (yellow). Every purchase supports Children’s

AGES 6-11

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of Mississippi (formerly Batson Children’s Hospital), in Jackson, Mississippi, which treats 150,000 children every year for everything from common illness to serious trauma and chronic illnesses. For ages 3 and older.

Cost: $16

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3/ Splash the Orca hand puppet You’ll find Splash the Orca hand puppet, designed by Chris Kewistep of the Bella Bella Nation, in the online shop for the Squamish Líḻ’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), which is located in Whistler, British Columbia. Every purchase supports this cultural center and museum, which works to share “two distinct cultures as a means to foster greater understanding of Indigenous peoples around the world.” No age is specified, but generally, plush hand puppets are suitable for ages 3 and older.

Cost: $35 4/ The Alphabutt Book Jiggly butts, avocado butts — there’s ever so many butts in the alphabet! And who better to illustrate and celebrate butts than Huggies, the diaper company? This collaboration between Sourcebooks and Huggies focuses on diversity and inclusivity, showcasing a silly and sweet array of alphabutts. Not only is it a charming little book that is sure to elicit giggles, but a portion of the proceeds from each book goes to the National Diaper Bank Network. Ages newborn to 4 years.

Cost: $15 5/ Henry the Highland Cow For every purchase of this soft, adorable Highland cow plushie, Follow Your Legend will make a donation to The Gentle Barn, an organization dedicated to the rescue and protection of barnyard animals. Best for children ages 3 and up, Henry stands 7 inches tall and is made of spandex and recycled polyester, and the box he’s delivered in is made from 100% recycled materials. Best for ages 3 and older.

Cost: $32 6/ Mermaid night-light An adorable mermaid image is engraved, along with your child’s name, on an acrylic night-light that sits in a solid beechwood base. The base has a USB plugin, USB wall adapter and an on/off switch. You can customize with a child’s name and color preference: Choose between the multicolor option (red, green,

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continued from page 40

dark blue, yellow, light blue, pink and white) or pure warm light. Lily & Spruce has partnered with Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest, donating 5 percent of its online sales in support of Girls Inc.’s mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Cost: $34.99

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7/ Snoopy beanie hat You may already be a fan of the knit hats from Love Your Melon, known for their removable, swappable pom-poms. New to the collection is this Snoopy-inspired baby beanie, complete with floppy ears. Love Your Melon donates 50 percent of the net profit from every sale to a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer.

Cost: $50 8/ Bruce Lee “One Family” T-shirt These 100-percent cotton preshrunk shirts are exclusive to Wing Luke Museum, a Seattle-based art and history museum that focuses on Asian Americans, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The shirts feature a black-and-white photo of Bruce Lee on the front, with the back displaying his quote “Under the sky, under the heavens, there is but one family.” The T-shirt makes a perfect gift for a member of your chosen or biological family, with purchases benefiting the nonprofit Wing Luke Museum and its many outreach programs. Unisex adult sizing.

Cost: $36 9/ Disney Minnie Mouse birthstone earrings SallyRose has an array of jewelry, charms and accessories featuring your favorite iconic Disney, Star Wars and Hello Kitty characters, among others. These delicate earrings in the shape of Minnie Mouse can be customized by choosing your child’s birth month.

Through the Jewelers for Children organization, SallyRose has donated directly to programs, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, that help kids affected by illness, abuse and neglect.

Cost: $19.99

Located in historic Columbia City, Chrysanthemum curates new, vintage and gently used clothing, toys, books, and gifts. This family-friendly shop offers something for everyone, with sizes ranging from newborn to adult. chrysanthemumkids.com 4860 Rainier Ave S, Suite A New space - just 1/2 a block from our prior space!

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LO CAL R ES O UR CES / GIF T GUIDE

5 Simple and Sustainable Gift-Wrapping Ideas In our efforts to be conscientious greenies, this holiday season presents us with the perfect opportunity to stop buying traditional wrapping paper (which is just going to end up in the trash) and commit to sustainable options. Here are some eco-friendly gift-wrapping ideas to keep the gift of giving going longer.

1/ Donate one of your many reusable grocery bags to the gift-wrapping cause. This will also save them from littering the backseat of your car.

Let’s ensure no one goes without this holiday season.

2/ Seattle-based Tokki makes reusable cloth gift bags that are beautiful and affordable. Plus, you can create a digital card that gets passed along with the packaging.

3/ Brown paper grocery bags also make for easy (and recyclable) wrapping paper. Have kids stamp the bags with inked or painted pieces of fruit to make them all the merrier.

