RM Parent December 2018

DECEMBER 2018 • RMPARENT.COM

Holiday STAY HEALTHY DURING FLU SEASON

FAMILY FUN

BAKING memories

NATURAL DIAPERING

REGION’S

BEST FAMILY

TOO MUCH

CALENDAR!

MEDIA

The GET-REAL holiday plan

PLUS

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DECEMBER 2018

Departments PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bah humbug—The holiday spirit is out there somewhere, right?

FIRST YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Special Sections 38

F ESTIVE HOLIDAY CALENDAR

Natural diapering—loving the Earth one messy at a time

FAMILY ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . 10

Music, markets and races—holiday fun for the family

LEARN AND LIVE . . . . . . . . . . 12 Baking memories —Turn your kitchen into a tradition-building space

COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . 14 NOCO cares—efforts underway to open minds, foster communication, heal hearts, maximize efficiency

HEALTHY LIVING . . . . . . . . . 16

Staying healthy during flu season—keeping germs on the defensive

Plan your holidays using this extensive compilation of holiday cheer

Features 18 HOLIDAY MAKE OVER

The holidays can spiral out of control when we focus on giving stuff and materialism versus enjoying time with those we care about and love. While it’s nice to show others that we care by showering them with presents, decades of psychological research demonstrate that people appreciate experiences more than possessions.

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

TIME OUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 0 The gifts of motherhood—or lack thereof

School District News GR-E 6 School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 More than 100 Greeley-Evans District 6 students earn AP Scholar honors, Success Foundation and District 6 win Daniels Fund grant

Poudre School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Kindergartners celebrate fall with pumpkin-patch field trip, PSD Principal Aisha Thomas honored for outstanding school leadership, Fossil Ridge students watch Colorado Supreme Court

20 THE TWITTER JITTERS

Frequent use of social media can leave kids anxious and depressed while access to websites allows kids to be exposed to adult subject matters. What’s a parent to do?

Limit, talk and encourage media-free time.

Oh, and don’t be too quick to buy your child a cell phone or tablet for Christmas.

Thompson School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Community supports ballot items, Read Aloud Day a success, KidsPak competition supports weekend hunger relief effort, choir honors veterans, open enrollment date extended, kids learn how to develop healthy habits through, FUTP60

ABOUT THE COVER: Izel, loves trucks and trains, building castles with blocks and dancing. Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, courtesy of Sky's Open Design.

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perspective Bah humbug…

The holiday spirit is out there somewhere, right?

I

have to say that I’m a fan of the Christmas stories that show someone’s transformation from a cynical, bah-humbug person to a person with a greater vision. The two characters that come to mind, of course, are Scrooge and the Grinch. I’m not really an expert on either, other than having watched them throughout my childhood and taking in their lessons as I grew up.

It was easy to watch the Grinch as a 10-year-old and declare in my mind that, of course, every Who down in Whoville was right that Christmas was about “a little bit more” and had nothing to do with ribbons and tags, packages, boxes and bags, when I was secure that there were presents under the tree with my name on them.

And of course, I knew, with the same security of a large Christmas Dinner with turkey and ham, pies and potatoes, and an extended family gathered around a couple of tables, that it was the love and kindness of the family that mattered more than the feast.

I’m not sure when I actually started to believe the things that I told my younger self, but at some point I think we come to realize that life is not a race to die with the most toys, as the saying goes, but a fairly short opportunity to make a connection with our world. The holidays seem to be a time, though, when we’re invited to pause, to spend a moment feeling our better selves…the ones who push through our shell of my side versus your side and my lifestyle versus your lifestyle and my beliefs versus your beliefs; the ones that view all others, simply, as fellow travelers on this strange path of life.

From that view, we can model heartfelt generosity and charity and kindness to our children (and, in a way, to ourselves because when we act that way, it starts to grow in us too.) It happens all around us this time of year. People come together for community causes, people donate food and gifts to charity, people attend performances that uplift them and make them think and feel.

I love watching the moment of transformation of these characters, what we call the ah-hah moment. And I believe we all have that ahhah moment every year at this time and we can choose to pause and notice it or choose to continue to scurry along our little squirrel paths gathering our own little nuts.

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December 2018 • Volume 23, Issue 7 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kim Sharpe kim.rmpublishing@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Pettit COVER PHOTO Cheri Schonfeld, Courtesy of Sky’s Open Design - skysopendesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lea Hanson, Katie Harris Lynn Nichols, Kim Sharpe

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Voice 221-9210 • Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute 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. ©2018 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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women’s health

Natural diapering

Loving the Earth one messy at a time LY N N U. N I C H O L S

I

f you love the earth then it’s hard to justify disposable diapers. According to the Clean Air Council, Americans throw away nearly 49,000,000 diapers per year and each baby accounts for a half-ton of disposable diapers in landfills each year.

If you are considering taking a nonconventional approach to diapering, you’ll likely consider convenience, cost and benefits—like being earth-friendly. After all, if you are not concerned with the impacts of disposable diapers on the environment or your baby you’d simply go disposable since it’s the most convenient choice.

Maybe you gave cloth diapers a try early on and it seemed impossible to keep it going. Here are some tips if you’d like to give cloth diapers a second chance, or wish to start with cloth from the beginning with your first or second child.

When it comes to natural diapering you’ve got three choices: 1. Using cloth diapers that you wash at home; 2. Hiring a cloth diaper service; and 3. Buying natural disposable diapers for full or occasional use.

DOES COST MATTER? Reusable cloth diapers from a diaper service cost approximately $100 a month or $1200 a year. Obviously you pay for the convenience of not having to wash. You can save a bundle if you wash on your own. With self wash, you’ve got energy costs plus the setup of purchasing diapers and outside liners for about $25 a month or $300 a year.

Traditional disposable diapers cost an average of $.24 per diaper, ranging from $.17 to $.31 apiece or about $62.00 a month, according to realdiapers.org.

Natural disposable diapers are slightly higher at an average of $.31 per diaper and a range of $.24 to $.38 apiece. Of course, by choosing cloth diapers or natural disposables you avoid chemicals, and some disposables have the added benefit of being made of ingredients that break down easily in the landfill, such as corn and wheat.

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There are plenty on the market to choose from. You could use cloth for everyday use, and disposable for travel.

AVOIDING HARMFUL CHEMICALS Commercial disposable diapers contain harmful ingredients including petroleum, polyethylene, wood pulp, chemical gels, perfume, tributyl-tin (TBT), polypropylene and other petroleum-based ingredients.

Add in the fact that diaper production releases toxic chemicals like dioxin—a known carcinogenic—into the environment and you are likely feeling a little sick to your stomach considering their use.

Have you ever wondered about the gel-like crystals that end up on your baby’s bottom with disposable diapers? That’s sodium polycarbonate, used as an absorbent chemical compound that is composed of wood pulp and crystals of polyacrylate, the same chemical associated with toxic shock and tampons and a suspected culprit of skin irritations and respiratory problems.

WASHING CLOTH DIAPERS There’s no denying it, cloth diapers are not as convenient as disposables, although a diaper service helps rival that statement.

For most of us, it’s hard to justify the cost.

Also, for the Front Range it looks like there might be just one diaper service to choose from: Bumbabybum.com.

If you’re willing to wash your own diapers, know that you can find a routine that works. Here are some tips:

• P urchase a good diaper pail that locks in odors • B efore storing, deposit poop into the toilet or swish diapers in the toilet.

Consider mounting a sprayer on your toilet to make the job easier, or use diaper liners that catch the mess and can be deposited or sometimes flushed • U se a natural detergent, no bleach necessary but consider an enzyme additive to break down bacteria and smells • Pre-rinse with cold water • Wash on a hot or sterilize setting • G et in the routine of washing diapers every few days, never overloading the machine • D ry on hot or hang outside as sun naturally disinfects

When it comes to diapering, you’ve got choices. While cloth diapering demands commitment it just may prove well worth it in the end—for your baby and the environment.

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family activities

Music, markets and races Holiday fun for the family

K ATIE HARRIS

G

et in touch with your inner elf this month by planning a few holiday outings the whole family is sure to enjoy!

HOLIDAY MUSIC There’s nothing like a Christmas concert to inspire holiday spirit, and Northern Colorado has plenty to choose from! FACE Vocal Band will perform on Dec. 17 at 7pm at the Rialto Theater. The all-vocal rock band’s oneof-a-kind holiday concert is geared toward an audience of all ages, with unique twists on traditional favorites.

Tickets can be purchased at www. rialtotheatercenter.org.

The Lincoln Center will host A Candlelight Christmas on Dec. 8 at 2pm and 7:30pm. The Larimer Chorale’s surround sound presentation of seasonal music will be paired with their signature candle-lighting vignette, along with poetry readings.

To purchase tickets, visit www.lctix. com/candlelight-christmas-2018.

At the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley, The Greeley Chorale will present Carols, Gloria and Ho Ho Ho on Dec. 15 at 7:30pm. The performance will feature a variety of holiday music including arrangements of traditional carols, solos and small ensembles. Tickets can be purchased at www.ucstars.showare.com.

