Baton Rouge Parents Magazine December 2019

D E C E M B E R 2 019

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H A T B A T O N R O U G E FA M I L I E S L I V E B Y

TEEN, TWEENS

WHO'S ON FIRST?

KIDS OR SPOUSE

Holly Jolly

& TOO MANY THINGS

WHEN SANTA'S NOT FAIR

Holiday Happenings

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VERY MERRY HOLIDAY THE MUSICAL DEC 15

2:00 PM

ing, danc With g and singin s, this itie festiv arming r -w t r a ct fo he perfe ay is l a lid music one’s ho y ever eason! s

M A N S H I P T H E AT R E .O R G

( 2 2 5 ) 3 4 4 - 03 3 4 Supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency.

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ADVERTORIAL

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2019 ▪ ISSUE 353

FEATURES 28

TOP 10 FAMILY FUN HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

ON THE COVER

Check out these destinations during your children's holiday break

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WHEN SANTA’S NOT FAIR How to teach empathy to children

2019 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Jingle all the way to these fun events

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MATERIAL WORLD

HOLIDAY HARMONY

Who should come first: your spouse or your kids?

Photo Credit: Kleinpeter Photography

IN EVERY ISSUE

CONNECT

16 COMMUNITY 22 EDUCATION 23 ONE AMAZING KID 26 PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

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LIVE

30 LOCAL PROFILE 32 DAD NEXT DOOR 34 EXCEPTIONAL LIVES 36 FAITH

PLAY

58 60 62 64

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD GET OUT OF TOWN THINGS WE LOVE MOMS ONLY

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Tips for teaching children that things aren’t everything

32 DAD NEXT DOOR

12 A MOTHER’S VOICE 14 LAGNIAPPE 68 CALENDAR 79 MARKETPLACE 80 THE LAST WORD 82 SNAPSHOTS

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54 MATERIAL WORLD

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2019-20 Cover Kid Anabella (A.B.) P. Photo Credit: Lauren Leopold Photography

2019-20 Cover Kid Thomas-Kade K. is following in his sister’s footsteps as a Cover Kid, and although it was his first photo shoot, he felt right at home in front of the camera.

His adorable grin and love for fun made this one photo shoot that none of us will forget. Thomas-Kade is very outgoing and funny. He plays basketball and baseball, and he even knows how to play the drums. He’s all about the outdoors and he loves spending time with his Gran, Linda, and Papa Ray. He’s looking forward to his older brother coming home for the holidays, and he’s keeping his fingers crossed that Santa will bring him a brand new toy motorcycle this year.

BABY NIGHT WALKERS

Dealing with inconsistent sleep patterns

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Photo Credit: Lauren Leopold Photography

IN EVERY ISSUE FREEBIES T H E M A G A Z I N E T H AT B AT O N R O U G E F A M I L I E S L I V E B Y

Win Freebies!

P U B L I S H E R / E D I TO R I N C H I E F A MY F O R E M A N-P L A I S A N C E A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R BRANDON FOREM AN

Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.” Deadline to enter is December 15, 2019.

D I R E C TO R O F O P E R AT I O N S A MY L . F O R E M A N E D I TO R I A L M A N A G I N G E D I TO R A M ANDA MILLER

Learn the sweet science of tasty treats with these hands-on edible experiments in the Yumology! Sweet Lab. Using common ingredients found around the pantry, kids build their early STEM skills as they create their own ice pops, juices, and no-bake treats. ■ learningresources.com

S E C T I O N E D I TO R M A R I WA L K E R C A L E N D A R E D I TO R NANC Y LEBL ANC A R T/ P R O D U C T I O N GR APHIC DESIGNER M E LO DY TA U Z I N GR APHIC DESIGNER L AUREN LEOP OLD CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER DES TIN Y ALE X ANDER C O V E R P H OTO G R A P H E R K L E I N P E T E R P H OTO G R A P H Y A DV E R T I S I N G /M A R K E T I N G ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE K ASSIE WILLIA MS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DONNA L AIRD

Spread out on the floor with your family with these fun Toy Story 4 Puzzles. Featuring a range of images that capture audiences’ favorite toys, these puzzles are perfect for preschoolers or those who are fans of the movies.

