FESTIVE Holiday Guide
Safely through the season PAGE 4
Peace and calm PAGE 6
Holiday calendar PAGE 8
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Safely through the season
Gifts, trips and tips for happy holidays Take children out of the car seat once every 2 hours during long trips. DO NOT use car seats, swings or bouncers for a child’s nap. Once out of the vehicle, they should nap in a crib or pack and play.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Provide your children with snowboarding or skiing lessons before they head to the slopes to provide necessary skills to not only reduce their frustration but also their risk of injury. When family gets together, there is always more commotion. Do not let children play in the kitchen and always be alert when you are cooking. Keep medications up and away, not in purses, counters or bedside tables where children can reach.
H
olidays are a whirlwind of friends, family and joyous festivities. Although winter is not exactly ‘trauma season’ we should never take a vacation from safety. Take time to slow down and enjoy the season while keeping you and your family safe. Here are a few tips to get you safely through the holiday season:
GIFTS
Is there a bike, scooter or skateboard under the tree? If so, your gift is not complete without the appropriate safety gear. Follow gift-opening with a hands-on lesson on how to use the safety equipment. Give age-appropriate gifts. Many toys have the recommended age right on the box. Do not give toys with small pieces to children under 3 years of age. Do not give gifts with button batteries to young children. If swallowed, they can cause severe burns in as little as two hours. Stay up- to-date about harmful products by signing up for email alerts on recalled children’s products at www. recalls.gov.
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TRIPS
The safest way for a child to fly, if they still use a 5-point harness car seat (rear or forward facing), is in a FAA approved car seat. 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. Boosters should not be used on an aircraft. Any car seats not being used on the aircraft should be gate checked so if luggage is lost, you still have the much-needed car seat. If you are driving, get your car seat checked at an inspection station to make sure it is installed properly for your long road trips. You can find inspection stations by visiting our website at www.sklarimer.org.
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Kim Sharpe
‘Tis the season… to keep it sane 6 | FESTIVE
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Lower expectations and promote peace and calm
O
vereating. Overdrinking. Overscheduling. Overspending. Over the top! If this sounds like how the holidays play out in your world, try implementing a holiday makeover to infuse some sanity—and moderation—into the season.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MODERATE
One of the best parts of the holidays are the traditional foods and drinks that go along with them. But enjoying too many of those special holiday treats can add up to a lot of extra, unhealthy holiday pounds. An easy way to cut back is to be mindful when
SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
One of the best strategies for keeping the holidays in check is to set realistic expectations. Just say no to the pressure to make every holiday gathering picture perfect like those portrayed by painter Norman Rockwell. When most families are a bit dysfunctional at best, expecting everyone to be on their best behavior during holiday gatherings is probably unrealistic. And that endless list of preparatory “to do’s” in many cases is just unnecessary. Give yourself a break by bucking the traditions that keep you trapped in a maze of holiday tension. If you keep up with friends and family on social media, perhaps mailing hundreds of personally signed holiday cards isn’t necessary any longer. Maybe 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 to allow space for a bit of peace and calm to reside within yourself and your home.
MAKE MEMORIES
eating and drinking. Some other tips to keep from overindulging are: • Use a small plate • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables • Only take food you really think you’ll enjoy. Don’t waste calories on food you really don’t want to eat. • Bring your own healthy dish to share • Choose a small-size holiday f lavored coffee drink with sugar-free syrups • Eat and drink slowly. Nibble and sip like a gourmet foodie.
Materialism seems to have hijacked the reasons for the season, regardless of the religion one may associate with winter holidays. Tim Kasser, a specialist in materialism and well-being, says a study he and a colleague conducted showed that, “… to the extent people focused their holiday season around materialistic aims like spending and receiving, the less they were focused on spiritual aims. We also found that people reported ‘merrier’ Christmases when spirituality was a large part of their holiday, but reported lower Christmas well-being to the extent
that the holiday was dominated by materialistic aspects.” Materialism also hijacks budgets when people overspend to buy gifts for friends and loved ones. While it’s nice to show others we care by showering them with presents, decades of psychological research conclude that people appreciate experiences more than possessions. So rather than spend a lot of money on material items, enjoy some wintery fun together, like sledding, ice skating or skiing. Enjoy an afternoon of cookie baking and decorating or a family game night. Children (and adults) will remember quality time spent together much longer than receiving the latest and greatest toy. And even if your experiences don’t pan out exactly as planned, they’ll still make for good stories down the road.
