A wintry weekend in Glenwood—Warm up in the hot springs, explore ice caverns and learn about the O.K. Corral
Teenagers can be challenging. They aren’t little kids anymore, yet they’re not quite adults. They are pulling away from parents and becoming more independent. Keep communication open as you listen, guide and engage with them and allow them to be individuals.
LIKE MOST OF THE COUNTRY, it seems, I take a moment at the beginning of the year to reset—my diet, my attitude and gratitude, my alcohol consumption, my physical activity, my time in nature and anything else that needs tuned up. I’m not a big fan of resolutions and goals, in general, but I do like to review and reinforce my intentions, which revolve around being able to be present for others by being as mentally and physically flexible and healthy myself.
I think a lot of ailments come down to stress. (Disclaimer: The author (me) is not a medical professional in any way, shape or form and all statements have not been evaluated nor approved by the FDA and are solely based on the experience of the author.) So first and foremost, I try to work with my mind. Many, many things cause us stress from personal experiences like family dynamics to greater societal challenges like school shootings to our closely held opinions and beliefs that we tend to think of as extensions of ourselves.
So how can we work with our minds in a way that fits into our busy daily lives? Sometimes it’s as easy (not easy) as counting to ten, as our parents told us to do, before we react. If we can do that, it means that we are seeing the situation, whatever situation that might be, more from an objective view and less from a reactive place. We are much more likely to respond in a way that reduces rather than furthers the conflict. It takes a lot of intention to count to ten and it may seem impossible sometimes.
We can also just pause regularly throughout the day and follow our breath in and out and in and out, for a minute or less. Think of it as practice for counting to ten. And if we really want to jump on this getting in touch with our minds, we can take up a formal meditation practice or begin a yoga practice.
Physical activity also seems to help with stress, as any runner, bicyclist, hiker and just about any person involved in an aerobic activity can tell you. The mind and the body are linked.
And finally, some time walking along the river or in park or in the hills changes everything. There’s a word for it in Japanese, shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, which means immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of nature in a calm and quiet way with a focus on the present moment.
Let the reset begin.
Have a happy, healthy New Year!
Scott
JANUARY 2025 • Volume 28, Issue 8
PUBLISHER
Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210
scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
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Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210
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Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2025 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
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STRAINS, SPRAINS, AND BRUISES—if your child plays sports, they’re likely to experience one or more of these sooner or later, if they haven’t already. The good news is, while accidents happen, there are steps you can take together to reduce the risk and get them back in the game in no time.
Before your child even attends their first practice, arm them with appropriate protective gear for their sport. Often coaches will send out a list of required gear, but it’s a good idea to ask about optional items as well. A dancer might consider utilizing protective tape, a baseball player could add a chest or hat guard to his uniform, and a safety vest could be a smart call for a horseback rider.
Gear in place, it’s time to start off practice on the right foot with a few stretches to target key muscles which your child will use in their sport. If their coach doesn’t routinely start practices with stretching, suggest your child stretch on their own beforehand, or offer to lead a group stretch in the minutes leading up to practice. childrenscolorado. org offers a list of simple stretches designed to improve flexibility and range of motion in athletes.
During practice, make sure your child drinks plenty of water and takes breaks if they start to tire. Learning the correct techniques and asking the coach if they’re unsure are key to preventing sports injuries.
If an injury is serious enough to require professional medical attention, it’s important to follow the doctor’s orders and abstain from practicing until cleared to do so. Kids who are feeling up to it are often encouraged to attend practice from the sidelines to support their team while they recover. Some minor injuries can be cared
While some injuries are obvious, others can be harder to spot. If your child complains about pain, stiffness, difficulty bearing weight, or trouble moving a limb, it’s best to pull them from practice and have them checked out by a medical professional. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat that doesn’t normalize with rest, heavy bleeding, or damage to teeth all require immediate, emergency medical attention. If a child experiences a fall or collision, they should immediately be checked for concussion. Most coaches go through a mandatory concussion training annually, and parents can also educate themselves on the signs of concussion through the Heads Up program at cdc.gov. Children experiencing dizziness, headache, light sensitivity, nausea, confusion, or loss of consciousness should not return to practice until they’ve been examined and cleared by a medical professional.
for with simple home remedies. The RICE method combines four healing strategies: rest, ice, compression, and elevation, to encourage early healing in acute sports injuries. Begin by resting the injured area as much as possible in the first couple days after the injury occurs. Ice the affected area in 15-20 minute intervals throughout the day, then wrap in a compression wrap or bandage. Finally, keep the injured body part
elevated as much as possible for the first couple days to help prevent pain and swelling. Learn more about the RICE method at nih.gov. Once cleared to return to their sport, make sure your child takes things slowly to avoid further injury. Keeping an open line of communication between yourself, your athlete, and their coach is the best way to ensure a successful return to the sport your child loves!
