RAK magazine December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

Raisingyour ARIZONA Kids partner on the parenting path GOING VIRTUAL WITH

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Managing

SCREEN TIME

over winter break

FACETIME with SANTA? Performances, events and gifts for the holidays

Ezra Kubalek of Maricopa City.

CONTENTS

December 2020 FEATURES

20

TAKING HOLIDAY TRADITIONS VIRTUAL Sophie Strossberg’s extended family lives more than 2,000 miles away. Here's her plan to make Zoom dinners and online chats a little more fun.

24

4 30

VIRTUAL SANTA VISITS Grand Canyon University graduate Eli Miller started working on his Santa Calls app well before the pandemic hit. Now it’s giving kids and families a safe alternative to the traditional Santa visit.

26

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020 Everyone deserves a toy or whimsical gift this season. Here’s what we found for kids of all ages — at local shops and online — to help spread holiday cheer.

30

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES FEATURE OUTDOOR VENUES AND SMALLER AUDIENCES Here’s where families can still enjoy live holiday shows and socially distanced performances around greater Phoenix.

DEPARTMENTS

2

DIALOGUE A happier new year

4

AZ GROWN

20

• Children’s Museum of Phoenix expands outdoor play space • AAP: Nationwide pandemic strategy needed as more than 1 million U.S. children have contracted coronavirus • Loud toys to avoid this holiday season • Celebrating holidays during the time of COVID-19 • High schools can earn $2,500 for supplies or tech upgrades • Mesa launches one-stop portal for STEAM curriculum • Sari On Science: Learn paleontology via cookie “excavation” • Using Common Sense: Balance family screen time with oldschool holiday traditions this month • Raising Outdoor Kids: Footwear for a new year of adventures

34

FAMILY TIME! Top December events

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

1

dialogue

happ ppie ierr A happier NEW YEAR NOVEMBER BROUGHT SOME good news

have struggled to keep up. Visits to Santa

about real pandemic relief on deck in the

will be much different this year, as we

new year. At least two pharmaceutical

unravel in “Virtual Santa visits.” Scottsdale

companies announced their vaccines are

entrepreneur Eli Miller created the Santa

testing at more than 90 percent effective,

Calls app (experiencebelief.com) so all kids

and work is underway on many more.

can still experience the wonder of Santa.

Of course, manufacturing and

A recent Grand Canyon University grad,

distributing these vaccines is complex, so it

Miller says he understands firsthand how

could be months before most of the general

families can struggle this time of year, and

public can be vaccinated against COVID-

how much kids need to believe there’s still

19. But relief is in sight for our frontline

magic in the holiday season.

medical workers — possibly as soon as

If we’re being responsible, holiday feasts

this month in Arizona. We hope our most

will continue to be smaller, and loved ones

vulnerable populations and our teachers

will likely be miles away. Understanding

and educators will have access ASAP.

that reality, Sophie Strosberg made a plan

It’s a nice feeling to know that a return

to make Zoom holidays a little nicer for

to normalcy — at least at new normal — is

everyone in “Taking holiday traditions

on the horizon. These 10 hard months of

virtual.” She’s having a little fun with the

worry during a pandemic that has claimed

concept, and we hope all of us can find

more than 265,000 lives (ncov2019.live)

a way to do the same. One thing we can

in this country and waylaid millions of

all agree on is that no one will ever forget

paychecks and careers continues to take a

2020. Please have a safe and happy holiday

toll on families. But we enter the holiday

season as we look forward to a brighter,

season knowing help is on the way, and

more hopeful new year.

2021 already is looking brighter. curveballs to the end. Many of us had our as COVID rates climbed and hospitals

2 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr EDITOR Kara G. Morrison CONTRIBUTORS Sari Custer, Ilana Lowery, Doris Nehrbass, Sophie Strosberg, Lisa Van Loo

ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Laura Liz Photography OPERATIONS MANAGER Tina Gerami-Bynum MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed, Mary Vandenberg

R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2020 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $20 for one year or $35 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office. Content guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest.

CONTACT US: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 10645 N. Tatum Blvd. #200-314 Phoenix, AZ 85028 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) | F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com

Meanwhile, 2020 continues to throw kids return to online and distance learning

December 2020 | Vol 31 | No 7

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

‌ is dedicated to strengthening families and protecting children through collaboration, education, and advocacy.

When you make a donation to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona today, you are helping families across Arizona build resilience, overcome stressors, and thrive.

We can prevent child abuse, Arizona,

because childhood lasts a lifetime.

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az grown good to know

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OPENS EXPANDED OUTDOOR PLAY SPACE

By RAK staff

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX

Play also includes:

Museum’s Art Studio, this space invites

reopened on Friday, Nov. 20, with 15,000

• The Workshop: Build with hammers,

kids to paint a classic car.

additional square feet of imaginative outdoor play space featuring a straw-bale castle, a sand and corn pit, rock painting and a Tike Motocross area.

The new Adventure Play area — created in the museum’s north parking

nails, wrenches and other tools.

• Building Play: Climb over, on and through tires, crates and other items.

• Cornville: Play in one ton of corn kernels.

• Rock Painting: Children and adults

• Explore-A-Truck: Kids can climb into and explore a fire truck and a mail truck.

“Adventure Play is an awesome new play experience for kids and their families opening just in time to take advantage of our beautiful

lot — lets children learn through

can paint rocks to take home or to

winter weather,” says Marion

physical activities that require both

leave somewhere in the community

Wiener, the museum’s marketing and

fine and gross motor skills and through

for others to find, with the purpose of

communications director. “We’ve taken

thought-provoking discoveries. The

spreading joy.

some of our most beloved exhibits inside

centerpiece is Colossal Castle and a maze built using 400 straw bales. Adventure

4 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

• Paint an Alfa Romeo: Much like painting the Robot in the Children’s

the Museum, changed them up a bit, and presented them in a new way. Plus,

SIGN-UP FOR

we’ve added some brand new experiences as well. It’s still the same Museum we all love … just 100 percent outside!”

Visitors can also plant, water and

DOES YOUR CHILD SUFFER FROM ANXIETY?

harvest crops in the Children’s Garden; scoop sift and measure in the Mud Kitchen; build with pine cones, logs, rocks, sticks and dirt in Nature Nook; jump rope and hula hoop in Retro Recess; ride a trike or balance bike in TMX (Tike Motocross); play in the Sand Pit and more. Sock Skating also returns to the Museum at the end of the month.

Adventure Play is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays

MICHELLE- RENEE ADAMS

and Sundays. Only the outdoor play

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areas of the museum are open as a safety precaution during the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Adventure Play will be

Book Your Free Consultation Today!

PATHOFWELLNESSACU.COM

open additional days during the holidays, including Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-31 and Jan. 2-3. The museum is closed on Christmas Eve Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. All visitors ages 3 and older must wear face masks, and limited capacity and timed entry tickets allow for social distancing.

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MAGAZINE’S FREE WEEKLY eNEWSLETTER AND GET MORE LOCAL PARENTING INFORMATION RIGHT TO YOUR PHONE!

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Advance reservations are required for all visitors including members. Tickets are $14.95; $13.95 for seniors; free for Children’s Museum of Phoenix members

reach families valleywide.

Learn more about print and digital options.

and babies younger than age 1.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a nonprofit organization located at 215 N. Seventh St. in downtown Phoenix. It works to foster a joy of learning through open-ended, fun, exploratory play experiences for children ages birth to 10.

Purchase tickets and make reservations online at childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/ museum-admission

Contact us today for a consultation!