■ ravensburger.us

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S AVA N N A H L E D E T ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE G A B R I E L L E T H E R I OT COMMUNIT Y E VENTS M ANAGER L A U R I E A CO S TA COMMUNIT Y OUTRE ACH ROX ANE VOORHIES

C O N TAC T B R PA R E N T S .CO M E D I TO R I A L @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M C A L E N D A R @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M O F F I C E 2 25-2 92-0 032 FA X 2 25-2 92-0 03 8 11 8 3 1 W E N T L I N G AV EN U E B ATO N R O U G E , L A 70 8 1 6-6 055

Have a regal time with Playmobil’s Castle and Stackable Towers. This royal set includes a family and small animals, so your little prince or princess can have a ball creating fun scenes and using their imaginations.

■ playmobil.us

Parenting Media Association Design & Editorial Awards 2019 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award Winner Social icon

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ISSN # 1050-8708

Last Month’s WINNERS

Look who won November’s Freebies: Joycelyn Green won Lunch Pets; Bailey Ford won the iLuv Aud Shower IPX4 Water Resistant Bluetooth Speaker; and Micah Moore won the Dreamimals Lamby Pillow.

Reproduction prohibited without permission. The opinions expressed in Baton Rouge Parents Magazine are those of the authors or advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any paid advertisement.

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine is a division of Family Resource Group Inc.

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Text Woman’s your happy news!

When you find out you’re pregnant, you don’t have to wait to get answers.

Text Woman’s Pregnancy Navigator, an experienced Labor & Delivery nurse, to help you find a doctor, learn what classes to take, understand the importance of breastfeeding and so much more. Let us help you plan the experience you desire. Because your experience matters.

Text (225) 314-8485

s

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IN EVERY ISSUE A MOTHER’S VOICE

Holly Jolly Holiday Decorations

Y

ou can size up a person quickly by the way they dress, the kind of car they drive, and the company they keep. But, I think you never really know a person until you see their outdoor holiday decorations. It happens every year; people who don’t so much as display a lawn ornament, suddenly cover their entire yard with nativity scenes, pinwheel angels, and jumbo plastic candy canes.

Take my neighbors for example: a nice, quiet couple who won’t even leave their car parked on the driveway overnight. As of yesterday, they are the owners of movable reindeer, a light up Christmas tree, a sleigh, and a 10-foot snowman. I am all for showing holiday spirit, but for as long as I’ve known them, there wasn’t anything to suggest this was coming.

I can understand it, though. Christmas decorations are much like commercial jingles and the chicken pox–they’re contagious.

Another thing about Christmas decorations? They tell you a great deal about their owners. You can tell who is handy with a Jigsaw, who spends their weekend roaming craft fairs, and which family is deeply religious.

I have decided to not go overboard this year. We will have just a wreath on the door with a simple bow. Nothing like last year’s life-sized Santa on a rope swing, hung from a tree limb lined with lights.

However, my husband thinks it’s just not Christmas unless you do something outside. He claims it has nothing to do with our neighbor’s elaborate display because, “competing with friends over yard decorations is just plain silly.” That was until I came home yesterday and the neighbors had added a dozen plastic candy canes and a couple oversized polar bears to their front yard.

I’m not too worried about it. However, my husband just headed to the front yard hauling Santa to the swing, measured the distance of our front porch for icicles, and asked me if I preferred a holographic snowman family or a wire-framed nativity scene.

Just plain silly, he says.

Amy Foreman-Plaisance Publisher/Editor in Chief

Have ideas? I'd like to hear from you.

By mail: Amy P., 11831 Wentling Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Email: editorial@brparents.com. Be sure to include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

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IN EVERY ISSUE LAGNIAPPE Moms are the underrated superheroes of the holidays. From making sure everyone in the family has a gift to unwrap on Christmas day to cooking a holiday feast for all to enjoy, there’s a lot to be done in order to have a merry and bright season. When it comes to presents, shopping, cooking, and holiday events, what kind of mom are you? Here's what our readers said.

What Kind of Holiday Mom Are You? Results

38% Santa’s First in Line. If Santa had a favorite elf, it would be you. You have your shopping list down to a science, for both groceries and gifts. You’re always the first in line on Black Friday, and you’re all about sharing the holiday films with your little ones and attending all of the local holiday events. It’s likely that you have even DIYed your own wrapping paper.

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12% Runaway Rudolph. You try your hardest not to, but sometimes you can’t help but get overwhelmed with the holiday season. You try to keep your schedule as tame as possible in order not to go overboard by only attending a handful of events with the kiddos and doing the majority of your shopping online.

50% Stress-free Snow-mama.

You’re the mom who loves the holiday season, but avoids the majority of it at all costs. The perfect holiday for you is sipping eggnog on the couch with your kiddos, watching some of your holiday favorites. Gift buying is done in advance because crowds are just not your thing.

