Pearland Parent Magazine December 2021 by Space City Publishing

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SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

CHRISTMAS AT UBC CHRISTMAS DINNER & MUSIC BY HOUSTON BOYCHOIR Friday, December 3, 6 pm, Tickets $10 UBC Boomers & Primetimers invite you to Christmas dinner and a concert.

POINT OF GRACE & AARON SHUST CONCERT Saturday, December 11, 7 pm Save the date and invite your friends for a fun evening of holiday music!

NOEL…JESUS IS BORN Sunday, December 12, 9:30 & 11 am The UBC Choir and Orchestra present traditional holiday favorites.

GLORY TO THE KING Sunday, December 19, 9:30 & 11 am Contemporary service with UBC’s worship band and violinist Jaime Jorge. CHRISTMAS EVE: FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICE 4 PM story, glow sticks, and a live nativity. Familiar carols, the Christmas stor CHRISTMAS EVE: CLASSIC CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 5:30 PM Rejoice with an assortment of classic Christmas songs and carols. CHRISTMAS EVE: CANDLELIGHT SERVICE 11 PM A traditional candlelight service with the Lord’s Supper. UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH | 16106 MIDDLEBROOK DRIVE HOUSTON, TX 77059 | 281.488.8517 | UBC.ORG space city publishing | 3 ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 281-480-3600

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If your children’s toys are already creeping into every room of the house, the idea of more toys coming through the door during the holiday season might be enough to make you break out in hives. Your friends and family love your children. They want to dote on them and treat them to fun things during the holiday season. But you can’t fathom where you are going to keep it all. So many parents go through this clutter phobia during the holiday season. Help yourself and your generous family members by suggesting some of these fun non toy gift ideas for the kids in your family. The better you, and they, know the interests of a gift recipient, the better chance you will all have of making sure your gift doesn’t wind up unused in a pile somewhere.

Useful Gifts While kids thrive on the fun, there are many essentials that, when purchased as a gift can be just as exciting. The promise of a redecorated bedroom, for example, can be the most exciting thing a teenage girl receives.

Some examples of useful, fun gifts are: • • • • • • • • •

Experiences

When you think back on holidays past, the best memories aren’t about what you received as gifts but the time and unique experiences you had with the ones you care about. Harness that energy for your children and the ones on your list by gifting an experience they won’t forget. A special ride on a classic train (Thomas perhaps?) or a trip in a horse and buggy around the city can offer an exciting memory that you will share for years to come. Whether it is a dinner out, an afternoon making cookies or building a bird house together, experiences are one way to reduce the accumulation during the holidays.

Other great experience gifts: • • • • • • • •

Movie Tickets An afternoon of bowling Tickets to a theater performance An outing to a sporting event A day at the circus Ice Skating (indoor or outdoor) Mini Golf Concert tickets

On a similar note, you can gift an experience that can be re-lived by gifting season passes to a fun attraction in your area. Zoos, museums, aquariums, amusement parks and other attractions generally offer a flat fee membership for unlimited visits. If the child in your life has an affinity for one of these locations, season passes will be a welcome gift.

Classes/Lessons

Most kids are involved in after school activities but lessons can get costly. If a child in your life in interested in a particular topic, there is likely a class or series of lessons that they can be enrolled

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in. For this type of gift, if you are giving to a child other than your own, be sure to consult the parent for scheduling reasons. Your own children will be thrilled to attend an intensive workshop or spend one on one time with a favorite instructor.

Some lessons and classes that are popular with kids: • • • • • • • • •

Swimming Sports (camps, 1 on 1 coaching, etc) Gymnastics Dance Karate Music lessons (instrumental or voice) Pottery or other art class Craft class (ie. Sewing, knitting, etc.) Horseback riding lessons

Adventurous Outings

Kids can use these items year-round and most of them can be stored outside or in a garage

Learning Tools Who says learning isn’t fun? For the budding scientist in your life, a chemistry set will be more useful than any toy or game that will wind up as clutter in a corner.