IF WE HAVE LEARNED ONE THING in the past year, it is the importance of connection. Creating moments of family bonding helps strengthen your connection with one another. One way to create these moments is to plan regular family outings to new
places. By switching things up and getting out of your normal routine, you get to experience something new together and bond over the memories (good or bad). Family outings foster strong family bonds, create lasting memories, promote communication,
A sanctuary of natural beauty, Beaver Meadows offers a serene backdrop for family hangouts. Spanning 220 acres, the resort offers a range of accommodation options and daytime activities. In the wintertime, families can go tubing, snowshoeing, play pong hockey, and ice skate. On the drive to and from Beaver Meadows, stop for a meal at The Forks Mercantile and Saloon in Livermore where you can enjoy a meal in a rustic, western environment, peruse or buy a few fun trinkets and souvenirs, and even catch some live music if you’re lucky!
From camping to fishing, picnicking to horseback riding, Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park has all kinds of family fun! It has 355 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. There are over 50 lakes for sport fishing, plus 60 species of mammals, 280 recorded bird species, and countless insects to identify. Just an hour or so from Fort Collins, Estes Park offers crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery along with all kinds of entertainment, learning, and exploration.
enhance social development, and provide a space for shared experiences that can build a sense of unity and belonging, especially by allowing parents to connect with their children and reinforce values through shared activities.
Snowy Range Ski Area is nestled within the scenic Medicine Bow National Forest in southeast Wyoming. With a base elevation of 8,800 feet (summit 9,700) and annual snowfall of 250 inches. Snowy Range is the best option for families who want to explore the idea of skiing and snowboarding but don’t want to brave the I-70 traffic nor the prices of the better-known Colorado resorts. For a family of four including two adults, one toddler, and one school-aged pre-teen, one-day lift tickets run approximately $150 for all.
With a family-friendly atmosphere and affordable winter recreation for ski and snowboard enthusiasts of all abilities, guests can avoid the crowds and enjoy all the amenities of Snowy Range Ski Area. There is a “bunny hill” with a magic carpet perfect for firsttimers whether they are kids or adults. There is also a beginner ski area with a low chairlift for anyone worried about hanging, moving transportation.
With an overwhelming variety of gadgets and gear on the market, you might have a hard time figuring out what the best baby products actually are. And when there’s a new baby on the way—whether your own or a friend’s or loved one’s—it’s tempting to continue using the same hand-medown parenting products that worked for older siblings or cousins. There’s nothing wrong with tradition, but so many innovative baby and parenting products now help make raising a child a little easier and more fun, too.
Sensory Play: Activity Cube Dino Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys
111 N College Ave.
Fort Collins
Multisensory learning is fun and engaging for babies! This dino cube—and toys like it—develop their visual acuity, promote self-awareness, fascinate little hands for dexterity learning, and can even soothe teething gums with the attached teething rings. Each side has vibrant colors with large graphics like dinosaurs, a volcano, and prehistoric plants. The soft mirror on one side lets them admire their own gaze. The different fabric textures, short cords to pull and tug, flaps to move, and a plush triceratops head to find and hide give lots of options for play. This 5.5” square cube is a good size for home and traveling.
The Cupboard, 152 South College Ave., Fort Collins
With all the items on the market, it can feel special to get uber-specialized items. While there are an increasing number of gadgets out there that claim to make baby food better than all the rest, the truth is that most expecting families already have the tools to do so. But, one difference is that baby-food-making appliances tend to have the ability to steam AND THEN blend food. Saving time, tools, and time cleaning up. These types of baby food preparation gadgets can be purchased online, at most any discount department store, and local kitchen and home stores. The options and features to consider when purchasing are presence of a steam timer, auto power-off for blending, and food processor speed.