Days of

Christmas Giveaways

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways

‘Tis the season for gift giving! We’re offering 12 chances to win great prizes this month.

Starting Monday, December 2, we will be sharing a prize on our Facebook that you can register for, for a chance to win. Winners will be announced daily, so don’t miss out! Be sure to follow us on social media as we spread some holiday cheer. ■ facebook.com/ batonrougeparents

‘‘

Usually the triumph of my day is, you know, everybody making it to the

potty.”

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—Julia Roberts

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CONNECT COMMUNITY INDUSTRIAL TRAINING INITIATIVE TO GRADUATE 200

Connecting community members to industry jobs is the goal of the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative, which has grown to 200 students. The program has assisted with hiring graduates. Based at BRCC’s Acadian campus, the program provides free training for high-demand fields, including electrical, millwright, pipefitting and welding. “For the past seven years, NBRITI has succeeded in providing students with the power to transform their lives and the lives of their families,” says Gloria Moncada, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery manager. ■ training.mybrcc.edu

KEEP LITTLES SAFE AND WARM ON WINTER CAR RIDES

Even in the south, winter temperatures require a coat.

Unfortunately, car seats and winter gear just don’t mix, as the added bulk interferes with the seat’s performance. The American Academy of Pediatrics and National Highway Transportation & Safety Administration recommend removing puffy coats and jackets before buckling up because they’re unsafe in the event of a crash. Buckle Me Baby Car Coats, a company created by a mom, offers an alternative solution–a coat with a zipper in the side to allow a correct fit in a car seat while staying warm. The coats have been crash tested and are compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. They cost between $79 and $150.

■ bucklemecoats.com

A HOLIDAY TRADITION WITH A LOUISIANA TWIST

Only in Baton Rouge can you experience the tradition of The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou. As Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s most popular production of its season, this tradition reaches far and wide across south Louisiana featuring nearly 300 local children and adult performers this year. “The Nutcracker is the best opportunity for BRBT to fulfill our mission to bring high-quality dance to the community,” says Molly Buchmann, BRBT co-artistic director. There are four opportunities to see the production at the Raising Cane’s River Center on December 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. both days. Tickets range from $25-65. ■ ticketmaster.com or (225) 766-8379

PARENTING IN ACADIANA PODCAST FOCUSES ON LOCAL FAMILY NEEDS

Podcasts are certainly on-trend, and the Woman’s Foundation has launched a podcast featuring local tips, stories and resources to help parents. Parenting in Acadiana is the first of its type in the region, and new episodes are released every other week. Episode topics so far have included parenting in the digital age, sustainability, nutrition tips, divorce, sensory play, baby teeth and many others.

The podcast’s goal is to support parents along the journey. Parenting in Acadiana can be listened to anywhere and is available on a variety of platforms, including via SoundCloud, iTunes and Stitcher. ■ facebook.com/parentinginacadiana

NEED A SITTER? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Finding a trustworthy and reliable babysitter is not easy, and while access to university students in our area gives parents a good pool to choose from, it can still be a big chore. A new-to-Baton Rouge start-up, Wyndy, looks to make that chore much easier. More than 12,000 families in the first five markets use the app, allowing parents to quickly and easily connect with background-checked, full-time college students available for babysitting. No more searching for cash or the checkbook either, as secure payments happen within the app. The company name is a nod to Wendy Darling, the character in Peter Pan who cares for the Lost Boys. ■ wyndy.com/batonrouge 16

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BABY&

TODDLER WOMAN’S EXPANDS HIGH RISK PREGNANCY CARE

Pregnancy doesn’t always go as planned, and Woman’s Hospital has hired a new maternal-fetal medicine specialist to expand the care available to those with high-risk pregnancies. Pamela Simmons, DO, joins the Woman’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic, providing the most advanced diagnosis and fetal interventions in Louisiana.

“As the leader in high-risk pregnancy care, our practice will be even stronger with her experience and unique skills,” says Marshall St. Amant, MD, medical director for maternal-fetal medicine at Woman’s. ■ womans.org/mfm

STUDY: FLU SHOT SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN & BABIES A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics finds that getting the flu vaccine while pregnant poses no risk to the baby. Researchers reviewed medical records of more than 400,000 babies from birth to six months and found no adverse effects among those whose mothers received the flu or TDAP vaccines while pregnant. The findings support the safety of current vaccine recommendations.