Some great examples of learning tools as gifts are: • • • • • • • •

For the older child (and even for adults), an adventurous outing might be the most exciting gift they receive. Whether you take a whitewater rafting trip or spend a day climbing trees, fun and adrenaline are both at play with these gifts.

Examples of these types of outings are: • • • • • •

Hot air balloon ride Zip lining Skiing or tubing Rock Climbing Camping Road trip

This is another instance where you will need to double check with the recipient’s parents (if the child is not yours) before giving.

Kid furniture New bedding Bike Scooter Roller skates/blades Basketball hoop Trampoline A swing set Jewelry box

A telescope Strong Magnet Science Kit Gardening tools Chalk or whiteboard with materials Bug-catching tools Binoculars Globe

Gift cards, books and other standard nontoy gifts are also appropriate for the family that is looking to de-clutter. Whether you are looking to be respectful to a minimalist family you know or are trying to keep from adding to the clutter in your own home, these gift ideas will have you ringing in a neat New Year.

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It’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but the holiday season can also be one of the most stressful. However, with a little planning and by following some important steps, the holidays can truly be enjoyable for all.

SCHEDULE SOME ALONE TIME

The holidays can be a chaotic time with friends and family and it’s ok to schedule some alone time. Ask your spouse to watch the kids for an hour and go to the spa, or go hit a bucket of golf balls. Seeking some solitude is both healthy and necessary to reduce stress.

DON’T PROCRASTINATE

There’s so much to do: buying presents, cooking, decorating and more. Saving it all for the last minute will raise your stress. Start ahead of time and do a little at a time. Making a list from most important to least important will also help.

ELIMINATE FINANCIAL STRESSORS

Every parent wants to buy that perfect holiday gift for their child, but big ticket items can take a toll on your wallet and your stress level. Make a budget when it comes to holiday shopping and stick to it.

EXPECT THINGS TO GO WRONG

Your son may hate his Christmas gift; your daughter might get sick; you may overcook the ham. The point is things will go wrong. Appreciate the season for the time spent with loved ones and create new memories, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

RESIST CONFLICT

Holidays are not the time to resolve family conflicts. Many individuals use the holidays to try to resolve long standing conflicts with family members often with disastrous consequences. Leave addressing those issues to a later time in a one-to-one conversation.

LET OTHERS HELP

Don’t feel like you have to be the hero of the holiday season. Ask each person to bring a dish to dinner, make decorating a family activity where the kids help out, and consider a grab bag gift exchange where each person buys only one gift to alleviate the stress of having to get something for everyone.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOU

People get so caught up in the holidays that they forget to take care of themselves. Don’t skip meals, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water and stick to your exercise routine.

MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH ROUTINE

Stay on your medication and keep scheduled doctor’s appointments. If you’re under the care of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional for anxiety or depression, make sure and keep your doctor’s appointments this time of year and don’t taper medication until after the New Year if your doctor recommends it.

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December Family Friendly Events

Through Jan 1st

SCP Gingerbread House at South

Shore Harbour Resort

For a family photo that’s oh-so-sweet, stop by South Shore Harbour and take a pic in front of the enormous gingerbread house, which will be unveiled November 18. It’s made with nearly 400 pounds of gingerbread and adorned with elaborate confectionary details. www.leaguecitycvb.com/holidays

Weekends in December Jingle the Boardwalk at Kemah Boardwalk

Welcome the season with Santa, holiday music, movies, a toy drive, parade & more! www.kemahboardwalk.com/events.asp#8

Dec 2

SCP Tree Lighting City of Seabrook

Join us for an evening full of holiday cheer, music and fun as we light the Seabrook Christmas Tree on Thursday, December 2nd at 6 p.m. Festivities will take place on the Community House grounds and will include hot chocolate, cookies, vendors, musical performances by area schools and an appearance from Santa Claus! Held at Seabrook Community House. 6-8 pm www.seabrooktx.gov/393/Main-Street-TreeLighting