HOLIDAY MARKETS Hoping to purchase unique, thoughtful gifts for the ones you love this year, while supporting local artisans and crafters at the same time? Take the family Christmas shopping at a holiday market.

The Winter Festival at Fairgrounds Park takes place Dec.1-2, 9am-3pm, and will feature handmade items from local vendors, baked goods, food trucks, a hot chocolate bar, live music, and a 10

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gingerbread house competition. For more information on the market visit www.cityofloveland.org/departments/ parks-recreation/events/winter-festival.

The Greeley Recreation Center will host a Holiday Craft and Gift Show on Dec. 1, 9am-5pm. The event will feature more than 70 vendors offering handmade arts and crafts, along with prize drawings and food. For details visit www2.greeleytribune.com/craftgift-show-series-2/. At Northside Aztlan Community Center the Colorado Makers Holiday Market will feature over 120 vendors selling unique handmade goods. The event is scheduled to take place on Dec. 9, noon-5pm. More information can be found at www.coloradomakers market.com.

HOLIDAY RACES Finally, what better way to kick off the season of giving than with a winter race for a good cause? The Sweaty Sweater 4-mile run/walk at Budweiser Brewery in Fort Collins is a great opportunity for athletes of all ages to dust

off their ugliest Christmas sweater and burn some calories. The event will take place on Dec. 8, 9am at the AnheuserBusch Brewery. Proceeds benefit the Adopt-A-Family program at Timberline Church and registration can be completed at http://frontrangefreeze. com/sweaty-sweater-race/.

Support the Arthritis Foundation by dressing in your most festive clothes, tying jingle bells on your shoes, and running or walking in the 2018 Jingle Bell Run 5K. The event will take place at The Ranch on Dec. 2, 8am. Register at www.jbr.org/northerncolorado.

The Larimer Humane Society’s Whisker Wonderland is the perfect time to stop by and make it happen.

The event will feature holiday-themed crafts, activities and refreshments, along with discounts on all adoptable animals. Whisker Wonderland will take place on Dec. 8, 10am-5pm at 3501 E. 71st St. in Loveland. Visit www.larimerhumane.org/141-frontpage/1840-whisker-wonderlandadoption-event to learn more.

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learn and live

Baking memories

Turn your kitchen into a tradition-building space

PHOTO COURTESY GINGER & BAKER

KIM SHARPE

S

ome things just bring people together and create indelible bonds. Baking is one of those.

“When we bake, all of our senses come to the table at once.

We see, feel, smell, taste,” says Ginger Graham, Ginger and Baker.

“Connecting all of our senses alongside and with people we love creates powerful memories.”

On the day Ginger and Baker opened in late 2017, an intergenerational apple pie baking class was held. “I wept as I watched all those little girls, their moms and their grandmothers making pie together,” Graham says. “My hope for The Teaching Kitchen came true.”

Trish O’Neill, The Cooking Studio owner, feels that when families learn to bake together, it equalizes their relationship.

“When parents and kids take a baking class together, they become a team where they have to communicate and support 12

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one another. Then they get to go home and continue their teamwork as they bake in their own kitchens...,” perhaps starting new family traditions.

In the process of baking, “Kids learn to read, follow instructions step by step, measure, understand fractions and then enjoy the results of their efforts,” explains O’Neill.

“They love it when you say, ‘Here are the directions. Do this exactly.’ and it works!”

She says kids also love baking because it often includes working with dough. Bread, pie, pasta—it all requires squishing ingredients together that turn into food they love to eat. Decorating cakes is another favorite, because it’s a way to be creative. And when children bake something to give to someone else, they gain a sense of accomplishment and experience the joy of sharing with others.

O’Neill says, “It just feels good to see those things happen.”

Learn to bake The Cooking Studio www.the-cooking-studio.com Farm Fusion www.farmfusion.org The Teaching Kitchen @ Ginger and Baker www.gingerandbaker.com

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community news

Noco cares

Open minds, foster communication, heal hearts, maximize efficiency KIM SHARPE

HEALTH DISTRICT IS CHANGING MINDS The Health District of Northern Larimer County, in conjunction with the Mental Health and Substance Use Alliance, has launched a campaign to increase public awareness about substance-use disorders and addiction in our community. The goals of the Changing Minds campaign are to shed light on the public health crisis of addiction in Larimer County, de-stigmatize the disease of addiction and give hope to the 26,000 people in Larimer County living with a substanceuse disorder.

To spark community dialogue about addiction, the Health District has created Changing Minds “Brain Pods,” eight freestanding, glowing displays that dispense facts about addiction. The Brain Pod installations, which debuted at New West Fest, are rotating to different locations throughout northern Colorado.

A website for Changing Minds, www.ChangingMindsLarimer.org, solicits and shares stories of addiction and recovery from those in our community. It also features information and short, simple animations on how addiction changes the brain, and illustrates the cost of addiction in Larimer County.

CHILDREN’S HEALING GARDEN OPENS Pathways, northern Colorado’s nonprofit provider of hospice care, palliative care, and grief and loss counseling, has opened a Children’s Healing Garden.

The Children’s Healing Garden is located at Pathways’ Fort Collins location, 305 Carpenter Rd., and includes several unique features, such as an oversized “bird’s nest” with an “eggs” seating area for one-on-one counseling, a memory garden, sand play area, steps for moving between tiers, a mandala area for art therapy and many more. Learn more at www.pathways-care.org.

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GREELEY MUNICIPAL COURT HOURS The City of Greeley Municipal Court changed its hours of operation to 8am to 5pm, including the Express Window. The change is due to a very low number of payments being made at the Express Window versus the operational costs. The Municipal Court has a drop box available for people wanting to make payments outside of open hours, as well as the availability for people to pay online.

For more information, visit www. greeleygov.com/government/court/ municipal-court.

LOVELAND PREPARES FOR BROADBAND The Loveland City Council recently adopted a resolution establishing a cityowned retail broadband utility with regional collaboration, and directed staff

to secure financing to build and operate a broadband network.

The resolution provides that the city will build, own and operate its own broadband network and will seek collaboration with regional partners such as Fort Collins and Longmont to share resources to save time and money.

Loveland has invested $2.75 million during the past four years to study the feasibility of its broadband initiative, identify potential business models to provide municipal broadband and to secure a build-ready design for the network.

Learn more at www.cityofloveland. org/Broadband.

GREELEY WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM TO END Since 2006, the Greeley Water Conservation Program has offered rebates

on toilets and high-efficiency clothes washers. The program for indoor residential rebates will be discontinued in 2019. This change is due to efficiency in products, statewide regulations, and waning interest in Greeley’s indoor rebate programs.

However, rebates will be awarded for qualifying products purchased before December 31, 2018, if applications for such rebates are submitted before January 15, 2019. Only City of Greeley water customers are eligible to participate. A complete list of program rules and application materials, are at

www.greeleygov.com/rebates or call 970-350-9874 for more information.

Rebates for irrigation equipment, such as smart controllers, pressurereducing valves and rotary nozzles, will continue in 2019. In addition, rebates for commercial customers will remain available.

GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK TEMPORARILY CLOSES Construction at the Gardens on Spring Creek Visitor’s Center and new Conservatory Butterfly House is slated to begin in January/February 2019. Access to the

front door and gates, adjacent pathways, restrooms, and parking will be impacted during construction.

Beginning January 2 through the grand opening scheduled for fall 2019, the Visitor’s Center, Greenhouse, and its surrounding original gardens (Entrance & Plant Select garden, Children’s Garden, Garden of Eatin’, Sustainable Backyard, Outdoor Kitchen, and North Patio) will be closed. This closure will ensure safety and security of the site, staff and project team.

Some programs and events that have been housed in the Visitor Center or in the gardens will go on hiatus in 2019, including Read & Seed, Spring Break Camp, School’s Out Day Camps, Garden to Fork Cooking classes, Yoga in the Gardens, and Garden a’Fare Wine & Beer Tours.

Other programs held offsite will continue in 2019, including High Plains Landscape Workshop (March 9), Blossoms and Butterflies ( June 8-9), NoCo Urban Homestead Tour ( July 20), adult education programs, and summer camps. Volunteering activities will continue in limited format during the closure.

For more information, visit www. fcgov.com/gardens/the-project.

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healthy living

Stay healthy during flu season Keeping germs on the defensive

LEA HANSON

I

nfluenza and other seasonal illnesses can disrupt your family and your household for weeks, or longer. While the symptoms are usually mild, they can be severe—and even deadly—so avoiding contracting it all together is any family’s ideal.

The Weld County Health Department tells us that seasonal flu is “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death (www. weldgov.com/departments/health_ and_environment/seasonal_flu_ information/).” Influenza is no joke: each year, about five to 35 percent of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. While typically death only occurs in the very old, very young, and those with other certain health complications, we all want to avoid it.

FLU SYMPTOMS Many people incorrectly assume the flu always includes diarrhea and/or vomiting, but these symptoms actually only occur sometimes. More typical symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. It is important to know that everyone who has the flu will have a fever while other symptoms may or may not be present.