■ pediatrics.aappublications.org

BREAST MILK COMPOUND MAY HELP ALL BABIES

Breast milk is incredible, and scientists are discovering more reasons why. A study has identified an antimicrobial compound that may eventually be used to help protect all babies. Published in Scientific Reports, the research shows that human milk contains much more glycerol monolaurate (GML) than cows’ milk or infant formula, which contains none. GML can stop the growth of bad bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. “We think GML holds great promise as a potential additive to cows’ milk and infant formula that could promote the health of babies around the world,” says Patrick Schlievert, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa and the paper’s first author.

■ nature.com/srep DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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CONNECT COMMUNITY LIBRARY FILLS MINDS AND HUNGRY TUMMIES

Kids get hungry after school, and a snack can help students complete their homework more easily and make it through until dinner time.

After School Snack ‘n’ Study at the Library, a new program from the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library’s Literacy Projects in conjunction with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the Patrons of the Public Library, aims to fill those hungry tummies with a free daily afternoon snack. With the exception of holidays, every Monday through Friday, students through 12th grade can grab a snack while they study at all 14 EBRPL branches.

■ ebrpl.com

LOCAL RESEARCH INTO OVULATION STIMULATION PRESENTED

When you’re ready for a baby, you want to be pregnant now.

Research happening right here is helping scientists better understand reproduction and help more families grow.

Authors of a new study found that a single dosing schedule of Letrozole, a common prescription to stimulate ovulation, was as effective as the traditional five-day dosing schedule.

This is good news for patients who will have an easier time being compliant with a single dose. The research study from reproductive endocrinologists at Fertility Answers and doctors at the LSU Health Science Center in Baton Rouge was recently presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s Annual Scientific Congress.

■ fertilityanswers.com

TOO GENEROUS? THE TOOTH FAIRY’S GOING RATE

How much does the Tooth Fairy leave under the pillow at your house? A new study finds the current average is $4.90 per visit. With 20 baby teeth to lose, that’s nearly $100 per mouth, certainly nothing to sneeze at. RoosterMoney, a kids’ allowance and chores app, asked 35,000 4-14 year olds about their finances and also found that the average weekly allowance is $8.44. “Our Kids’ Allowance report provides a fascinating insight into the workings of the family economy and highlights the opportunity to develop positive behaviors at a young age,” says Will Carmichael, RoosterMoney CEO. 18

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DONATE LEGO BRICKS TO KIDS IN NEED

Just in time for the onslaught of new toys for the holidays comes LEGO Replay, a pilot program to get used LEGO bricks out of your house and into the hands of children who can use them. “We know people don’t throw away their LEGO bricks,” says Tim Brooks, vice president of environmental responsibility at the LEGO Group. “The vast majority hand them down to their children or grandchildren. But others have asked us for a safe way to dispose of or to donate their bricks. With Replay, they have an easy option that’s both sustainable and socially impactful.” Box up any loose LEGO pieces, including Duplo, and print a free shipping label. The donated bricks are inspected, sorted and cleaned before being sent onto nonprofits. LEGO Group will evaluate the pilot program in spring 2020.

■ lego.com/replay

LOCAL EATS COOKBOOK PUBLISHED

Just in time for holiday shopping, Ochsner Eat Fit and River Road Press have released The Eat Fit Cookbook from Molly Kimball, local registered dietitian and nutrition journalist.

Kimball collaborated with award-winning chefs and restaurateurs in New Orleans to create more than 125 crowd-pleasing and healthy recipes for home cooks.

“The Eat Fit Cookbook is the culmination of years of collaboration, research and passion for creating a smarter way to indulge,” Kimball says. “Just as our team has worked to bring a healthier lifestyle into restaurants and local destinations, we want to make nutritious cooking and entertaining approachable in your own home.” ■ eatfitcookbook.com

YOUTH THE EMERGE SCHOOL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Finding the right school for your child matters a great deal, and for children with autism spectrum disorder, The Emerge School for Autism may be the best fit.

The school is now accepting applications for its 2020-2021 Kindergarten class, and the deadline to apply is January 14, 2020.