SCP Texas City Christmas Parade

Line-up is 4:00 pm and the parade starts at 5:30pm. The parade route begins at the corner of Palmer Hwy and Phoenix Lane (Nessler Park Complex). Travel east down Palmer Hwy to 6th St. Turn right on 6th St. and end on 5th Ave North. Immediately following the parade in front of the Showboat Pavilion visit with Santa, trophy presentation and entertainment. The 2021 Christmas Parade Theme is Snow Spectacular. www.texascitytx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=70

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SCP Santa Storytime at Helen Hall Library

SCP Holiday in the Park

Open House will begin at 5 pm followed by pictures with Santa. Our Teen Advisory Board will provide activities and crafts for all ages. Cookies and our famous Wassail will be served. 5-7:30 pm https://www.leaguecitytx.gov/3146/Helen-HallLibrary

Come out to beautiful League Park for a weekend of festive family fun! Live music, craft vendors, a children’s parade, the Grand Night Parade (the largest holiday parade in Galveston County), and more are in store for this annual League City tradition. Held at League Park, 512 2nd St. www.leaguecitycvb.com/holidays

Dec 3-4

Dec 3

Festival

Join us in front of City Hall as our annual Christmas Tree Lighting event returns! We’ll have live performance by local students, food trucks, holiday vendors, and SNOW! Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for photos. Held at Pasadena City Hall FREE 6 - 9 PM www.pasadenatx.gov/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=274

PP Home for the Holidays Christmas Gingerbread House Contest, Pet Pictures with Santa, Snow Hill, Kids Activities, Worlds Tallest Santa and much more! Dec 3 held at Alvin Historic Depot Centre 6-8 pm Dec 4 held at National Oak Park 10 am- 6 pm www.alvin-tx.gov/page/parks.recprograms

Dec 3-5 48th Annual Dickens on the Strand

For 48 years, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Dickens on The Strand festival has highlighted downtown Galveston’s Victorian-era architecture while providing a one-of-a-kind holiday destination filled with the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens’ work. This year’s event continues that tradition with new entertainers and events, returning favorites, and family-friendly programming. https://www.galvestonhistory.org/events/ dickens-on-the-strand

SCP City of Pasadena Tree Lighting

SCP Kids Night Out League City Parks and Recreation

Parents are you looking for a safe place to bring your kids on Friday Night, while you go out? Then bring them to our Kids Night at the Rec where they will play games, watch a movie and get to hang out with their friends. Dinner is included. 5-9 pm Ages 6-12 Resident $15, non-resident $22.50 www.webtrac.leaguecity.com/wbwsc/webtrac. wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=8426351

SCP The Nutcracker Ballet Live

Attend a mesmerizing performance of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, presented by Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre. Evening and matinee performances will be held each weekend. Held at Bayou Theater at Univ. Houston–Clear Lake www.bahbt.org/thenutcracker

SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

PP Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting

Feel the Christmas spirit come alive at the Hometown Christmas Festival! The traditional lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree will feature holiday entertainment, stunning light displays, and a spectacular fireworks show. The short and lively program will feature a visit from City Council, community leaders, Santa Claus and Mayor Cole as they come together to light the tree and spread Christmas cheer for the Pearland residents and visitors both far and near. 6-7:30 pm www.pearlandtx.gov/Home/Components/ Calendar/Event/4624/230?curm=12&cu ry=2021

PP Movie Night: Polar Express

Join us for a FREE Polar Express family movie night! Wear your pajamas, bring a lawn chair and get into the Christmas spirit! Free popcorn will be provided by Reyes Reality. Texas Sno Fruit and Mama Bear’s Hot Diggity Dogs food trucks will be on hand for your refreshment needs. 7 pm www.facebook.com/events/scopel-square/ movie-night-polar-express/595690998448224/

