Sacramento Parent December 2015

parent December 2015

Jolly Jaunts & Holiday Happenings

NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S UGLY SWEATER PARTY

Isaac’s Road to Recovery

COVER KID FINALIST TO CANCER SURVIVOR

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DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

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Help children locally by donating a soft toy to the UC Davis Children’s Hospital.* In addition, for every soft toy purchased, the IKEA Foundation will donate $1 toward Save the Children and Unicef to help educate children worldwide. * Donation bins located in the entrance and exit lobbies of IKEA West Sacramento.

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PARENTS: At YOUR Wits’ End with your child’s reading, learning or behavior problems?

Ask yourself these questions about your child • Is your smart child struggling?

• Is your Dyslexic child not getting the help he/she needs?

• Is the new “COMMON CORE” making things worse for your child?

• Are homework battles causing chaos and crisis?

• Have you tried other tutoring services without solving the problem?

• Is the GAP IN SKILLS getting larger?

• Have you been told by others “not to worry, he will grow out of it and catch up,” but you know better?

• Do you know there is a “glitch” in the way your child learns but don’t know what it is and what to do about it?

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parent December 2015

Haylie and James are a brother and sister pair who are the best of friends. They love Christmas time and of course picking out the Christmas tree! Their family headed out to Bambi’s Christmas Tree Farm on a mission to find the perfect one! After a bit of hide and seek and racing through the aisles, the best tree was chosen, loaded up and headed home for decorations.

CONNECTING FAMILIES FOR 23 YEARS

on our cover

Cover photographer: Sandy Runner Photography www.SandyRunner.com

contents DECEMBER 2015

14

21

departments

features

around town

13 CRAFTY

12

Funny Santa Pics

27 CALENDAR

14

Isaac’s Road to Recovery

40

Planning a Hawaiian Getaway with Kids

“Five Jolly Snowmen” Ornament

39 HUMOR ME

Throw the Best Ugly Sweater Party

42 WIN IT

Just in Time for the Holidays

DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Daily In December

35 EXHIBITS Dashing Displays

36 SHOWS The Nutcracker & Other Family Favorites

21

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39

Surviving a Serious Mental Illness Disorder

Specialized Care for Kids New Pediatric Emergency Department We know that sometimes fear can get in the way of your children getting better. That’s why we’ve designed our new dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department with children, and their families, in mind. From “safe zones” for your kids to play in free of treatment, to doctors and nurses trained in techniques that minimize pain and anxiety, it’s how you plus us and we plus you.

suttermedicalcenter.org sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015

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DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

dear readers This issue kind of wrote itself—while we typically cover healthy resolutions and how to fit in a quick workout with the kids—this year, we wanted to recognize emotional and mental strength. We caught up with one of our 2014 Cover Kid Finalists who was diagnosed with a form of child liver cancer a year ago this month.

His mom shares, “I have learned so much from him. He is so strong. He is a tough boy, my hero.”

Read about Isaac and his family as they take us on his journey to recovery (page 14).

publisher | SUE LETO COLE editor-in-chief | SHELLY BOKMAN editor | SHANNON SMITH art director | PATRICE VAN DAM, Studio PR administrative assistant | CHRISTINE QUARRY COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Sandy Runner Photography www.SandyRunner.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Memories by Michelle MByMPhotos.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michelle Kopkash | Michelle McDaid Maggie Newcomb | Christine Quarry Haley Shapley | Shannon Smith

We also learned how a local comedian, diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has managed her diagnosis. She is passionate about teaching acceptance and credits her parents support and diligence in finding what worked for her. Read more on page 21.

These stories celebrate just how strong a family can be. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and hope you find the opportunity to celebrate your strength as a family in the year ahead!

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Sacramento Parent magazine is published monthly by Family Publishing, Inc. It is available free of charge at over 1,000 locations throughout Greater Sacramento. Sacramento Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photos from our readers.

Sacramento Parent is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.

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EASY HOLIDAY SHOPPING! Plenty of parking!

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THE BEST SANTA IN TOWN! Long lines are a thing of the past!

Save time with our Same-Day Reservation system. Just visit the Santa Set and give the host your cell phone number to reserve your time.

Choose from traditional pictures with Santa or other fun and unique holiday photos with friends and co-workers, or even your favorite furry friend on our Pet Photo Nights!

Visit sunrisemallonline.com for Santa hours and pricing packages.

Join our Facebook community for special offers and information on events, sales and promotions!

See Santa Set For Details

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Enter to Win a Home Visit from Santa!

Santa Photos Available through December 24th

Drop this entry in Santa’s Mailbox at Sunrise Mall’s Santa Set for your chance to win a visit from Santa himself!

Gift Wrapping Support the Bella Vista Jr. Broncos for your gift wrapping needs.

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Make a wish come true and purchase a gift for a child in need.

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Caroling Enjoy the sounds of the season around the mall throughout the holidays.

Blood Drive Help give the gift of life and donate with BloodSource on December 23rd.

Entries accepted through December 9, 2015. One winner will be drawn December 10 for a home visit from Santa the night of December 13, 2015. No purchase necessary.

Must be 18 years or older to enter. Visit must be within 30 miles of Sunrise Mall. sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 11

This mom wants something different for the holidays.

SAC PARENT READERS Share Their Funny Santa Pics

THE LESNAU FAMILY, PHOTO BY STUDIOKYK

PHOTO CREDIT: STONESTOWN GALLERIA

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PHOTO CREDIT: SUNRISE MALL

12 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

‘Five Jolly Snowmen’ Ornament Keepsake

By Michelle Kopkash The colder winter months provide the perfect opportunity to cozy up inside and do crafts with your children. And as luck would have it, homemade crafts make ideal, heartfelt holiday gifts for family members. This month’s adorable keepsake captures the size of your little one’s hand on a holiday ornament by using his or her fingerprints to make five jolly snowmen, complete with hats and scarves. Years from now—as you decorate the tree—this sentimental ornament will have you reminiscing about the past.

Materials Needed: • Single-colored ornament (Tip: Ornaments with a matte finish work better for prints than those with glossy finishes.)

• White acrylic paint • Black acrylic paint • Thin paint brush for small details • Felt scraps for the snowmen’s scarves • Black Sharpie marker • Orange marker • Holiday ribbon or string • Hot glue gun or other sticky glue The Creative Process: 1. Before starting, decide where you’ll hang the ornament to dry once the handprint has been applied. Also, make sure you have wet wipes or paper towels nearby so that you can immediately clean the paint off of your child’s hand.

2. Apply white paint with a brush to one of your child’s hands. Slowly place the bottom of the ornament into the palm of your child’s hand and then instruct her to carefully close her fingers around the ornament. Then, slowly remove her fingers.

3. Set the ornament somewhere safe to dry for (at least) a few hours.

4. Once dry, use a black Sharpie marker to create the faces of the snowmen. Make dots for eyes, a little triangle outline for the carrot nose, and dots for a mouth made out of coal.

5. Write your child’s name and year on the bottom of the ornament with the black marker.

6. Fill the snowmen’s noses in with an orange marker.

7. Cut four very small strips of felt to use for the scarves. I only put scarves on two of the snowmen, but you can cut out more if you’d like all five of them in scarves.

8. Glue the felt strips onto the snowmen and arrange them like scarves. A hot glue gun works best.

9. Once the scarves have dried, paint little black hats onto the snowmen’s heads. You can paint a corn cob pipe on a snowman, but this is optional.

10. Have your child use white paint to make dots for snowflakes.

11. Allow the ornament to completely dry and then carefully attach cheerful ribbon to the ornament to use as a hanger.

Michelle Kopkash is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Roseville-Rocklin-Lincoln, a local site dedicated to helping parents find family-friendly events to entertain and educate their kids each week: www.Roseville.Ca.MacaroniKid.com.

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 13

Brave Isaac’s Road

From Cover Kid Finalist

By Michelle McDaid Photography by Memories by Michelle | www.MbyMPhotos.com

Isaac Mello was a runner up in our 2014 Cover Kid Search with his cute, chubby-cheeked smile and curly brown hair. But at the end of that same year, life changed drastically for little Isaac when he was diagnosed with stage 3 Hepatoblastoma (a form of childhood liver cancer).

14 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

“It was December 31st and my husband had just left for work,” recalls Isaac’s mom, Rosselyn, when I interviewed her recently. “I decided to go and change Isaac’s diaper and, as I undressed him, noticed a tennis-ball shaped lump on his ribs that had appeared overnight. I shower with my boys every night so I knew it wasn’t there the night before. I was really worried.”

Isaac was quickly transported by paramedics to UC Davis where they did a CAT scan of his liver as well as blood tests, confirming their worst fears: he did indeed have a very large, stage 3 tumor, covering about 80% of his liver. The cancer markers in his blood were off the charts, and since the tumor was obviously very fast growing, they needed to start treatment immediately to save his life.

Rosselyn called her husband, Erick, who is an MRI tech at Woodland Community Hospital, and he recommended she take him to the ER immediately. By the time she reached the hospital with her older son, Christian in tow, Isaac had started to develop a fever. The doctors did an ultrasound and as an hour or more passed, Rosselyn’s husband arrived. It was then that the doctors and nurses, with worried faces, began explaining to him what they feared they had found.