AVOIDING THE FLU According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year (www.cdc.gov/flu/ protect/habits/index.htm), but good habits beyond that can do a lot to stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses such as the flu.

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The CDC offers general tips that are helpful to all people to help stay healthy during this time of year:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, stay home from work or school whenever possible.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Coughing, sneezing, and unclean hands most commonly spread the flu virus. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. These are the areas of your body that are most susceptible to taking in germs.

• Wash your hands several times per day.

If soap and water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizing rub. In addition to washing your hands, routinely clean frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school including doorknobs, keyboards, and countertops.

• Practice good health habits such as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating nutritious food, and getting exercise.

Facts about the flu vaccine

Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, here are some less commonly known facts to be aware of this year: • Flu vaccines work by providing the body with antibodies that provide protection against infection.

• Since 2010, the CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months and older.

• It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body.

• Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools.

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Holiday makeover Give experiences, be real Kim Sharpe

O

verspending. Overscheduling. Overeating.

Overdrinking. 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.

Give experiences The holidays can spiral out of control when we focus on giving stuff and materialism versus enjoying time with those we care about and love.

Tim Kasser, a psychologist and author of The High Price of Materialism, 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.”

In addition to happiness, materialism can hijack 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 concludes that people appreciate experiences more than possessions.

Rather than spend a lot of money on material items, take your family out to dinner and then to a movie. 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 make for good stories down the road.

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Give time Another thing to 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.

In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, it’s easy to use busyness as an excuse for not taking time to have an

pounds. An easy way to cut back is to be mindful when eating and drinking.

Other ways to minimize overindulging are: use a small plate and fill it mostly with fruits and vegetables; only take food you really think you’ll enjoy rather than waste calories on food you really don’t want to eat; bring a healthy dish to share at holiday get-togethers; eat and drink slowly, nibbling and sipping like a gourmet foodie.

in-person conversation. The holiday season is the perfect season to reconnect with others face to face.

Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, explains, “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it...When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never

get back...That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”

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 treats can add up to a lot of extra, unhealthy holiday

Be real A simple strategy for keeping the holidays in check is to set realistic expectations. Just say no to the pressure to make every holiday gathering picture perfect.

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 “holiday preparations” to-do list in many cases is just unnecessary.

Give yourself a break by bucking the traditions that keep you trapped in a bundle 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 expectations to allow space for a bit of calm to reside within yourself and your home.

Remember, peace on earth begins with peace within ourselves.

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Lynn U Nichols

The twitter

jitters Countering the effects of too much media

S

napchat. Facebook. Instagram.

WhatsApp. Surfing the web. Texting. Twitter. Television. Movies.

Online gaming. The opportunities to go digital are endless for today’s kids. It’s no surprise that a survey by common sensemedia.org found that tweens use media six hours a day on average, and teens nine hours a day. That’s more than the time they spend at school!

What is this intense media use doing to our kids? Frequent use of social media can leave kids anxious and depressed while access to websites allows kids to be exposed to adult subject matters. What’s a parent to do?

Limit, talk and encourage media-free time. Oh, and don’t be too quick to buy your child a cell phone or tablet for Christmas.

DOES EXPOSURE TO ADULT TOPICS MAKE KIDS GROW UP TOO FAST? The short answer, is yes. When kids see violent media, they are quicker to act out violently. The connection has been looked at for decades. A recent study by Ohio State University researchers showed 8- to 12-year-olds two versions of a popular movie: one group saw a version with characters using guns while the second

saw a video without the violent gun scenes. Each group was then allowed to play in a room where they had choices between lots of toys including Nerf guns—and here is the kicker—one unloaded, modified real gun tucked away in a drawer. Researchers wanted to see how many kids would find it, and what each group would do with it.

It was obvious which children watched the movie with guns as they played more aggressively, choosing toy guns much more than the others.

Surprisingly, almost 83 percent of all the kids found the real gun, and most played with it. The difference between the two groups was that the kids who were exposed to gun use in the movie pulled the trigger of the real gun two to three times more frequently and held it four to five times longer than their counterparts. Researchers concluded that exposure to violence in media encourages kids to act out more violently in real life—with the added observations that kids are fascinated with guns and often can’t tell the difference between real guns and pretend.

The same is true for kids who are exposed to pornography. Studies show that the earlier a child is exposed to

sexual content the earlier they begin having sex, and they are also much more likely to engage in high-risk sex. It makes sense. Kids don’t fully understand that movies and porn are not real, so they literally assume “everyone’s doing it.”

Other studies show early exposure before age 14 to pornography increases a child’s risk of becoming a victim of sexual violence or acting out sexually against another child. One study found that 40 percent of teens and preteens nationwide have viewed explicit videos online, either on purpose or by accident.

“Our kids get bad information from movies, television and other forms of media that they don’t know what to do with, and they find it overwhelming,” says Tom Kowalski, MA, LPC, a licensed professional counselor in Fort Collins who has worked with middle school kids for over 25 years.

THE DOWNSIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA Have you ever noticed a connection between your preteens or teens’ mood and their social media use? Social media tends to set kids up to compare their lives to others, and often makes them feel inadequate.

Researchers have found that social

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M N O MNOP P Q Q V W Ð MVN W Ð media exacerbates attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD), impulsive disorder, paranoia and loneliness when used to the extreme. Teens especially are vulnerable to acceptance and rejection, and their heightened emotional sensitivity during this life stage, leaves them more vulnerable to mean or flippant comments made online.

“Social media is phenomenally challenging for preteens. They get a constant barrage of messages without a break. Social media tends to set kids up to feel like they are not good enough, or doing enough,” says Kristin Glenn, parent educator with The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado.

Limit your kids’ social media accounts, especially if they are struggling socially and most definitely if they are getting bullied at school. A recent scientific survey of 2000 middle schoolers found that kids who had been victims of cyberbullying were twice as likely to attempt suicide than their counterparts. Did you know there are websites that actually advise people on how to commit suicide? It’s frightening to consider, but true. Know that kids often enter a false age to get social media accounts or join mature online games before they turn 18.

TAMING THE MEDIA TSUNAMI If all this has you feeling anxious, know that there are things you can do to limit your kids’ exposure.

“Todays’ kids live in a world of extreme overstimulation due to the internet and social media. The fix is limited screen time and a varied diet of entertainment that includes non-screen time. Parents can help kids moderate their media time by enforcing limits,” Kowalski says.

Ways to limit kids exposure to social media Hold off on buying your kids a cell phone or tablet.

According to a recent study, the average age for an American child to receive a cell phone is 10.3 years. That’s fourth grade, an age when kids’ brains are not developed enough to decipher between real and not real, or to understand an adult world.

What’s the best age to allow personal media?

Take a tip from Bill Gates who doesn’t allow his kids to have cell phones until they turn 14. Every parent understands the pressure kids’ face to have the latest technology and to be able to interact socially with friends. Yet hold out as long as you can and make a conscious decision about what age suits your family best. Once you do allow a phone or other screen hand it over with a few solid rules. Making a contract that needs to be signed drives it home.

Ban media from bedrooms.

This does two things, it encourages media use in public areas where you can casually monitor what they are viewing, and it also helps them sleep better. If unchecked, kids will text and play well into the night in their beds. While you are at it, end all media use at least an hour before bedtime to encourage better sleep.

Be a media mentor and interpreter Be conscious of the media habits you are passing on. When you are with your kids, make eye contact with them rather than with your cell phone. Show them that you can go hours without staring into a screen. Model using screens rather than screens using you—in other words, be purposeful with your screen time. Connect on Skype with the cousins, talk with grandparents on the phone, and use the internet to find fun facts or play a game to learn something, not simply to be entertained. When kids view inappropriate content, be the interpreter. Use it to ask questions and start conversations around risky behavior and making good choices—of course without lecturing.

Set parental controls While parental controls won’t keep your child from never being exposed to inappropriate content, it does help. Some parents like Mobicip because it’s easy to set up and blocks content by age and categories, but there are a lot of choices out there. iPhones, iPads and many android devices come with built-in parental controls. For young kids you can block access on tablets and phones by putting the phone in airplane mode.

Keep the communication lines open If you do find out that your child has downloaded adult material, don’t freak out. Give yourself time to consider the best approach to a conversation. Keep it calm and casual.

Ask open-ended questions and don’t judge. If you react with surprise or anger, your child may feel shame and be less likely to come to you next time. For example, if you discover your teenager is looking at pornography, make sure they know that it is staged and doesn’t represent a healthy dating relationship.

Also, talk about how it is normal to be curious about sex and find age-appropriate information for them to read.

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greeley district 6 news More than 100 students earn honors

More than 100 Greeley-Evans School District 6 students and graduates have earned the prestigious AP Scholars award for their outstanding performance on 2018 Advanced Placement tests, with four students earning the highest distinction of National AP Scholar.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement program offers students the opportunity to take challenging collegelevel courses and exams while in high school. District 6 offers more than 20 Advanced Placement courses to high school students. Students who score well on AP exams are eligible to receive college credit, advanced placement in college, or both at more than 3,200 colleges and universities across the United States.