GIVE TIME
Another thing you can give rather than a material item is some of 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 maybe they just need someone to talk to over a cup of tea. In our fast-paced, technologydriven 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. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, explains, “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving him or her a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”
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Holiday event
Calendar
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Ongoing Events
THROUGH DECEMBER 3 29th Annual Festival of Trees Beautifully decorated trees to get you in the holiday spirit. Santa will be on site, too! $2.50-adults, $1.50-seniors and children under 12. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. Times vary. www. ucstars.com. THROUGH DECEMBER 11 Downtown Santa’s Shopping Quest Knock out some holiday shopping in Downtown Fort Collins and search for Santas with a gold star to win prizes. Downtown Fort Collins, FC. 484-6500, www. downtownfortcollins.org. THROUGH DECEMBER 27 A Tuna Christmas This tale takes place in fictitious Tuna, Texas. Ticket prices and show times vary. Bas Bleu Theater Company, 401 Pine St., FC. 498-8949, www.basbleu.org.
THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Holiday Gift & Miniature Show Artwork in all mediapainting, drawing, photography, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, home decor, clothing, accessories, more. Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park Fine Art Gallery, 423 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. Tuesdays-Sundays, 12noon5pm. www.estesarts.com It’s a Wonderful Life Frank Capra’s classic holiday film is brought to theatrical life in an uplifting musical that is perfect for the entire family. Ticket prices and show times vary. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. www. coloradocandlelight.com. DECEMBER 2 AND 3 Oratorio Society of Estes Park Holiday Concert Free, but donations are gratefully accepted. There will be a reception after the concert on Saturday. Estes Park High School Auditorium, 1600 Manford Ave., EP. Friday, 7pm and Saturday at 2pm. http://osep.info/main/.
DECEMBER 2 THROUGH JANUARY 8 Celebrating the Season: The 14th Annual Holiday Art Exhibition The show features work created by Cultural Arts Council visual arts members. Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, 423 W. Elkhorn Ave., EP. Exhibit times vary. 586-9203, www. visitestespark.com. Garden of Lights Tour perennial flower beds all decked out with holiday lights, visit with Santa, listen to holiday music, sip warm beverages. $5 donation appreciated. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 5-9pm. 416-2486. DECEMBER 8 THROUGH 11 It’s a Wonderful Life The Moon Theater Company brings George Bailey and the whole cast of this classic tale to life. Prices vary. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Times vary. 962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org.
DECEMBER 9 THROUGH 11 The Nutcracker Canyon Concert Ballet is proud to present its 35th annual performances of this classic Christmas tale. Ticket prices vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. Times vary. 221-6730, www. lctix.com. DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 18 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas This production of the holiday classic is based on the viewpoint from the mouse. $13.50. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. Times vary. 356-5000, www. ucstars.com. DECEMBER 16 THROUGH 18 Christmas in America Enjoy the Loveland Chorale Society voices and festive Christmas orchestra for a red, white and blue holiday musical fest. $18. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Times vary. 962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org.
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DECEMBER 17 AND 18 Candlelight Christmas Concert The Larimer Chorale will revisit old favorites and explore music from a variety of cultures. $25; $15-students. First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover St., FC. Times vary. 2216730, www.lctix.com. DECEMBER 19 THROUGH 21 Holiday Film Series Get lost in the magic of the holiday season with three one-night-only screenings of classic holiday films: Scrooge, Babes in Toyland and It’s a Wonderful Life. $6 each. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org
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Events By Date
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Dave Villano’s Celtic Christmas Magic Join Dave and 10 of Colorado’s top musicians for an evening of traditional Celtic and contemporary holiday music, with special guest local guitar virtuoso Dave Beegle. Prices vary. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 962-2120, www. rialtotheatercenter.org. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Winter Song: A Sparkling Winter Gala A sparkling holiday evening with the Fort Collins Opera event. Includes gourmet dinner, bar, silent auction
and musical offerings. Ages 21+. $75; $50-students. Prices vary. CSU Lory Student Center Theatre, 1101 Central Ave. Mall, FC. 6pm. 221-6730, www.lctix.com. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Teddy Bear Bash Kids will meet Christopher the Christmas Bear, play games, fish at the North Pole, more. Ages 3-9. $5. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 9-11am. 356-5000, www. ucstars.com. Homesteader’s Holiday Enjoy candle dipping, making
ornaments, eating holiday treats and shopping-all with an historical theme. $4-adult, $2-60+, $2-ages 3-17, free for children under 12 with canned food donation. Centennial Village Museum,1475 A St, GR. 10am-4pm. www. centennialvillagemuseum.com.
