1213 Holiday Guide

Holiday Gift & Activity guide 2013

Rethinking gift-giving page 4

Safe family travel page 8

Hosting happy holidays page 12

Holiday calendar page 16

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Rethinking the holidays

Homemade gifts, time and philanthropic giving are most valued KIM SHARPE

‘

Tis the season for giving and receiving gifts. While it may be fun to receive something special, giving something special can feel so much more satisfying.

And gifts don’t have to be expensive, material items. When you think about giving this year, think outside the box.

Handmade with love Nothing says “I love you” or “you mean a lot to me” like a homemade gift. Whether it’s a framed piece of kid art, a knitted scarf or a bottle of olive oil infused with herbs from your garden, most people appreciate the thought that goes into a handmade gift.

“Whenever I make a gift for someone I think of that person and pray for them as I am working until gift is complete,” says Jennifer Ochwat, NoCo mother of two. “My hope is that the gift recipient can feel the warmth of my love when they wear or use my gift.”

If you’re not the crafty type and feel like a klutz in the kitchen, fear not. Help is available from many sources, including the Internet which contains an abundant supply of gift-making ideas—city or town recreation departments that offer a variety of classes from which you walk away with a handmade item, and businesses where you can spend an evening painting pottery or creating beaded jewelry.

Give the gift of time Rather than give an item at all, however, consider giving someone your time. Perhaps you have a family member, friend or neighbor who needs help with a project.

Maybe they need to get out of the house, away from their kids and household obligations to refocus. Or they just may need someone to talk to over a cup of tea.

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s too easy to use the excuse of business not to take time to meet people face to face or have an in-person conversation. The holiday season is the perfect season to reconnect with those around us.

If branching out to spend time helping those beyond your circle of family and friends sounds appealing, dial 2-1-1 or learn about volunteer oppor-

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tunities through the new 2-1-1 mobile app (downloadable and compatible for iPhone/iPad and Android devices).

Philanthropic giving Northern Colorado residents are blessed in many ways, but about 25 percent of the population lives in poverty and struggles to make ends meet every day.

One holiday giving idea is to minimize or forgo material gifts for family and friends in exchange for philanthropic giving to those less fortunate.

The third annual Colorado Gives Day is a convenient way to do this. To be held on December 10 this year, the day presents a 24-hour period when people can search the Colorado Gives online database (www.coloradogives.org/CO GIVESDAY) of nonprofit service organizations with a wide variety of missions and contribute to the one(s) of their choice.

In addition to fundraising, Colorado Gives Day raises awareness about the state’s nonprofit sector and educates communities on the benefits of online giving. The Community First Foundation and FirstBank sponsor the philanthropic event. These and other sponsors pay donors’ credit card and processing fees to ensure 100 percent of Colorado Gives Day donations go directly to nonprofit organizations.

“Thanks to generous Coloradans and hardworking nonprofits, we’ve seen the impact of Colorado Gives Day build dramatically over the last three years in every way,” says Marla J. Williams, president and CEO of Community First Foundation. “Not only the dollars raised, but the number of nonprofits and donors contributing to the success of the day has also grown tremendously. We look forward to continuing this momentum through Colorado Gives Day 2013.”

In the Estes Valley, people who wish to help make the holidays bright for others can contribute “Bright Christmas.” The program is in its 29th year of helping Estes Park’s families with a low income and children have a fun holiday. The Bright Christmas orga-

nization partners with the Estes Crossroads Ministry to serve families in need.

“Some residents think that we are a part of Crossroads Ministry, but we only partner with them because most of the families are clients of Crossroads,” says Jean Austin with Bright Christmas. She also conveys that the wish lists provided by people are humbling. “This past year, during our Christmas program, we had many families ask for shoes, [so] we sent the children to Plum Creek Shoe Store where the staff fit the children with new shoes. They discount those shoes to us.”

If you would like to donate to Bright Christmas, please send a check to Estes Park Bright Christmas, PO Box 2981, Estes Park, CO 80517. Bright Christmas is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact Jean Austin at 970-586-2035 or 970-635-3302 or Susan Speedlin at 970-586-8816.

Gift yourself the gift of peace, calm It’s an understatement to say the holidays can be some of the most stressful times of each year. There’s much pressure to make every holiday gathering as perfect as those portrayed by the American painter Norman Rockwell. When most families are a bit dysfunctional at best, perfection in the remotest sense of the word becomes an unrealistic goal. And the list of preparatory “to do’s” seems endless, and in some cases, senseless.