Annually, the College Board recognizes those students who have taken multiple AP exams and scored well on them: • AP Scholar: Students who earned scores

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of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

• AP Scholar with Honor: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 3 or higher on at least four exams.

• AP Scholar with Distinction: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 3 or higher on at least five exams.

•N ational AP Scholar: Students who earned an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and had scores of 4 or higher on at least eight exams.

Greeley Central High School led among District 6 high schools with 42 AP scholars this year. Other schools with 2018 scholars are: Frontier Academy, 18; Greeley West, 23; Northridge High, 7; University Schools, 10; and Union Colony Preparatory School, 3. A total of 101 District 6 students earned this honor in 2018.

District 6 has nearly doubled

the number of students achieving AP Scholar status over the past few years.

The 2018 National AP Scholars for District 6 are:

• Baylee Brems, who graduated in 2018 from Greeley Central High School and earned a 4 on eight tests and a 5 on one test.

• Hannah Kiburz, who also graduated from Greeley Central in 2018 and earned a 3 on one test, a 4 on five tests and a 5 on eight tests.

• Roberto Ortega, a 2018 Greeley Central graduate, who earned a 3 on two tests, a 4 on six tests and a 5 on four tests.

• Jackson Starkey, who graduated in 2018 from Greeley West High and earned a 4 on four tests and a 5 on seven tests.

The remaining 2018 College Board Advanced Placement Scholars from District 6 are listed below. Some of these students were seniors in May 2018 and are now attending colleges and universities across the United States, or engaged in other education or career opportunities.

Greeley Central High School

• AP Scholar: Angelo Abundis Vazquez, Leona Armagost, Kathryn Canterbury, Ethan Eberhard, Alvaro Espinoza, Aspen Flores, Daniel Fuentes, Jessica Gage Jeremy Hundley, Ivan Medina, Hunter Miller, Raul Morales, Kendra Myers, Lindsey Pedro, Camden Rivera, Shukuru Rushanika, Anna Rutledge, Izabella Swingle, Miguel Villa, Meghan Wampler • AP Scholar with Honor: Alexis Arredondo, Auralia Bloomer, Mazlyn Freier, Naomi Garcia-Quinones, Hayden Hein, Taylor Henderson, Ashton Mott Severt, Lindy Muttel, Cielo Ramos, Jaeda Shackley • AP Scholar with Distinction: Jean Arce, Avery Becklenberg, Gavan Blackburn, Baylee Brems, Alyssa Joseph, Hannah Kiburz, James Krombholz, Roberto Ortega, Indigo Parlin

Greeley West High School

• AP Scholar: Jose Alamos, Megan Battleson, Michael De La Rosa, Jasmine Demeyer, Davin Furnell, Adrienne Gathje, Antonio Graham, Caleb Hardy, Michelle Lopez, Melissa Lopez, Melissa Mack, Stevie Meier,

Jackson Morgan, Rebecca Nava, Jair Ojeda Rodriguez, Riles Parham, Jennifer Sample, Autumn Truitt, Luisa Zamora • AP Scholar with Honor: Samuel Diaz, Spencer Evans • AP Scholar with Distinction: Ethan Shepherd and Jackson Starkey

Northridge High School

• AP Scholar: William Busha, Amy Haining, Jodi Shea, Lois Sheaffer • AP Scholar with Honor: Mikyla Bowen • AP Scholar with Distinction: Brooklyn Johnson and Geneva San Nicolas

Frontier Academy

• AP Scholar: Merryn Durant, Jacquelyn Jones, Kathi Lapoint, Kaysi Lapoint, Diego Murillo Castell, Payton Peterson, Anna Stoltz, Samuel Stoltz

DISTRICT 6 WINS DANIELS FUND GRANT The Success Foundation Serving Greeley-Evans has received a $200,000 Daniels Fund grant to support the new Advanced Manufacturing Pathway, currently under development by Greeley-

Evans School District 6.

“We are very excited to partner with District 6 on this project and grateful to the Daniels Fund for their generous support.

There are over 80 advanced manufacturing businesses in our community and they need skilled workers. The development of this pathway is important for our students and for the industry,” said Julie Hill, Success Foundation Executive Director.

The funds will be used for the renovation and construction of an Advanced Manufacturing classroom at Greeley Central High School to support learning in two pathways including industrial technology and robotics. The development of an Advanced Manufacturing Pathway will facilitate hands-on training in the classroom, job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships resulting in meaningful postsecondary employment and college options.

For more information about The Success Foundation Serving Greeley-Evans Schools, visit www.d6successfoundation.org.

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poudre school district news Students watch Colorado Supreme Court in action

Fossil Ridge High School students didn’t throw any softballs when they stood in front of Colorado’s Supreme Court Justices and peppered them with questions.

“Do you ever worry about the fact your decisions set precedent that extends far beyond that one court case?”

“How do you decide what cases are important enough to take?”

The justices took their time answering questions, providing thoughtful responses that helped students gain a better grasp of the how the state’s highest court operates. The event was part of the Colorado Judicial Branch’s Courts in the Community program, designed to give high school students insights into how disputes are resolved in a democratic society.

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In front of an assembly of students, the court heard oral arguments in two real cases and then took questions from the students who wanted to learn more about the inner workings of the Colorado State Supreme Court.

“It was interesting to see how different this was as opposed to TV,” Junior Jason Brockway said.

Jason especially enjoyed that students got the chance to ask the justices questions and gain insight into how they handle cases.

Senior Bharghavi Cowlagi, who is considering pursuing a law career, enjoyed watching attorneys in action. As she sat in the auditorium, she carefully watched the attorneys make their arguments, assessing their tactics along the way.

“I loved seeing what strategies the apelet attorneys used when trying to best defend their clients,” she said.

PRINCIPAL HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING SCHOOL LEADERSHIP The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it is awarding Zach Elementary School Principal Aisha Thomas the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership.

Thomas was one of only 11 principals nationwide who were presented with the prestigious award, which honors school leaders for their commitment to education and improving outcomes for all students. Thomas and other award recipients were part of a 2018 cohort of leaders of National Blue Ribbon

Schools. Two PSD elementary schools, Zach and Tavelli, were among those Blue Ribbon recipients.

“I am very honored to be recognized in the Bell legacy,” Thomas said. “The success of our school is based on a focus on learning and a culture of collaboration.

This award is really about my whole staff.

Each person, each educator, dedicates their knowledge and heart to our students. I am lucky to get to lead them.”

Thomas has led Zach Elementary School since 2013. In her time as principal, she has focused on building a collaborative culture with an emphasis on ensuring effective instruction for all students.

As part of this effort, she implemented a family engagement plan that included both formal and informal opportunities for the school to connect with families and the community in meaningful ways.

She also implemented a robust coaching system, in which she and her assistant principal each spent two days a week visiting classrooms, hallways, recess activities, and the lunchroom for observation and reflection. This created built-in coaching opportunities and helped maintain and build strong connections between teachers, administrators and students.

“Aisha demonstrates her exceptional skills for her students and staff every single day,” PSD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Dr. Todd Lambert said. “It is no surprise that she

has been recognized for her outstanding leadership abilities.”

KINDERGARTENERS CELEBRATE FALL WITH A PUMPKIN-PATCH FIELD TRIP When kindergartener Fynn Miller ran through the squishy mud at Bartels Farm’s pumpkin patch, he knew exactly what to look for.

“My perfect pumpkin is the size of my head and smooth,” he said, skipping through the rows of squash plants, squeezing each pumpkin he passed before he found the one he had in mind.

Fynn and other kindergarteners from Kruse Elementary School recently spent the morning at Bartels Farm, where they got to learn where food

comes from and have a great time with their friends.

Students picked pumpkins, went on a hayride, and met farm animals, including a very cute baby donkey, who was an instant crowd favorite. They even explored a corn maze.

As they walked into the pumpkin patch, students learned what pumpkins look like when they’re still on the vine – some of them even noticed how prickly and thick the stems were. Other students mostly enjoyed being outside and exploring the farm on a beautiful day.

“My favorite part was the hay ride,” kindergartener Eva Joyce said.

“We were looking at pumpkins, and it was kind of bumpy!”

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thompson school district news Choir honors veterans

This Veterans Day, High Plains School and Mountain View High School were able to honor the brave men and women who fight for our country by coming together for a performance. The Mountain View High School show choir performed three World War 1-themed songs after a combined performance of the Star-Spangled Banner with High Plains School singers. Thank you, veterans, for all that you do to make moments like this possible!

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS BALLOT ITEMS Thompson School District thanks the community its support of the district’s recent bond and mill levy override ballot items. They greatly appreciate your generosity and spirit of partnership.

READ ALOUD DAY A SUCCESS Thompson School District recently hosted its annual “Read Aloud Day.” This traditional event helps to highlight the importance of reading aloud to children. Local business members, district employees and community members were invited to read aloud to groups of 28

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children. Many readers brought their favorite age-appropriate storybooks to read aloud. A special “thank you” goes out to all of this year’s readers!