Raising aRizona Kids 480.991.KIDS (5437) advertising@RAKmagazine.com www.raisingarizonakids.com

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

5

ISTOCK

az grown health

AAP: NATIONWIDE PANDEMIC STRATEGY NEEDED

as the number of children diagnosed with COVID-19 surpasses 1 million MORE THAN A MILLION INFANTS, children

we had vaccines for measles and polio,” said

behavioral health for their children. Child

and adolescents in the U.S. have been

Goza, adding that until a vaccine is readily

immunizations for children ages 2 and

diagnosed with COVID-19 since the

available, we need to do more to protect

younger have also fallen substantially

beginning of the pandemic, according

one another. “We urgently need a new,

during the pandemic, and the AAP is

to data released in mid-November by

nationwide strategy to control the pandemic,

concerned children are missing important

the American Academy of Pediatrics and

and that should include implementing

developmental screenings.

Children’s Hospital Association, which

proven public health measures like mask

are tracking data reported by state health

wearing and physical distancing.”

departments.

The data showed new cases in children

AAP notes the pandemic continues

“We know from research on the impact of natural disasters on the mental health of children that prolonged exposure to

to take a toll on children’s mental and

this kind of toxic stress is damaging,” Dr.

appear to be spiking, with 111,946 such

physical health. The Centers for Disease

Goza said. “Most natural disasters have

cases nationwide in the one-week period

Control and Prevention reports emergency

an end, but this pandemic has gone on for

ending Nov. 12. AAP President Sally Goza

department visits by children and

over eight months, and is likely to continue

called the number “staggering and tragic”

adolescents for mental health problems

to disrupt our lives for many more. We’re

and said a new nationwide pandemic

have increased more than 24 percent

very concerned about how this will impact

strategy is needed to protect the mental

during the pandemic. And in a national

all children, including toddlers who are

and physical health of families.

survey, 27 percent of parents reported

missing key educational opportunities, as

worsening mental health for themselves

well as adolescents who may be at higher

and 14 percent reported worsening

risk for anxiety and depression.”

“We haven’t seen a virus flash through our communities in this way since before

6 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

LOUD TOYS

to avoid this holiday season EVERY YEAR, the Arizona Commission

• Leap Frog Fridge Phonics (94 dB)

for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (acdhh.org) tests popular toys just before

• Vtech Helping Heroes Fire Station (93 dB)

the holidays to determine whether any

• Adventure Force Mighty Dragon (92 dB)

are loud enough to potentially damage a

• Leap Frog 100 Words Book (92 dB)

child’s hearing.

According to the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association, 85 dB is the maximum volume a child should be exposed to for no more than eight hours a day, and sounds louder than 100 dB can damage a child’s hearing in less than 15 minutes. Noise is the number one cause of

• Vtech Peppa Pig Learn & Discover Book (91 dB) • Vtech Brilliant Baby Laptop (90 dB) • Vtech Magic Star Learning Table (89 dB) • Fisher Price Leave a Message Smart Phone (89 dB) If these toys are on your child’s must-

hearing loss, according to the ACDHH,

have list, or if you already own these toys,

and nearly 15 percent of children ages 6-19

ACDHH suggests turning down the

have some degree of hearing loss.

volume and taping over the volume control

Loud noises, ACDHH warns, also can

or applying waterproof tape to the speaker

increase fatigue, decrease a child’s ability

to help mute it. Parents can conduct their

to pay attention and reduce short-term

own decibel test with smartphone apps

memory. Toys on their “2020 Toys to

such as Decibel X or Too Noisy Pro. “It is important to consider how the

Avoid” list for the holidays include: • Leap Frog Scrub and Play Smart Sink (103 dB)

child will use the toy,” Sherri Collins,

• Vtech Turn & Learn Driver (101 dB)

statement. “Children aren’t always using

• Fisher Price Sing & Learn Music Player (98 dB)

these toys at arm’s length as they may be

• Leap Frog 100 Animals Book (98 dB)

the decibel levels of other sounds around

• Nickelodeon Baby Shark Musical Playpad (98 dB)

the child in addition to the toy, such as the

• Jada Police Hero Patrol Lights & Sound (95 dB)

all making noise simultaneously. They can

executive director for ACDHH, said in a

intended. It’s also important to consider

television, kids yelling or other loud toys quickly add up and cause hearing loss.”

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

7

az grown health

CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS

during the time of COVID-19

By Gretchen Hull, M.D.

2020 HAS BEEN a challenging year for

around the country it is necessary that we

if your family includes individuals at

all of us and we are all exhausted, but

take precautions and be flexible. Here are

high risk of serious infection.

as we head into the holidays it is so

some suggestions and tips as we plan to be

very important that we continue to stay

with our loved ones as safely as possible

limit the size and minimize the number

vigilant and safe.

and still be together.

of households coming together.

We all want and need to spend time with family and friends; it is hard to

• If you are inviting people over, please

• Eat outside. Fortunately, here in • The safest option is to stay home and

Arizona the odds are favorable that

imagine not doing so during the holidays.

celebrate with the members of one

we will have decent weather. If at all

But as cases of COVID-19 are surging

household. This is especially important

possible, eat outside, still limiting the

8 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

FLU or COVID? The flu and COVID share many common symptoms, including: • Fever/chills • Cough • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing • Extreme tiredness

• Muscle or body aches • Headache • Stuffy, runny nose • Vomiting or diarrhea

A key symptom more likely with COVID-19 is a loss of taste or smell, but even that symptom is less common in children.

It is important to remember that children with COVID-19 usually have milder symptoms that are often missed. They still can spread the disease to others.

Children under the age of 10 years old are less likely to spread COVID-19 (while more likely to spread the flu), but they still can transmit the virus to others. Adults and adolescents are the primary vectors and it is strongly encouraged that they

MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES

wear masks when gathering with people outside of their household.

number of people. It does no good if

be extra diligent about staying home

unite and bring it under control so

the yard is packed with people, even

the week before coming to minimize

that our children and ourselves can

if outside. It is then impossible to

risk. Getting tested three days before

be whole again. I firmly believe that

maintain any distance between people.

arriving is helpful but doesn’t eliminate

we can do this. May we all celebrate

the risk. There are examples of people

in a thoughtful, safe, warm way this

are inside and turn on the exhaust fans

tested just before family reunions,

holiday season.

over the stove and in the bathroom.

remaining asymptomatic during the

Gretchen Hull, MD, was

Homes are built to be energy efficient

function, and still spreading COVID

born in California but grew

and air circulates slowly, making it

to many in the family.

up in Tucson, graduated from

• Open windows in each room if you

easier to transmit the virus.

• Shorten the time of the gathering. This

Brown University and attended medical school at the University

As 2020 comes to end, the

of Arizona. She completed

is challenging as we are all so excited to

COVID-19 pandemic is still active

her pediatric residency at

see others that we want to be together

and threatening many. We are all tired

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2002 and has

longer, but that increases the risk.

and want this to be over, but unless we

• If watching sports, everyone should

can all come together as a nation and

worked at Tucson Central Pediatrics ever since. She serves on the boards of the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Parent Aid,

wear masks so that as they get excited

be willing to follow recommendations

an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse.

they minimize spreading the virus

of masking, social distancing, and

She volunteers with the Flying Samaritans in Baja

into the air.

hygiene, the pandemic will continue to

• Make an agreement with people who are coming over that they and you will

wreak havoc on our lives, emotionally, physically and financially. We can

California Sur and has been on several international medical trips to countries such as Guatemala and India. Her hobbies include photography, travel and studying foreign languages. She is fluent in Spanish.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

9

az grown education

HIGH SCHOOLS CAN EARN $2,500 FOR SUPPLIES OR TECH UPGRADES RAISEME, an Arizona-owned college

and Google Classroom. Teachers can

scholarship dollars in their hands and

readiness and scholarship tool that

then check rankings compared to other

ultimately helping these learners reach

helps high school students earn micro-

Arizona schools. The contest ends Dec.

their full potential.”

scholarships for academic and other

11, and the two Arizona high schools

achievements, is launching an educator

with the highest percentage of students

college and scholarship attainment.

challenge. Two Arizona high schools

signed up will win.