It was New Year’s Day 2015 and everything had changed overnight for the Mello family, who live in Roseville. Isaac was to undergo six different rounds of intense chemotherapy treatments to try and shrink the tumor, some of which were going to be grueling, six hour treatments individually. The tumor was perilously close to the vena cava vein in Isaac’s liver and the goal was to shrink it enough to move it away from that vein and make it operable.

“My husband started crying and punching the wall,” Rosselyn told me, her voice shaking even now with the memory. “I didn’t understand at first what was going on. My son, Christian was crying and scared. They told me they couldn’t help Isaac there. He had a huge tumor in his liver and we needed to take him to UC Davis immediately for treatment.”

For four months, Isaac and his family shuttled themselves back-and-forth between work and school, the hospital, and home to sleep, for Isaac’s treatments.

Isaac’s beautiful curls began to fall out in chunks and his healthy appetite dwindled to almost nothing. “He was throwing up every day,” shares Rosselyn. “He became so boney and he could barely walk some days because his knees hurt.”

to Recovery

to Cancer Survivor

After the third round of chemo, doctors were concerned The surgery was in May 2015 and 8 hours long—the longest because, although the tumor had begun to shrink, it was 8 hours of Isaac’s family’s life. But it was successful, removing still too close to the vena cava. The fourth chemo treata large, 14cm tumor and the majority of Isaac’s liver in the ment would be a huge test; if the tumor hadn’t shrunk sufprocess. Isaac remained in ICU for 20 days and then had to ficiently by the end, they would go through two more rounds of need to elevate Isaac’s treatment chemotherapy to ensure that all by moving him to a medical the cancer cells were gone. They center in San Francisco. were even harder treatments in — says Rosselyn of Dr. Hirose the beginning, since with the tuFortunately, round four was a mor in place, Isaac had been too success and luck began to shine fragile to tolerate a more aggressive chemo. on the Mello family. UC Davis had just hired their first pediatric liver cancer surgeon, Shinjuro Hirose, M.D., which

By July, doctors felt that Isaac’s recovery was sufficient meant Isaac could remain local for his surgery to remove enough that he could stop chemotherapy and move to the the tumor. remission phase. Now, he receives regular scans and blood

“He is our angel”

Continued on Page 17 sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 15

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Isaac continued from Page 15

tests to monitor his progress and ensure there is no recurrence. Where the cancer markers in his blood had been in the millions at the time the tumor had been found, they are now significantly reduced, but still must dip below five before they can consider him to be completely cancer free. As for his liver, it’s one of the few internal organs to naturally regenerate itself, and so now the focus is on ensuring that it grows back normally.

Slowly, Isaac has come back to life in the last six months. He has begun to regain the weight that he lost during treatment, along with the thick, dark hair, that he inherited from Rosselyn, who is from Bolivia. He now runs around, full of energy, just like any other four-yearold boy, playing with his brother in their front driveway and learning to ride his scooter along the sidewalk of the street they live on. To see him now, you would never know what he has endured in the last year.

There are many reminders of those painful months, however, both physically and emotionally.

Isaac’s heart is being monitored with regular scans as it was weakened by the chemo, along with his hearing (he has lost some hearing in his left ear, mainly the high notes, as a result of his treatment). Understandably, he is also very attached to his mother and afraid to be alone. “Before, I was excited to take him to preschool this year,” says Rosselyn, “but now, I think I will wait another year.

I tried to take him to a mommy-and-me playdate the other week and thought I would sit back a little, but he got so upset that I couldn’t. The doctors agree: don’t rush him.”

As for the rest of the family, Christian, now nine, was deeply affected. Rosselyn’s family lives in South America and Erick’s family in Nevada, and so there was no local family to take care of Christian

while Isaac was undergoing treatment.

Christian went to school during the day and to the hospital in the afternoon and evening with his parents to support Isaac.

Understandably, Christian is trying to make sense of everything his brother has experienced.

Rosselyn told me about an incident that happened just a couple of weeks ago, that in most family’s households isn’t a situation for alarm, but set alarm bells Continued on Page 19

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 17

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18 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Isaac continued from Page 17

“I have learned so much from him,” she tells me between tears of pride. “He’s just so strong.

He’s a tough boy.

My hero.”

off in young Christian’s head. “Isaac got a cold and fever and I so I gave him a cool bath and put him in my bed,” she recalls. “But, when Christian came in and saw him shivering, he started to freak out. ‘What’s wrong with my brother!?’ he was yelling. He was really afraid his brother was badly sick again.” Christian’s school work has also suffered in the last year, with declining results and teachers reporting that he would cry every day while Isaac was in treatment.

Meanwhile, Rosselyn thinks she will seek a counselor soon to deal with her own emotions, which are still very close to the surface as she talks about the last year for her family. But one beautiful, positive thing that has come out of their ordeal— in addition to Isaac’s recovery—is her admiration for Isaac’s strength and bravery.

“I have learned so much from him,” she tells me between tears of pride. “He’s just so strong. He’s a tough boy. My hero.”

The Mello family were adamant that we take some space to share their deep gratitude for the team of nurses and doctors at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, who cared for Isaac. In particular: Pediatric Surgeon, Shinjiro Hirose, M.D.; nurses Christin, Chris, Rose, and Dina; Nurse coordinator and advice, Kariew Hartle; and Isaac’s physician Jo Chung, M.D. Michelle McDaid is a Sacramento-based writer and photographer, focused on telling the stories of children, families, and the non-profits that support them. See more of her work at www.mbymphotos.com or email michelle@mbymphotos.com.

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 19

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匀椀渀挀攀 ㈀ 㔀

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眀眀眀⸀匀愀挀一䐀⸀挀漀洀 ∠ ㈀㔀㌀ 䨀 匀琀爀攀攀琀Ⰰ 匀甀椀琀攀 ㄀ ∠ 匀愀挀爀愀洀攀渀琀漀 ∠ 䘀爀攀攀 倀愀爀欀椀渀最 ∠ 㤀㄀㘀ⴀ㐀㐀㘀ⴀ㈀㔀㤀㄀ 20 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Surviving A Serious Mental Illness Diagnosis

by Maggie Newcomb

Imagine out of nowhere your 16 year-old daughter or son has a severe mental breakdown and needs to be hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. At first, the doctors tell you that your child might have schizophrenia, but they need to try different medications and treatments to confirm. You are asked to sign a waiver that reveals a disturbing list of side effects that could occur. There is no internet, no well-known books on how to deal with this, and no celebrities that have gone through this to show you how. This is what my family faced when I was hospitalized 21 years ago at the age of 16.

After ten days in the hospital, the doctors told my family I had experienced a severe manic episode with psychotic features and gave me the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. My family was scared, I was ashamed, and we had no idea what to do next.

Despite the terrible situation, now, two decades later I am in a completely different place. This is in part, because of the support of my family following my hospitalization.

I have, for lack of a better word, a “normal” life now. I am a graduate of UC Davis and have a master’s degree from San Francisco State. I have a career in healthcare education and have been working as a program coordinator for a non-profit for the past 6 years. I am in a wonderful relationship, my body is healthy and well, life is pretty good.

I mean, I do have Amazon Prime, so I guess I am doing okay. I now even volunteer for a brilliant local organization called Stop Stigma Sacramento. As a representative of this group for the past year, I have been speaking about my experience living with mental illness.

The common question that I get when speaking to groups is, “How did I do it?” What did my family do “next” after I was hospitalized? What helped me create a successful life versus the numerous people we hear about living with mental illness that haven’t fared so well? The statistics are quite overwhelming when you look at the suicide rates and usual trends of those living with a severe mental illness. People are desperate for an answer, that one thing they can do so mental illness does not ruin the life of their child.

I wish there was one answer. I wish I could say that we gave up gluten, bathed in flax seed oil or ate only organic foods. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. When it comes to mental health there is a myriad of things that a family can do. And sometimes it can even be about what they don’t do.

First of all, my family didn’t let the stigma of a mental illness diagnosis get in the way of moving forward with my treatment. Many families don’t get help because they are understandably embarrassed of the diagnosis or label of mental illness and how it will make them look. Although at first my family was devastated by my bipolar disorder diagnosis, they quickly accepted it. My parents didn’t care how it made our family look or what others would say. And, people did talk, but that didn’t matter. Our number one goal was doing whatever it took to make me better. Bipolar was not my identity or who I was, it was a condition.

continued on page 23

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 21

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Mental Illness continued from page 21

In fact, we really didn’t talk about the diagnosis very much at all. We tuned out all the limitations that the diagnosis came with and just kept focusing on what to do next. We used the diagnosis mostly as a guideline for treatment, not my lifelong label.

Second, my family didn’t try to fix the situation by themselves.