KIDSPAK COMPETITION SUPPORTS WEEKEND HUNGER RELIEF EFFORT In November, “Team Thompson” faced

off against the Subaru of Loveland team in their annual KidsPak competition. A program of the Loveland Rotary Club, KidsPak is a weekend hunger relief effort that provides much-needed food to over 600 students throughout the district. The packs of food are prepared each Wednesday morning and then

distributed to schools where they are given to students in the program. Each year, Subaru of Loveland and Thompson School District hold a friendly contest at a packing session to see which team can prepare their bags the fastest. This year, first place honors went to “Team Thompson.” TSD extends a special “thank you” to the entire family at Subaru of Loveland. Their extensive support of the KidsPak program and the students of Thompson School District are very much appreciated!

OPEN ENROLLMENT DATE EXTENDED Thompson School District’s Open Enrollment period for the upcoming 20192020 school year will extend through Friday, January 11. Whatever your interests, Thompson School District has program and choice options that are perfect for your student and family. Now is your chance to explore our diverse program lineup and choose the school community that is right for you!

Some significant changes have been made to this year’s Open Enrollment process in an effort to make the system more efficient and responsive to the needs of our families. For more information on how the Open Enrollment process will work, please visit www. thompsonschools.org/openenrollment

physical activity habits. Lucile Erwin Middle School was recently honored

by Dairy MAX, the local dairy council and FUTP 60 program sponsor, and the Denver Broncos for the school community’s hard work, dedication and commitment to FUTP 60 during the 2017-2018 school year.

Denver Broncos Safety Justin Simmons and Nose Tackle Zach Kerr presented students with a recognition award and also spoke about the importance of healthy habits. Students participated in a stadium tour, a dance break led by Denver Broncos cheerleaders, a FUTP 60 cleat design lab, a Healthy

Schools Innovation Challenge and a dairy farm education station.

The Fuel Greatness Touchdown Recognition Celebration is an annual event designed to recognize and honor high-achieving schools, student teams and program advisors in the state of Colorado that complete the 6 steps of the FUTP 60 program. Created by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League, FUTP 60 encourages students to get active and “play” for 60 minutes daily and “fuel up” with critical nutrient-rich foods missing from their diets, like low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

KIDS LEARN HOW TO DEVELOP HEALTHY HABITS THROUGH FUTP60 “Fuel Up to Play 60” (FUTP 60) encourages students to take charge of their health and make positive decisions regarding their nutrition and

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DECEMBER 2018 ONGOING MONDAYS Be You Parenting Online Live Radio Show Listen live or hear archived shows. 11am12noon. www.inspiredchoicesnetwork. com/author/marydravisparrish.

FIRST WEDNESDAYS Hugs Social Group for Grandparents and Other Kin Raising Kin Connect with others in similar situations.

Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 2500 N. Garfield Ave., LV. 11:30am-1:30pm. 6692837, www.GrandFamilyCoalition.com.

FOURTH THURSDAYS Hugs Social Group for Grandparents and Other Kin Raising Kin Connect with others in similar situations.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5450 S. Lemay Ave., FC. Noon-2:30pm. 669-2837 www.GrandFamilyCoalition.com.

SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 1 & 15 Greeley Winter Farmers’ Market Hardy root crops, winter squash, greenhouse-grown produce, locally raised meat, fresh breads, coffee and honey. Zoe’s Café and Events, 715 10th St., GR. 9am12noon. www.greeleygov.com/fm.

DECEMBER 3-4 AND 10-11 Read and Seed Preschool readiness activities including story and related craft. Ages 2-5 with adult. $3. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10-10:45am & 1111:45am. 416-2486, www.fcgov.com/ gardens.

DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 Lincoln Park Singers Singing, dancing, caroling, more. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR 4:305:15pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

DECEMBER 11 & 15 Snow and Ice Learn about ice and snow. Ages 2-5.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St. WS. 10:30-11am. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1250761.

DECEMBER 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Eagle Watch View and learn about bald eagles that make Fort Collins their winter home. All ages. Fossil Creek Reservoir, off Carpenter Rd, one mile west of 1-25, and two miles east of Timberline. 3-4:30pm. 416-2815, www.fcgov.com/register.

DECEMBER 15 & 22 Fort Collins Winter Farmers Market Veggies, meats, eggs, seasonings, baked goods, more. Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 9am-3pm. www.focomarket.org.

Discovery Lab: Gingerbread Architecture Families build masterpieces out of gingerbread using basic engineering and design principles. Ages 8+. $5—family of 6 or fewer, $4—member families. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 1:30-2:30pm. 221-6738, www. fcmod.org.

THROUGH DECEMBER 16 Kristi’ Wish Annual fundraiser to support kids/families in need. Your $1 star benefits Crossroads Safehouse, Boys & Girls Club of Larimer County, SAVA and Larimer County Community Corrections for Women.

Schraders Country Stores, Larimer County. www.kristisfund.com.

Hours of Operation: M-Th 8-5pm, Fri 8-4 Fort Collins (970) 493-7442

Loveland (970) 493-7442

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

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DECEMBER 26-28 Winter Break FunQuest Field trips in Fort Collins and surrounding areas. Ages 6-11. $110. Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 E. Willow St., FC. 8am-5pm daily. 221-6256 www.fcgov.com/recreation.

DECEMBER 27-29 Intercultural Leadership: Skills for Teens Be the Change that leads to a more inclusive, welcoming community for all people. Ages 14-19. $45 (waivers available).

First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover, FC. 8:30am-3:30pm daily. 689-0226, www. interculturalcommunity builders.org.

DECEMBER 28-31 Harry Potter Movie Marathon Four days of movies – drop in for all the movies or pick and choose your favorites.

Wear PJs, bring pillows, blankets.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. Times vary. 888-861-732 www.MyLibrary.us.

THROUGH DECEMBER 30 Betty Woodman Tribute Exhibition Renowned artist and CU professor’s exuberant ceramic vases, sculptures and prints. $5-general admission; Free for members. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. Hours vary. 962-2410, www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

THROUGH JANUARY 6 National Geographic Exhibition: Photo Ark Features large-format images of endangered species taken by worldrenowned photographer Joel Sartore. $4 entrance fee plus admission; Free for members. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10am-5pm. 2216738, www.fcmod.org/photoark.

THROUGH JANUARY 15 Open Enrollment for Connect for Health Colorado Learn options, apply for financial assistance and enroll in plan of your choice for 2019. Se habla espanol! Appointments available at multiple locations.

Larimer Health Connect, 472-0444, larimerhealthconnect.org. North Colorado Health Alliance, 350-4673 www.northcolorado healthalliance.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Crafty Tales: Cookies!

A tale of cookies plus songs and a special craft. Ages 3-6. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10:30-11:30am.

686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org/ event/1250714.

Colorado Author Teresa Funke Book Signing Award-winning youth fiction author Teresa Funke will discuss and sign copies of her newest book, War on a Sunday Morning. Ages 6-13. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 11am-12noon. 2214600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Teen Book and Muvchat: The Hunger Games Book and movie discussion using texting Bring your phone, your friends and your copy of Suzanne Collins’ bestseller Grades 6-12. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St. FC. 11:30am 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

Virtual Reality Test Drive Try out the Oculus Go. The library has six of these new VR devices, and multiple games on each. Grades 6-12. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3pm, 221-6740 www.poudrelibraries.org.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 Hour of Code Coding fun with Minecraft, StarWars, Lightbot, Code Combat, PacMan and Spheros. Teens. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 4pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 Loveland’s Talking: How are the holidays for you?

Seasoned adults in Loveland share stories with local high school students. Chilson Senior Center, 700 E. Fourth St., LV. 1:30-3pm. www.cityofloveland.org.

Bicycle Friendly Driver Learn about traffic safety and avoiding crashes for both cyclists and motorists.

Ages 15+. City of Fort Collins, 222 Laporte Ave., FC. 3:30-5pm. 221-6987 www.fcgov.com/bicycling/bikewinter.

3D Printing Learn how 3D printing works and the easy software to make your ideas happen.

Registration required. Ages 10+.

Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 6pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Teen Night at Museum of Art-Fort Collins Hang with the Peanuts gang and other cool teens, eat free Slyce pizza plus handson art project. Registration required.

Museum of Art-Fort Collins, 201 S. College Ave., FC. 6-8pm. www.moafc.org/events.

FoCo Café: Party with a Purpose Enjoy music, drinks, food, silent auction and support FoCo Café. Free with Colorado Gives Day donation receipt or donate $10 at door. All ages. Odell Brewing, 800 E. Lincoln Ave., FC. 7-9pm.