Students get guidance, and colleges

RaiseMe is a free app that promotes

that sign up the highest percentage of

“We know being an educator is a

their student body to join raiseme.com

challenging job, especially with all the

visiting campus. Students can join

will earn $2,500 for classroom supplies,

hurdles of 2020,” says Amanda Schwabe,

RaiseMe as early as ninth grade, and

technology upgrades or cleaning

director of student partnerships for

earn incremental, achievement-based

necessities.

CampusLogic, the Phoenix-based tech

financial aid from more than 300

company that owns RaiseMe. “As an

participating colleges, including Arizona

RaiseMe educator account and click the

Arizona company, we are proud to help

State University, University of Chicago,

blue “invite” button on the profile page

our local high schools in this way. Plus,

University of Nebraska, University of

to invite students to join. Invitations

we are making college more attainable

Iowa, Syracuse University, Tulane and

can also be sent via email, social media

for Arizona students by putting

Georgia Tech.

Participating teachers create a free

10 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

can engage students years before

MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES

GET READY

for a Santa adventure

SANTA PHOTOS Santa wouldn’t miss his visit for anything!

Rest assured, he’s made every effort to give kiddos a joyous, contactless experience.

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az grown education

Items from the virtual "Dino Hall Experience" STEAM program.

Courtesy of the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

Mesa launches one-stop portal for

STEAM CURRICULUM THE CITY OF MESA Arts and Culture

offered should be able to help enliven

Contemporary Arts Museum hosts virtual

Department has launched Learning

classrooms, engage students’ critical

gallery tours and discussion.

ReimaginED, a virtual portal offering

thinking and creativity, and help motivate

STEAM curriculum — science,

students to stay engaged with learning.

History’s programs for students in

technology, engineering, the arts and

The lion’s share of these resources are

grades 3-5 include: Dinosaur Teeth,

mathematics — for educators and home-

offered free of charge.”

Fossil Detectives, Science of Sauropods

schooling parents.

The portal was created because school

Through the curriculum, students can

Arizona Museum of Natural

and Paleo Art and Diets. And i.d.e.a.

journey back in time to Arizona’s pioneer

Museum’s programs for preschool

field trips are on hold during the ongoing

days, discover the power of image and

through sixth-graders include: Art of

COVID-19 pandemic. The Mesa Arts

metaphor through Shakespeare and works

the Story virtual guided tours with an

Center, Arizona Museum of Natural

of art, experience music, and learn about

art-making activity and an Artful Tales

History, i.d.e.a. Museum, Mesa Historical

dinosaurs that roamed Arizona more than

Experience linked to a video of a themed

Museum and Southwest Shakespeare

60 million years ago.

book, age-appropriate artwork and

Company have all contributed programming.

“We are thrilled that these five

Mesa Arts Center will host several virtual and in-person programs, including

discussion.

Southwest Shakespeare Company will

Project Lit that uses poetry, spoken word

share several virtual performances with

institutions have come together to support

and hip hop to promote literacy and

study guides as well as live workshops.

Arizona students during these challenging

activate social and emotional learning.

Finally, the Mesa Historical Museum will

times,” Cindy Ornstein, director of arts

The Classical Music Inside Out program

host virtual field trips to the Women in

and culture for the City of Mesa and

features Grammy Award-winning

Aviation and Mesa & Arizona Pioneer

executive director of Mesa Arts Center,

cellist Zuill Bailey performing and

History exhibitions. Visit mesaartscenter.

said in a statement. “The programs

engaging with students. And the Mesa

com/learningreimagined

12 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

This holiday season, make your child’s future light up.

A college education helps make for a brighter future. An AZ529 account helps make it possible.

Open an AZ529 Plan today!

Hurry! Plan must fund by December 31 to qualify for 2020 tax deduction.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

13

az grown science SARI ON SCIENCE

Learn about paleontology via COOKIE “EXCAVATION”

By Sari Custer WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DINOSAUR? Don’t worry, there’s no wrong answer — because,

Directions:

as my daughter would tell you, all dinosaurs are

1. Place your cookie

awesome! But if you said Tyrannosaurus rex, you

on a plate and observe this

would be among the majority of Americans.

cookie "site." Look for any chocolate chip “fossils”

Right now, at Arizona Science Center, you can still get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a real T. rex in person. Victoria the T. rex — one of the largest and most complete T. rex specimens

you can see before excavating (i.e. digging).

2. Draw a picture of your cookie and note what you see.

3. Using a toothpick, attempt to remove each

ever found — is on display with all 199 of her

chocolate chip “fossil” without breaking it.

real bones, along with a variety of interactive

4. Try using other tools to see if they work any

exhibits that help explore what she looked like, sounded like, how she hunted and more!

better or worse.

the skills needed in an excavation, the challenges a paleontologist might face, and the importance of using the right tools for a specific job.

With your cookie excavation, which tool worked best? What was surprising about your excavation?

What problems did you encounter? How do you

5. If you uncover more chocolate chip “fossils,” keep

think paleontologists know what’s underground?

adding them onto your drawing. Mark on your

How would you have worked differently if you had

then practice your paleontology skills on all

drawing which “fossils” you were able to remove

no idea what was buried inside?

those sweets that seem to be constantly around

whole and which ones were damaged. Also write

with this fun, at-home chocolate chip cookie

what tool you used to excavate each one.

This holiday season, come visit Victoria,

excavation activity. Can you excavate your “fossils” (chocolate chips) from their dig site (the cookie) without breaking them?

Did you know?

The name Tyrannosaurus rex means “tyrant

What’s happening?

Paleontology is the study of ancient life on Earth

lizard king,” but the T. rex is more closely related to modern chickens than to modern lizards. Find out

from fossils — including dinosaurs, plants, mammals,

more fun facts in Victoria the T. rex, now through Jan.

Supplies:

fish, insects, fungi and even microbes. Fossils are

3 at Arizona Science Center! Visit azscience.org for

• Chocolate chip cookie • Other tools to test

the remains of organisms that have been replaced by

details.

(or any cookie with

(craft sticks, mini-

rock material or impressions of organisms preserved

“chunks”)

spoons, tweezers,

in rock, and can help us understand how organisms

• Toothpicks

dental picks, paint

changed over time and what our planet was like long

• Plate

brushes, etc.)

ago. Fossils are usually very delicate and deeply

• Paper • Pencil

• Optional: Magnifying glass

14 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

buried in rocks. Removing them takes skill, patience and the right tools. This cookie excavation simulates

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief of Science and Curiosity at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (6). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ SariOnScience.

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15

az grown technology

USING COMMON SENSE

Balance family screen time

with old-school holiday traditions this month

By Ilana Lowery

W

E ALL KNOW the holidays will

— not the iPhone kind. It may sound

Be jolly but firm. Let your kids know

be different this year. From

a bit like a Hallmark movie, but think

that you’ll be enforcing time limits on

smaller family gatherings to Zoom

about reviving these traditional holiday

screen time to create more quality family

calls with relatives who live far

activities as a family: bake cookies, build

time. Agree if possible that the rules will

away, celebrating anything in 2020

a gingerbread house (the kits make it

apply to grown-ups as well. Use your

continues to be a challenge.

pretty easy), make holiday cards to send

phone’s built-in features to determine

to U.S. troops, volunteer at a homeless

how much time you’re spending online

creative, take advantage of new

shelter or soup kitchen, read great holiday

and which apps you use the most, and

opportunities and focus on the good

books, break out traditional board games

pare back where you can.

things in front of us. It’s also a chance

(remember “Sorry”?) or settle in with

to balance our reliance on technology

popcorn for some classic holiday films.