They were open to the doctor’s guidance. Although my parents were extremely nervous to sign the waiver at the hospital allowing the doctors to treat me and try various medications—they signed it—because they thought it was in my best interest to get professional help. As my mom put it, she “trusted her gut,” hoping she had made the right choice. Luckily, the cognitive therapy and medication I received at the hospital helped me come out of the mania. Then, once I was out of the hospital, my mom followed the doctor’s orders and made sure I went to my appointments and took my medication.

Finally, no matter how scary or difficult the situation was, my family never gave up on me. In fact, just a couple of months after being released from the hospital, I had a relapse and went back to the hospital. I made the mistake of trying to go back to school too soon. After a mental breakdown you really need time to heal before you can go back to your life. But even though this second episode was worse than the first, my family remained hopeful. We tried new medication combinations that seemed to work better. After this hospitalization, I unfortunately suffered with depression for months. However, I kept on going because my family was constantly supporting me with positive encouragement. In addition to my own therapy sessions, we even went to family therapy together. Most importantly, we didn’t blame anyone or live in the past. We took it day by day, looking forward until I was back on track.

It was because of this support from my family in those initial years that followed my diagnosis and hospitalization that taught me how to take care of myself and approach my bipolar condition. It wasn’t because they were experts and did everything “right.” Most of the time they didn’t even know what to do! But, they always kept my best interest at heart when making decisions.

Although living with a mental illness has been a painful journey at times for me, I learned I can manage the symptoms. I continue to work with my psychiatrist to create a purposeful and fulfilling life. Most important, bipolar disorder is not who I am.

My family taught me that twenty years ago when they ignored how it looked. They didn’t see an illness. They just saw me, their daughter and sister that they loved, who needed help. That has made all the difference. If not for that, I probably wouldn’t be here.

Looking back, if I were to give any advice to a family I would say make sure your child knows she is loved, use the diagnosis as a guideline for treatment not an identity and most importantly—never give up—keep trying until you find what works for your child.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to go order something on Amazon and enjoy the free two day shipping I deserve.

Maggie Newcomb, M.A.Ed., is a speaker, comedian, and writer who lives in Sacramento. After years of performing stand-up comedy, she now uses humor to speak honestly about living with mental illness. She also draws on her years of experience working in adult education to teach people how to accept their own mental illness diagnoses and embrace lives of true stability. For more information visit www.MaggieNewcomb.com where you can find her blog, “The Mental Patient Next Door” as well as information about her upcoming book, “Chocolate Pudding in Heaven.”

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 23

Jolly and Jingle-Worthy Seasonal Jaunts HOLIDAY MARKET Through December 24 at Pence Gallery, Davis The Pence’s annual arts & crafts sale is full of jewelry, scarves, ceramics, holiday items and more, all created by some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople around.

530-758-3370 | www.PenceGallery.org

7TH ANNUAL MACY’S THEATRE OF LIGHTS Through December 31 in Old Town Sacramento Make your holidays magical this holiday season by heading to Old Sacramento’s 7th Annual Macy’s Theatre of Lights. The free outdoor performances artfully mix the historic charm of Old Sacramento with state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology to create a memorable and visually-exciting holiday experience for visitors of all ages.

442-8575 | www.OldSacramento.com

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND CITY SITES PEDAL PARTY Through December 31 at OFF The CHAIN Bike Bus, Sacramento At the OFF The CHAIN Holiday Lights and City Sights Pedal Party you and your crew can use the bike-bus as your sleigh around town. This package includes: a ride between Macy’s Theatre of Lights and the Downtown Holiday Ice Rink that includes hot chocolate, candy canes, and on board interactive holiday fun.

903-3987 | www.FareHarbor.com/GoDowntownSac/items/9110/

GLOBAL WINTER WONDERLAND Through January 3 at Cal Expo, Sacramento Global Winter Wonderland returns to Sacramento with all new lanterns and an exciting new theme—Magic of the Seasons! The multi-cultural theme park and magical world of light spanning 17 acres at Cal Expo will unveil sensational new attractions and a dazzling show.

510-962-8586 | www.GlobalWonderland.com

THE BIGGEST SHOW ON SNOW Through January 3 at Raley Field, Sacramento Experience the biggest show on snow, with ice skating, an ice slide, Santa photo opportunities, a super fun kid zone, plus get your holiday tree and do some holiday shopping!

376-4700 | www.BiggestShowOnSnow.com

CINDERELLA CARRIAGE RIDES AROUND FOUNTAINS Various times and dates at the Fountains in Roseville Join the Fountains in Roseville and take a Cinderella Carriage ride. Keep your eyes and ears open, you may even see or hear Victorian Carolers strolling through the square! www.FountainsAtRoseville.com

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE HILLS & COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING December 4, 6:30pm at El Dorado CSD Gym Join in the celebration and watch as they illuminate the Holiday Tree for the community to enjoy this season!

933-6624 | www.ElDoradoHillsCSD.org

26TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR & BOOK SALE December 5, 9am at Maidu Community Center & Maidu Library Terrific shopping awaits! Santa’s helpers have been hard at work to create a holiday shopping market, with over 140 exhibitors. You’re sure to find that special something; including home décor, art, pet items, knitted and quilted creations, jewelry, unique crafts, specialty items, gourmet foods and used books!

772-PLAY | www.RosevilleParks.com

24 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

We’ve rounded up some of the holiday events this month, but to find even more jolly jaunts turn to the calendar, Daily in December on page 27.

DAVIS ARTS CENTER 25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE December 4-6 at Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Center’s Annual Holiday Sale is just around the corner! Visit more than 60 fabulous artisan vendors offering unique hand-made gifts including: ceramics, sculpture, glass, wood, textiles, clothing, housewares, oils, candles, soaps, and numerous edible goods. The Holiday Sale is the destination for families to start the shopping season.

530-756-4100 | www.DavisArtsCenter.org

CAMERON PARK’S RUN WITH SANTA December 5, 7am at Cameron Park Community Center This run with Santa is a 5k fun run/walk that begins and ends at the Cameron Park Community Center. Bring the whole family to enjoy this perfect Holiday kick-off.

530- 677-2231 | www.CameronPark.org

WILD NIGHTS AND HOLIDAY LIGHTS (12/4-5, 12/11-12, 12/16-23) 5pm at Folsom Zoo Celebrate the magic of the season at this 6th annual family holiday event!

Thousands of colorful lights and beautiful decorations transform the zoo.

Santa visits each night of the event to visit with young guests, and zoo bear mascot Santa Paws roams the grounds to pose for photo ops. Carolers, seasonal refreshments, and rides on the Starlight Express mini live steam train round out the fun.

355-7285 | www.FolsomZooFriends.org

WINTER WONDERLAND (12/10-13, 12/17-20) 1pm at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Celebrate the holiday season at Fairytale Town! The storybook park will be trimmed with festive holiday décor. A dazzling display of lights will light up the park at night, and a flurry of snow will fall nightly at 7pm. On weekends, enjoy more holiday cheer with craft activities, vendors and more.

808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org

27TH ANNUAL WINTER FAIRE 10am at Camellia Waldorf School, Sacramento Celebrate the magic of the season. There will be children’s puppet shows, craft activities, live music, entertainment, hearty fare including soups from the Golden Ladle Soup Competition, gourmet coffee, baked goods, gingerbread houses, holiday shopping with local artisans, and a children’s store stocked with treasures for young shoppers.

427-5022 | www.CamelliaWaldorf.org

HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND COCKTAILS December 17, 6pm at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Bring your friends or come and meet new ones at this fun and relaxing evening of making! Enjoy holiday cocktails and good company as we get crafty on an entirely new level and create holiday ornaments and decorations. Make last-minute presents for friends and family, or gift yourself your newest creations.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

NOON YEAR’S EVE: A FREE FAMILY FESTIVAL December 31, 10am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento This year, the Crocker Art Museum is kicking its high energy New Year’s party for families up a notch. It wouldn’t be any fun if we spill the beans now, but let’s just say this amazing annual event just got even better. Families can count down to the New Year at noon at this fun and free celebration of global cultural experiences. With live music, dance performances, and festive art activities happening throughout the Museum, this is one New Year’s celebration everyone can stay awake for.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

We recommend confirming events before you go. All phone numbers are area code 916, unless otherwise noted. See our full calendar listings at www.SacramentoParent.com.

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 25

Winter Wonderland Thursdays – Sundays, December 10-13 & 17-20 1-7 pm Weather Permitting

l iv e r ei n d ee r D ec em b er 12 & 13 !

Sponsored By

Celebrate the holiday season at Fairytale Town!

Festive décor around the park • Dazzling lights each day at dusk Visit with Santa in his workshop on weekends 3-6 PM Weekends: Hands-on craft activities • Holiday vendors • And more!

Tickets & Info: fairytaletown.org 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento

26 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

calendar

! r e b Decem

Seasons Greetings! December's calendar is decked with family fun.

From seasonal crafts to nature's wonders, flip through the calendar to get your fill of this winter's best happenings in and around Sacramento.

We recommend confirming events before you go. All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted. See our full calendar listings at www.sacramentoparent.com.