Bella Bee Kids, 4454 Vista Dr, Fort Collins
While every caregiver—and every baby—have preferences around touch, feel and blanket type, the basic flannel blanket is ideal for babies. They keep baby warm and cozy, especially in cooler weather. Flannel’s breathability helps regulate a baby’s temperature and keeps them comfortable. Flannel is a strong and durable fabric that can withstand frequent washing and use. They also get softer with each wash. The durability and increasing-softness-over-time features, when packaged together, make flannel great for babies because they can withstand the love and attachment that may grow over time, as well. The softest flannel is made from 100-percent cotton and this local store has many print design options.
FOR BUSINESSES IN FORT COLLINS, CONTACT: Greg at 970-689-6832 • greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com FOR BUSINESSES IN GREELEY, LOVELAND, WINDSOR, ESTES PARK AND OTHERS, CONTACT: Susan at 970-301-3320 • susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com
IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE a more picture-perfect way to kick off a new year than soaking in a hot spring pool in the middle of a wintery wonderland after exploring one of the state’s most stunning natural wonders. This month, set aside a weekend to explore some of the beauty Colorado’s Western Slope has to offer.
A 3.5-hour drive will land you in the city of Glenwood Springs, where a lovely downtown awaits you for shopping, snacking, and strolling. Peruse Grand Avenue with a stop at Glenwood Toys and Gifts where you can pick up an activity or two for your hotel stay, then pop in to Glenwood Springs Outdoors to gear up for the rest of your weekend. Finally, take a visit to Sundae ice cream shop for a delectable treat. (https://visitglenwood.com/)
On your last day in Glenwood Springs, go on a family hunt for the grave of the legendary outlaw, Doc Holliday. Best known for his role in the famous O.K. Corral gunfight where he fought on the side of another famous historical figure, Wyatt Earp, Holliday spent his final days in Glenwood Springs and is buried alongside other wild west pioneers in the Linwood Cemetery. While the exact site of his grave is unknown, visitors to the area can take the short Doc Holliday Trail to the cemetery and take a stab at guessing which marker is his, while paying their respects to other wellknown figures of the time. (https://visitglenwood.com/thingsto-do/doc-holliday/)
That afternoon, stop by the Frontier Museum to learn what life was like for Doc and his pals. The museum, housed in a 1905 Victorian mansion, is a wealth of information on the early days of the wild west, with exhibits on ranching and mining, as well as the Ute Indians who lived in the area long ago. (https://visitglenwood. com/things-to-do/glenwood-springs-historical-society/)
Fifty minutes by car from Glenwood, you’ll find Rifle Mountain Park, where one of the state’s most incredible sights awaits you. The park, popular with climbers in summer thanks to the limestone caverns littered along its 1.3-mile trail, becomes an ice oasis from December through February, when frozen waterfalls lead the way into caves glistening with ice, and teeming with the biggest icicles you’ve ever laid eyes on. Boot spikes are recommended for exploring the caves, the first couple to which even the youngest explorers can easily make their way. The trail will lead you back to the highway where you can turn around and hike back, or walk up the road to the parking lot, making a pit stop at the giant rope swing on the opposite side of the road. (https://www.rifleco.org/91/Rifle-Mountain-Park)
Afterwards, reward yourself with a trip to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, coming in at over two city blocks in length and kept at a constant 90 degrees thanks to the Yampah Hot Spring which runs through the property. With room for everyone, the pool’s a great place for kids to splash and swim, and a great way for adults to relieve those sore muscles after exploring the caves. (www.hotspringspool.com)
Katie Harris
THE TEEN-REARING SEASON of parenthood can feel a bit like being up a creek without a paddle. Nothing you’ve learned in your parenting journey thus far seems to apply in this stage of communicating and connecting with adolescent children. The days of raising teens bring with them a unique set of challenges that find many parents simply trying to survive.
But, while certainly more difficult in many ways, it’s not impossible to retain or rebuild a relationship with your child during this stage, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Co-owner of the Parent-Child Interaction Center and Canopy Counseling in Fort Collins, Rebecca Arbach, has a wealth of tips and tricks to share with parents in the throes of raising teens.
When it comes to connecting with
teens, a frequent complaint from parents is that their teenager doesn’t talk to them anymore. Where banter once occurred easily, parents’ attempts at conversation are met with one word answers, or even broody silence. According to Arbach, there’s one common thing parents do to cause their teen to be conversationally defensive, and it’s an easy fix.
“I find that in my work parents often try to impart wisdom on their teens, taking the top-down approach, rather than actively listening to what their teen has going on,” she says. “I always encourage parents to try taking the backseat approach, and letting their teen lead the conversation, by hearing and validating their teen’s experience and asking open-ended questions.”