Dec 4 Holiday Market Clear Brook High School

10 am -5 pm Food, crafts, gifts, silent auction and so much more! Come and join us for our FREE 3rd annual Holiday Market! www.facebook.com/events/589407682425 098?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history% 22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22extern al_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechan ism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22sur face%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22r ef_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Flapjack 5K Fun Run/Walk & Kid’s K

The City of Friendswood Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the annual Flapjack Fun Run 5K Fun Run/Walk and Kid’s K to be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021. The Flapjack Fun Run is named for the delicious pancake breakfast served by Whataburger after the 5K (chip timed) race. We expect 200 - 400 runners and walkers to participate in the event. All proceeds will be used for City park improvements. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/TX/ friendswood-tx/catalog. Whataburger will provide the pancake breakfast after the race along with sausage, milk, and juice. First overall female and male win FREE WHATABURGER FOR A YEAR! 8-10:30 am www.facebook.com/events/918876432382 717/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history %22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22extern al_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mecha nism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22s urface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22r ef_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

PP Hometown Christmas Parade

SCP Christmas Market at Haak Winery

SCP City of League City

SCP Sing A Christmas Story-BAYS Concert

The City of Pearland is excited to host the 39th annual Hometown Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 6 pm. The evening parade brings our dozens of floats and walking groups decked out in lights and holiday spirit. Spectators will see marching drill teams, unique classic cars, dazzling floats and so much more! 6 pm www.pearlandtx.gov/Home/Components/ Calendar/Event/4622/230?curm=12&cu ry=2021

Astronomy in the park Astronomy in the Park will meet the first Saturday of every month at Rustic Oaks Park. We encourage those attending to bring binoculars if you have them. Astronomy in the Park will run from June through November. This program is run by Daniel Roy. 7-10 pm www.leaguecity.com/Calendar. aspx?EID=11651

Santa in the Park and Lighted Christmas Trail

You and your family can experience the magic of Christmas at Santa in the Park on December 4th from 3-8pm! The Chamber of Commerce will also have it’s annual Lighted Parade, starting at 6pm! Held at Stevenson Park. 3-8 pm Christmas in the park and at 6 pm Lighted Parade! www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/386/Santa-in-thePark-December

SCP Santa on 6th

The City of Texas City invites you to join us on December 4th at the Showboat Pavilion for Santa on 6th. This fun event will give children an opportunity to talk to the big guy from the North Pole just in time for Christmas. The event begins at 2pm and Santa will arrive at 5:30pm and stay until 7:00pm taking free pictures. Get your Christmas shopping done inside the Showboat Pavilion with several vendors selling Holiday goods. The city is partnering with Southern Shore Vintage to bring residents the highest quality vendors. 2-7 pm www.facebook.com/events/453327269545 729/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history %22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22extern al_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mecha nism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22s urface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22r ef_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

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Come out and get your Christmas shopping done! We will have over 10+ vendors waiting for you guys with wonderful gifts for your loved ones! Bistro will be open! 10:30 am- 2:30 pm www.facebook.com/events/891609268161 776/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history %22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22extern al_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mecha nism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22s urface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22r ef_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Children ages 7-17 sing the Christmas Story as told by composers and poets from the 16th century to the present. Held at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church. Free Concert, Donations accepted. 4 pm www.bayareayouthsingers.org/

PP 12th Annual Home for the Holidays

Alvin Parks and Rec. will be spreading some holiday cheer. Join us for vendors, entertainment, activities, light parade, and more! The forecast is predicting snow with a chance of Santa! Bring out the family. It will be SNOW much fun! Held at 1st National Oak Park 10 am- 6 pm, Light Parade starts at 6 pm www.facebook.com/ events/963933357516506/

SCP Pasadena Holiday Lighted Parade

The tradition is back! Join the City of Pasadena and the Strawberry Festival for a night of lights and fun. 7 pm www.pasadenatx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=273

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SCP O Sing My Soul: Christmas Concert at Gloria Dei Celebrate the magic of the season with The Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston. Fun for the whole family! December 4, at 7pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. 7 pm www.facebook.com/ events/402523748187679/

