|
|
A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
Go to the Woods... or Around the Block | |
|
"1. Go to the woods. Gather pine cones, acorns and twigs.
2. Put a cone in a pot with some soil - so that most of it stands out.
3. Water it daily with a small amount of water, as excess water makes the cones rot.
4. After some time, a tiny tree will appear.
5. Congratulations - you just started oxygen production and you have a piece of forest in your own home." A Friend
| |
Ask Nicole: Finding Peace and Joy During the Holidays | |
|
by Nicole M. Young, MSW
There have been many devastating events happening the last several years, one right after another. Lives and homes have been lost, and it feels as though the tidal wave of tragedies is relentless. It’s emotionally exhausting, and it’s hard not to get weighed down with fear and sadness every time I read the news.
Yet this is also a time of year when many people celebrate holidays that represent hope, peace, and new beginnings. It’s hard to feel the true meaning of these holidays when we’re stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed, but Taking Care of Yourself is one of the 5 principles of positive parenting that’s so important – now more than ever.
Dear Nicole,
The holidays are approaching, which always stresses me out no matter how much I try to embrace the holiday spirit. I love spending this special time with family, but between working full-time, managing my kids’ busy schedules, and helping my aging parents, I feel constant pressure. I’m exhausted and end up throwing “adult tantrums” when I've taken on too much. Do you have any tips to avoid total burnout so I can actually find joy this season, rather than just wishing it would pass quickly? I could really use some advice before the holidays get here. - Rebekah
Dear Rebekah, You’re not alone! This is a common issue in many families, and the holidays have a way of magnifying emotions so that even small things become a huge deal. Here are a few tips to try > > >
| |
|
Fresh cut Christmas trees smell wonderful. Make memories with a special outing!
Always visit the sellers’ websites or their Facebook page, or call, before going. Be prepared with cash, check and/or credit card. ALL THE TREE FARMS
| |
Ask the Children for "Acts of Kindness Projects" Ideas | |
|
"Hello, everyone! I’m a music director at a middle school - grades 6-8. We have a kindness committee called Songs of Kindness that promotes acts of kindness and positivity throughout our school and community.
I’m looking for some good activities and service projects we can do, individual or group, during the month of December. I’d love to get some of your ideas. Thanks in advance!"
I saw this request and thought of some of the high energy children I've known and loved. They often responded well to suggestions of expanding the love in their hearts and the hearts of friends when doing "secret acts of kindness. Try it in the family and neighborhood.
| |
|
Click HERE so you won't miss ALL the Events!
Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair & Holiday Lights Walk, Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2, 12pm - 9pm; Lights come on at 5:30pm, Details
Farley's Christmas Wonderland, through Dec. 31, Details
Art Factory: Ornament Making Workshops, Saturdays from 10 - 11am and 3 - 4pm, All ages are welcome! Details
Holiday Lights Train & New Years Train, December 2-3, 9-10, 16-23, AND 26-31, 2023, plus January 1-3, 2024, Details
Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, Sunday, December 3, 1 – 2pm and 3 – 4pm, Audiences of all ages are invited to two free matinees of Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, one of the most frequently performed operas in the repertoire. Details
Community Menorah Lighting, Thursday, Dec 7, 4:30pm, Details
Ornament Making Workshops, Art Factory, Saturdays from 10-11am and 3-4pm, Details
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 2 from 10am – 12pm. Details
Loma Prieta Holiday Craft Fair, December 2, 11am – 5pm, December 3, 5pm. Details
Holiday Glass Gift Sale, Saturday, December 2, 11am – 5pm. Details
Yule, the Wild North, Saturday, December 2, 4 – 6:30pm. Details
December in Mexico with Senderos, Saturday, December 2, 12 – 2pm. Details
Splash with Santa & Holiday Market, Saturday, December 2, 12 – 4pm. Details
Aptos Craft Fair, Saturday, December 2, 1 – 4pm. Details
| |
|
Zoppé An Italian Family Circus, December 1 – 11, Available times 1pm, 4pm, 6pm, 7pm, “Carnavale di Venezia” 2023 – 2024 theme. Circus connecting with Commedia, the oldest two performance artworks. Embodied in the heart of Italian performance, Venetian Carnaval. “The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into an intimate, 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the history of their old-world Italian circus tradition. Details
| |
Curious Narratives Imagined Memories, Friday, December 1, 6 – 8pm & Wednesday-Saturday – 1-4pm, Join us at the Art League’s Curious Narratives Imagined Memories. Details | |
|
Alice by Heart, November 24 & December 2, 7:30pm; November 26 & December 3, 2pm, Please join us in supporting Wildcatz Theater production of Alice by Heart at the Mello Center in Watsonville!