Once the door to communication has been successfully opened, the trick is to keep it that way. “Some
parents are very quick to try to fix things,” says Arbach. “Their instinct is to try to protect their kid, rather than empower them. The key is to let them know you’re there for them without being too pushy.”
“One of the things we talk about in our field is, you only have a child to parent for about 12 years; everything after that is guiding,” says Arbach. She explains that a parent’s job as their child reaches adolescence shifts from hands-on teaching, to more of a background role, as they allow their teen to begin creating their own narrative. This can sometimes mean allowing teens to fail and accept the natural consequences of their actions.
“If a kid doesn’t study and then fails a test, that’s a natural consequence,” says Arbach. “It can be hard as a
parent to watch this happen and not intervene, but if we don’t let them experience these real life consequences now, it can set them up for failure in the future.”
As children get older and their interests change, it may feel impossible as a parent to find ways to spend time together, doing things you both enjoy. Whether your teen seems to spend every spare second gaming, or disappears to a friend’s house each weekend, it’s important to find a balance that allows them to spread their wings while setting aside time to connect as a family.
“Up until the age of 12, kids’ strongest attachment is their parent attachment; they want to please their parents,” says Arbach. “During adolescence, that strong attachment switches to a peer attachment, and many parents really struggle with that.”
Arbach’s first tip for coping with this transition is to realize it’s natural, and not to be taken personally. Secondly, she recommends learning to speak the child’s language.
“Rather than suggesting things to do that you, the parent, enjoys,” she says, “enter your teen’s world for a bit.”
One of Arbach’s favorite simple activities to accomplish this involves having teens jot down five activities they enjoy, and having the parent pick one to join them in. “Setting aside time once a week or even monthly to step into your teen’s world can go a long way in reconnecting,” says Arbach.
Even when you think we’re doing all the right things, it can be hard to know if you’re succeeding when it comes to raising teens, and they’re unlikely to tell you.
“Teens aren’t always forthcoming with positive feedback,” explains Arbach. “The results of our parenting decisions during these years are really long term, so it’s a hard time to know if we’re making the right parenting choices.”
Arbach says even the smallest
gestures can be positive signs during the teen parenting stage. “If your kid wants to spend time with you occasionally, if they come to you to talk now and then, if they enjoy the relationship they have with you overall, even amidst eye rolls and typical teen behavior, we can view that as a win,” she says. “It’s when we see kids totally shutting down and not connecting at all with their parents that we worry about an underlying problem, either in the relationship or with the teen as an individual.”
If parents have concerns about their teen’s mental health or well-being beyond what feels typical for their age, it’s important to seek professional help.
Let them spread their wings
“One of the hardest things for us as parents is to allow our kids to be individuals; to realize they’re not extensions of us,” says Arbach. “While it can be hard to see your kid going a different direction than you would yourself, expression and autonomy are so important at this age.”
Arbach explains that even if you don’t approve of a phase your child is in, it’s best to let them explore their own identity, without judging or trying to control them.
“Kids are trying different outfits and identities on, and rarely do they stick forever,” she says. “Childhood is a continuous evolution, especially in adolescence. They’re just trying to find their footholds.”
With that said, it’s important to exercise limits when it comes to dangerous behavior such as inappropriate online activity or substance abuse; or decisions that have permanent effects, like tattoos.
The best thing parents can do, according to Arbach, is to set clear and reasonable expectations with the goal of empowering and motivating teens, rather than controlling or punishing.
“Build upon that foundation you’ve worked to create with your child their whole life,” says Arbach. “Empower them to make responsible choices and you’ll be setting you both up for success.”
For one night, the fifth-grade classrooms at Poudre School District’s Olander Elementary School transformed into theaters where young directors premiered their films to an audience of families and friends. Students worked as a team to facilitate and operate their own theater, which featured students’ stories demonstrating how they stepped outside their comfort zones this fall during their Eco Experience at Colorado State University’s Mountain Campus as a part of Project Based Learning. PBL projects are the heart of the educational experience at Olander. Each grade builds its academic year around three or more projects that address Colorado Academic Standards while incorporating student interests, and this Eco Experience Film Festival is one project fifth graders complete.
To prepare for their trip and the narrative storytelling project that would come after, students began with a driving question: how can
we, as storytellers, inspire people to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones?