SCP Alpha Omega Gymnastics Parent’s Night Out PNO is a great way for mom and dad to go out and have a night on the town while the kids have fun at the gym. It is once a month on a Saturday evening and we will even feed the kids dinner. The children will get to do gymnastics, play games, make arts and crafts, participate in science experiments and watch a movie. 5:30-9:30 Members $25 per Child, $20 per Sibling Non-Members $35 per Child, $30 per Sibling *Extended Care $10 per Child https://pearland.alphaomegagymnastics.com/ parents-night-out/

Dec 5

SCP Bay Area Food Lover’s 4 Annual

Holiday Market

Christmas is right around the corner! Come out to BAHFL’s 4th annual holiday market for unique gift ideas, boutique shopping, food samples from local caterers and cottage bakers, music from DJ Donald Brooks and a FULLY stocked CASH bar! $5 CASH ENTRY, giveaways and more! Hope to see you all there! 12-5 pm www.facebook.com/events/914328762793 978?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history% 22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22extern al_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mecha nism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22s urface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22r ef_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Dec 6 Santa at the Friendswood Library

from 6:00-7:30pm. Take a picture with Santa and make a few crafts with your family! www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

Dec 7 FREE Admission at the Houston Zoo

Free daytime admission to the Houston Zoo is provided once a month, on the first Tuesday of each month, from open until closing. Online reservations are required for all guests and members during this time. Tickets will not be available at the gate. 9am-5pm www.houstonzoo.org

Dec 10-12

SCP The Nutcracker Ballet Live

Dec 10

SCP City of League City Corn Hole Open Play

Everyone is invited to join us on September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10 at Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside for open play cornhole! We will be providing the cornhole boards and other fun games along with music and Local food trucks, so come out and enjoy a wonderful night. Starts at 6 pm. https://leaguecity.com/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=3179

Dec 11

SCP Breakfast with Santa at Hometown Heroes

Santa is coming to town! Join League City Parks and Recreation for a yummy breakfast, fun activities, festive photos with Santa! 8:30-10:30 Registration is $20 for residents, and $30 for nonresidents Register in Person at Hometown Heroes Park or online at www.webtrac.leaguecity.com/ wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/splash. html?fbclid=IwAR1aQjxp6TU3qj-POVFagdT_-ilQkV69IGz2p6BGwyR16gpDEVftdO89uI

PP Tour D Lites Bike Ride 2021

The Forever Parks Foundation of Pearland Parks and Recreation will sponsor the 27th Annual Tour De Lites Bike Ride. This family bicycle ride starts at Independence Park and tours Pearland’s Green Tea Terrace Community. Judges kick off the event by selecting the best decorated bicycle following by a one and half hour bike ride designed for youth and adults. 4:30-8 pm www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-de-lites2021-tickets-200434514027?fbcli d=IwAR1pfl4wwtAIlPhhQW3A_KZ_ SiTgPWRzKLabuDyd4Fsx2VNEqCE8OyOGmQA

SCP Breakfast with Santa City of

Seabrook

Every December the City of Seabrook along with the Seabrook Rotary provides Breakfast with Santa for all of the children of Seabrook at the Seabrook Community House. This year, Seabrook is having a drive-thru event at the Public Works Complex and SVFD Training Grounds. 9-11 am www.seabrooktx.gov/394/Breakfast-with-Santa

SCP 60th Anniversary Christmas Boat Lane Parade

Ring in the holidays with the 60th Anniversary Christmas Boat Lane Parade produced by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade will feature more than 60 brightly decorated powered sailboats that will traverse the Clear Lake Channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay. Starting at 7 pm www.clearlakearea.com

SCP Legacy Gymnastic Kids Night Out

Kids’ Night Out is held once a month at our gym where coaches guide kids through a night of fun. They rotate from event to event with a dinner included. Events include games, bar activity, beam activity, floor activity, trampoline activity, a craft and other themed activities. 3 and older to attend 6 -10 pm $25 per child www.legacy-gym.com/events