Children must live in the East Baton Rouge Parish school district, qualify for special education in Louisiana, and have a medical diagnosis of autism. A lottery will be held for qualified applicants if more applications are submitted than spots are available. ■ emergeschool.org

MAKE TOOTH BRUSHING MORE FUN WITH AUGMENTED REALITY

Help your littles get shiny chompers and have more fun by gamifying brushing teeth. Colgate has created a new augmented reality brushing experience, Colgate Magik, that works with a smartphone app and special toothbrush with replaceable heads. With every $15 Magik brush sold, Colgate will donate a toothbrush to a child in need through its Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program. ■ shop.colgate.com

RESEARCH STUDIES FOR KIDS AT PENNINGTON

State-of-the-art research takes place right here in Baton Rouge. Pennington Biomedical Research Center is looking for children to participate in several research studies. The PRONTO-Peds study will test the effectiveness of a new type of mealtime insulin for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes and is seeking children between 1 and 17 years old who have been diagnosed for at least six months. The Shape Up Kids study will explore new ways to use advanced medical imaging systems. The VITA study will assess the safety and effectiveness of a weight loss drug that is FDA-approved for overweight and obese adults. Researchers are seeking participants who are 12-16 years old and have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. ■ pbrc.edu DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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CONNECT COMMUNITY SEND HOPE NOTES TO SUPPORT WOMEN FIGHTING CANCER

Caring and hopeful messages are a powerful tool in the healing process for cancer patients. Hope Notes is a program developed by Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins–Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center for patients at the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion. Anyone can use the online portal to send encouraging messages to women fighting cancer.

“Positive interactions and communication with patients has shown to enhance clinical treatments,” says Cynthia Rabalais, executive director of the pavilion. ■ breastandgyncancer.org/hope

CHASE THE CLOUDS AWAY WITH SESAME STREET LIVE!

The iconic Sesame Street gang will make a visit to the Red Stick this month. The sunniest and funniest show in town, Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!, will be at the Raising Cane’s River Center on Tuesday, December 3 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, December 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Party with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more friends in this brand-new sensory adventure from Sesame Workshop and Feld Entertainment. Tickets start at $15. A pre-show meet and greet with Big Bird and friends is available before the evening shows for an additional cost. ■ raisingcanesrivercenter.com

BUILD-A-BEAR LAUNCHES SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

If you’re not drowning in stuffed animals already, or maybe if you are, Build-A-Bear Workshop’s new subscription box may be just what a jolly old elf ordered. Cubscription

By Build-A-Bear includes a new already stuffed animal and six to eight exclusive items like clothing, accessories, notebooks, crafts, and stickers. Boxes ship four times per year and cost $30 plus shipping. An annual subscription, in which you pay for all four boxes at once, includes a free fifth Birthday Box delivered for your little bear’s special day. The first box shipped in early December but can still be ordered, taking at least two weeks to ship. The next box will ship in mid-April. ■ cubscription.com

Being tired in parenthood is a way of life, but being tired in childhood shouldn’t be. Unfortunately, new research from the American Academy of Pediatrics finds that only 48 percent of school age children in the United States get enough sleep on weeknights. Students who do were significantly more likely to have signs of “childhood flourishing,” one way scientists measure well-being. Danielle D. Daly, certified pediatric sleep consultant and owner of Bedtime Bliss Sleeping Consulting in Baton Rouge, says parents can help their kids sleep with a consistent bedtime and simple routine. “The routine is just so important because it cues their bodies and brains that bedtime is near,” Daly says. She also recommends cutting off electronics at least an hour before bedtime and keeping all distractions out of the bedroom.

STUDY: MOST KIDS HAVE SMARTPHONES BY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cover Kid 2019-2020 Annabella (A.B.) P. Photo Credit: Lauren Leopold Photography 20

ONLY HALF OF U.S. KIDS GET ENOUGH SLEEP DURING THE WEEK

It’s rare to not see tweens without smartphones in their hands and earbuds in their ears. The lure of electronic devices is strong, and little techies start asking for their own smartphones at an early age.

New research finds that by the time they reach middle school, most parents have acquiesced. Common Sense Media asked more than 1,600 kids ages 8 to 18 about their media use and habits. Smartphone ownership for younger kids has risen dramatically since 2015, the last time this survey was released. The percentage of 8 to 12 year olds who have their own smartphones increased from 24 percent to 69 percent. The average age of first smartphone ownership is down to 11.

■ commonsensemedia.org BRPA RENTS .COM | DECEMBER 2019

TWEEN

&TEEN ACT TEST CHANGES TO PROVIDE MORE CHOICES, FASTER RESULTS

Students who take the national ACT test will have more options starting in September 2020. The college admissions readiness standardized test will introduce individual section retesting, online testing on national test dates, and superscore calculations, which allows colleges to consider students’ best scores across multiple tests taken rather than only the best score from a single sitting.