Elsa Han shared her story about the B-17 Plane Crash Hike in her film, “The Flying Fortress.”
“Eco [Experience] kind of means to me that we’re maturing more because we got to go without our parents,” Han says, reflecting on her experience. “It’s a big opportunity to go up to Eco [Experience], not everyone gets to do it.”
For some students, stepping out of their comfort zone took an entirely new meaning. Sofia Balderas Izquierdo shared her journey of courage and teamwork in her film, “The Ultimate Swing,” which captured a particularly memorable moment: tackling the ropes course with the help of an adaptive harness.
“I am happy, I feel big, I feel excited,” Balderas Izquierdo said in her film, the text accompanied by photos of her smiling while in her adaptive harness next to physical education teacher Makenzie Stevenson.
This climbing harness is new to Olander this year. Stevenson teaches a climbing unit in PE, and after realizing some of the students in Integrated Learning Support (ILS) programs could not participate, she worked with a parent to raise money and get this brand-new adaptive climbing harness to include students who could not participate in these activities before.
“It’s always great to see kids included. All of the kids smiled when they saw [Sofia] in her harness and they were cheering her on,” Stevenson says. “To me, it’s a big, big thing to create those memories for someone who might never get to experience any of those first-time memories.”
As the evening wrapped up, Olander students and families were proud to see the culmination of months of hard work. Olander fifth graders showed that sometimes, the most meaningful learning happens when we dare to step outside our comfort zones and inspire others to do the same.
When Kareem Mahdi moved to the United States from Iraq in 2014, multitudes of people were fleeing Iraq for safety reasons. One of his adult sons had been in the United States military for some time, and Kareem, his wife, and their young daughter had been waiting for five years to get approval to come to the U.S.
“In Iraq, you can have a lot of money, but you’re not safe.” Kareem says. “I had a very good job there, a house, and a car, but the safety of my family is more important than anything.”
When Kareem and his family finally got the go-ahead to move, they had only two weeks to pack up what they could and get to the U.S.
“It’s very hard to move your roots,” Kareem says. “When I got here, there’s no Arabic people around me. It’s a big challenge for all of us.”
But having moved to America, Kareem spoke little English and didn’t have an American education. Kareem had graduated from high school in Iraq and had a degree from a school in Iraq, but he wasn’t sure what type of job to look for in the United States. His daughter-in-law suggested that Kareem apply for a job in the schools as a custodian.
“[In my country] no one will talk to you if you’re doing that job. It’s a disrespected job there in my country,” Kareem says, explaining that despite his reservations, he went ahead and applied for the job and began working as a custodian at Loveland High School.
“After the first month, I wanted to be a part of it. The people at Loveland, they make you feel like you are one of them,” Kareem recalls. “They treat me like I am something, I’m not nothing. I began to like that job.”
Now, Kareem has been working as a custodian in the district for almost 11 years. His daughter graduated from Loveland High School, and he has moved from working there to Centennial Elementary School, where he loves working with the younger students.
Centennial Principal Dr. Carmen Polka says the school would not be the same without Kareem.
“We are so fortunate to have Mr. Kareem as an important part of our Centennial community. Our school shines in excellence because of the pride he takes in the work he does each and every day,” she says.
It’s this sense of community and appreciation that makes Kareem enjoy a job that many would find challenging.
“This community gives me a lot; they made my life easier when I got here. It makes me want to give back,” he says.
Jillian Jensen practices bowling “every, single day.” She even works at a bowling alley when she’s not in school.
For Jillian, bowling is a huge part of her life. And, her passion is a big reason why the Northridge High School Unified Bowling Team took the state championship this year.
“I’ve wanted to win since I was a freshman,” Jillian says, a senior at Northridge. “It’s fun.”
Having fun is a huge theme for this championship team. They joke around like siblings, teasing each other and laughing whenever they are together. In addition to Jillian, the team includes junior Ethan Wahlmeier, senior Jordan
Fernandez, junior Annabelle Cox and senior David Rivera.
“I knew we had a chance of winning,” David says. “We were able to get through and have fun. We did our best and ended up winning.”
Winning the state championship was awesome. But hanging out with your friends and being part of a team is the best part of Unified Bowling, the team members agree.
“One time this kid (pointing at Ethan) grabbed my bowling ball and got me a gutter ball,” JIllian says laughing.
Unified sports provide an opportunity for students with intellectual or physical disabilities to be
paired on teams with students from the general population. Unified Bowling has five team members and is a Colorado High School Activities Association sanctioned sport.