Dec 11-15 Friendswood Library Book Sale

(Preview sale for Friends of the Library December 11th from 10:00am-12:00pm) www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

Dec 17

SCP Silhouettes by Erik at Mommie Chic and Me 11 am- 6 pm www.mommiechicandme.com

SCP Parent’s Night Out at Code Ninjas League City

Drop off your kids at Code Ninjas where they will play games, assemble puzzles, build robotics, and more! Pizza provided! 5:30-8:30 pm www.codeninjas.com/tx-league-city

Dec 18

SCP Kennedy Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker 1:30pm & 5pm @ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church A fantastic local performance of this Christmas Classic Tickets available by calling (281) 480-8441 or online at www.kennedydance.com

SCP Seabrook Santa Run

Santa will be catching a ride on one of the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department’s trucks and getting a tour around the City! He’ll be going around Seabrook neighborhoods waving to everyone he sees. 7:30 am- noon http://seabrooktx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1483 &month=12&year=2021&day=18&calType=0

Dec 29 Friendswood Lego Family Hour

Free build or try one of our challenges! www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

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SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

ongoing weekly events Sundays

Bay Area Farmer’s Market

11am- 3pm • Baybrook Mall • Bay Area Farmers Market’s mission is to support our community’s healthy lifestyle choices by providing our customers with Vendors who bring to the Bay Area Farmers Market quality, locally-produced agricultural foods and locally-made products, using locally-sourced agricultural ingredients when possible, and whose Vendors honestly communicate to the customers their practices, techniques, and ingredients, while also supporting the great State of Texas’ local, small farmers, businesses and entrepreneurs. www.bayareafarmersmarkettexas.com

Mondays Toddler Time at Helen Hall Library

10:15- 10:45 am and 11:15-11:45 am • Wiggles, songs, rhymes, and a story. Ages 1-3 and caregivers RSVP • www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Pearland Library Baby Bounce

10:15-11:15 am www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

Freeman Library Outdoor StoryTime

Babies and Books

10:15 - 10:45 am • Tickles, giggles, rhymes, and a story for those who BYOB (bring your own baby). Ages: Designed for birth to walking. RSVP www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Angleton Library Story Time

Stories, songs, and activities designed for 3-5 year olds. Limit 36. Please arrive up to 30 minutes before the program to get a wristband. www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/ang/angleton.asp

Pearland Westside Library Story Time

Manvel Library Toddler Time

Thursdays • 10:15-10:45 am www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/man/manvel.asp

Brazoria Library Preschool Story time

Pajama Story Time at Helen Hall

10:30 -11:30 am • All programs are held outside. In case of inclement weather, programs will be virtual on the Danbury Facebook page. www.bcls.lib.tx.us

6-6:30 pm • Pajama Storytime Put on your PJs and join us for movement, songs, and stories as we wind down for the evening. Ages: 3-8. RSVP www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Alvin Library Storytime

Fridays

FREE Craft kits are available at the drive-thru window or at the desk in the children’s department. www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

9:30-11:30 am • An in depth study of environmental science topics while engaging the homeschooled student in STEM activities. $14/program; Non Members $17/program www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Tuesdays

Wednesdays & Fridays

Preschool Story Time

EcoKids

Tuesdays & Fridays Preschool and Home School Open Gyms at Above the Bar

10-11:30 am • Open gyms for pre-schoolers and home schoolers! Jump, tumble & run on inflatables, TumblTrak, trampolines, rope swings, foam block pit, and pre-school circuits. $10 for first child, $5 for each additional sibling. All Open Gym participants must complete event waiver. www.abovethebargym.com/open-gyms-fridaynight-fun-preschool/

Wednesdays Craft Kits at Friendswood Library

Pick up these bags filled with fun crafts for 8-18 year olds at our Drive-Thru window or from the Children’s Department! www.friendswood.lib.tx.us