Still, this is a good time to get

and devices with time to share festive, decidedly low-tech traditions.

This month, work to balance your family’s screen time with real face time

16 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Common Sense Media’s parenting

Make a list, and check it with your kids. Schedule daily tech time for

experts recommend these ideas to help

yourself and your kids. Get their

families balance screen time and limit

input on which devices they absolutely

technology usage over the holidays:

can’t live without. If their apps have

More at-home

PROSTOCK-STUDIO

holiday family activities Beat boredom and promote positivity with these at-home family activities.

settings that help curb usage — Tik Tok,

Try some tech togetherness. Unplugging

YouTube and Snapchat all have these

for its own sake isn’t the point. Family

settings — then by all means, enable

time is. Plan a night of video games,

them. Learn how with Common Sense

movies or even preselected YouTube

Thank essential workers. Write

Media’s guide to using these features:

videos you can all enjoy together.

thank-you letters to essential workers to acknowledge their acts of service

commonsensemedia.org/blog/use-yourphone-less-with-tools-from-apple-google-

Plan for offline activities. Document your

and kindness. 826digital.com/lessons/

snapchat-and-more

family memories and consider compiling

essential-words-letters-of-gratitude-to-

them into scrapbooks and journals.

essential-workers

Plan device-free family dinners. Put all

This is a perfect time to share your own

the phones and tablets in a basket and

holiday memories with your kids.

Interview a family member.

Get to know each other better and

don’t check them until the dishes are Don’t sneak away to check Twitter or

share life stories by interviewing a family

email. Remember, your kids learn their

member, such as a grandparent. Family

Have a download day. Browse the app

media habits partly from you. Use quiet

Tree Magazine offers question prompts

store together. Look for games and

time to reflect on ways you can maximize

(familytreemagazine.com/kids/interview)

activities that the whole family can

the benefits of technology without letting

and StoryCorps — an American Oral

enjoy, such as the ones on Common

it take over your family’s life.

History project in conjunction with

cleared — or washed.

the Library of Congress — preserves

Sense Media’s Best Apps lists: Have an old-fashioned holiday. Challenge

these types of interviews for future

your family to choose low-tech or no-tech

generations. storycorps.org/participate/

Make setup fun. No matter how user

versions of favorite activities, such as

storycorps-app

friendly new devices or apps can be,

backyard games or board games.

commonsensemedia.org/app-lists

there’s always some (often frustrating) setup time. Truth be told, kids often figure out thorny tech glitches faster than parents, so involve your kids in

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense

Wide Open School. Find more at-home activities, such as the Family

Media. She can be reached at

Kindness Challenge, at Common

ilowery@commonsense.org.

Sense Media’s Wide Open School.

the process. Use that time to discuss the

wideopenschool.org/student-activities/

responsible use of the new device.

holiday-gratitude

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

17

az grown Raising Outdoor Kids

Clockwise from top: TEVA Men's Omnium 2 sandal in Bungee Cord.

KEEN Women's Ravine H2 Sandal in Purple Tropical.

BROOKS Men's Launch 7 Running Shoe in Tie Dye. MERRELL Women's MTL Skyfire in Capri.

SALOMON Men's Speedcross III in Black Goji Berry.

Footwear for a new year of adventures Story by Lisa Van Loo

W

henever we tell the kids it’s time

against Vans, they’re just not great for

through countless obstacle course races.

to leave for an adventure, there are

exploring where the cement ends and the

We needed shoes that gave us support

wilderness begins.

and traction, kept us light on our toes

three enduring questions that follow: Will I need a sweatshirt? Will I need a swimsuit?

What shoes should I bring?

It turns out, we’re always looking for

and drained quickly after getting wet.

recommendations. So we figured other

Salomon Speedcross sneakers have become

adventurous families might be, too —

a go-to for Ron. I recently discovered

“Where are we going?” question, because

especially this time of year, as people

Merrell Skyfires, and I’m wondering where

we told them to stop asking, and by now,

look to a new year, new habits and new

they’ve been all my life. They’re grippy,

they trust it’s somewhere cool. Those first

routines. (And need holiday gift ideas!)

light, colorful and they have extra cushion

two questions are always easy. There’s

Shoes make all the difference, for anyone,

right where you need it while hiking. The

never really a wishy-washy answer. Shoes,

but especially for adventurers. Here are

shoelaces are stretchy, too, which sounds

though, are different.

some of our favorite kicks — the ones that

like a minor detail, but it makes me happy.

That’s it. We’ve wiped clean the

What we know for sure, is we wish

haven’t let us down.

their feet would stop growing long enough

WATER SHOES. We’ve tried SO many

to make it worthwhile to buy them

FOOTWEAR FOR TRAILS. Before COVID-

different ones. Too many. But, we’ve

something other than Vans. Nothing

19 came along, our whole family muscled

finally found some we love, and as soon

18 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

we see a clearance table with all the kids’

a couple years ago, we were instantly

sizes, we’ll upgrade every kid who still

sold. It was like tying marshmallows on

Make sure hiking shoes drain easy.

needs something better than the classic

our feet — tie-dye marshmallows, to be

Heavy sneakers won’t. And you don’t want

water sock — the kind that slides over

exact. They were so comfortable and light

to slop your way through the rest of a hike

your foot like a glove but offers little

and supportive, all at the same time. I’m

all soggy after trekking through water. Find

traction. Because they’ve performed for

hooked now. And I’m so smitten with

the right socks, too. Runners may need arch

us, we have a pretty dedicated affection

them, I keep them only for running, which

support and compression, while hikers may

for Teva sandals and the Keen water

happens almost every day. But, they don’t

want merino wool. And give yourself some

shoes that come with an enclosed toe

run errands or do yardwork. The Brooks

space. You’ll want a little toe room, especially

box. They’re both versatile, grippy

only run for exercise.

when running or hiking. And keep some

and can be worn with (cringe!) socks.

room in those water shoes for the day you’ll

The socks part is actually pretty key,

OVERALL ADVENTURE SHOE TIPS. For

especially when camping.

kids, insist on something other than Vans or Converse. If only for the grip. They

SHOES FOR HITTING THE ROAD. The first

need some traction. For adults whose feet

time Ron and I slid our feet into a pair of

aren’t constantly growing, invest. Do some

Brooks running shoes, the night before the

research, read some outdoor magazines, ask

Rock & Roll half marathon in Phoenix

around and get the shoes that will help you

93% GRADUATION RATE

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and keep you comfortable. It’ll be worth it.

need to warm up with a layer of socks.

Lisa Van Loo is a Gilbert freelance journalist. Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer. Together, they are parenting five children. Follow them on Instagram @RaisingOutdoorKids

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19

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS virtual Taking

By Sophie Strosberg | Photos by Jacob Lund

I

MAY HAVE CRACKED the virtual

scraps left behind from holiday card-making.

holiday code. That is, figured out how to

Gaze in a stupor at the Christmas lights that

conduct all of the rituals and traditions for this

took forever to hang. Listen to the sound of little

pandemic-plated edition of holiday season 2020

“elves” nibbling on the cookies you baked earlier.

— albeit online. If you are like me, and have

Consume the scent of the pine-vanilla candle.

family far away, or distant places in your heart,

(No, do not actually eat it.) Then order enough

read on. I, myself, am ready to pounce on the

candles to make it smell like you are a squirrel

2020 virtual winter festivities like a kid pouncing

family living inside a ponderosa pine.

on his sleeping parents on a Saturday morning.