1 TUESDAY Artful Tot 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Every month, toddlers explore art-making with different materials in new ways, from printmaking and color mixing to clay and fabric. Adults learn how to encourage experimentation and self-expression while nurturing their child’s creativity.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Holiday Movie 3pm at Carmichael Library Enjoy a holiday movie with the library! ‘Tis the season!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Kids Crafternoon: Snow Art 4pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Kids of all ages are welcome to join the library and create art inspired by snow and ice. From sparkly snow painting to snowflake-making, these crafts will have you ready for winter!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Peppermint Lip Balm 6pm at Rio Linda Library Make colorful, sweet smelling lip balm using coconut oil, palm oil and peppermint essential oil.

This silky smooth lip balm will make you look like a million bucks! A great holiday gift giving idea, too. You can decorate a little box and wrap it up! This program is for teens and adults.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join neighborhood favorite Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7 years.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Wee Wednesday 10:30 & 11am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Bring your little one and yourself to this gallery-based art experience for children ages 3 to 5. The adventure begins in Tot Land with groups leaving at 10:30 and 11am. This program takes place every Wednesday of the month.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

3 THURSDAY Family Movie Night: “The Incredibles” 5:30pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Join the library for a free movie and popcorn for all ages! This week: Disney/Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” rated PG, 115 minutes.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

4 FRIDAY Bethlehem Village (12/4-6) 6pm at Sunrise Community Church, Fair Oaks Bring your family and friends to a free interactive evening they won’t soon forget! Relive the sights and sounds of Bethlehem as it may have been over 2000 years ago. Interact with shopkeepers selling their wares and find the wise men and receive a gold nugget with directions to meet the Baby Jesus in the manger under the star that led them to the Savior’s side.

726-4642 | www.SCCOnline.com First Friday Family Flick: “Frozen” Sing-a-Long 4pm at North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library After the kingdom of Arendelle is cast into eternal winter by the powerful Snow Queen Elsa, her sprightly sister Anna teams up with a rough-hewn mountaineer named Kristoff and his trusty reindeer Sven to break the icy spell.

Join the library for a sing-a-long showing of Disney’s smash hit, “Frozen.”

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

5 SATURDAY

2 WEDNESDAY Music & More with Alan Candee 10:30am at Rancho Cordova Library Young children will enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling and original tunes.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Rancho Cordova Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Winter Holiday Crafts 4pm at North Highlands-Antelope Library Create holiday ornaments and gifts with everyday recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, CDs and jigsaw puzzle pieces. Teen and parent volunteers are welcome. Free admission.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Family Puppet Show 3pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento Join the library for a winter holiday themed puppet show! This child-friendly show will feature a holiday twist on the classic story, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” Bring the whole family for this fun event, by Puppet Art Theater Co. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Cameron Park EXPLORER POST 89 Fire Department Pancake Breakfast 8am–12pm at the Cameron Park Community Center After working up an appetite at the Santa Run, join Cameron Park CSD for breakfast with your community and local Fire Department. Breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, eggs, orange juice, coffee and raffle prizes.

530-677-2231 | www.CameronPark.org

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 27

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Cookies with Santa 5:30pm at Fair Oaks Library Visit with Santa at the Fair Oaks Library! There will also be a storytime and Christmas craft project. Space is limited and registration is required.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Community Toy Drive 4pm at Running Zone, Elk Grove Join Moms in Motion’s philanthropy effort this season by contributing to the CSD Community Toy Drive. Take an unwrapped, new toy to the The Running Zone and take a picture with Santa. Santa will be there to pose for pictures and spread holiday cheer. A fire truck from CSD Fire Department will also be present.

690-7624 | www.MomsInMotion.com Crafty Corner All day at Walnut Grove Library Stop by the Walnut Grove Library for some crafting fun. Each Saturday in December there will be a fun project. Join the fun!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Holiday Sale!

9am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael The Nature Center has triple the usual inventory of unique nature gifts this year! You’ll find beautiful books for all ages, science kits, one-ofa-kind items from guest vendors and more. 20% discount with membership! All profits benefit the Nature Center.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Joy is Everywhere 7:30pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sacramento Please join the Sacramento Children’s Chorus as they celebrate their 23rd season and take you to distant lands. Their holiday concert, Joy is Everywhere, will feature over 150 children performing under the direction of Lynn Stevens and Melanie Huber. Joy is, indeed, celebrated around the world with the Sacramento Children’s Chorus.

646-1141 www.SacramentoChildrensChorus.org Kids & Company Gallery Adventure 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Amusing and educational, this tour is the perfect way to introduce art to children ages 5 and older (and the adults who tag along with them).

This program takes place every first Saturday and third Sunday of the month.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Kids & Teens Holiday Cooking Classes: Holiday Treats 10am at Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op Kids ages 10 to 16 will make chocolate almond butter bars and learn how fats and sweeteners interact. They’ll also make oat cake donuts with vanilla icing and practice decorating techniques.

455-2667 | www.SacFoodCoOp.com Winter Crafts 3pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento The whole family can join the library to make seasonal winter crafts that will lend a festive air to your home.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

6 SUNDAY Cameron Park Concert Series 3pm at Cameron Park Community Center The Sierra Symphony is very excited to present a memorable Christmas performance that will include a “Silent Auction.” So, don’t miss out!

530- 677-2231 | www.CameronPark.org Colonial Heights Creative Craft Fest 11am at Wesley Community Hall, Sacramento The Colonial Heights Neighborhood is proud to present their first craft fair in the historic Wesley Hall. Find holiday gifts for the whole family and explore the creative talents of your neighbors.

There will be everything from succulents to local greeting cards to jewelry and handmade stepping stones.

530-217-9537 Critter Corner 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Have you ever wondered where the animals in the Nature Center come from? Join the Nature Center and meet some interesting critters and learn why these animals are unable to return to the wild.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Joy is Everywhere 4pm at Seventh Day Adventist Church, Carmichael Please join the Sacramento Children’s Chorus as they celebrate their 23rd season and take you to distant lands. Their holiday concert, Joy is Everywhere, will feature over 150 children performing under the direction of Lynn Stevens and Melanie Huber. Joy is, indeed, celebrated around the world with the Sacramento Children’s Chorus.

646-1141 www.SacramentoChildrensChorus.org

7 MONDAY 11th Annual Chanukah Celebration 6pm at Roseville Galleria Head to the Galleria for a Menorah lighting ceremony at promenade (outside of Tiffany & Louis Vuitton) and special performance by Red Panda Acrobats. Free admission.

500-4522

8 TUESDAY Baby/Toddler Stay & Play 10:15am at Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, Sacramento “Stay and Play” is an unstructured social time for babies and toddlers (ages 0 and up, older siblings are welcome as long as everyone can play nicely together) and their caretakers.

Developmental toys and board books will be available.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Feed Your Mind 3pm at North Natomas Library, Sacramento Ready for finals? Take your friends to the library for a study session in the community room.

Snacks will be provided.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Luncheon and Gift Drive 11am at The Falls Event Center, Elk Grove ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is an annual fundraising event held in an effort to raise awareness and highlight the vast need for “forever families” for the hundreds of foster youth in the greater Sacramento region. The keynote speaker will be Jim White, the real-life coach who inspired the Disney movie, “McFarland, USA”. He will share his story of inspiration and triumph over incredible odds.

414-9007

9 WEDNESDAY Gingerbread House Contest for Teens 3:30pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Teams will compete to create the best Gingerbread House. All materials provided at this free program hosted by the Franklin Community Library. Registration is required.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Holiday Party 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Celebrate all of the winter holidays with the library. There will be a Kwanzaa craft, a chance to play dreidel and a special guest appearance

by Santa. And treats galore!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Yisrael Farm Presents Garden Fun for Kids!

11am at Rancho Cordova Library Get your hands dirty and have lots of fun in the garden! Learn what to grow and help plant; cultivate vegetables and join in the harvest. Save your seeds to keep organic farming flourishing in our community! Learn all about urban organic farming.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

10 THURSDAY Family Movie Night: “Brave” 5:30pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Join the library for a free movie and free popcorn for all ages! This week: Disney’s “Brave” (2012), rated PG, 93 minutes. This program is hosted by Franklin Community Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Music Time with Mr. Michael 11am at Elk Grove Library Enjoy music and stories for ages 0 to 5 with Michael Hemsworth of NewSongs of Elk Grove!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Winter Holiday Crafts 4pm at North Highlands-Antelope Library Make holiday ornaments and gifts with everyday recyclable materials such as beads and junk jewelry. Teen and parent volunteers are welcome. Free admission.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

11 FRIDAY “Baby Loves Shabbat” with a Chanukah twist!

9:30am at Chabad JCC, Granite Bay Bake Challa, listen to music and move to Chanukah and shabbat songs, create adorable Chanukah crafts! For Babies ages 0 to 3 and their Moms. Free 500-4522 DIY Holiday Gifts 4pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento Teens, why go to the mall? Join the library for an evening of DIY fun and create an assortment of great items to give as gifts during the holidays.