Give yourself a break this year by bucking the traditions that keep you trapped in a maze of holiday tension.

If you keep up with friends and family on Facebook, maybe mailing hundreds of personally signed holiday cards isn’t necessary any longer. Perhaps that big holiday meal can be enjoyed at one of the restaurants that remain open for just such occasions. And it’s okay to ask for help. Don’t feel you have to be a super hero and meet everyone else’s expectations at the high cost of your own sanity and health. Give yourself permission to lower your own expectations and give yourself the gift of peace and calm.

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On the road and in the air Keep your family travel safe this holiday season JANET WERST

A

s the holidays approach, many of you will be taking trips to visit friends and relatives across the country. Make sure to include the car seat on your packing list. For peace of mind and comfort all around, it is best and safest to take your own car seat when traveling. You cannot guarantee the safety, cleanliness, or ease of use of someone else’s car seat (rental car company or if you’re borrowing one).

If traveling by airplane, Safe Kids Larimer County and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommend using a car seat in an aircraft whenever possible. At a minimum, infants under a year old and 20 pounds or to the highest weight of the harness straps should be restrained in a rear-facing car seat on the plane and an older child should be restrained using a forward-facing car seat to the upper weight limits of the harness. Children who use a booster seat in the car will sit in the airplane seat like you and I do, buckled up with the lap belt.

Additional air and road travel safety tips for parents: The FAA advises travelers with

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small children to reserve a window seat for the car seat. Car seats are not allowed in aisle seats or exit rows as they could block emergency escape routes.

Whenever possible, buy a child his or her own airplane seat to ensure an approved car seat can be used.

Parents cannot rely on there being empty seats onboard an aircraft, especially during holiday travel season, and holding a child on an adult’s lap is not the safest option as turbulence can occur at any time jostling the child from your arms.

Children who have outgrown car seats with a harness at 40 or more pounds should sit in the airplane seat and, like all passengers, keep the lap belt buckled across their thighs or hips. Booster seats are not allowed on airplanes as they require shoulder belts, while airplane seats have lap belts only. Baggage check your child’s booster seat so you may use it upon arrival to your destination.

Before heading out on a road trip, double check that your car seat is securely installed in the vehicle.

Also, be sure the seat’s harness straps are snug fitting on your child’s body and the chest clip is centered at the armpit level. Your child should be comfortable in the seat so don’t forget

that special stuffed animal or blanket to cuddle for the ride.

Need help installing your car seat? Visit www.safekidslcc.org for a list of car seat inspection stations that can help ensure you are traveling safely in your car.

When visiting homes that are not familiar to your children, plan ahead.

• Talk to your host/hostess about some ways you can work together to childproof some areas of the home to protect their belongings and your child.

•R ecommend that valuable/breakable ornaments are not placed on the lower branches of the tree and holiday plants are put on tables (poinsettia) and out of reach.

• Take new toys (or ones they haven’t played with in a while) to entertain their little minds and hands so things that are not toys don’t tempt them.

• Schedule activities outside the house to allow children to safely burn off their energy without you worrying they will break something and saying “no, don’t touch” all the time.

For more information about aircraft child passenger safety, visit the “Flying With Children” page at http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_ children/crs/. For information about car seats and child passenger safety in general, visit www.safekids.org.

Janet Werst is the Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Larimer County Coordinator, UCHealth.

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WHO’S WATCHING THE KIDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

Prepare now for holiday shopping and parties by booking a sitter early!

SeekingSitters offers tips for finding & booking a sitter on the “most requested night of the year”

T

his holiday season, ‘may all your troubles be forgot’ – because you booked childcare early enough to make time for shopping, cooking and parties. It may be the most important item to cross off your holiday to-do list.

The closer it gets to the holidays, the harder and more expensive it gets to find a trustworthy, qualified sitter. At SeekingSitters, New Year’s Eve is the most requested night of the year. The full service babysitting referral service provides experienced, entertaining and thoroughly screened sitters who have CPR and First Aid training.

“The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about finding a sitter at the last minute who you trust with your children and want in your home,” Ashley Haas, who runs SeekingSitters in Fort Collins. SeekingSitters

was founded by a mom who was a licensed private investigator to provide safe, reliable and convenient babysitting for families across the country.

“We have in-house licensed private investigators who thoroughly pre-screen all of our sitters, we interview them face-to face and verify they have extensive childcare experience to make it safe and fun for your kids,” Ashley Haas.