Here’s my game plan:

STEP TWO. Plot the family Zoomscapades. In normal language, plan

STEP ONE: Set the scene. There’s no

out your family’s holiday “video chat adventure.”

depending on other households to deliver that home-

And let everyone know the expectations. This

for-the-holidays feeling, so we’ll need to get our non-

time, it will not fly if your sister sits passively,

virtual homes ready in Arizona. There are numerous

video camera on her face, while she answers emails

holiday traditions that simply cannot inhabit a screen,

in another browser window. Because everyone’s

and you will want these components well positioned

full attention will be required for participation in

before you hop on the computer.

whatever you are plotting. You may be working to

Think of it this way: Do you want a real

get everyone ready for the group discussion your

Christmas tree with all of the Christmas

cousin has proposed on the ethics of eating meat,

tree smells and all of the pricked fingers and

for instance. I plan on MCing my family’s first

everything? You had better get one yourself,

ever sketch comedy showcase. I will be emailing

because an online glimpse of Grandma and

out instructions imminently.

Grandpa’s tree in Minnesota just isn’t going to

The important thing here is that in order to feel

cut it. Do you want your kids to be able to spin

like everyone is really getting together, we all need

100,000 dreidels all at once on the floor like you

to be able to maintain focus on the conversation. It

did as a young whippersnapper? They will not

needs to stay interesting. The “Hey, how ya been

have access to Uncle Benny’s collection, so get

doing in 2020?” conversation must be avoided at

yourself to the Judaica store website now!

all costs, and utterances of “now more than ever”

It helps to engage all of your senses as you

should be met with a swig of adult beverage. And let

prepare your home. Inhale the factory-fresh scent

guests relax into the call. This is not a five-minute

of new flannel PJs. Wiggle your toes across paper

check in, it is a five-hour long call. It will not be

20 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

21

complete without at least two children and/or adults having tantrums, three instances of toilet-flushing everyone can hear, and four views of people chewing with their mouths open.

STEP THREE. Embrace technology that helps connect us. This part of the virtual family plan calls for activities that are interactive yet indirect — and therefore more relaxing. For instance, a gift swap can easily be arranged from a distance through an online system like Elfster — “the world’s No. 1 secret Santa generator,” through which little elves take a break from munching on cookies to match you with the relative whose gift you truly need this year. A well-planned swap can be executed at each participant’s leisure instead of at one predetermined time. That is, you could buy a locally made artisan gift for the exchange now and get it out of the way. Or you could lean over your kitchen table at 1 a.m., the day before the deadline, trying to figure out how to assemble a DIY

22 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

chocolate-chip-cookie mix that uses only the whole wheat flour you already have on hand.

And then there’s Teleparty, a browser add-on that, whatever our families’ creed, religion, or level of festive cheer, can connect us over long distances through the magic of watching motion pictures “together” — if not in person. We all treasure that together-but-not-talking feeling of the afternoon matinee, and this will be the same, but with a paralyzing range of viewing choices.

Just avoid surprises by discussing in advance if you will be watching “Olaf ’s Frozen Adventure” or “Midsommar.”

STEP FOUR. Cook traditional holiday food. That’s not virtual, you argue. But you have to eat anyway, I and all Jewish mothers counter.

Besides, all of this holiday brouhaha would not be complete without Hanukkah latkes, Kwanzaa stew or Christmas tamales, even if you are cooking just for yourself, your picky 4-year-old and Instagram.

Traditional holiday foods, and the special, slow meals that accompany them, help us hearken back to the days of our ancestors. Maybe said ancestors will reach across the ages and have some useful values or wisdom or whatever to share with our strung-out 2020 selves. Just do not burn the food or set anything on fire. We could obviously do without any more “2020” stories. And do not take too long eating, because the kids are ready to tear open all of the gifts you just wrapped.

This holiday season is going to be a searing (or

SOCIALLY DISTANCED family fun Apps for

ELFSTER is a free gift exchange website meant to help make gift giving easier. Invite friends or family members to a Secret Santa circle via email, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or text message. Then make your wish list, draw names and shop.

Done! elfster.com READEO fosters the perfect virtual storytime session between loved ones. Its patented platform combines video chat with an award-winning library of kid's books. So you can see both the pages and the faces of loved ones while you read and/ or listen together. readeo.com TELEPARTY. Formerly Netflix Party (that’s still the website name), Teleparty lets friends and family members watch the same movie at the same time, and people can comment about what they’re seeing in a chat space. netflixparty.com

is it roaring?) success. My plan for a contact-free winter holiday will siphon us into blissful merriment in no time. Or at least, into a Yuletide season that nobody will forget. So close your eyes with me.

And count slowly to 10. And visualize your perfect version of virtualized holiday traditions.

Sophie Strosberg is a Tucson freelance writer and mom to 4-year-old Poppy. She looks forward to love-filled holiday shenanigans with her extended family members, all of whom live more than 2,000 miles away.

TRIVIAMAKER. Want to spice up the virtual holiday party?

Put the tech-savviest relative in charge of hosting a holiday trivia contest. You can make your own or use an already created one on this app, which can be used on video chats like Zoom. triviamaker.com VIRTUAL BINGO. Ramp up the fun with a game that works well with video chat platforms. MyFreeBingoCards.com is quick, easy and free for up to 30 players. myfreebingocards. com/virtual-bingo

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

23

VIRTUAL SANTA VISITS

Just one more way Christmas 2020 is unlike any other

By Kara G. Morrison

T

here will be no sitting on Santa’s lap this year or whispering into the jolly old elf’s ear. No pictures of Santa hugging a screaming toddler, or photos with St.

Nick that look like any other Christmas.

Instead, in true 2020 fashion, many malls are offering “contactless” Santa visits, complete with a mask-wearing Santa seated six feet from any kid making a holiday request. And venues are also contracting with companies that offer virtual-only Santa visits, including the local entrepreneur behind Santa Calls.

Eli Miller never dreamed this would be the scenario when he envisioned his 2019 startup. He was frankly thinking more about the decline of the traditional mall setting than anything else for starting Santa Calls. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit early this year, he fast-tracked his app, creating a safer, affordable alternative to the traditional in-person Santa visit.

“I started it under the notion that with the rise of ecommerce, malls would eventually lose their significance. What happens to Santa after that?” asks Miller, who calls himself Santa’s Helper and is a big believer that all kids deserve the wonder of St. Nick this time of year. The Phoenix native also thought there

24 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

was value in offering a visit with Santa that, while virtual, is actually more personal for kids who get up to two whole minutes to video chat with Santa via FaceTime, Google Duo or Skype. Plus, in this pandemic, it keeps everyone safer — especially Santa, whose age and tummy put him in the higher-risk category for COVID-19.

The app (find it at experiencebelief.com) is national, and Miller, who is 22, was busy last month hiring professional Santas from across the country to address the demand for virtual visits. While right now his service doesn’t offer virtual photos with Santa, he’s rolling out a recorded keepsake of a child’s video session with Santa in 2021.

Miller has also worked with Westgate mall in Glendale and the Shops at Norterra in North Phoenix erecting kiosks with big-screen TVs to host Santa Calls, so kids can still have that feeling of getting dressed up to go “see” Santa.

It’s not just the magic of the holidays that motivated Miller, who graduated recently from Grand Canyon University with a degree in finance and economics and originally planned to go into stock trading and investing. He realized he wanted to do something more altruistic,

More low-contact

OUTDOOR and VIRTUAL Santa visits Biltmore Fashion Park, Kierland Commons and SanTan Village outdoor malls are offering contactless Santa visits and photos Dec. 4-24. Face coverings are required for ages 2 and up, including Santa, and both queues and visits with the Jolly Old Elf will observe social distancing. Reserve a time at shopbiltmore.com/santaphotos, kierlandcommons.com/ santaphotos or shopsantanvillage.com/santaphotos

HALFPOINT

and he points out, who is more of a philanthropist than Santa?

“It is getting pricey in the malls, and by going virtual, we are cutting back on costs a lot. We keep our prices very affordable,” Miller says of Santa Calls, adding he knows firsthand how families can struggle during the holidays just buying gifts for their kids — much less pricey photos with mall Santas.