Snacks will be served.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Holiday Science Craft: Snowflake Ornaments 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Seeking snowflakes this winter? Why not make your own? You’ll use both art and science, making an assortment of snowflake ornaments out of Popsicle sticks, buttons, paper and other decorative materials. Then use pipe cleaners, borax and science to make your own crystalized snowflakes.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Kids & Teens Holiday Cooking Classes: Cozy Treats 4pm at Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op Sprouting Chefs ages 6 to 9 will enjoy a menu of Hot Cocoa with freshly whipped cream, Sweet and Spicy Nuts, Homemade Mac & Cheese and Chunky Roasted Applesauce! Yum! 455-2667 | www.SacFoodCoOp.com

6th Annual Family Holiday Event!

Thousands of Colorful Lights and Decorations Train Rides • Visits with Santa Carolers • Fun for All Ages!

Dates:

Dec. 4 & 5, 11 & 12 and Dec. 16-23

Note: Schedule is subject to change dependent on weather conditions

Hours: 5-8 p.m.

Admission: $5/person (free/ages under 2); Parking is FREE Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, 403 Stafford Street (916) 355-7285 FolsomZooFriends.org

12 SATURDAY Art Blast 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Each month a different work of art provides the inspiration for a memorable art-making activity for families with children ages 7 to 12. Families are welcome to drop in any time during the program. This program takes place every second Saturday of the month.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

SACRAMENTO THEATRE COMPANY

WINTER CAMP Act * Dance * Sing

Improvisation, Theatre Games, Voice & Movement, Arts & Crafts, & More!

December 21st - 23rd, 9am - 5pm Before & After Care Available

For More Information Contact Education Director: Michele Hillen-Noufer

www.SacTheatre.org

hillenm@sactheatre.org | 916-446-7501 ext. 113 sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 29

calendar

©1963 Peanuts Worldwide LLC “Charlie Brown Christmas Party” 12pm at California Museum, Sacramento ‘Tis the season to celebrate the enduring cultural legacy of the world’s most popular comic strip at the “Charlie Brown Christmas Party.”

Festivities include a special appearance by Snoopy, hands-on activities for kids of all ages and more.

653-7524 | www.CaliforniaMuseum.org Holiday Crafts 2pm at Carmichael Library A Carmichael tradition: card making and other fun crafts at Carmichael Library. This program is fun for the entire family; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Holiday Party with the Poodlums 10:30am at McKinley Library, Sacramento Celebrate with cookies and drinks for everyone, then stick around for a musical performance with The Poodlums! This family-friendly music duo will entertain you with holiday-themed interactive songs that incorporate movement and audience participation as well as Spanish and American Sign Language. At the end of the performance stay for a visit with a special guest: Santa!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org L.I.F.E. (Learning in Five Elements) Hip-Hop Pedagogy 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Gain exposure to the hip-hop movement through performances and artist discussions, then develop teaching strategies that encourage students to express themselves and impact social change. Presented in partnership with Low End Theory Collaborative.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Merry Movie Night: “ELF” 6:30pm at Old Town Plaza in Elk Grove Pre-Movie shenanigans begin at 5pm with a Holiday sing-along, a sELFie station and Elf Yourself costume contest! Bring your blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a magical holiday film under the stars and twinkle lights. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate and you could win a prize! Free admission! www.ElkGroveCity.org

30 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Nature’s Clean-Up Crew 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Turkey Vultures, insects and fungi… oh my! Hit the trails in search of the creatures that do the dirty work to make our world a more pleasant place.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net The Ugly Sweater Run 9am at William Land Park, Sacramento At The Ugly Sweater Run you can run, walk, or prance your way through a winter wonderland of holiday inflatables, music, hot chocolate, and even some nice beverages for those folks over 21. Bring your holiday best in sweater form as Best Ugly Sweater, Best Kids Sweater, and Best Pet Sweater are dished out with some great prizes. www.TheUglySweaterRun.com

13 SUNDAY Classical Concert: Camellia City Flute Choir 3pm at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Celebrate the holidays at the Crocker with this family-friendly, not-to-be-missed concert event with Sacramento’s own Camellia City Flute Choir. Comprised of 18 to 20 members performing on six different types of flutes, the Camellia City Flute Choir is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the ears. Bring the whole family, and enjoy music from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Tissssssss the Season 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Have you been missing the cold-blooded critters that have been hiding out this winter?

Come in to see and learn all about the Nature Center’s reptiles that are awake and warm!

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

15 TUESDAY Baby Loves Art 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Baby Loves Art engages babies (up to 18 months-old) in a visually stimulating gallery walk and gives parents and caregivers a fun opportunity to connect with their babies and each other. All baby noises are expected and welcome. For the best art view, front carriers are recommended. Strollers are allowed, but please no backpacks. This program takes place every third Tuesday of the month.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Tony Borders Puppets presents “Peter Pan: Hero of Imagination” 3:30pm at Carmichael Library Peter Pan and Wendy are on a soaring adventure, with music, pirates, a singing crocodile and a magical treasure chest. It’s a charming musical and visual adventure.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

16 WEDNESDAY Kids’ Chess Club 4pm at Rancho Cordova Library Here’s a chance for school-age chess players of all skill levels to play against each other free. Beginning chess lessons provided. Challengers and visitors are welcome to gather around, watch and learn from games in progress.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Crafting for All 1pm at Courtland Library Stop by the Courtland Library on Wednesdays and make craft projects of all kinds. In December the library will be drawing Manga, rubber stamping holiday cards and making tiny books.

Join the fun and bring a friend!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Frosty’s Magic Hat 10:30am at Rancho Cordova Library Join the library for a puppet show about Frosty and his friends as they experience some magical winter fun! Comedy ventriloquism, puppetry and child friendly magic!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Pearler Bead Snowflakes 4pm at Rio Linda Library The Pearler Beads are back at Rio Linda for some fantabulous snowflake making. Grab the whole family and make your own collection of winter decorations or just make a couple to give away to your favorite people. All materials for this program are provided by the library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

17 THURSDAY Holiday Scrolling Spiral Ring Making Class 4pm at North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library Learn how to wire wrap a spiral ring of your own with this step-by-step wire ring class. Make one for yourself, for a friend or for a holiday gift!

These wire wrapping techniques can even be carried over into other jewelry designs to create elegant scrolling embellishments for pendants, bracelets and more. This program is sponsored by the Roseville Rock Rollers, visit their website at: www.RockRollers.com.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Kid Snacks! with Health Education Council 3:30pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Learn about tasty and nutritious foods together with a cooking class presented by the Health Education Council. Every month, they will make something new, healthy and delicious. These classes are designed for kids ages 6 to 12 and will allow them to learn cooking skills that they can practice at home! Stick around after Kid Snacks for Explore & More!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

18 FRIDAY Friday Family Flick 4pm at Southgate Community Library, Sacramento Join the library for a Friday Family Flick on the 3rd Friday of every month.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

calendar LEGO Mania 3:30pm Valley Hi-North Laguna Library, Sacramento Please note the special timing of this month’s LEGO Mania: one week earlier than normal.

The last Friday of December is a holiday, but the library still wants you to be able to get your LEGO on. Go crazy building to your heart’s content. You bring your imagination and creativity, and they’ll supply lots and lots of Duplo and LEGO blocks to build with.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Minecraft Gaming 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Like building and creating new worlds in Minecraft? Join the library for an afternoon of Minecraft gaming! Each player will be given their own computer to build new creations and in creative survival or hardcore mode. Players of any level of experience are welcome to join.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Zumba Classes 8am at Rancho Cordova Library Join the library for one hour Friday mornings and boogey to a free Zumba class. No registration necessary. A physical waiver release is needed and will be provided at the start of the program.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

19 SATURDAY Beginning Birding 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael You can be a birder too! Learn to spot and identify wildlife in the Nature Area.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net From Heaven on High 2pm and 8pm at Sacred Heart Church, Sacramento Schola Cantorum presents their Christmas performance “From Heaven on High.” This show will feature conductor Donald Kendrick, organist Ryan Enright, flutist Cathie Apple, and harpist Beverly Wesner-Hoehn.

962-6056 | www.ScholaCantorum.com Get Creative! Crafting for Adults and Teens 11am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Each month the library team will have a fun, colorful, new or old crafts for you to explore.

December’s craft is polymer clay! Make beads, bring an empty Altoid box to cover or create something of your own choosing, then take it home and bake it to harden.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Make Your Own Gingerbread House 1pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Design and construct something flashy, daring or just plain sweet at the library’s Gingerbread House Maker Party. They will provide supplies (while they last) and builders of all ages are encouraged to join in the festivities.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org “Minions”-Family Movie Matinée 1:30pm at Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, Sacramento Hey, it’s a free movie! Rated PG, 91 minutes.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

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sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 31

calendar Puppet Theater 2pm at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Enjoy a holiday puppet show that will be fun for the whole family! Puppet Theater will present the tale of “Little Red Riding Hood” with a holiday twist in this fun interactive puppet show.