309-368-1659, www.facebook.com/ events/1804252259690759.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Hour of Code Celebrate the annual Hour of Code by learning how to speak to computers through basic Java coding, apps or playing with Spheros and the Cubetto. Grades K-5. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 3:30pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 In the Dome: Baby on Board Learn clever ways animals carry their babies in the Otterbox Digital Dome then head to Learning Lab for a craft. Ages 3-5. Registration recommended. $5/child ($4 for members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:1511am. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

Hour of Code Celebrate annual Hour of Code by playing coding games on an enormous touch screen. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 4pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

TSD Kindergarten Open House Learn how the Thompson School District can serve your child. Thompson Valley High School Cafeteria, 1669 Eagle Dr., LV. 5-7pm. 970-613-7577 www.thompsonschools.org.

Light Up the Night – Bike Light Giveaway Learn about cycling and receive a free bike light. All ages. EPIC, 1801 Riverside Ave., FC.5:30-7:30pm. 221-6987, www.fcgov. com/bicycling/bikewinter.

Cycling in Winter Learn tips for cycling confidently in the cold including what to wear and route selections. Ages 12+. EPIC, 1801 Riverside Ave., FC. 6-7:30pm. 221-6987, www. fcgov.com/bicycling/bikewinter.

Book Release Party with Meghan Scott Molin Fans of mysteries, comics and nerd culture celebrate release of Colorado author Meghan Scott Molin’s debut novel. Old Firehouse Books, 232 Walnut St., FC. 6pm.

484-7898, oldfirehousebooks.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Museum Free Day Enjoy free admission during normal business hours. All ages. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., LV. 10am– 5pm. 962-2410 www.LovelandMuseumGallery.org.

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Makoa Music The brother-sister duo of Noa Phillips (age 13) and Makena Phillips (age 10) will perform. All ages. Half-price admission.

Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 6-7:30pm.

221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Tony Award-winning musical features incredible orchestra and jaw-dropping transformations. $24-35. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm.

356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 Norfolk Pine Kokedama Create a living kokedama with moss and a mini norfolk pine, then decorate with ornaments. All ages. $30. Gulley Greenhouse and Garden Center, 6029 S. Shields, FC. 10:30-11:30am www.gulleygreenhouse.com/event/ norfolk-pine-kokedama.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Museum Takeover: Animals Learn about animals from around the world with interactive stations and create own habitat. Ages 5+. Normal admission fees. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10am-1pm. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

Hawaii’s Treasured Islands: Preserving the Earth’s Most Isolated Ecosystems CSU representatives present Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems. All ages. $5. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 W. Mountain Ave., FC. 1-3pm. 221-4600, www.globalvillagemuseum.org.

Open Up to Outside: Exploring in Winter Learn about animals in winter with crafts and special guests. Grades K-3. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

WEDNESAY, DECEMBER 12 Kid’s Crafterschool: Some Sewing Learn new skills and create amazing gifts for your friends or family. Supplies provided. Grades 3-5. Registration required. Farr Regional Library, 1939 61st Ave., GR. 3:30pm. 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Little STEAMers: Gingerbread Science Learn what happens when a gingerbread man is placed in water. Then build a gingerbread house. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. $5/child, $4/members, caregivers free. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15-11am and 2:15-3pm. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

Family Night: Craft Some Cards Card making supplies will be provided for this drop in family program. All ages. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC, 6pm. 221-6740, www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Research Rendezvous Teens working on projects for National History Day — Triumph & Tragedy?

Librarians can help with research.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. Drop-in between 1-4pm. 888-8617323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Winter Festival Free figure and synchronized skating, speed skating, curling, and broomball demonstrations. All ages. EPIC, 1801 Riverside Ave., FC. 12:15-2:15pm-free public skate, 2:30-6:30pm-figure skating exhibitions. 221-6683, www.fcgov.com/ recreation.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 Teen Cooking Club Create a variety of decadent sweets. Ages 12-18. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 4-5:30pm. 686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/event/1250768.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Cycling in Winter Learn how to prepare for winter bicycling to ride safely and confidently. Ages 12+.

Jax Outdoor, 1200 N. College Ave., FC. 6-7:30pm. 221-6987, www.fcgov.com/ bicycling/bikewinter.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Tie Dye It Make friends while exploring creative expressions of color on pillowcase. Ages 9-12. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. 686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/event/1250778.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 Escape Room Adventure: A Midwinter’s Nightmare Teams of 2-6 players sign up for 1-hour time slots. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Ages 10+.

Registration required. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 10:30am-4:30pm (last session 3:30pm). 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 Escape Room Adventure: Lost Dog Individuals/teams (up to 4 players) sign up for 30-minute time slots. Grades K-5.

Registration required. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 12noon-5pm (last session 4:30pm). 888-861-7323, www.

MyLibrary.us.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Popcorn & Movie : The Secret Life of Pets Rated PG. Seating limited. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am. www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 Popcorn & Movie: Up Rated PG. Seating limited. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 10am.

221-6740, www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Little STEAMers: Sink or Float Holiday Edition Make predictions about whether different holiday objects will sink or float in water.

Then a surprise experiment. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. $5/child, $4/members, caregivers free. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct., FC. 10:15-11am and 2:153pm. 221-6738, www.fcmod.org.

Popcorn & Movie: The BFG Rated PG. Seating limited. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC 1pm.

221-6740, www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Build Club LEGO builds and STEM activities Grades K-5, under 8 with adult. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm. www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 Stargazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society (NCAS) Get an up-close look at the night sky over the Rockies. Telescopes provided. All ages. Registration encouraged. Devil’s Backbone Open Space parking lot, just west of Loveland on Hwy. 34. 7-9pm. 619-4489 https://offero.larimer.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 Juguemos Lotería/Let’s Play Loteri ¡Todos están invitados a jugar Lotería con nosotros! Venga y aprenda un juego que se ha jugado durante cientos de años, mientras tiene la oportunidad de ganar premios y probar diferentes bocadillos.

No hay costo, solamente acompáñenos y diviértase. Learn a game played for hundreds of years, win prizes and try different snacks. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 3pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

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HOLIDAY CALENDAR 2018

ONGOING EVENTS

THROUGH DECEMBER 1 Greeley Festival of Trees The Union Colony Civic Center’s lobbies turn into a winter wonderland filled with trees, wreaths and holiday collections.

Adults-$3, All other ages-$2. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. www.greeleyfestivaloftrees.com.

DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 1 Garden of Lights Whimsically decorated garden elements created with thousands of LED lights.

On weekends, enjoy Santa visits, holiday music, crafts and cider. All ages. Suggested donations $5/adult, $2/child 2 and up.

Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 5-9pm. 416-2486, www.fcgov.com/ gardens.

DECEMBER 1-2 City of Loveland Winter Festival Arts and crafts vendors, hot chocolate bar, photos with Santa, gingerbread competition, more. Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave., LV. 9am-3pm. 962-2446, www.cityofloveland.org/parksrecreation.

DECEMBER 3-31 Holiday Village Enjoy the sights and sounds of a miniature village come to life – complete with holiday tree and working train. Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. M-F: 6am-9pm, Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 9am8pm. 221-6644, www.fcgov.com/recreator.

DECEMBER 7-9 The Nutcracker Canyon Concert Ballet presents 37th annual production with Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra performing dazzling score by Tchaikovsky. $28-35. Lincoln Center Mainstage, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. Times vary. www.lctix.com.

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DECEMBER 7-16 The Stampede Troupe Presents: A Christmas Story Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. $20-adults, $15-students.

Union Colony Civic Center, Hensel Phelps Theatre , 701 10th Ave., GR. Times vary.

356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

DECEMBER 14-15 Loveland Choral Society: Christmastime Is Here $18. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Times vary. 962-2120, www.

RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

DECEMBER 20-23 A Musical Christmas Carol La-De-Da Performing Arts brings another year of humbugs and happy tidings with its annual production based on Charles Dickens’ classic. $16. Lincoln Center, Magnolia Theatre, 417 W. Magnolia St. Times vary. www.lctix.com.

SUNDAYS, THROUGH DECEMBER 23 Horse-drawn Carriage Rides Step back in time as you enjoy a complimentary, old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street. Promenade Shops at Centerra, Ice Rink, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 12noon-4pm. 461-1285, www.

ThePromenadeShopsatCenterra.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 24 Heart of the Holiday Dinner Theatre Unique and playful glimpse at the creation of a holiday show and the memories that help shape this special time of year.

Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., FC. Times vary. 225-2555, www. midtownartscenter.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Scrooge , The Musical Based on the 1970 movie, Scrooge.

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown. Times vary.

744-3747, www.ColoradoCandlelight.com.

THROUGH JANUARY 1 Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights Daily walkable holiday lighting attraction with musical shows. Performers and local vendors onsite Friday/Saturday nights through Dec. 15. All ages. Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, Sky Pond Dr., LV. 5-9pm. www.visitlovelandco.org/ winterwonderlights.

THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS THROUGH JANUARY 3 Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch Stroll through twinkling brewery grounds plus family activities like roasting s’mores at fire pits and beer samples for ages 21+.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Tour Center, 2351 Busch Dr., FC. 5-9pm. www. BreweryLights.com.