Hiring your own holiday sitter?

Ashley Haas has three tips to ring in the New Year right: • Don’t Wait - Figure out what dates like New Year’s Eve, you will need a babysitter. Put the dates and times in writing and give them to your sitter.

Get a firm commitment from the sitter and let them know you’re asking early to make big plans. Ask other families if the sitter you’re considering has a history of being responsible, on

time and reliable.

• Thoroughly screen the Sitter - Call their references and verify their First Aid and CPR credentials. Interview potential childcare workers face-to-face and ask tough questions about how they handle disciplinary and emergency situations. Invest in a background check through a licensed private investigation firm.

• Offer Holiday Pay – Pay your sitter a little extra during the holiday season to acknowledge their efforts during the busiest time of year.

Also give them a few extra dollars if the sitter has prepared things to do with your kids, such as making holiday crafts and gifts.

Want to know more about finding the perfect holiday sitter? Visit us at: SeekingSitters. com, or call us at 970-443-5444.

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Hosting happy holidays

10 ways to make you and your company more comfortable KIM LIPKER

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he holidays and guests go hand and hand. If you are having company this season, here are a few tips to make this year as easy as pumpkin pie.

Have a good space for your guests A well-appointed guestroom is the ideal, but it is often difficult to dedicate an entire room for visitors. Use an office, playroom or a child’s room and make it welcoming. If you have multiple guests, use a privacy screen to divide a room.

Have comfortable sleeping arrangements for your guests Sleeping bags may be okay for the kids, but you must have a bed for each set of guests. A mattress, blow-up bed, cot, and foldout couch all work nicely.

Stock up on samples Any time you travel, pick up the hotel soaps, shampoos, conditioners and sewing kits. Put them in a decorative basket in the guest bathroom.

Give your guests privacy A common host mistake is to think that you need to spend every minute with your guests. Be the first to suggest some private time and then set a time for meals or an activity.

Consider small appliances An alarm clock, small lamp and other conveniences are essential for your guests so they don’t have to rely on you for wake-up calls and more. If you have an extra TV, stereo, fan, or portable heater, put those items in the guest space instead of getting rid of it.

Have a guestbook to sign A guestbook is a fun way to let your guests know their stay is valued. You can use a traditional guestbook, or put together a scrapbook that they can sign; you can add comments and a photograph taken of your guests during their visit.

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Fresh flowers always say: You are welcome here.

Small touches like flowers or a seasonal plant are another thing that make guests feel welcome. Since this is the season, make sure your home is decked out in all of your best holiday gear.

Plan menus Having an idea of what you are going to eat helps tremendously when you have a house full of people. Prepare and freeze as many meals as you can before your guests’ arrival so you are not spending all of your time in the kitchen. Have breakfast items and lunch items on hand and let your guests know they are welcome to the kitchen at any time. Be flexible with your meals and if a guest offers to pay for take-out Chinese food or dinner at a restaurant—by all means do it. Ask in advance about food allergies and food restrictions.

Plan itineraries Have activities in mind for your guests.

Ask them what local tourist attractions they would like to visit. Many guests are interested in what your family does on a day-to-day basis, so be sure to show them. This could include everything from a school visit, a trip to the grocery store, a favorite playground and more.

Ask for help Don’t be afraid to call service providers to assist and de-stress from your guest’s visit. If you need to clean your house from top to bottom, why not hire a cleaning professional before and after company comes? There is no shame in having all of your meals catered in. Order a pizza one night, call for subs the next night and have a grocery store do all of your holiday cooking. Many local restaurants offer curbside takeout as well. Call a local landscaping company or handyperson service to hang your holiday lights on the house. Hire a babysitter one night, leave the guest’s kids and your kids at home and enjoy a night on the town with the adults.

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Holiday ONGOING Through December 31 White Christmas the Musical!

Celebrate the holidays with this fun classic! Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. midtownartscenter.com.

Through December 31 Walk Two Moons Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555 or www. midtownartscenter.com.

Through January 5 Scrooge! The Musical!

Bring the whole family for this holiday classic! Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.

Through January 5 Over the Tavern In the nostalgia-laden Eisenhower years of the 1950’s, the large Pazinski family has a lot going on in their cramped apartment “Over the Tavern.” This is a warm and hilarious look at family, love and growing up Catholic. Bas Bleu Theatre Company, 401 Pine St., FC. 970498-8949 or www.basbleu.org.