Stay for the end to see each of the puppets up close that were all hand-crafted for the show!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Read-to-the-Dogs: A Paws to Read Program 10:30am at Galt-Marian O. Lawrence Library Bring your child to the library to read aloud to a quiet, friendly dog and an adult volunteer, both part of Therapy Dogs, Inc. a nation-wide program. Children who read to the dogs are rewarded with stickers and, eventually, with a book they choose from a collection of books purchased by the Friends of the Galt-Marian O. Lawrence Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sensory Storytime 10:30am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for a special storytime for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders featuring books, music, fidget toys, crafts and more! The presenter is the parent of a young man with autism and there will be time for parents to network with others. Noise and/or behaviors are never a problem!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

20 SUNDAY Ring Joyous Bells 4pm at Northminster Presbyterian Church Enjoy an afternoon of traditional holiday music celebrated by Bel Tempo, a community handbell choir. This year’s concert benefits the Sacramento Children’s Home, a nonprofit agency dedicated to caring for our community’s most vulnerable children and families. The concert is a holiday tradition for music lovers of all ages. Audience members will have a chance to try their skills with hand chimes and join in carol sing-a-longs.

487-5192 | www.NorthminsterOnline.org Winter Solstice 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael It’s almost the first day of winter! Take a stroll with a Naturalist in the Nature Center’s winter wonderland and discover the gifts of nature.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

22 TUESDAY Crocker Art Carts 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento A fun way to bring artwork to life, the Crocker Art Museum’s Art Carts provide hands-on learning opportunities for everyone. These carts, located in the galleries, are loaded with activities and gallery games that allow visitors to interpret and experience the art on view in an interactive and physical way.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

32 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Holiday Movie 3pm at Carmichael Library Join the Carmichael Library for a special Holiday Movie.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

23 WEDNESDAY Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join neighborhood favorite Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7 years.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Story Trail 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Story Trail provides an engaging way for families with young children to talk about art while visiting the Museum. Pick up our special storybook at the Admission Desk and take it on a gallery adventure.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

24 THURSDAY Free Admission Day 10am at Fairytale Town, Sacramento On Christmas Eve, Fairytale Town gives the gift of free admission to visiting guests.

808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org Read To A Dog 3pm at Orangevale Library, Orangevale Looking for a way to boost school-age reading skills? Join them for their Read to a Dog program and practice reading out loud to a registered therapy dog. Kids are invited to bring their own books or borrow one from our fabulous collection, then read aloud to Kori, the friendliest black lab you’ve ever met, who is accompanied by her trained adult volunteer.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

25 FRIDAY- CHRISTMAS DAY

26 SATURDAY Chess 2pm at Martin Luther King, Jr., Sacramento Learn or practice chess! All ages and all skill levels welcome!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Something’s Fishy Here!

10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join a Naturalist and explore the amazing world of anadromous fish!

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

“The Sound of Music” Sing-along 1:30 & 6pm at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento A Sacramento tradition, the Crocker’s “The Sound of Music” sing-along returns for its fourth year, with costume contests, door prizes, yodeling and lots of laughs. This year, in celebration of the film’s 50th Anniversary, the first 50 ticket-holders will get free interactive fun packs!

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

27 SUNDAY Coyote Tales 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join us for a traditional story about the trickster coyote, and get a close-up look at a coyote pelt, skull and mounted specimen. Discover some facts about these wild canines and take a stroll to search for tracks and scat. All ages welcome.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Sketch It 11am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Visitors ages 5 and older can sketch at their own pace while receiving drawing instruction. This drop-in program meets in a different gallery each month. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. This program takes place every fourth Sunday of the month.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

29 TUESDAY Crocker Art Carts 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento A fun way to bring artwork to life, the Crocker Art Museum’s Art Carts provide hands-on learning opportunities for everyone. These carts, located in the galleries, are loaded with activities and gallery games that allow visitors to interpret and experience the art on view in an interactive and physical way.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Mr. Cooper’s Sing-a-Long Club 11am at Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, Sacramento A family-friendly performance by local singer/ guitarist Mr. Ken Cooper. This program is made possible by the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Preschool Storytime 10am at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Please join the library every Tuesday at 10am for books, songs, stories and fun. Miss Lindsey and her guitar always make this story time a fun event. Everyone is welcome to “stay and play” after with our fabulous toys.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

30 WEDNESDAY Crafting for All 1pm at Courtland Library Stop by the Courtland Library and join them making craft projects of all kinds. In December they will be drawing Manga, rubber stamping holiday cards and making tiny books. Join the fun and bring a friend!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

calendar Police Officer Storytime 4pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Sacramento An officer from the Sacramento Police Department will be there to read stories (or listen to stories) for children and families each Wednesday in the Kids Area of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join neighborhood favorite Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7 years.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Story Trail 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Story Trail provides an engaging way for families with young children to talk about art while visiting the Museum. Pick up our special storybook at the Admission Desk and take it on a gallery adventure.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Teen Craft: Bling for 2016 3:30pm at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Make some party gear for New Year’s Eve and ring in 2016 in style. Warning: There will be glitter. Plenty of projects to make you sparkle.

Ages 10 to 17.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

31 THURSDAY Movie Matinee 3pm at Carmichael Library Bring your friends and enjoy a free movie! Visit Carmichael Library for a list of up-coming movie titles.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org New Year’s at Noon Party 11:30am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Can’t stay up until midnight? Ring in the New Year at noon with the library! Enjoy art, crafts and snacks, learn about New Year’s customs around the world, countdown to twelve o’clock and toast the New Year with sparkling apple juice! This is a free program hosted by the Franklin Community Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Preschool Stay & Play 11am at South Natomas Library, Sacramento Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to the library community room to play with their developmental toys. This event is designed for children ages 3 to 5.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 33

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Information at saccds.org

• Best local blogs, books, places, gift ideas & more • A to Z listings ranging from babies to special needs and everything in between • Efficient, organized and available year-round • Free, at many local area businesses and online at SacramentoParent.com Pick up your copy of this handy, helpful and convenient local guide in January 2016!

calendar/exhibits

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY AT

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted

54th Annual Crocker Ball Supporting Special Programs at the Crocker Art Museum December 5, 6pm at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento The 54th Annual Crocker Ball raises much-needed funds that make it possible for the Crocker to offer special art programs to distinct and often underserved populations. These include those experiencing chronic pain, visual and hearing disabilities, dementia and Alzheimer’s, and learning and developmental challenges. The Renaissance theme for this year’s Crocker Ball is inspired by the Museum’s upcoming exhibition, The Age of Albrecht Durer: German Drawings from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris, on view now through Feb. 14, 2016. Call for more information and ticket prices.

808-7843 |www.CrockerArtMuseum.org You Call That a Book?: Artist Books and Prints by Katherine Venturelli Through December 18 at Ella K. McClatchy Library, Sacramento Artist Katherine Venturelli is nationally and internationally recognized for her unique artist books and fine prints she produces in her printmaking studio in Sutter Creek. Originally trained as a sculptor, Venturelli has found artist books to be a satisfying medium for expressing her ideas.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Four different party packages available.

Choose our popular “HOME RUN” party and enjoy a game of whiffleball! All packages come equipped with batting time, party attendant, private table in our spacious party area, invitations, pizza, soda, paper goods, and a whole lot of fun!

www.extrainnings-rocklin.com 4283 Duluth Ave | Rocklin, CA 95765 (916) 253-3593

Quantam Leap detail by Katherine Venturelli, www.KatherineVenturelli.com

SMUD Art Gallery, Susan Tonkin Riegel, “Love Letters,” mixed media on wood, 2015, 44” x 32”

Figurative Collage: New Work by Susan Tonkin Riegel and Robert-Jean Ray Through January 6 at SMUD Art Gallery, Sacramento This exhibition features new mixed media collage

by Sacramento area artists, Susan Tonkin Riegel and Robert-Jean Ray. Emerging early in the twentieth century, collage gave artists the opportunity to work with existing materials–newspaper, magazines, maps, historical and topical ephemera–to rip these items apart and then reassemble them, creating visually dynamic stories.

831-624-3072 | www.SacMetroArts.org/ programs/Gallery-Program

Unexpected Visions: Folsom Arts Association Membership Show Through January 7 at Gallery at 48 Natoma, Folsom A wonderful selection of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and jewelry from the Folsom Art Association will be featured in this exhibit at the Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom.

355-7285 | www.SacMetroArts.org/programs/Gallery-Program Points of View: Abstract Photography By F/8 Through January 10 at Pence Gallery, Davis Points of View presents new color photography by F/8, a group of photographers from Davis, Woodland, and Sacramento, that captures the world through an altered point of view.

530-758-3370 | www.PenceGallery.org

Moms go back to school too!

Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Programs designed for busy adults.

evan.blair@myunion.edu | 916.692.7832 sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 35

calendar/shows

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted

A Christmas Carol

Through December 27 at B Street Theatre, Sacramento “A Christmas Carol” is an original adaptation by Buck Busfield. Dust doesn’t have time to settle on the age-old story; and more than just dust flies with this original B Street adaptation.

443-5300 | www.BStreetTheatre.org

Cinderella

December 2-27 at Sacramento Theatre Company Returning to Sacramento Theatre Company after a six-year absence, this crowd-pleasing adaptation of the classic fairy tale is the perfect theatre experience for the whole family.