THROUGH JANUARY 12 Warm Wishes Scarf Project Donate new or handmade scarves, hats, mittens, etc. to FoCo Cafe along with a message of hope (quote, drawing, story) to be shared with those in need. FoCo Cafe, 225 Maple St., FC. 9am-5pm. www. facebook.com/FoCoCafe.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 2 Old Town Square Ice Rink Strap on some skates for a spin around this quaint holiday ice rink. $2 admission, $1 skate rentals. Old Town Square, FC. Times vary. www.downtownfortcollins.org.

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THROUGH FEBRUARY 14 Downtown Fort Collins Holiday Lights Thousands of strands of brilliant white lights illuminate alleyways, sidewalks and tree tops. Old Town, Oak Street Plaza, FC. Dusk to dawn. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 25 The Ice Rink at The Promenade Shops at Centerra Beautiful outdoor, ice skating rink. Open 7-days a week with all-inclusive, all-day pricing. All ages. $8-children 12 & under, $9-adults. Main Plaza of The Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 667-5283, www.theicerinkattheshops.com.

DAILY EVENTS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Santa Cops Application Events Families in need can apply to have Christmas gifts delivered to their children by a Larimer County law enforcement officer. Visit website for participation rules. Villages on Plum, 937 Glenmoor Dr., FC. and The Institute at Loveland PD, 810 E. 10th St., LV. 9am-5pm. www. santacopslarimercounty.org.

Winter Makers Market Shop handmade gifts and goodies from more than 35 vendor booths at this annual event. New Belgium Brewing, 500 Linden St., FC. 10am-4pm. www.newbelgium. com/events.

Holiday wreath-making at the Gardens on Spring Creek Fill your home with the festive fragrance of Colorado evergreens with this makeyour-own holiday wreath class. $30. The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 10am and 1pm. www.fcgov.com/ gardens.

The Nutcracker Matinees Condensed matinee shows for the young and young at heart. Note: These shows will not feature the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra. $15-20. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 11am and 2pm. www. lctix.com.

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Windsor Wonderland Activities and music kick off with Santa’s arrival. Santa will be available for free professional pictures. Concludes with tree lighting in front of museum’s depot.

Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. www.windsorgov.com/calendar.aspx.

Winter SOAP (Slightly Older Adult Players) Show The annual Winter SOAP Show filled with comedy skits by SOAP Troupe and music performed by the SOAPTones. $6.

Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 2pm. 221-6644 www.fcgov.com/seniorcenter.

NightLights Tree Lighting Celebration Help to shine light into the darkness of child abuse with food, live music, hot drinks and Santa. All ages.First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., FC. 6-7pm. 484-9090 x100 www.GiveaNightLight.com.

Poinsettia Pops, presented by the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Features The Greeley Chorale and the Greeley Children’s Chorale performing seasonal favorites and beloved carols. All ages. $24, $37. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall , 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 A Classic Christmas Concert Featuring Vi Wickam & Friends Featuring special guest Paul Chet, along with some of Northern Colorado’s finest musicians. All ages. $20-adult, $18-seniors, $15-children. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 4pm. 962-2120 www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

33rd Annual Bells of Christmas Concert Features Chancel Handbell Choir and more. Open to public. Donations to benefit Murphy Center for Hope in support of homeless or at risk. First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, 531 S. College Ave., FC. 7-8:30pm. www.firstpresfc.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Gingerbread Houses Celebrate the colors of the season by creating your own mini holiday houses using colorful candy treats. Ages 9-12.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 6:30-7:30pm. 686-5603, www. clearviewlibrary.org/event/1250726.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 Free Holiday Family Movie: The Polar Express No-cost physical tickets available at the Rialto Box Office ( no online tickets) Tuesday thru Friday, 12:30-5:30pm. First come, first served - no holds. All ages.

Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. Doors open-6:30pm Movie-7pm. 962-2120, www.RialtoTheaterCenter.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Timnath Holiday Lighting Festival Local music and dance performances, activities for kids including photos with Santa, toy market, treats and complimentary dinner. Old Town Timnath, 4100 Main St., Timnath. 5:30-7:30pm. www. timnath.org.

An Evening on the Polar Express Family event—come in your PJs and experience the tale, enjoy snacks, make “Snowman Soup” and other winter crafts and see Santa. Limited to 100 people.

Tickets available at the door; first come, first served. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 6pm. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Carolfest2018 Join the Choice City Singers as they carol through Old Town Fort Collins, singing festive songs of the holiday season. Opera Galleria, 123 N. College Ave., FC. 6pm. www.choicecitysingers.com.

Colorado Dance Theatre Presents: The Nutcracker Features dancers from many NoCo dance studios, CDT’s own orchestra, and the Greeley Children’s Chorale. Ages 3+. $24-adult, $14-student, $19-seniors. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 Sweaty Sweater 4-Mile Run/Walk Calling all Ugly Sweaters! Show off your most hideous, outrageous, bulky and unforgettable UGLY sweater running the Sweaty Sweater Race. Ticket prices vary. Biergarten at Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 2351 Busch Dr., FC. 9am. www. frontrangefreeze.com.

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Fort Collins Wind Symphony Holiday Concert The performance will include holiday and non-holiday selections. Colorado State University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., FC. 7:30-8:30pm www.fcwindsymphony.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 Holiday Miniature Gardening Class Create your very own miniature winter wonderland with plants, accessories and some imagination. $40. Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry, FC. 11am-12:30pm. 482-1984 www.FortCollinsNursery.com.

Santa’s Workshop Festive holiday event to meet and greet neighbors and create holiday gifts for loved ones. All ages. Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 10am-12noon. 686-5603, www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1250748.

Last Stop Christmas Shop Art and craft show with handmade items, original art, nail art, pastels, watercolors, oils, glassware, Scentsy, Mary Kay, more.

Chilson Recreation Center, 700 E. 4th St., LV. 10am-5pm. www.facebook.com/ NOCOARTAdvocate.

The Nutcracker Tea Dress up and bring your favorite doll to High Tea with pastries, fruit and cakes plus music, photos with Nutcracker dancers and prizes. $20-25. Discounts if bundled with 2pm performance. The Lincoln Center, Columbine Room, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 12:30-1:30pm. www.lctix.com.

Tuba Christmas Classic Christmas carols performed by 90 tuba players. Oak Street Plaza, Oak St. and College Ave., FC. 2-3pm. www.downtownfortcollins.com.

A Candlelight Christmas Join Larimer Chorale and special guest artists for a unique “surround-sound” presentation of holiday pageantry and wonder, featuring seasonal music and candle lighting vignette. $15-25. First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover, FC. 2pm and 7pm. www.lctix.com.

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Colorado Makers Holiday Market Small batch and one-of-a-kind goods meticulously crafted or found with thoughtfulness and care are available for purchase. Northside Aztlan Community Center, 112 Willow St., FC. 12noon-5pm. www.coloradomakersmarket.com.

Loveland’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long Fun-filled audience participation event with Loveland’s own singing sensation, Sharon Sheets . Rialto Theater 228 E. 4th St., LV. 4pm. 962-2120 www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration Fort Collins mayor Wade Troxell lights the giant menorah plus Jewish holiday music and traditional Chanukah foods.

Old Town Square, FC. 5-6pm www.downtownfortcollins.com.

Foothills Pops Band Present “Sounds of Christmas” Mix of small ensembles and full concert band pieces. $8-adults,$6-youth under 18 .

CSU University Center for the Arts, Griffin Concert Hall, 1400 Remington St., FC. 7pm. www.csuartstickets.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 USAF Academy Band Holiday Concert Annual seasonal celebration concert. Limit 4 free tickets per person while supplies last. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 2pm and 7pm. 356-5000 www.ucstars.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Light Up Your Holidays Learn how to incorporate LED lights to make unique gifts such as ornaments, earrings, cards, more. Ages 12-18.

Windsor-Severance Library, 720 3rd St., WS. 4-5:30pm. 686-5603 www.clearviewlibrary.org/event/1250766.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Ornament Etching Etch a glass ornament with your own custom pattern using a Cricut. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 4pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Beyond the Classroom: Stained Glass Holiday Craft Learn a little history of stained glass and a chance to create your own piece.

Registration required. Grades 3-5.

Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 Handmade for the Holidays Shop for unique holiday gifts from 40 local artisans. Best Western Plus Loveland Inn, 5542 E. US Highway 34, LV. 10am-3pm. www.facebook.com/ NOCOARTAdvocate.

Holiday Gift Party Family fun with painting, games, hot cocoa and giveaways. Create a gift for a loved one with help of local artists— wear clothes you can get dirty. Supplies provided while they last. Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 1pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

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Gingerbread House Workshop Create tiny edible houses in this sweet, but messy, workshop. Materials provided. Ages 6-12. Registration required. $20. Art & Heritage Center , 116 5th St., WS. 1-3pm. www.windsorgov.com/calendar.aspx.

From the Heart: Handmade Gifts Craft handmade gifts for your friends and family. Supplies provided. Registration required. All ages. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

Estes Park Chorale Christmas Concert Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through songs and story. Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave., EP. 2-4pm. 586-9130 www.visitestespark.com.