■ act.org/morechoices

LATE NIGHT HOURS AT MAIN EVENT

Teens looking for late night entertainment can find it at Main Event, which has expanded its hours. The Dallas-based entertainment company recently opened a Baton Rouge location.

“By extending our hours, we’re tapping into the consumer interest in a late-night experience that’s still a safe and fun environment,” says Sarah Beddoe, Main Event chief brand officer. Main Event is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. ■ mainevent.com

CDC ISSUES WARNING ABOUT VAPING

As the number of cases of serious lung illnesses associated with vaping products continues to climb, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory warning against the use of vaping devices. Vaping is never safe for youth, young adults or pregnant women. Recent CDC laboratory testing has found vitamin E acetate in all of the provided samples. According to the CDC, “Vitamin E acetate is used as an additive in the production of e-cigarette, or vaping, products.” The CDC explains that this is the first time that they have detected a potential chemical of concern in biologic samples from patients with these lung injuries. ■ cdc.gov

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CONNECT EDUCATION NEW PRE-EDUCATOR CAREER PATH FOR STUDENTS

High school students interested in pursuing a career in education will have access to a new training pathway recently approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The PreEducator Pathway is part of Louisiana’s nationally recognized Jump Start career and technical education program. Graduates will be equipped with knowledge and skills needed to find success in the education profession. “We are hopeful the newly approved pathway will elevate the education profession as a career option for our young people,” says State Superintendent John White.

EPISCOPAL FIFTH GRADERS TEACH SHOELACE TYING

When tasked with organizing a campus service project, fifth grade religion students at Episcopal lower school came up with the unique idea of helping little kids learn to tie their shoes, mimicking the posture of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Without requiring funds or resources, the students were able to share their shoe-tying skills with Kindergarten and first grade students. They named their project the Happy Feet Clinic and created more than 40 participation certificates for the younger students. Jenny Koenig, religion teacher, oversaw the project and says the older students were patient and encouraging instructors.

PARKVIEW CELEBRATES NEW COURTYARD WITH PINK AND BLUE

To celebrate the school being named a National Blue Ribbon school and the annual pink football game in support of cancer awareness, Parkview Baptist School hosted a Pink and Blue Celebration. Almost 300 students, parents, faculty and alumni gathered for a ribbon cutting of a new courtyard and enjoyed a school-wide tailgate party.

Superintendent Dr. Don Mayes, School Board Chair John Bailey, Parkview Baptist Church (PBC) Trustees President Al Stevens, and student body president Heidi Reed were present for the ribbon cutting, as were representatives from Kent Construction and Tipton and Associates. Food was sponsored by Parkview Baptist Parents, Teachers & Friends; spirit teams; Huddle Club; and PBC.

BATON ROUGE STUDENTS CONNECT WITH UGANDAN CHILDREN

Connecting and engaging with students across the world is the goal of the “To My Friend” project from Cedarcrest-Southmoor Elementary School and Manners of the Heart, the local respect-based education organization.

Together they hosted a packing party to send Manners of the Heart curriculum to students at Bbel Academy in Uganda. Cedarcrest-Southmoor Principal Christal Sylvain traveled to Uganda this summer and has worked to translate the curriculum into Bbel Academy’s native language, Luganda. Students at both schools will use the curriculum and stay in contact throughout the year.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to expose our students to what life is like for their peers on the other side of the globe,” Sylvain says.

AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY MOBILE CLASSROOM VISITS DUNHAM

Students at The Dunham School experienced a new depth to their lessons when the zSpace mobile classroom came for a visit. Middle and upper school students and teachers had the opportunity to explore the human heart, track the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to butterfly, play chess, and manipulate molecules using the latest in augmented and virtual reality technology.

Using a stylus and tracking glasses, students lifted and manipulated virtual objects from the screen and better understood the science behind them.

Other students could watch in 3D at the same time, as the technology enables interaction and group collaboration. “The zSpace content meshed seamlessly with the transformational education provided here at Dunham,” says Nikole Blanchard, director of innovation and technology.

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Photo Credit: N. John Oubre What makes you happy? Fourteen-year-old Condoleezza Semien took that question and created an entire business, Beluga Bliss.

“I came up with the name because when you say ‘beluga mad,’ you start laughing because it’s not possible,” Condoleezza says.

“That’s where the bliss comes in, so I thought that was funny.”

The McKinley High School ninth grader is a graduate of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Baton Rouge. Her business idea was chosen by the academy’s Shark Tank-style investor panel to continue onto a larger competition in Rochester, where Condoleezza won people’s choice.