Coaches Aimee Anderson, special education teacher, and Amy Wahlmeier, paraprofessional, said the Northridge group beat out 27 other teams to take the championship.
And, what makes a winning team?
“I think the most important thing is their relationships,” Coach Anderson says. “They love each other like brothers and sisters. They develop friendships that maybe otherwise wouldn’t have happened.”
Larimer County campgrounds fill up quickly on spring, summer and fall weekends. Plan ahead and book now to visit your choice of over 400 campsites, parks and open spaces this summer. You can reserve sites online up to 180 days (6 months) before your arrival date and also purchase daily entrance permits for vehicles, RVs and boats at the same time. If you already have a reservation and want to modify it by adding a daily permit, you can do so with no additional fee. To learn more about camping in Larimer County or to make your reservation online, visit www.larimercamping.com or call 800-397-7795.
Youth Services America (YSA), with support from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, are offering grants for projects focused on ending childhood hunger in America. This year, youth may apply for grants of $500 for projects that engage at least 50 other youth as volunteers (project planners, project leaders, and day-of volunteers) in activities designed to help end childhood hunger in their community. Youth “changemakers” aged 5 to 25 may apply with community service or fundraising projects that occur during Youth Service Month, (April 11 through
May 11) and/or Global Youth Service Day (April 25-27), are youth-led, and engage youth volunteers not typically asked to serve. All applications are due by 11:59 pm your local time on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Learn more and apply online at https://ysa. org/grants/sodexo.
Fort Collins
Join in the annual MLK Day March, January 20th at 1pm beginning at Washington Park in Fort Collins.
Following the march, gather for for the annual community celebration starting at 2pm in the Grand Ballrooms of the Lory Student Center. For
more information go to lsc. colostate.edu/involvement/ campus-activities/ dr-martin-luther-king-jrmarch-celebration/. Loveland
Loveland’s Dr. Martin Luther King Day celebration will take place January 16th at the Mountain View High School Auditorium, 6pm7:30pm. All are welcome! https://heartandsolco.org/ mlk-day-2025
Don’t let the cold weather fool you, you can still go to farmers markets in northern Colorado. Find lots of great vendors and products. Fort Collins—www.winter farmersmarket.com Greeley—https://greeley gov.com/activities/fm/home
FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
2nd Saturdays at CSU Spur
Spur’s 2nd Anniversary Party and NWSS. National Western Complex, Denver. www.csuspur.org/2ndsaturdays-at-csu-spur
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
Small Fries Preschool Open House
Prospective families can tour and ask questions. Chilson Center lobby, LV. www.lovgov.org/smallfries
JANUARY 17 THROUGH 19
Estes Park First Peoples Festival Celebration of indigenous culture, art, music, language, oral traditions and more. Estes Park Events Complex. www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/ winter-events/first-peoples-festival
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
Fairy Festival
Embark on whimsical journey to the world of fairies, pixies and other mythical creatures with fairy gardens, costume contest, face painting and more. Bath Garden Center and Nursery, FC. www.bathgardencenter.com/events
ENTERTAINMENT
THROUGH JANUARY 12
Scrooge! The Musical Timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
THROUGH JANUARY 25
Ringing in the New: New Year Traditions Around the World Exhibit highlights the rich diversity of customs and practices marking the universal occasion. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. globalvillagemuseum.org
THROUGH FEBRUARY 8
Exhibit: In Nature’s Studio
Features the bounty and beauty of American landscape painting from the early nineteenth century through the early twenty-first century. Loveland Museum, LV. www.thelovelandmuseum.org
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS, THROUGH FEBRUARY 28
Eagle Watch
Bald eagles from the north make Fort Collins their winter home in communal roosts near the reservoir. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3
Skygazing
Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing with telescopes from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Fossil Creek Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
JANUARY 3 AND 4
AMA Arenacross Championship
Over 150 truckloads of dirt is hauled in to challenge the toughest riders with massive air, high bank turns and technical rhythm sections. Blue Arena, LV. www.treventscomplex.com/events
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
A Dance Place Presents Frozen 2: The Ballet Frozen 2 is brought to life on stage in a stunning ballet performance. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.showare.com
JANUARY 17 THROUGH 19
Western States Classic Loveland Thunder Draft Horse Show
The Ranch Events Complex, LV. www.treventscomplex.com/events
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
The Margarita Brothers: Jimmy Buffett Tribute
Rialto Theater Center, LV. www. rialtotheatercenter.org/rialto-presents