443-6722 | www.SacTheatre.org

The Gingerbread Man

December 4-12 at Cosumnes River College Performing Arts Center, Sacramento “The Gingerbread Man” has become an internationally successful musical play for children, as well as something of a classic in Great Britain. There is lots of constructive audience participation, humor, action, and songs.

691-7364 |www.CRC.LosRios.edu/culture/ theatre/the-gingerbread-man

The Nutty Nutcracker

December 11 at Community Center Theater, Sacramento Presented by Sacramento Ballet, this is decidedly NOT your traditional Nutcracker! Step off the road well-traveled into an upside-down fantasy world deliciously off-center. On National Ugly Sweater Night, for one wild and wacky performance only, join the throng of merrymakers to delight in this rowdy send-up of the holiday classic.

808-5151 | www.SacBallet.org

The Holiday Ice Show

December 19-20 at Iceland Ice Skating Rink, Sacramento “The Holiday Ice” Show features two acts. Act one will feature “The Grinch” and Act two will be a Variety Show. After the show, be sure to stick around and skate with Santa.

925-3121 | www.SkateSacramento.com

Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical Winnie the Pooh!

December 5 at Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse The Fair Oaks Theatre Festival is proud to present Winnie the Pooh directed by Jonathan Blum.

966-3683 | www.FairOaksTheatreFestival.com

Holiday Tapestry 2015: A Winter Celebration

December 4-5 presented by Galena Street East at Hiram Johnson High School Sacramento performers from the ages of 4 to 18 will dazzle Sacramento audience members with songs and dances that celebrate the joy and beauty of the holiday season. This year’s performance will include international folk dances from all over the world, music that will warm your heart, and dynamic dances that will put you right in the mood for this year’s holiday celebrations.

731-4090 | www.GalenaStreetEast.org

36 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Bianco Natale

December 5-6 presented by Folsom Symphony at Harris Center for the Arts A magical holiday program featuring “Adeste fidelis,” “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Che gelida manina” from La Boheme, “Nessun dorma,” excerpts from “The Nutcracker Suite,” music from the movie “Frozen,” and more!

608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol

December 5-13 at Davis Musical Theatre Company A spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’s most well-known story. Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. Thanks to the ghosts of Christmas, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.

530-756-3682 | www.DMTC.org

Through December 20 at Woodland Opera House Presented by The Salonites Family! Filled with humor, spectacle, and such beloved songs as “Pinecones and Hollyberries,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” and “My State, My Kansas,” this joyous, heart-warming musical is perfect for the whole family.

530-666-9617 | www.WoodlandOperaHouse.org

Holiday High Voltage: Youth Theatre at its Best

December 23 at Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom Celebrate the holidays with a cabaret-style performance filled with singing, dancing and music from around the world. “Holiday High Voltage” is fun family entertainment and suitable for all ages.

608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

calendar/shows

A Holiday

Tradition

Dec 5-13 THE NUTCRACKER

presented by Placer Theatre Ballet Placer Theatre Ballet presents an enchanting holiday treat for all ages in a lively and colorful rendition of this holiday favorite.

630-7820 | www.PlacerTheatreBallet.org

Dec 12-22 THE NUTCRACKER

presented by Ron Cunningham’s Sacramento Ballet Ron Cunningham’s 28th production of his delightful “The Nutcracker” is a true holiday spectacle. The enormous growing Christmas tree, Clara’s fearless battle with the Mouse King, the soaring Magic Balloon, the sparkling Snowflake Forest, the delicious Kingdom of the Sweets, and the radiant elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy have been creating family memories for almost three decades.

552-5800 | www.SacBallet.org

Dec 12 THE NUTCRACKER

presented by Capitol Ballet Company Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and relive the wonder and enchantment of this holiday season through Capitol Ballet Company’s live performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and first performed in Russia over a century ago, “The Nutcracker” has become an enduring holiday classic captivating the imaginations of all ages.

484-1188 | www.CapitolBallet.com

Dec 17-20 THE NUTCRACKER

presented by Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Returning to the Harris Center, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss. Infusing fantasy with comedic choreography and stunning costumes, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” transforms classical ballet into a feast for the eyes.

453-1125 | www.DanceBallet.com

Dec 20-21 CHRISTMAS ANGELS & NUTCRACKER SUITE

presented by Crockett-Deane Ballet & Deane Dance Center Crockett-Deane Ballet Company and the Deane Dance Center present its annual holiday performance of the “Nutcracker Suite and Christmas Angels.” “The Nutcracker” is a one-act, family-friendly, narrated version of the familiar holiday story set to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky. “Christmas Angels” tells the familiar story of Christmas set to traditional holiday carols.

453-0226 | www.DeaneDanceCenter.com

..

d. a e h A Looking

JANUARY

Family fun ideas that are sure to shoo away the winter blehs!

Clear out the clutter & get organized in 2016 Moms need time outs, too!

Plus, it’s the Annual Private School Issue! Don’t Miss our Guide to Private Schools Inside!

Pick up your free copy at one of over 1,100 locations throughout Greater Sacramento, or read it online at

www.SacramentoParent.com

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 37

KIDS & TEENS

COOKING

CLASSES COZY TREATS Menu Hot Cocoa with

&

freshly whipped cream

Sprouting

Sweet and Spicy Nuts Homemade Mac & Cheese Chunky Roasted Applesauce $25, $20 Co-op owners FRI. DEC. 11 • 4-6 PM

AGES 6-9

HOLIDAY TREATS We’ll make chocolate almond butter bars and learn how fats and sweeteners interact.

We’ll also make oat cake donuts with vanilla icing and practice decorating techniques.

AGES 10-16

$45, $35 Co-op owners SAT. DEC. 5 10 AM-12:30 PM

PRE-REGISTER AT SACFOOD.COOP

SACRAMENTO

NATURAL FOODS CO-OP

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Deck the Shelves with Seasonal Books!

Fa la la la la, la la, la, la...

Enter to win at www.SacramentoParent.com (winners will be drawn December 10th).

!

WIN IT

Bea in The Nutcracker | written & illustrated by Rachel Isadora Bea and her friends are excited to put on their costumes and dance onstage in “The Nutcracker”! Bea is going to be Clara, and Sam is going to be the Prince. They will dance in the ballet’s magical Land of Sweets. Yum! Merry Christmas Hello Kitty Enter to win a 64-page full-color activity book that comes with tons of games to play, like puzzles, mazes, seek-and-finds, and more—starring Hello Kitty, of course! As a bonus, the book includes a sheet of stickers, perforated holiday greeting cards, and a pull-out poster.

The Thing About Yetis | written by Vin Vogel Everyone knows yetis love winter. They love snowball fights and hot chocolate and sledding and building snow castles. But even yetis get the shivers, and even yetis get crabby from all the cold.

So here’s a secret about yetis: sometimes they miss summer.

Sometimes, they have to bring a little bit of summer to the coldest of winter days. Those yetis, they’re just full of surprises.

The Christmas Puppy | written & illustrated by Irma Wilde This year, every child in town wants a toy dog for Christmas, but Santa runs out before he can get to Polly’s house! So instead, Santa makes the holiday extra special by giving Polly a sweet, loveable, real puppy. Polly—and the puppy—couldn’t be happier!

All I Want for Christmas Is You written by Mariah Carey, Illustrated by Colleen Madden Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” one of the bestselling and most beloved songs of all time, brings Christmas joy to countless listeners of all ages every year. And now its classic lyrics will bring that same holiday spirit to readers of all ages in this one-of-a-kind picture book about a young girl whose greatest Christmas wish is for a new puppy!

Books courtesy of Penguin, www.Penguin.com.

38 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

humor me

Wacky, Tacky & Totally In: Ugly Christmas Sweaters

By Haley Shapley Stuffed back in the darkest depths of their closets, almost everyone has one—an ugly holiday sweater. Grandmas have a special penchant for choosing these attention-grabbing gifts and presenting them with joy, because really, what could be more festive than a bright red sweater with a tree that actually lights up? Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder, and grandmas are great at finding beauty where others might miss it. While historically, the elderly set and teachers have worn these works of art with pride, in the past few years, a trend has popped up that makes good use of that sweater you thought you’d never wear: ugly Christmas sweater parties.

In this day and age of reduce, reuse, recycle—digging up that old gift you had to work really hard to pretend to like—just makes ecological sense. An ugly sweater party is the perfect outlet for bringing life to the poor crumpled-up sequined Santas and bedazzled snow scenes. If you’re throwing or attending a soiree this season and you want to be the life of the party, remember that not all ugly holiday sweaters are created equal. To wow those around you with the sheer horror of what can fit on a piece of clothing, keep the following in mind and get ready to take home the coveted prize for being the best of the worst dressed.

1. Look Totally Out of Place It’s completely unfair, but the best way to look absolutely ridiculous in a holiday sweater is by being a man. There’s just something about a crocheted sweater—especially one that’s too small—on a person of the male persuasion, particularly if he’s typically well dressed. Too-short sleeves really add something to the ensemble. Pair with a turtleneck and you’re golden.