Condoleezza makes aromatherapy pillows for people with chronic or mental illnesses. Her inspiration came from her mom and aunt who have lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. The pillows help users sleep better.

“Having good sleep makes you have a good day,” Condoleezza says. “My motto for Beluga Bliss is everything that makes you happy.”

As part of YEA BR’s first class, Condoleezza and other teen entrepreneurs received instruction from LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business and seed funding to help them launch their companies.

“The teachers were very hands-on with us.

They didn’t leave anyone behind,” Condoleezza says. “I learned business management and managing your time.”

Condoleezza is active in performing and visual arts, and she is a gifted and talented student. With her entrepreneurial spirit, Condoleezza is definitely one amazing kid.

Do you have One Amazing Kid? Email education@brparents.com.

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CONNECT EDUCATION WALKER HIGH OPENS AUTO REPAIR SHOP

Hands-on learning got a boost at Walker High School with the opening of its new on-campus, 1,200-square-foot paint and auto body shop. The 22 high school students currently enrolled in the career-based paint and body shop class led by Chris Ledoux will learn collision repair skills and be eligible to earn industry certification. The facility has two bays, one with an auto painting booth and the other for completing body work. Vehicles for class projects will primarily come from the Livingston Parish school district. Gerry Lane Enterprises donated the facility, and PPG Paints has provided most of the needed paint.

ST. JOSEPH’S STUDENTS CREATE VIRTUAL REALITY MUSEUM

ASCENSION SCHOOLS LAUNCH ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN

Helping students stand up to acts of unkindness and conflict in schools is the goal of a new collaborative initiative from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ascension Public Schools. The “Don’t Stand By; Stand Up!” campaign focuses on the role of bystanders during acts of conflict and bullying. The campaign’s centerpiece is a video written by Reace Dedon, 2019 Ascension Parish student of the year.

Local high school students and staff are featured in the video, which will be played at all middle and high schools.

The initiative also includes assemblies featuring McGruff the Crime Dog, branded wristbands for elementary students, grade level-specific posters and screensavers, and diversity training for select teachers and students.

After learning about the disparity between men and women, as represented in statues and memorials, students in Leigh Grace Rouyer’s Latin II class at St. Joseph’s Academy took action. To help right the imbalance of the statues, the students created a virtual reality museum filled with digital statues representing historical female figures from ancient Greek or Roman literature. “Working in groups of four, the students researched the women, then decided on one who they felt was worthy of recognition,” Rouyer says. “They also had to make some allusion to the male figure who historically figured more prominently in that woman’s story.” Using the school’s Innovation and Design Lab and STEM Lab, students created costumes, scanned their likenesses into digital form, and retouched and edited their 3D classical models.

TEACHERS RECEIVE ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION AT LRCE

Aspiring teachers can become certified to teach in Louisiana without a traditional education college degree. Twenty-nine practitioners completed the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators–Teach! teacher alternative certification program this fall. Those graduates completed a seven-week, intensive institute, and after a year of classroom teaching plus once a month seminars and working with a development coach, they will be level one certified teachers. The program is open to anyone with a passion to teach PreK-12th grade, and there are 150 spots for the next session in summer 2020.

■ lrce.org or (225) 924-7600

U-HIGH STUDENTS SELECTED FOR HONORS CHOIRS

Fifteen members of the University Laboratory School choir have been chosen as part of the 2019-2020 AllDistrict Honor Choir. They are the top 15 in each of their voice parts from District IV, which includes nine parishes and will perform in January at First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Five U-High vocalists were selected for the Louisiana American Choral Directors Association 2019 AllState Honor Choir. Audrey Randolph, women’s all state; Evie Trahan, Reese Ward, and Kate Plaisance, youth mixed all state; and Jo Walsh, children’s all state, rehearsed and performed with the all-state honor choir in New Orleans.

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BRPA RENTS .COM | DECEMBER 2019

THE EMERGE CENTER STUDENTS HELP CREATE ‘RISE ABOVE’ MURAL

Bright colors with deep meaning are now on display at Perkins Rowe thanks to a collaboration with the Arts Council of Baton Rouge and The Emerge Center. “Rise Above,” the new “Instagram-able” mural, was created by Ellen Ogden with assistance from 25 students from Emerge, which empowers children with autism.

“The little hands of children from The Emerge Center will form caterpillars in the image,” Ogden says. “Their bright marks are a visual manifestation of intuitive and unadulterated joy, and the caterpillar [is] a symbol for the potential for growth when we allot our attention to these blissful moments.” The piece was unveiled at the 10th annual Perkins Rowe Arts Festival.