In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. Details
| |
Frozen Jr by San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, Friday & Saturday 7pm, December 1 – 2; and Sunday 2pm December 3. San Lorenzo Valley Middle School Theatre is proud to present Frozen JR., with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, book by Jennfier Lee, based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Details | |
|
Music for the Feast of Christmas 2023, Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2, 8pm ~ Sunday, December 3, 4pm. We are excited to present our 40th Annual Music for the Feast of Christmas, Music of the Season with Symphonic Chorus & Monterey Ensemble Orchestra! This year we will feature the Gloria, by Francis Poulenc written for Soprano solo, Chorus and orchestra. Details
| |
|
Book Sale Scotts Valley Library, Saturday, December 2, 10am – 3 pm, WINTER BOOK SALE! Looking for that perfect gift? Look no further than the Friends of Scotts Valley Book Sale. We have great fiction and nonfiction books, boxed sets, antique books, cookbooks, sheet music, children’s books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, even puzzles! Details
| |
Computer Science Education Week, Tues & Thurs, December 5 & 7, 4:30 – 6:30pm, is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. Details | |
|
Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade, Saturday, December 2, 5:30 – 7pm, The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor. Details
| |
|
Winter Festival in Boulder Creek, Saturday, December 2, 2 – 4pm,
Winter is here! Join us for music, the tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, a food court, vendors and more! This event is free to attend and has tickets available for certain activities like a petting zoo, photos with Santa, DIY crafts and more! Details
| |
Cookie Decorating at MOD, Friday, December 8, 5 – 7pm, Kick off your holiday season with a fun-filled evening of cookie decorating! Skip the messy kitchen and maximize the fun here at MOD! Christmas, Hanukkah, and fun winter-themed cookies available with a large spread of frosting and sprinkles! Details | |
Yule, Brightening the Dark, Saturday, December 9 · 4 – 6:30pm, In our final Yuletide gathering, we’ll delve into the pagan origins of Christmas, then enjoy crafting and baked goods! Let us gather to explore how those in pre-Christian Europe marked the darkest depths of winter with light, festivals, and rituals. Who celebrated Yule and why? Were reindeer ever involved? What’s the deal with the Yule Log and… goat? And where did this figure of Father Christmas and his shadow, Krampus, come from? Details | |
Elf the Musical Jr by Mount Madonna Students, Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 2pm, Based on the beloved holiday film, “Elf The Musical Jr.,” a hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy – as embodied onstage by Mount Madonna School’s (MMS) middle school cast – follows Buddy the elf in his quest to find his true identity. Details | |
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, December 8 and 9, 7:30pm; December 9 and 10, 2pm, Join us a our local theater company, Scotts Valley Performing Arts. Details | |
Frozen JR by All About Theatre, 6:30pm: Friday & Saturday, December 8, 9, 15 & 16, 1:30pm: Saturday, December 9 & 16, The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for your Broadway Junior stars! Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. Details | |
Tannery Arts Center Winter Art Market 2023, Saturday, December 9, 10am – 5pm, A Festive Celebration of Local Art and Culture, Discover local artistry, engage with our vibrant community, and support the creative entrepreneurs who make our town flourish. Details | |
Local, Handmade Holiday Market, Saturday, December 9, 10am – 5pm, One-day-only market! Come meet lots of your favorite local artists and artisans at our special local, handmade at The Art Factory, Details | |
|
Glass Ornament Making Workshop with AnnieGlass, Saturday, December 9, 11am – 12:30pm or 1 – 2:30pm, Join us at an extra special Annie Glass Workshop with our DIY Christmas ornaments! ! Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold & silver decorations and
take them home with you that day! Details
| |
|
Wilder Ranch Victorian Holiday History, Saturday, December 9, 11am – 3pm, Celebrate the winter holidays as folks did in Californio, Victorian, and early 20th century Santa Cruz. Enjoy performances featuring the Lyric Victorian Carolers, sample Victorian-era holiday goodies, watch live demonstrations in the blacksmith and machine shop, explore the historical houses, and participate in wreath and candle making and wood oven baking.
Details
| |
The Nutcracker by SCBT, Saturday, Dec 9 & Sunday, December 10, 1pm and 4:30 pm, Join us for this wondrous holiday tradition that will delight an audience of all ages. Enjoy the live orchestra! music with 52 professional musicians, bringing the beloved Tchaikovsky score to life. Details | | | |
Meet the Grinch at Bookshop Santa Cruz, Sunday, December 10, 2pm, Join the Bookshop Santa Cruz for a free story time for the whole family with a reading of the new book, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Lost Christmas. Story time will be followed by a ticketed photo opportunity with the Grinch himself! Details | | | |
Chanukah Story Hour, Tuesday, December 12, 4pm, Free, Listen to some of our favorite Chanukah stories read out loud at Bookshop Santa Cruz at this special event co-sponsored by Temple Beth El. Details | | | |
Watsonville Community Band Winter Concert in Scotts Valley, Wednesday, December 13, 8pm, You’re invited to enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with family and friends at one of our THREE performances, Scotts Valley, Watsonville and Santa Cruz. Details | | | | | | |