10:30 -11 am www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

10:15-10:45 am www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/man/manvel.asp

EcoAdventurers

11:15-12:15pm www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

Alvin Library Toddler time

Manvel Library Preschool Storytime

Mondays & Wednesdays

Pearland Library Toddler Time

10-10:30 am • A music and movement program for toddlers. Limit 36. Please arrive up to 30 minutes before the program to get a wristband. www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/ang/angleton.asp

Pearland Library Preschool Storytime

At Rocket Park • 10:15 am www.hcpl.net/branch/clear-lake-city-countyfreeman-branch-library

10:15-10:45am and 11:15-11:45a • Stories, songs, and rhymes. Children will have a short craft time at the end of the program. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. RSVP • Helen Hall Library www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Angleton Library Movers and Shakers

10:15 -11:15 am • Books, songs, fingerplays, crafts, and FUN! www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pws/pearlandwest.asp

10:30 -11 am • Join us on the Alvin Library Facebook page for a story, songs and rhymes for ages 3-6. www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/alv/alvin.asp

Craft Kits at Friendswood Library

Children’s Museum Houston • 5-8pm www.cmhouston.org

9:30-11:30 am • At ABNC, our goal is to give children the opportunity to observe nature in action. We encourage observation, exploration, problem solving and creativity (STEM activities). This drop-off program is for ages 3 to 6 years old who are fully potty trained. $12/program; Non Members $14/program www.abnc.org

EcoSchoolers

9:30-11:30 am • A hands-on environmental education activities plus STEM challenges for the home school student. Our science activities will help create curiosity and passion for the natural world.This drop-off program is for ages 7-12. $14/program; Non Members $17/program www.abnc.org

Thursdays FREE Visits to Houston Museums

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston courtesy of Shell Oil Company • 5-9pm www.mfah.org/visit/visiting-mfah-free The Health Museum • 2-7pm www.houmuse.org/visit/the-health-museum Houston Museum of Natural Science Permanent Exhibits • 2-5pm www.houmuse.org/visit/houston-museum-ofnatural-science/

ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 281-480-3600

10:30-11:30 am www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp

Friday Night Fun at Above the Bar

7:30 – 10 pm • Drop off the kids for a fun time with coach-led, high-energy activities including trampolines, inflatables, and games! Pizza snack is included, but bring a drink or cash for vending machines.$20 for gym members/ $25 for nonmembers. Walk-ins on Friday evening $30 for gym members / $35 for non-members • kids ages 5 to 14 www.abovethebargym.com/open-gyms-fridaynight-fun-preschool

EcoTots

9:30 am • Fun introduction to animals, plants, and other nature topics. Program uses movement, storytelling, art, animal demonstrations, and games to make nature come alive. (ages 18 mos 4 years. Must be accompanied by an adult) $12 www.abnc.org

Nature Journal Challenge

10am • Nature Journal Challenge Plants, bugs, and mud, oh my! We are exploring everything nature has to offer in our weekly Nature Journal Challenge! This program is virtual on Instagram. www.leaguecitylibrary.org

Saturdays Nassau Bay Farmers Market

In front of Erma’s Nutrition • 10 am-2 pm www.facebook.com/NassauBayFarmersMarket

Old Pearland Farmers Market

Always the Third Saturday of the month! At Independence Park under the Pavilion from 9-1. We have amazing local vendors lined up with FRESH produce, eggs, honey, jelly, baked goods, music, food trucks, and so much more! www.oldpearlandfarmers.wixsite.com/opfm