Santa Call packages start at $6 for a personalized video message from Santa to a $20 Magic Bundle featuring a two-minute video chat with Santa and a personalized follow-up video message from Santa after Christmas. Other virtual Santa visits — such as santasclub.com — are more expensive, with prices ranging from $35-$65.

In the spirit of the season, Miller is donating 10 percent of all call proceeds to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, including free calls for kids who can’t afford the $15 video chat so that “every child has an opportunity to believe in and talk to Santa.”

“We keep our prices very affordable. I do want to support parents and their families,” says Miller, who says his family experienced homelessness for a time when he was in high school. “I’m in a position where I’m actually giving back

Desert Ridge outdoor mall offers virtual Santa photos now through Christmas Eve. Upload a photo for a digitally created momento at picturemesanta.com. ($5 discount with code SantaDRM). shopdesertridge.com/event/holiday Scottsdale Quarter outdoor mall is offering a contactless Santa experience OR virtual Santa visits. Reservations are recommended for the in-person visits with Santa in his cabin on the Quad. Masks are required while taking photos with Santa. Or, choose a virtual Santa visit using a phone, computer or tablet. Upload a photo, and Santa will be added into the background as the perfect 2020 holiday memory. scottsdalequarter.com Find low-contact indoor Santa visit locations at: whereissanta.com or simon.com/mall/arizona-mills

and giving to children what I wished I’d had.”

Kara G. Morrison is editor of Raising Arizona Kids magazine and mom to 8-year-old Sofia.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

25

Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Toys and family games have become more important than ever to keep us occupied and laughing throughout an unforgettably difficult year. We think everyone deserves a toy or whimsical gift this season.

Here’s what we found for kids of all ages — at local shops and online — to help spread holiday cheer.

1. SCOOBI.

A 5-in-1 convertible scooter — grows with your

child as it switches from balance bike, to tricycle, to scooter. It’s designed for ages 2-5 and is made from recyclable materials. $99$119 at larktale.com

2. MASKED STUFFIES. Perfect for this COVID-19 holiday season, Bunnies By The Bay created huggable stuffed bunnies, lambs, puppies and soft dolls wearing face masks to “encourage wee ones, and adults alike, to wear their masks, … to stay protected and protect others with our actions.” Customize your doll or bunny by choosing one of nine face mask designs. $19.95$42.95 at bunniesbythebay.com

3. STEM-ULATING DISCOVERY GIFT BOX. Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix and Tempe has weathered the pandemic in part by creating some amazing curated care packages, book bundles and gift boxes. Their STEM-themed box for kids includes an “Awesome Science Experiments for Kids” book, a thermochromatic pencil that changes colors, hydrophobic sand, a grow-your-own-crystals kit, balloon experiments, faux winter snow and much more! $50 at changinghands.com

4. YOTO PLAYER. This screenless speaker system was created by parents who were concerned about screen time for young children — its potential for sleep disruption, delays in fine motor skills, etc. Yoto lets kids make decisions about the stories, music and podcasts they listen to. Using a system of inserted cards, the Yoto player reads classic storybooks, plays classical music and much more. $99 and up at us.yotoplay.com. Cards sold separately.

26 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

5. BALANCE JOUSTING SET. All ages can try this, and KidStop’s toy testers report it’s a blast for the whole family.

Step onto one of two balance boards and duel it out using giant inflatable joust-boppers. $39.99 at KidStop Toys in Scottsdale or kidstoptoys.com

6. RAINBOW UKULELE. Why settle for toy instruments? Amahi makes beautiful musical ukuleles, recommended for ages 4-12. While you’re at it, sign the recipient up for some ukulele lessons, and everyone benefits! $49.99 at KidStop Toys in Scottsdale or kidstoptoys.com

7. FUJIFILM INSTAX. Remember Polaroid prints?

Fujifilm has preserved the fun of watching instant photos develop.

It’s a great holiday gift for a tween or teen with an artistic eye — or anyone wanting to preserve precious memories on film with a retro flair. $95 on amazon.com with 20 photos (instant film), a photo album, frames and stickers. target.com

8. ZURG GLOW-IN-THE-DARK BLASTER. Step into the role of Toy Story’s evil Emperor Zurg battling archenemy Buzz Lightyear for control of the universe with this tri-barrel blaster that shoots glow-in-the-dark foam balls. With flashing lights and sound effects. Recommended for ages 6 and up. $24.99 at shopdisney.com

9. ORIGINAL SONG. Want something your family will treasure for decades? How about a one-of-a-kind song for your child. The song title is your child’s name, and all the lyrics are about him/her and what he/she means to you. Choose from an a cappella or studio-recorded package, and professional songwriters will customize the song based on provided details about your child. $99 for an a cappella recording up to $600 for a completely original tune recorded in-studio with checkpoints along the way to review the final product. Songs take 2-6 weeks at mamasingmysong.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

27

10. DISNEY SKETCHY TALES. This new family game is like a drawing and guessing game of telephone sprinkled with Disney magic. Choose a character card and a scenario card, and draw a doodle of the combo. Earn points for the best drawings and silliest guesses. Recommended for ages 8 and up. $19.99 at Target and Amazon.

11. ROLLING STONE: THE ROCK & ROLL PARTY GAME. This music trivia game features pop culture, rock music and karaoke showdowns. Face off in a quick-fire karaoke battle, then move to a charades round.

Recommended for ages 14 and up. $19.99 at amazon.com

12. RETRO TAG GAME.

Get everyone in the family

up and running for a retro game of tag featuring Velcro vests and balls that stick to them. Ikea sells a LUSTIGT tag game featuring two vests and accessories for $14.99. ikea.com

13. DESERT ORNAMENTS. Frances Boutique — which until this year hosted a popular Crafeteria holiday fair featuring local artisans — still sells adorable handmade holiday ornaments in store or online. Find them in the shape of glittery saguaros or the Grand Canyon state. $12-$15 at Frances Boutique in Phoenix or shopfrancesboutique.com

14. LOL HOLIDAY PRESENT SURPRISE. Girls ages 6-7 and up seem to go crazy for all things LOL, mostly because they don’t know which 3-inch doll they’re getting until they unwrap it. This round package doubles as a holiday ornament, and the limited edition series features one glittery LOL doll with wintry accessories and a tiny elf character in a present box! Recommended for ages 6-11. $10 at most retail stores that carry toys, including Target and Walmart.

28 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

15. PINBALL SCIENCE: EVERYTHING THAT MATTERS ABOUT MATTER. This STEM book doubles as a kit to make your own pinball machine! Engaging graphics help young scientists understand gravity, force, acceleration and more. Recommended for ages 7-10. $14-$22 at Costco, most bookstores and Amazon.

16. OOLY SMOOTH STIX GEL CRAYONS. Art supplies are always a great gift idea for creative kids. These crayons are smooth like gel pens. But you can add water and use the included brush for an artistic watercolor effect. Recommended for ages 3 and older. $5.99 at The Container Store.

17. SPIROGRAPH RETRO DESIGN TIN. Here’s a throwback that’s fun for a whole new generation. Create intricate art designs with this system of wheels and rings, originally designed for mechanical engineers. This Spirograph kit comes in a sleek carrying tin with six precision wheels, ring, rack, reusable putty, two pens, a design guide and drawing pad. Recommended for ages 8 and older. $14.99 at The Container Store.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

29

Childsplay’s “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 28-Dec. 23.

Photo by Tim Trumble.