December 5-7 Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Two Man Group Enjoy an evening of extraordinary improvisational comedy. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

December 6-8 Nutcracker With a Twist Presented by Mountain Dance. Follow Clara, her sister Francine and their brother Fritz on a magical journey to the land of fairy tales. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

December 12-14 Home For Christmas Presented by LifePointe Church. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX. com.

December 13-15 The Nutcracker Presented by Canyon Concert Ballet. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

December 13-15 The Nutcracker Presented by Colorado Dance Theatre.

Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

December 13-15 The Colors of Christmas Performed by the Loveland Choral Society. The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

December 18-20 Dance Factory Winter Recital Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 5pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

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December 20-22 A Musical Christmas Carol 2013 Presented by la-de-da. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Sunday, December 1 16th Annual Night Lights Presented by Realities for Children Charities. Bring your friends and family for this free community event that kicks off the season with nostalgic holiday spirit. First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., FC. 6-7pm. 484-9090 or www.GiveaNightLight.com.

The Nutcracker Performed by Canyon Concert Ballet.

The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

Cranberry Pops Presented by the Foothills Pops Band.

The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

Monday, December 2 Chanukah Menorah Lighting Old Town Square, Downtown, FC. 5:30-7pm. 484-6500 or www. downtownfortcollins.com.

Tuesday, December 3 The Christmas Rose Presented by Dance Express. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 1pm & 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX. com.

A Christmas Celebration: The Story Tour Featuring Casting Crowns Budweiser Event Center, 5290 Arena Circle, LV. 7:30pm. 970-619-4100 or www.budweisereventcenter.com.

Noontime Nature with Kevin Cook Master of the Mountains, BrownCapped Rosy-Finch. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. Noon. 970-962-2665 or www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Wednesday, December 4 Holiday Inn the Movie The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

CSU Holiday Gala The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

Silver Bells Social Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 1pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Nighttime Nature with Kevin Cook Master of Mountains, Brown-Capped Rosy-Finch. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6-7pm. 970-962-2665 or www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Thursday, December 5 Rosemary the Celtic Lady The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

Cheryl Wheeler Presented by Quantum Arts. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm.

970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Frontier First Grade Choir Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Friday, December 6 Accoustic Eidolon’s Annual Holiday Concert The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

Carolfest This season everyone can carol the streets of Fort Collins! Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 6-8:30pm. 484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

First Friday Gallery Walk Old Town Square, Downtown, FC. 6-9pm. 484-6500 or www. downtownfortcollins.com.

Christmas Presence Presented by The Studio. Budweiser Event Center, 5290 Arena Circle, LV. 7pm. 970-619-4100 or www. budweisereventcenter.com.

Community Tree Lighting Ceremony Civic Center, 500 E. 3rd St., LV. 5-7pm.

970-962-2410 or www.ci.loveland.co.us.

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Saturday, December 7 Accoustic Eidolon’s Annual Holiday Concert The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

Holiday Jingles Music, gift-making and treats. Lincoln Park Library, High Plains Library District, 919 7th St., GR. 2pm. 970506-8622 or www.mylibrary.us.

Christmas Presence Presented by The Studio. Budweiser Event Center, 5290 Arena Circle, LV. 7pm. 970-619-4100 or www. budweisereventcenter.com.

Teddy Bear Bash Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 9am. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Poinsetta Pops Presented by the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-3565000 or www.ucstars.com.

Loveland Lights Celebration Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 9am. 970-962-2665 or www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Sunday, December 8 ‘Tis the Season Community Sing-aLong The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

Tuesday, December 10 Kevin Cook: Master of Mountains – Brown-capped Rosy-finch Great stories of life and living. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon-1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, December 11 Bike Fort Collins Afternoon Soiree Help raise money for children’s bike giveaways. Soiree followed by bicycle caroling. Old Town Square Bike Library, Downtown, FC. 4:30-6:30pm. 2246112 or www.fcgov.com/fcbikes.

Library Bell Ringers Centennial Park Library, High Plains Library District, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 3pm. 970-506-8622 or www.mylibrary.us.

Gould and Fall Piano Recital Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Christmas in Candyland Ice Show Presented by the Mountain View Skating Club. Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. 4-5pm. www.greeleyicehaus.com.

Dickens Carolers Join us for an evening of merriment and holiday cheer. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7-8pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Author Visit with James Rollins Join this New York Times bestselling author! Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 2-3:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

A Night at the Abbey Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6pm. 970-962-2665 or www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Sunday, December 15 Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. Noon-4pm. 461-1285 or www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com.