2. Make Some Noise There’s nothing better than a sweater that jingles. Bells offer that added touch that’s tough to compete with, plus you can walk around all night singing “Jingle Bells” and jumping up and down to make the sound effects every time the word jingle comes up. Fashion + music = a sweater to remember.

3. Light Up a Life The holidays are a time of decorating. You decorate the house, the yard, the Christmas tree—and some people decorate themselves. To take your look straight to the high-fashion category of holiday sweaters (it’s an oxymoron, we know), wear one with some kind of light-up element; pretend strands of Christmas lights are a popular choice. Bonus points if you also have earrings that light up, too.

4. Glisten and Glow You can never really go wrong with sparkles during the holidays, and you shouldn’t be afraid to hold back on your Christmas sweaters—don’t forget that sequins are your friend. A sparkly Santa hat? A glistening bank of snow? Presents that shimmer and shine? All of these make wonderful decorations for your sweater and will draw extra attention to your couture piece.

5. Spread Some Holiday Cheer Pom-poms are good for cheerleaders, but there are other pompoms (the ones you used for arts and crafts projects when you were 6 years-old) that are perfect for adding texture to sweaters.

These little balls of awesomeness can serve as the tip of a pointed cap, the structure of a snowman, or—if you get one in red— Rudolph’s nose. They’re fuzzy to the touch and oh-so-chic.

6. Add in the Extras Accessorizing is a key element to creating any kind of look, and the ugly sweater look is no exception. Focus on the sweater, but don’t neglect all the other ways you can display your Christmas cheer. Candycane-striped tights, a reindeer headband, red-and-green socks, earrings that jingle, and a belt that belts out “ho ho ho” all scream one message: “I’m in it to win it.”

It’s truly amazing how bad some bad holiday sweaters can really be. Just don’t tell your grandma that when she excitedly presents you one this year—after all, she’s doing you a favor!

Haley Shapley’s favorite ugly Christmas sweater has a cat on it. She blogs about living a life in balance at www. GirlAboutTheWorld.com.

sacramentoparent.com DECEMBER 2015 39

Planning a Hawaiian Family Getaway

By Jim Graves

DREAMIN’

Aloha! Looking to escape the winter weather and fly away to a tropical destination? A California dad and his family recently did just that and he’s taken notes to help those planning a family-friendly Hawaiian island escape.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN OAHU Sleep.

The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach has great ocean views and quick access to Waikiki shops and restaurants. Other amenities include: a salt water pool, arts and crafts for kids and live entertainment. We had a comfortable King room, with a rollaway bed for the kids. www.OutriggerReef-OnTheBeach.com Coconut Waikiki is a Joie de Vivre hotel located on the Ala Wai Canal, about six blocks from the ocean and has a pleasant interior, pool, kitchenette (with refrigerator) and a great view of the canal and mountains. A basic breakfast is included. www.JDVHotels.com/hotels/hawaii/coconut-waikiki-hotel Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is situated about three blocks from the beach, we enjoyed a spacious room with a view, a pool and a skillet breakfast included in the price of our room.

Restaurants, shops and the Honolulu Zoo are all within walking distance. www.HyattPlaceWaikikiBeach.com

Eat. The 5-star Halekulani is Waikiki’s third oldest hotel. We had the fabulous breakfast bar at the hotel’s House Without A Key restaurant. The restaurant is located alongside the hotel’s large pool and a grass area and stage under a large Hau tree (with live entertainment in the evenings). The hotel is known for its outstanding service, great views and lively social life, which includes both a jazz club and afternoon tea. www.Halekulani.com

The Veranda restaurant is located at the Kahala Hotel and Resort (about a 20-minute drive from downtown Waikiki). The food was good and we enjoyed the view overlooking the hotel’s well maintained grounds, it’s central feature is a six-dolphin Dolphin Lagoon. For a fee, you can swim with them through Dolphin Quest. The Kahala has long been a celebrity hangout; the hallway there is filled with photos of the many celebrities who have visited over the past 50 years. www.KahalaResort.com

Play.

Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s.

This stately, two-story structure is a national landmark and has been restored to its monarchy-era appearance. We enjoyed seeing the king and queen’s bedrooms, dining rooms, greeting hall and majestic staircase; an easy-to-use audio player tells you the history as you walk. The large Banyan trees nearby make a great photo opp, too. www.IolaniPalace.com Pearl Harbor as we know is the site of the surprise Japanese attack on the American Pacific Fleet on December 7, 1941.

Starting with the USS Arizona memorial, honoring its 1,177 who died in the attack, there are many opportunities to learn World War II history.

The USS Missouri, a battleship on which representatives of the Japanese government signed surrender papers to end World War II. This huge ship is lots of fun for kids of all ages to explore, with many exhibits sharing information about what it was like to live on board the ship. One of my favorites was an exhibit featuring the Japanese Kamikaze pilots who attacked the USS Missouri and other American navy ships in the Pacific towards continued on page 42

40 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

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Hawaii continued on page 42

the end of the war. The exhibit included photos and stories of some of the pilots, as well as the final letters they had written to family before flying off on suicide missions in a desperate attempt to change the tide of war. www.USSMissouri.org If you love art and beautiful homes, visit Shangri La, once a home of wealthy heiress Doris Duke (1912-93). The tour is offered in conjunction with the Honolulu Museum of Art; you take a 20-minute ride on a bus from the museum to the home. (The youngest allowed on the tour is age 8.) Shangri La is on an idyllic ocean-front location behind Diamond Head in one of Oahu’s most expensive neighborhoods. It features a wide array of Islamic art, which Duke collected on her travels during her lifetime. The art is housed in a well-maintained house on the Pacific Ocean, which is more like a small museum rather than a house. www.ShangriLaHawaii.org And, of course we had to go to a luau, so we went to Chief’s Luau at Sea Life Park, about a 25-minute drive from Waikiki.

The luau is held in a beautiful setting overlooking the Pacific, and is led by Samoan-born Chief Sielu. We enjoyed a Hawaiian feast, as well as a variety of Polynesian dances and audience participating activities. www.ChiefsLuau.com

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN MAUI Sleep.

We first stayed at Aston Kaanapali Shores Resort in Lahaina, a terrific ocean-front hotel with great views, direct beach access and beautiful grounds. We had a condominium suite, which included a full kitchen, washer & dryer and TVs in all the rooms.

There’s also a pool alongside the beach, a variety of cultural activities and a kids club for ages 5 to 12. They have a small, but good restaurant, the Beach Club (try the macadamia nut pancakes for breakfast). The hotel is a 10-minute drive away from downtown Lahaina, an old whaling town that was once the royal capital of the Hawaiian Islands. www.AstonKaanapaliShoresResort.com South of Lahaina is Wailea, which has some outstanding upscale hotels. One of the best is The Fairmont Kea Lani.

Our room was spacious, had great views of the ocean and had particularly attentive service. They have many nice touches, such as lei-greetings when you arrive. There was direct access to the beach where you can enjoy some nice snorkeling, and three 42 DECEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

pools, including one adults-only. A special feature of one of the children’s pools was a long water slide. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet with a wide variety of foods at the Kei Lani Restaurant; we also took advantage of poolside dining. www.Fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/

Eat. One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to is Lahaina Grill (downtown Lahaina). They have a variety of delicious entrees from land and sea; I especially enjoyed the sweet corn soup and ahi entrée. They also have a first-class wine list, and the kid’s menu is terrific.

Save room for dessert—we had an outstanding kula lime tart from the restaurant’s bakery.

The place is popular; went on a Tuesday evening, and they had a full house. www.LahainaGrill.com South of Lahaina, in Kihei, another delicious but more casual choice for lunch or dinner is Coconut’s Fish Café. This fabulous restaurant has a surfing theme and features amazing fish tacos.

They also make excellent appetizers such as coconut shrimp and calamari, and do a great grilled mahi-mahi on a bun. They have amazing sauces and toppings; all is healthy, not greasy.

There is also a kids menu. You order at a counter and sit at surfboard-shaped tables, and they bring the food to you. It’s a favorite hangout of rocker Steven Tyler, who lives nearby. www.CoconutsFishCafe.com Next to Kihei, in Wailea, we had a great dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen. We loved the fish tacos and lobster pizza; I also liked the cornbread and Brussel sprouts. For dessert, try the cream pies, baked daily. There’s also a kids menu. We had a great ocean view, live music and a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. It was crowded… but with good reason! www.MonkeypodKitchen.com

Play.

If you enjoy Elvis’ music, take the family to Burn’n Love, a show featuring Elvis look-a-like, Darren Lee with back-up dancers and musicians performing Elvis’ greatest hits at the Maui Theater in downtown Lahaina. The music was excellent, the costumes colorful and Lee was playful and interactive with the audience.

Lee has the Elvis look, mannerisms and voice. The show offers flashbacks to Elvis career, particularly his visits to Hawaii. www.BurnNLove.com

A hui hou kakou (until we meet again)!

Jim Graves is a California-based family travel writer.

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