30 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES feature outdoor venues, smaller audiences

By Doris Nehrbass

Local artists have been innovating for months to bring back live

Revue.” The live show with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe runs Dec. 2-23

theater. And while there won’t be holiday tunes ringing out from

and features classic and contemporary holiday gems from

Phoenix Symphony Hall, or flocks of little girls lining up to get

Pentatonix, NSYNC, Hanson and more.

pictures with ballerinas from “The Nutcracker,” families can still

Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert isn’t cancelling its traditional

enjoy holiday shows at outdoor or drive-in venues and see socially

“A Christmas Carol” production — its 18th production of the

distanced performances around greater Phoenix.

holiday classic since the theater opened in 2003. But the Nov.

In mid November, the Herberger Theater opened the Pavilion

27-Dec. 26 run of the show will feature smaller audiences with

— an outdoor stage built on recently cleared land on the theater’s

face masks and physical distancing required of audience members.

east side. The Herberger plans to host performances here through

Production Assistant Jessica Ottley says the script and show will be

April 2021. Arizona Artificial Lawns donated turf to create a

mostly the same, but with a slightly smaller cast and fewer musical

welcoming space for guests that can accommodate about 160

and dance numbers in order to limit large groups singing together

people following social-distancing guidelines. As restrictions on

onstage. Small adjustments are made every year to keep the show

large gatherings loosen, the space could eventually accommodate

fresh, “but this year’s is more true to Dickens’ book,” she adds.

more than 300. It is the biggest stage ever constructed on the

For the third year in a row, Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre is

Herberger Theater plaza, featuring more than 700 square feet of

presenting “A Christmas Story: The Play,” Nov. 27-Dec. 20 inside

performance space.

Scottsdale Fashion Square. Ellen Versen, the theater’s executive

Here, audiences can see Childsplay’s one-woman production of “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 28-Dec. 23. Actress Katie McFadzen presents

director, says the show is becoming another local holiday tradition.

“We decided to move this show to our larger space — Cullity

this Charles Dickens classic using vivid narration and in-character

Hall — so we could accommodate the same number of people

storytelling. Social distancing and masks will still be required.

with adequate social distancing,” Versen explains. “The stage and

“The opening of The Pavilion outdoor stage is about hope and giving an opportunity for companies to meet their audiences in a new way,” Mark Mettes, president and CEO of the Herberger

dressing room are also bigger in this space, so the relatively small cast of 11 will also be able to social distance.”

Cullity Hall’s seating has been revised to a staggered pattern,

Theater, said in a statement. “We have heard from our guests that

and tickets will be sold in pairs, leaving four empty seats between

digital offerings are just not the same. We want to answer the call

pairs, although accommodations can be made (in advance only)

and provide a live arts experience for the community. These outdoor

for families who want to be seated together.

performances are about being together, yet safely apart, in order to experience performances in a safe and socially distanced way.”

The Phoenix Theatre Company has also erected an outdoor stage on its campus next to the Phoenix Art Museum. All month, families can enjoy “Unwrapped: An Original Christmas

“We wanted to make sure our first show upon reopening is a comedy, so audiences can laugh, and possibly escape, from their cares for a couple of hours,” Version says. “The nostalgia in this show will transport adults back to a simpler time.”

Doris Nehrbass is a freelance writer and editor in greater Phoenix.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

31

HOLIDAY FAMILY PERFORMANCES in greater Phoenix

Ballet Arizona dancers Ethan Price and Mimi Tompkins. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.

BALLET ARIZONA. Stream digital performances of

CHILDSPLAY stages a one-woman production of “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 28-Dec. 23 at the Herberger

“Nutcracker Suite” at 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19; they’ll be available

Theater Center’s new outdoor stage. Actress Katie McFadzen presents this Charles Dickens classic using

on demand for 24 hours. This local holiday tradition is slightly

vivid narration and in-character storytelling. Social distancing and masks are required. Herberger Theater

abridged, but with no shortage of magic in the wintry forest

Center, 222 E. Monroe St, Phoenix. childsplayaz.org

of the Snow Queen and King and the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Filmed performances ($20) include behind-the-scenes

GREAT ARIZONA PUPPET THEATER now hosts drive-in shows, and audiences can order breakfast

segments. A limited number of in-person performance tickets

delivered to their vehicle. Dec. 5-6: “The Elves & the Shoemaker.” Santa’s elves help a poor shoemaker

($100) are available, as well as Capture the Magic at Home

and his wife. Dec. 12-13, 19 and 24: “A Dinosaur Christmas Revue.” The giant dinosaurs are back to share

packages that include kids coloring books, ballet shoes worn

all their favorite Christmas carols, dances and jokes! Showtimes vary. $40 per vehicle ($30 members);

by performers and more. 602-381-1096 or balletaz.org

tickets must be purchased in advance. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

32 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

HALE CENTRE THEATRE is staging its 18th annual “A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 27-Dec. 26. The Gilbert theatre will have limited seating for social distancing and is requiring face masks. 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. 480-497-

THEATERWORKS

1181 or haletheatrearizona.com

REG MADISON PHOTOGRAPHY

THEATERWORKS presents “A Curiouser Nutcracker” Nov. 27-Dec. 30. This family-friendly holiday version of its “Curiouser & Curiouser” production takes audience members on a real walk through the realms of Winter Wonderland, the Land of Sweets, the Poinsettia Forest and the Land of Snowflakes, before facing the Mouse King in the perpetual Holiday Gala to save the Nutcracker. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org

THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY brings rock ‘n’ roll muscle to “Unwrapped: An Original Christmas Revue," featuring songs from Pentatonix, NSYNC, Hanson and more Dec. 2-23. 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com

SCOTTSDALE DESERT STAGES presents “A Christmas Story: The Play,” at its theater inside Scottsdale

on the classic movie, and seating is limited for social distancing. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586 Scottsdale. 480-483-1664 or desertstages.org

SPOTLIGHT YOUTH THEATRE presents “Wanted: Santa

VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE

Fashion Square Nov. 27-Dec. 20. The show is based

Claus” live-streamed and for a limited audience Dec.

VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE hosts a virtual holiday concert to support HopeKids at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 19 featuring

18-20. Santa Claus has been framed! Now it’s up to the

nearly 20 favorite holiday songs. HopeKids provides fun events and activities to families who have a child with a

elves and a special angel to set greedy department store

life-threatening medical condition, such as cancer. A portion of proceeds raised from online concert donations

moguls straight and help Santa save the true meaning of

will go directly to HopeKids, and the theatre will be a drive-through location for HopeKids families to pick up

the holidays. Recommended for all ages. 10620 N. 43rd

donated meals during the concert. Five meals are $40, 10 meals are $75 and 20 meals are $140. The goal is to

Ave., Glendale. 602-843-8318 or sytaz.org

provide 200 meals to these families. vyt.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

33

family time!

The Polar Express (Nov. 7-Jan. 3).

DECEMBER TOP EVENTS It’s the holiday season! While it’s a little less busy this year, there’s still plenty of things to do for some holiday cheer. Here’s what’s happening in greater Phoenix.

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites.

Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar

NOV. 7-JAN. 3: The Polar Express. Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from Williams, Arizona, to “the North Pole” — where Santa Claus and his reindeer have a keepsake present for every good boy and girl. Watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. The 90-minute train ride departs at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. most nights with the exception of holidays and select Mondays and Tuesdays. $33-$47 Sunday-Thursday, $47-$59 Friday-Saturday, $59-$85 Christmas Eve. thetrain.com/events/polar-express

NOV. 7-JAN. 3: ZooLights. For the first time in its history, see ZooLights from the comfort of your own car on select nights, or walk through to see the millions of twinkling holiday lights and dazzling animal sculptures. The Africa Trail and all-new Wildlife Lantern Safari feature polar bears, mammoths, koalas, kangaroos and more. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Purchase Cruise Zoolights tickets in advance. Cruisethrough: $75/carload ($60 for members). Walk-through: $16-$20 per person.