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
National Geographic Live: Wild Cats Revealed
Expert Nat Geo Explorers share personal stories of working with awe-inspiring wildlife. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. lctix.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
Peter and the Wolf Canyon Concert Ballet joins Fort Collins Symphony to perform this annual family concert. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. lctix.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
Antarctica: Magical Ice and Majestic Beauty Hear of the continent’s unique wildlife, spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and groundbreaking scientific research. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, FC. www.globalvillagemuseum.org
JANUARY 25 AND 26
A Dance Place Presents Something Rotten Jr. Comedic musical set in the 1590s. Choose your day to see the junior vs teen cast. Monfort Concert Hall, GR. www.ucstars.showare.com
THROUGH JANUARY 26
Old Town Square Skate Rink
Enjoy winter seasonal fun on synthetic skating surface. Days/times vary. Old Town Square, FC. downtownfortcollins. org/skate-rink
THROUGH JANUARY
Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra
Main plaza next to Build-a-Bear at The Promenade Shops at Centerra, LV. www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra. com/events
THROUGH JANUARY 31
Move Through The Darkness Challenge
Zero-cost virtual challenge that empowers people to run, walk or exercise to make a positive impact on mental wellness. www.movethrough.org
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
Winter Walk: Prairie Dog Survival
Join volunteer naturalists to learn how they survive and even thrive in winter. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. www.fcgov.com/events
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
Annual MLK March
Keynote and march celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. FC. www.fcgov. com/specialevents/calendar
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
Polar Bear Run & Plunge 5k run/walk, icy reservoir plunge or both for all ages. Horsetooth Reservoir, FC. frontrangefreeze.com/polar-bear-event
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KATIE HARRIS
When the budget’s tight, we realize what really matters
WE’VE BARELY WRAPPED the tin foil around the leftovers of our Thanksgiving feast most years before I’m off like a shot, ducking away somewhere quiet with only my phone to keep me company, while I rabidly peruse the early Black Friday sales online.
It’s been my routine for as long as I can remember, a holiday tradition of sorts, to gather the kids’ Christmas wish lists throughout November, then anxiously await the sales to begin when I can pile each discounted item into my virtual cart, knocking out the bulk of my holiday shopping and patting myself on the back for paying a pittance in the process.
This year, though, Black Friday came and went, and I found myself without a single gift marked off the list. It’d been a tight year all around, between unexpected medical bills (read kid swan diving into coffee table), two new drivers in the house to insure (whose brilliant idea was it to let financially dependent children drive?), and overall inflation spikes on everyday items (ahem, groceries) that had kept my fingers off the keyboard while sales were at their … Prime.
But with kids at home Christmas can’t simply be skipped. Something had to be done, preferably at a
minimal cost to maximum excitement ratio. I had to get creative.
My mind went to experiential gifts, as it does most years, before being squelched by the kids’ demands for toys and gadgets. How could I turn an inexpensive but memorable experience into a top-notch gift? Then it hit me. Earlier in the year, I’d gotten ahold of a kid’s discount ski pass for our 5-year-old, which included a free lesson and rentals at a major resort. At the time I’d doubted we’d ever make the drive to use it, but now it was about to pay off big time. What better gift for an adventurous 5-year-old than a day in the mountains learning to ski? Meanwhile, our 3-year-old would be thrilled with a homemade “coupon” for a day of sledding and exploring in the snow outside the resort, Mom and Dad all to himself. With the boys’ gifts taken care of at no cost save for gas, I was on to the teens.
That’s when the universe smiled at me again, this time in the form of
an email from the credit union I bank at, offering tickets to a local college football game for just $10 apiece. Sold! What more could a couple of sportsobsessed high schoolers want than the chance to attend a live game (and maybe pig out on soda and popcorn in the process).
Christmas 2024 was, against all odds, a merry one at our house.
The kids never knew that I’d spent a fraction of my usual holiday gift budget, and it didn’t matter. Instead of more action figures, monster trucks, and gaming consoles littering the house, we had fun together, doing things as a family, and faced January head on without the inevitable dread of a looming post-holiday credit card bill. It turns out the Whos down in Whoville were right—it doesn’t take toys under a tree to make Christmas magical, and it doesn’t take a hefty bank account to spend quality time together. Just a little creativity, determination, and love.