Thursday, December 12 Colorado Birds Series with Kevin Cook Farr Regional Library, High Plains Library District, 1939 61st Ave., GR. Noon. 970-506-8500 or www.mylibrary.us.

Friday, December 13 Movie Night: War of the Worlds (2005) Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-9pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Monday, December 16 Westbridge Academy Winter Gala Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 6pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

Holiday Stocking Presented by Rocky Mountain High School. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Tuesday, December 17 Beauty and the Beast Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 970-356-5000 or www. ucstars.com.

UNC Choirs Holiday Concert Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars.com.

Poetry Reading and Book Signing with Veronica Patterson Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 6-8pm. 970-962-2410 or www.ci.loveland.co.us.

Loveland Lights Celebration Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 1pm. 970-962-2665 or www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Christmas in Candyland Ice Show Presented by the Mountain View Skating Club. Greeley Ice Haus, 900 8th Ave., GR. 6-7pm. www.greeleyicehaus.com.

Scrooge, Grinch, or Magi?

Join Nancy Patton and Public Service Credit Union. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 6:30pm. 970-9622665 or www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Laura’s Christmas Memories Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 2:30pm. 970-962-2665 or www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Saturday, December 14 Harpist Sigorney Moore Centennial Park Library, High Plains Library District, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 970-506-8622 or www.mylibrary.us.

Wednesday, December 18 Hazel Miller Band Holiday Concert The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 8pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

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Thursday, December 19 Holiday Concert: The Hollands Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7-8pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Amahl & the Night Visitors Presented by Opera Fort Collins. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm & 4pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

A Season of Dance with the MacKinnon Royal Dance Institute The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 6:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

A Candlelight Christmas Presented by Larimer Chorale. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm & 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

A Visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus Come for great stories, fun songs, candy canes and a craft activity. Centennial Park Library, High Plains Library District, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 9:30am.

970-506-8622 or www.mylibrary.us.

Handel’s Holiday Hits and Festive Favorites Presented by the Greeley Chorale. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.ucstars. com.

Friday, December 20 WinterSong Gala: Home for the Holidays Presented by Opera Fort Collins. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX. com.

Sunday, December 22 Noel! Sing Noel!

With the Rocky Mountains Chamber Singers. The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 2pm. 970-962-2120 or www.ci.loveland.co.us.

Clara & the Nutcracker Presented by Contemporary Dance Academy. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

A Candlelight Christmas Presented by Larimer Chorale. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm & 3pm. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

Jeff Wahl: Acoustic Guitarist Wahl returns for his annual holiday concert, featuring his many styles of music. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7-8:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Monday, December 23 Movie and Activities: A Christmas Story Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Ave., LV. 3pm. 970-962-2665 or www. lovelandpubliclibrary.org.

Interstate Cowboys 6th Annual Christmas Ball The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7:30pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

Saturday, December 21 Ringing in Christmas with the Bells of the Rockies The Rialto Theatre Center, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 970-962-2120 or www. ci.loveland.co.us.

Clara & the Nutcracker Presented by Contemporary Dance Academy. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm & 7pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Tuesday, December 31 1st National Bank’s New Year’s Eve Extreme Rodeo Challenge.

Budweiser Event Center, 5290 Arena Circle, LV. 7:30pm. 970-619-4100 or www.budweisereventcenter.com.

First Night Fort Collins Come join in the fun downtown for the 17th Annual First Night. Old Town Square, Downtown, FC. 5-10:45pm. 484-6500 or www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Merry Makers Family Event Join us for family entertainment.

Centennial Park Library, High Plains Library District, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 9:30am. 970-506-8622 or www. mylibrary.us.

Playground Theatre New Year’s Eve Day Program Come to our family show and enjoy classic fairy tales with a twist. Farr Regional Library, High Plains Library District, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 1pm. 970506-8500 or www.mylibrary.us.

New Year’s Eve Party at the Ice Rink Bring the entire family to The Ice Rink this New Year’s. Fireworks at 8pm. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 6-9pm. 461-1285 or www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com or www.TheIceRinkAtTheShops.com.

Friday, December 27 The Kids’ Comedy Show Lots of laughs for kids of all ages.

Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10:30-11:15am, 11:30am12:15pm, & 2-2:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Jim Brickman: The Magic of Christmas The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 2pm & 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Monday, December 30 The Kids’ Comedy Show Lots of laughs for kids of all ages.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10:30-11:15am, 11:30am-12:15pm, & 2-2:45pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

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List of Advertisers HOL IDAY

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