Scan QR code to learn more bit.ly/lahh-2023

4/ For a little more pizzazz, try arranging a gift basket. A treat-filled basket makes for a great presentation, and the receiver can reuse the basket.

5/ Get the kids involved. Have them make some original paintings and use the art to wrap gifts.

Grandparents and other relatives will especially love it.

— Madison Miller

continued from page 42

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10/ Bellden Cafe community subscription box Not only does Bellevue’s Bellden Cafe serve delicious coffee and food, it also contributes a portion of every sale to the Bellden Community Fund, which partners with local foundations to help protect the people and places Pacific Northwest families love. This includes homelessness prevention and outreach, art, trails, children’s services and more. The cafe’s community subscription box arrives monthly and includes one bag of Cascara Girls Coava coffee beans, roasted just for Bellden Cafe; one bag of PorchLight granola, lovingly made in-house by Bellden’s staff of refugees; one handpoured Charity candle; and a monthly book that focuses on a social cause, along with an engaging book club.

Cost: $85 11/ New Phase throw blanket A beautiful wool blanket by Diné (Navajo) artist Jared Yazzie melds traditional woven Navajo rug designs with a special feature characteristic of Navajo chief blankets and Yazzie’s own unique contemporary style. The

On View

Exhibition Closes December 30

Next to Seattle Center 440 5th Ave N Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM discovergates.org PA R E N T M A P / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / 4 5

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continued from page 44

INCREASE YOUR SENSE OF SELF-COMPASSION, INCREASE YOURRESILIENCE SENSE AND WELL-BEING OF SELF-COMPASSION, - Online classes are allAND 6 weeks RESILIENCE With the guidance of a trained facilitator, we will WELL-BEING co-create and explore your connection to:

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WITH THE GUIDANCE OF A

TRAINED FACILITATOR, WE WILL CO-CREATE AND EXPLORE YOUR Strengthening Bonds Through The Path Of Self-Kindness

CONNECTION TO:

Not all of us can do great things.

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- MINDFUL PRACTICE AND SELF-REGULATION www.communityofmindfulparenting.com - SELF-COMPASSION - ATTACHMENTS AND ATTUNEMENT WITH YOUR CHILD(REN) -

community_mindful_parenting_1-4.indd 1

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- INNER WISDOM -

blanket is produced by Eighth Generation, a Nativeowned company that is a leader in the Decolonizing Partnership Model, described by Eighth Generation as “the gold standard for how companies collaborate with Indigenous cultural artists and entrepreneurs. The company is making a change that will last and that allows for fair wages and Indigenous artist representation across the board, so you can feel good knowing that your purchase is ethically sourced and held to this gold standard.

Cost: $349 12/ Library card pillow The Friends of the Seattle Public Library (FOSPL) pay tribute to the catalog cards of yesteryear with this colorful take, a great addition to any book nook or tween bedroom. Proceeds go to the FOSPL, whose mission is to elevate and celebrate reading in the community, and to help fund books and programming at the beloved Seattle Public Library. Suitable for any age.

Cost: $32 13/ World Wildlife nesting dolls These beautiful hand-painted wooden nesting dolls range in size from 4 inches to 1.5 inches, and there are two sets of animals to choose from: tiger/snow leopard/ red panda/sloth/ladybug or elephant/panda/polar bear/ tiger/penguin. The nesting dolls are “free with a $75 donation,” which goes directly to the World Wildlife Fund’s conservation programming, which directs 83 percent of spending directly to these activities. Best for ages 3 and older.

Cost: $75 14/ ColorPop book bundle ColorPop Books strives to empower young readers by offering books that center on BIPOC characters and foster empathy and confidence in kids. Every purchase at ColorPop Books helps fund books to historically underfunded public schools across the country via DonorsChoose. Bundles include navigating tough topics, such as grief; featuring Indigenous, Latinx and neurodivergent main characters; and more. Bundles include three books, an activity kit, a collectible card and access to the ColorPop parent community.

Cost: $45

■

Not all of us can do great things.

But we can do small things with great love and compassion . . . starting with ourselves . . .

Inspired by Mother Teresa

www.communityofmindfulparenting.com

4 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M 0923_comm_mindful_parenting_1-2v.indd 1

8/16/23 10:16 PM

Editor’s note: Prices were current at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Amber Guetebier is a freelance writer and editor and a mother with a penchant for pirates, plants and books, not necessarily in that order. Visit her at writhingink.com.

one

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