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Ever get to that point with a family tradition where you question whether it’s past its prime? It might have been fun and memorable for years, but now, not so much. For years, my boys looked forward to December 1, the day our Advent Calendar would “go live.” For our countdown-to-Christmas, I would fill each little calendar pocket with a paper highlighting the day’s special Christmas treat or activity. Ranging from “get peppermint milkshake” to “sleep under the Christmas tree,” we did it all for 24 festive days. Twenty. Four. Days. Twenty four days of baking and reading and singing and drawing and gluing and glittering ourselves into a Christmas frenzy. Now, I’m not crying “bah humbug” just yet, but that’s a lot of Christmas spirit to pack into the tightly filled schedule of a busy family with two teens. When the boys were younger and less busy, we could do any activity on any day. But as they got

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older, and their schedules more complicated, the planning involved to just get together and bake some darn cookies is bringing out the Scrooge in me. Hmmm, let’s bake cookies on Monday after dinner. Wait, Parker’s got a soccer game and won’t be back until 8 p.m. and then he’s got to eat and do homework. We’ll do it on Tuesday. No, Trevor performs in a Christmas concert until 9 p.m. The scheduling conflicts go on throughout the week, until I silently scream, “Ho, ho, NO! I just want to bake some cookies with my kids!” Um, no. Not gonna happen. But that doesn’t mean we’re nixing holiday fun altogether. We started merrily multitasking, watching Elf while we decorate the tree and drink hot chocolate. We plan fun stuff for the weekend, because “cramming in Christmas” makes it anything but the most wonderful time of the year.

SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 281-480-3600

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SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

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SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

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SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 281-480-3600

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Worship Guide SPACE CITY UBC University Baptist Church

Christmas Dinner and Music by Houston Boy Choir Friday December 3 ,6 pm Tickets $10 Point of Grace & Aaron Shust Concert Saturday, December 11, 7 pm Noel…Jesus is Born Sunday December 12, 9:30 and 11 am The UBC Choir and Orchestra present traditional favorites. Glory to the King Sunday, December 19 9:30 and 11 am Contemporary Service with UBC’s Worship band and violinist Jaime Jorge. Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve: Family Friendly Service 4 pm Christmas Eve: Classic Service 5:30 pm Christmas Eve: Candlelight Service 11 pm www.ubc.org

Clear Lake United Methodist Thursday, Dec 23 6:00pm Family Christmas Service 7:30pm Sanctuary Christmas Eve

Friday, Dec 24 4:30pm Sanctuary Christmas Eve 6:00pm Contemporary Christmas Eve 7:30pm Sanctuary Christmas Eve 11:00pm Lessons & Carols in the Sanctuary www.clearlakemethodist.org Gateway Community Church

SPACE CITY & PEARLAND Grace Church Houston Christmas Eve Services 2 pm and 4 pm www.mygrace.com

3PM & 5 PM - Candlelight services with nursery for infant - age 3 at both services www.gateway-community.org

Sagemont Church

Christmas Eve Services 2, 4 and 6 pm www.sagemontchurch.org/#/

PEARLAND FUMC Pearland

St. Bernadette Catholic Church

Christmas Day Mass 8:30 AM Christmas Day Mass www.stbchurch.org/calendar-1

Campfire Family Christmas Experience: December 16 at 6:30pm December 23 6pm December 24 3pm, 5pm, 7pm Living Nativity following each service. www.redeemermanvel.org

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Gingerbread Bash Dec 11 10-11:30 am One Gingerbread House per family -Registration Needed www.lpchurchonline.churchcenter.com/ registrations/events/1036573

Christmas Eve at Gateway

Campfire Family Christmas Experience: December 3 at 5:30pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Services: Traditional: 5pm | 7pm Newsong: 5pm Christmas Eve living Nativity www.fumcpearland.org

Christmas Eve 04:30 PM Christmas Eve in the Church 04:45 PM Christmas Eve in the PLC 07:00 PM Christmas Eve in the Church 07:15 PM Christmas Eve in the PLC 10PM Christmas Eve in the Church

Lifepoint Church

Lakewood Church

Christmas Eve Service (Online and in person) 6 pm www.lakewoodchurch.com/schedule

Redeemer Church

SPACE CITY PARENT | PEARLAND PARENT | FORT BEND PARENT | KATY PARENT

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