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A Dickens Dinner Ring in the holiday season with a four-course Victorian feast and a full evening of music by the elegantlycostumed Dickens Carolers. Reservations must be made by November 25. Prices vary based on meal selection. Fort Collins Country Club, 1920 Country Club Rd., FC. 6:30pm. 416-9348, www. larimerchorale.org. Poinsettia Pops Concert The Greeley Philharmonic Orchesta, Greeley Chorale and Children’s Chorale will entertain by playing all your favorite holiday classics. Children under 2 years are not admitted to this performance. Prices vary. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave.,
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GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000, www. ucstars.com. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Big Band Holiday with Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Swing in the holidays with classic holiday songs. Prices vary. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 3pm. 962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org. UNC Choirs Holiday Concert Get in the holiday spirit with UNC choir members as they sing for joy. $12; $8-students. Union Colony Civic, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000, www.ucstars.com. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Dasher 5k Warm up the holiday season
with this family friendly 5k run. Dress to impress in holiday outfits. Entrance fees vary. Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Ave., EP. 10am. www.epmarathon.org. Tuba Christmas Northern Colorado Come celebrate the holiday season with a brass band of tuba proportions. Oak Street Plaza, FC. 2-3pm. 484-6500, www.downtownfortcollins.org. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 A Brass Christmas Join members of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra for this annual holiday treat. First United Methodist Church, 9917 W. 10th St., GR. 7:30pm. 353-5522 www.fumcgreeley.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Winter Bike to Work Day Featuring stations that provide breakfast, coffee, bike repairs and fun to reward those who arrive by bike. Throughout Fort Collins. www. fcgov.com/bikewinter. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Greeley Chorale presents: A Holiday Gala Enjoy an evening of traditional and contemporary holiday music with the full chorale, as well as soloists and small ensembles, and the Greeley Madrigal Feaste Singers in Renaissance costume. $22; $10-student. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 3565000, www.ucstars.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 Winter Concert: Estes Valley Singers Large chorus and piano holiday concert. The Stanley Hotel, 333 Wonderview Ave., EP. 2pm. www. estesparkmusicfestival.org/ winter-concerts.html. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Charles Dickens A Christmas Carole This new adaptation of Dickens’ classic fills the stage with a heavy dose of humor, and a timeless message. Prices vary. Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 221-6730, www.lctix.com. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays Experience Christmas music like never before with colorful repertoire, breathtaking arrangements and a powerful live performance by Australia’s The Ten Tenors. Prices vary. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm. 356-5000, www. ucstars.com. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 First Night Ring in the New Year at this alcohol-free, family friendly evening where you will enjoy live music, dancing, theatrical performances, more. Free. Many venues throughout Downtown Fort Collins. 5:3010pm. 962-2120 or www. downtownfortcollins.org. New Year’s Eve Gala A red carpet entry, a night of favorite soloists and songs, followed by the Times Square Ball Drop and a champagne reception. $10-35. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 8pm. 356-5000, www.ucstars.com.
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VISIT SANTA THROUGH DECEMBER 24 Santa in Old Town Visit Santa, get your photo taken with him, and enjoy story times and music in the cozy holiday workshop. Old Town Square, FC. Times vary. www. downtownfortcollins.com. Santa at Foothills Mall Visit and take photos with Santa, accomplish holiday shopping and more. Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy, FC. Times vary. www.shopfoothills.com. Santa at the Promenade Shops in Centerra Santa will be available for visits and photos next to Jumpin’, near Best Buy. Bring your camera! Days and times vary. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 461-1285, www. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com. Santa in Greeley Celebrate the holidays by visiting Santa and have fun holiday shopping. Greeley Mall, 2050 Greeley Mall, GR. Times vary. www.shopgreeleymall.com. WEEKENDS THROUGH DECEMBER 24 Santa at the Outlets at Loveland Meet with Santa. Bring your camera for photos. Outlets at Loveland, 5661 McWhinney Blvd., LV. 12noon–4pm. www.outletsatloveland.com.
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FRIDAY AND SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 2 THROUGH 24 Home Sweet Home Visit Santa and have your photo taken in front of a 300-square-foot gingerbread house. Embassy Suites, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy., LV. 5-8pm. 593-6200. DECEMBER 2 Timnath’s Holiday Lighting Festival Santa will light up the night and then be available for pictures. Also enjoy food, drinks, sleigh rides and shopping. Old Town Timnath, 4100 Main St., Timnath. 5:30-7:30pm. 980-4501. DECEMBER 3 Windsor Wonderland Santa arrives from the North Pole by train. Pictures, wagon rides, a petting zoo, dancing and treats are also part of the event. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. 12noon-5pm. www. windsorchamber.net. DECEMBER 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 Visit Santa in the Garden of Lights Have fun visiting Santa surrounded by hundreds of twinkling lights. Enjoy crafts, entertainment and holiday treats, too. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 6-8pm. www.fcgov. com/gardens.
December 13 Santa in Kersey Santa Claus is coming to the Kersey Library for a special o story time, craft time and fun! Bring your cameras. Kersey Library, 413 1st St., Kersey. 11am. 888861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us. DECEMBER 16 Santa Claus at Farr Regional Library Come for a special story time, holiday craft and Santa visit. Don’t forget your camera. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 4pm. 888-861-7323 or www. MyLibrary.us.
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