Ho Ho Holidays Crafts plus a yummy holiday-themed snack. All ages. Lincoln Park Library, 1012 11th St., GR. 2pm. 888-861-7323 www.MyLibrary.us.

The Nutcracker, an abridged performance Studio West Dance Center tells the story of the classical Tchaikovsky/Pepita ballet.

Show includes excerpts of Flowers, Sugar Plum, Snow, Soldier Doll, Angels, more.

All ages. $5. Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., FC. 4pm. 221-6644 www. fcgov.com/recreation.

Holiday Lights by Bike Tour some of the best holiday lights by bike and enjoy hot treats and drinks. All ages. Intersect Brewing, 2160 W Drake Rd. A1, FC. 5:30-9pm. 221-6987 www.fcgov.com/bicycling/bikewinter.

The Greeley Chorale Presents Carols, Gloria and Ho Ho Ho Variety of holiday music with solos and small ensemble numbers. $22. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Movie Night: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation The Griswolds prepare for a fun-filled family holiday, but things fall apart when family members arrive. 1989, Rated PG-13. $6. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm.

962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Movie Night: It’s A Wonderful Life After George Bailey wishes he had never been born, an angel helps him realize how many lives he has changed and affected..

1946, Rated PG. $6. Rialto Theater 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 962-2120 www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 SnowDome: Holiday Spectacular Crafts, cookies, cocoa, holiday tunes and exploding Christmas trees? All ages. $10 (8-members). Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, OtterBox Digital Dome Theater 408 Mason Ct., FC. 6-9pm. 221-6738 www.fcmod.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 From the Heart: Handmade Gifts Craft handmade gifts for your friends and family. Supplies provided. Registration required. Toddlers and Pre-K. Riverside Library, 3700 Golden St., EV. 10:30am.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Bells of the Rockies Holiday Concert $16-adults, $11-senior/students. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 9622120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown with Sara Gazarek Contemporary jazz piano legend and acclaimed vocalist. $24-47. Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., GR. 7pm.

356-5000, www.ucstars.com.

Movie Night: The Christmas Story In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents his teacher and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.

1983, Rated PG. $6. Rialto Theater 228 E. 4th St., LV. 7pm. 962-2120 www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 The Celtic Gift Open a magical world this Christmas with Irish Dance Theatre’s third annual holiday production. All ages. $32.50-62.50.

Lincoln Center Performance Hall, 417 W. Magnolia, FC. 7:30pm. www.lctix.com.

A Season of Dance This open house performance features students of The MacKinnon Royal Dance Institute program and competition dance teams. Advance-$13, Doors-$15. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 6:30pm. 962-2120 www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

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VISIT WITH SANTA DECEMBER 1-2 City of Loveland Winter Festival Arts & crafts vendors, hot chocolate bar, photos with Santa, more.

Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave., LV. 9am-3pm. 962-2446, www. cityofloveland.org/parksrecreation.

SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 8, 15 & 22 Breakfast with Santa First come, first served. Tickets on sale at Mall Management Office for $10/person, cash only. Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. 8:30am. 461-1285, www.

ThePromenadeShopsatCenterra.com.

DECEMBER 15, 22, 24 Santa at Colorado Model Railroad Museum See Santa and take photos! Ticket prices vary. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 10am-1pm.

392-2934, www.cmrm.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Windsor Wonderland Activities and music kicks off with Santa’s arrival. Santa will be available for free professional pictures.

Concludes with tree lighting in front of museum’s depot. Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St., WS. www.windsorgov. com/calendar.aspx.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 Storytime with Santa Hot cocoa, cookies and storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stay for free holiday family friendly movie. $5; Under 2-free. Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., LV. 5:30pm, 7pm movie.

962-2120, www.rialtotheatercenter.org.

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FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 22 Santa and His Reindeer Visit Santa and two of his reindeer!

Visits to Santa-$10/family.

Professional photos starting at $35.

Visiting/photography reindeer, free.

Bath Garden and Nursery, 2000 E. Prospect Rd., FC. Fridays: 2-6pm, Saturdays: 9am-12noon. www. bathgardencenter.com.

WEDNESDAYS-SUNDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 24 Santa’s Workshop Old Town Square Santa’s Workshop is open to children of all ages. Taking your own pictures is free. Professional photographer also available. Old Town Square, FC. 12noon-6pm. 484-2020, www. downtownfortcollins.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Timnath Holiday Lighting Festival Local music and dance performances, activities for kids including photos with Santa, toy market, treats and complimentary dinner. Old Town Timnath, 4100 Main St., Timnath.

5:30-7:30pm. www. timnath.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Santa Library Visit Come for a special story, holiday craft and Santa visit. Don’t forget your camera! Centennial Park Library, 2227 23rd Ave., GR. 11am. 888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

THROUGH DECEMBER 24 Visit Santa at Foothills Catch up with Santa while you finish your holiday shopping. Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy, FC. www. shopfoothills.com.

Santa’s Home for the Holidays Bring your camera to capture the magical moments when your child visits with Santa. Promenade Shops at Centerra, near Best Buy, 5971 Sky Pond Dr., LV. Days and times vary. 461-1285, www.

ThePromenadeShopsatCenterra.com.

WEEKENDS, THROUGH JANUARY 1 Visit Santa in the Garden of Lights Visit Santa surrounded by hundreds of twinkling lights. Enjoy crafts, entertainment and holiday treats.

Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., FC. 5-9pm. www.fcgov.com/

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Santa Library Visit Come for a special story, holiday craft and Santa visit. Don’t forget your camera! Farr Regional Library 1939 61st Ave., GR. 4pm.

888-861-7323, www.MyLibrary.us.

Night Trains with Santa Members-only event with Santa running the trains. Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St., GR. 5-8pm. 392-2934, www.cmrm.org.

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Today is the perfect day to begin your child’s musical journey at Foundation Music School!

Call us today!

• Family Music classes • Zumbini • Music Camps • Instrument-Prep Classes for ages 3 1/2 - 6

3663 South College Unit 13, Fort Collins

970.407.9084

• Music Therapy • Group and Private Instrument lessons Visit our website for our full schedule of classes and camps:

www.foundationmusicschool.org

Snow Tube Park with Lift

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Restaurant & Bar, Family Lodging, Campground & Camper Cabins Trout Fishing Y Hiking Trails Y Disc Golf Y Hunting Camps Snow Shoeing Y Snow Tube Park with Lift & 12 Runs Y Snow Mobile Tours Out Door Ice Skating Y Pond Hockey Y Cross Country Skiing

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970-881-2450

BeaverMeadows.com

info@beavermeadows.com

Celebrating 40 years, in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

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time out The gifts of motherhood…

Or lack thereof!

LEA HANSON

I

’ve always loved gifts. If you’ve read the book, The 5 Love Languages, you know I’m a ‘Receiving Gifts’ within moments. But, somehow, as I’ve aged—and especially since becoming a mom—loving gifts has somehow started to feel, well, selfish. For the record, I’m a minimalist. I hate having useless things in my presence and find joy in frequent decluttering—so, I deeply appreciate gifts that revolve around meaning and thoughtfulness. Yet, somewhere along the lines it seems as though becoming a mother has robbed me of my privilege to receive gifts.

At first, I seemed to only get gifts for my daughter that were disguised as gifts for me. You know, baby clothes and toys, books about how to make baby food, coupons to baby and me classes, etc. At the time, I was annoyed and even pissed: “NOBODY told me that once I have a child, I will never get a real gift again.”

And then this little trick happens: Parents and siblings make that first suggestion that only kids exchange gifts saying casually, “after all, we’re parents, there is nothing we need.” I’ll be honest: I hated this idea then and I still hate it now, eight-years-plus later. My kid has drawers of clothes she doesn’t wear and piles of stuffies she doesn’t play with; who’s the one who has everything she needs? In short, I want gifts, too, people.

True, there is nothing I truly need.

But I love holidays that include gifts because I love GIVING gifts. Gift giving is how many people show their love and appreciation for others. Because there is little my adult family members need. Gifts tend to get smaller and less expensive, but more thoughtful. I find great joy in finding just the right gift for someone: the perfect pair of earrings, a

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book about a topic they’ve been interested in lately, or that item they pointed out months ago while we were shopping together. As a creative person, I find great satisfaction in making gifts, too.

Crocheting a hat, beading a necklace, or baking someone’s favorite holiday treat is a way I can show a loved one I have taken time to be thoughtful and care about them.

However, I have learned over time that holidays DO change with kids.

Even if there are things I have to let go, the things I gain far outweigh them. I feel joy watching my daughter discover the magic of Christmas and this feeling

far outweighs the joy I feel by opening a gift myself. It was pretty tough at first, but I have gotten used to it.

It’s also changed over time, during the first few years of our daughter’s life, the holidays felt drastically different—and even sometimes lonely—as I watched her be the one being showered with attention instead of me. It was a funny transition. But the past few years I’ve not only become more comfortable with this change, but even the one leading this process. I am naturally making the holidays about her—AND US—instead of just about me. And it feels good.

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