Kettle corn, hot cocoa, souvenir photos and select glow items for sale. 455 N.

Send calendar info to familytime@RAKmagazine.com

34 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. phoenixzoo.org

NOV. 14-JAN. 3: Lights at the Farm. Vertuccio Farms’ holiday lights show runs 5:30-10 p.m. nightly, with ice skating, a 10-foot snowman, ceramic elves, reindeer and a life-size nativity scene. Limited capacity to observe social distancing. On-leash dogs are welcome. $13 at gate ($10 on select dates), $11 online, free for ages 2 and younger. $8 skating ($5 on select dates). 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480-882-1482 or vertucciofarms.com or

NOV. 20-DEC. 31: Christmas at the Princess. Every winter, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess becomes a twinkling holiday wonderland for both hotel guests and the public. Their socially distanced outdoor holiday celebration offers ice skating, light shows, s’mores, pictures with Santa Claus, water lantern ceremonies and more. 4-10 p.m. peak days, 5-10 Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Nov. 24-Jan. 2).

p.m. off-peak days. $15 per person or $60/vehicle with four activity wristbands; $90/vehicle for valet parking and six wristbands. 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-4848 or scottsdaleprincess.

NOV. 24-JAN. 2:

com/christmas-at-the-princess

Christmas at Schnepf Farms. Enjoy more than 25 acres of family holiday entertainment nightly including vendors, a Santa’s workshop letter-writing station, pine-cone decorating, Christmas carousel and snow-globe mini golf. Take a hayride to feed the reindeer, ice skate or frolic through a Christmas-themed obstacle course. The Illumination Express

NOV. 23-DEC. 31:

train travels through a light tunnel that doubles as Santa’s magic portal. Christmas campfires, s’mores kits and adult

Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields. The Spring

beverages available. Because of limited capacity due to social distancing, purchase tickets in advance. $15-$17; $5

Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks hosts

veterans; free for ages 2 and younger. Schnepfchristmas.com

a 1.2 mile drive-through holiday light show. Enjoy more than 5 million lights while holiday songs are simulcast into vehicles on an FM radio signal.

NOV. 27-DEC. 20:

Enjoy it all from your car ($31-$51 per carload)

“A Christmas Story: The Play.” Set in the 1940s Midwest, and based on the movie that launched a whole new genre

or an electric carriage ($300 and up). 5:45-10

of holiday films, 9-year-old Ralphie Parker goes to all lengths to get his dream Christmas present: a genuine Red Ryder

p.m. nightly including holidays. Salt River Fields

BB gun. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre presents this show in its largest theater (inside Scottsdale Fashion Square)

at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale.

to allow for social distancing, and masks are required. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $25.

480-656-9940 or holidaylightssrf.com

7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664 or desertstages.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

35

MICHELLE-RENEE ADAMS

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY

lightsatthefarm.com

family time! DECEMBER TOP EVENTS DEC. 2: Mindfulness Strategies for Managing Holiday Stress. Jennifer Kizer — a licensed professional counselor and mother of 6 — offers quick and easy mindfulness strategies in time for the holidays. Learn how to release expectations of ourselves, other people, and the world and to savor the present during this online Zoom and Facebook Live event presented by 4th Trimester Arizona. 10-11:30 a.m. facebook. com/4thtrimesterAZ

DEC. 5-6: Christkindlmarkt. The Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures presents its 12th annual traditional German Christmas market in Scottsdale. Enjoy German and Polish cuisine, and traditional handicrafts including candles and Christmas ornaments, and family activities and entertainment. Kids can visit St. Nikolaus. Free admission. 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to

ODYSEA AQUARIUM

6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Ac4gc.org

SeaTREK Santa (Nov. 27-Dec. 24).

DEC. 5-6: “The Elves & the Shoemaker.” Great Arizona Puppet Theater hosts drive-up performances of this show,

NOV. 27-DEC. 24:

where Santa’s elves help a poor shoemaker and his

SeaTREK Santa at OdySea Aquarium. Helmet-diving makes two daily appearances at Arizona’s largest

wife. It’s a holiday experience for the whole family. 10

aquarium on select dates from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve. Each appearance kicks-off with

a.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $40 per vehicle ($30

a live reading of OdySea’s original, “T’was the Night Before FISHmas” at the window of the Deep Ocean exhibit,

members); tickets must be purchased in advance. 302

then SeaTREK Santa appears. Noon and 4 p.m. Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-24; plus a 1 p.m.

W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

appearance on Dec. 24. $37.95; $27.95 for kids (when purchased online). 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Suite A-100, Scottsdale. 480-291-8000 or odyseaaquarium.com

NOV. 27-DEC. 31: Las Noches de las Luminarias. Desert Botanical Garden comes to life with more than 8,000 luminarias and thousands of twinkling lights. Face masks required for ages 7 and older and social distancing will be observed.

5:30-10:30 p.m. Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 11-13, 17-23 and 26-31. $29.95 and up; $10.95 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-481-8188 or dbg.org

36 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

“The Elves & the Shoemaker” (Dec. 5-6).

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December 2020 37 480-848-1462 |RaisingARIZONAKids.com kate@jubilantphotography.com

family time! DECEMBER TOP EVENTS

“ A Christmas Story” (Nov. 27-Dec. 20) at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre.

DEC. 10-13:

DEC. 12 AND 19:

El Zócalo Festival. Childsplay and the Cultural Coalition host this free

Ballet Arizona’s Nutcracker Suite. These digital performances will be available

in-person and online event, celebrating Indigenous and Latin American art.

to stream at 3 p.m. both Saturdays and are available to view on demand for 24 hours.

Online starting Dec. 10, learn from local artists Zarco and Carmen Guerrero

While Ballet Arizona’s holiday tradition looks a little different this year, there will be no

to create festive masks and decorations (papel picado). On Dec. 13, enjoy a

shortage of magic, beautiful dancing and the music to capture the spirit of the season!

multicultural line-up of live musical and theater performances and cultural dances

Escape to the wintry forest of the Snow Queen and King and the Land of the Sugar Plum

on Herberger Theater Center’s new outdoor stage, including performances of

Fairy. The filmed performance includes behind-the-scenes segments! $20. balletaz.org/

“Dreamers,” based on the book by Yuyi Morales, local ballet folklorico and

performance/nutcracker-suite-digital-performance

mariachi ensembles and a celebratory parade. 222 E. Monroe St, Phoenix.

Seating is socially distanced and masks are required. childsplayaz.org/zocalo

NOV. 27-DEC. 20: “A Christmas Story: The Play.” Set in the 1940s Midwest, and based on the movie

DEC. 12-13, 19 AND 24:

that launched a whole new genre of holiday films, 9-year-old Ralphie Parker goes to all

“A Dinosaur Christmas Revue.” Great Arizona Puppet Theater hosts drive-up

lengths to get his dream Christmas present: a genuine Red Ryder BB gun. Scottsdale

performances that are fun for the whole family. The giant dinosaurs are back to

Desert Stages Theatre presents this show in its largest theatre (inside Scottsdale Fashion

share all their favorite Christmas carols, dances and jokes! 10 a.m. Dec. 12, 19 and

Square) to allow for social distancing, and masks are required. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 and

24, 2 p.m. Dec. 13. $40 per vehicle ($30 members); tickets must be purchased in

7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale.

advance. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

480-483-1664 or desertstages.org

38 December 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Bringing Hope to Children in Foster Care

Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of essential needs for children in the foster care system in the state of Arizona. .92 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs for children in foster care.

SCOTTSDAL DESERT STAGE THEATRE

www.AzHelpingHands.org 3110 E. Thunderbird Road, Suite 100 Phoenix AZ 85032 480.889.0604 EIN: 86-0935988

Find out how YOU can make a difference in a foster child’s life. DONATE TODAY!

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2020

39

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