RUNNELS SECOND GRADERS EXPERIENCE EVOLUTION OF AUTO TECHNOLOGY

All second graders learn about the past, but second grade science students at Runnels Elementary School got a unique view on changing technology when their teacher, Katherine Phillippe, arranged for them to inspect a vintage car. Phillippe’s husband Wayne Phillippe, owner of Wayne’s Collision and Restoration, and mechanic CJ Todd brought a fully restored, mint green 1963 Citroen Safari Break Station Wagon for the students to check out. Automotive technology has changed considerably, including power windows, locks, and mirrors. “It’s so cool for the students to look back and see how different it was then and how far we’ve come,” Katherine Phillippe says.

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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CONNECT PATHWAYS TO PARENTING

Color Blindness

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ircle all the red apples and cross out all the green apples. This type of Kindergarten assignment seems benign, but for some children with color blindness, it is actually impossible.

Color blindness, or color deficiency, means being unable to differentiate between certain colors, most often green and red, sometimes blue and yellow.

The genetic condition is much more common among boys, and about eight percent to nine percent of U.S. males are color blind. In children, red-green color blindness is by far the most common and is usually very mild.

There aren’t a whole lot of cues to make parents aware there’s a problem, so the condition is usually discovered in school. “Kids just can’t tell the difference (between colors), and that will prompt the parents to come in and get it checked,” says Dr. Adam C. Martin, OD, optometrist at the Baton Rouge Clinic. There are also school screenings that can check for color blindness.

The typical screening uses the Ishihara test for color deficiency, developed more than 100 years ago. The 14 plates feature shapes made out of dots, such as a number, letter or squiggly line. Being unable to see the shape would indicate color blindness.

“There’s not a whole lot we can do for it anyway,” Dr. Martin says. “There’s not really anything that can help them see the color.” But there are accommodations that a child’s school or teacher can make to help them work around it.

Special glasses or contact lenses can help someone distinguish between colors, but there’s no way to see colors normally, Dr. Martin says. Apps can also provide that differentiation, which can be helpful for choosing clothes that match.

Our society makes other accommodations for color blindness, such as with traffic lights. Red is always on top, which is how drivers who can’t tell the difference between red and green know when to stop.

A few jobs require perfect color vision, such as pilots, crane operators and some military jobs, and most people with color blindness lead typical lives. “There’s not a whole lot where it’s going to hold them back in life,” Dr. Martin says. ■

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Baby Night Walkers

By Melanie Forstall Lemoine, Ph.D.

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or many new parents, the most difficult adjustment is lack of sleep due to baby’s inconsistent sleep patterns. New parents are often inundated with advice about how to get their baby to sleep better or longer. While it may not be the easiest adjustment, the reality is, babies are unlikely to have uninterrupted sleep for several months.

In other words, the often-shared advice to “sleep when baby sleeps,” may prove to be a challenge Day and Night Routines According to Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and owner of Bedtime Bliss Sleep Consulting, Danielle Daly, newborns actually sleep for the majority of the day, but not all at once or all during typical nighttime patterns.

“Newborns typically sleep for 16-18 hours within a 24-hour period,” says Daly. However, their sleep patterns can be very unpredictable. She continues, “While newborns do produce melatonin, it’s not produced in a typical day/night rhythm until about the third month. This makes it easy for them to get their days and nights mixed up.”

It’s important for parents to help newborns fall into a better day/night routine. According to Our Lady of the Lake Pediatrician, Dr. Aimee Bergeron Ferrell, “Once babies are home, they will begin to adjust to their new surroundings, but it is a good idea to expose them to light during the day and darkness at night.” Exposing babies to the daylight and darkness will help them adjust to an appropriate sleep and wake cycle.

Newborns typically will need to feed anywhere from one and a half to every three hours, which can sometimes occur during the night.

Dr. Ferrell reminds parents not to expect babies to sleep through the night at least for the first three months. “Prior to three months of age, babies need to wake frequently to eat because their stomachs are not able to accommodate enough breastmilk or formula volume to sustain them.”

However, there is potential for sleep to eventually consolidate. According to Danielle Daly, there is even potential for excellent sleep as babies get older.

“The circadian rhythm improves in babies around four months, and parents can expect sleep patterns to begin to improve; because at this age, babies are biologically more capable to sleep for longer periods of time.”

Sleep Improvements Daly reminds parents that during the first three years of development, the most amount of melatonin is produced in the body. This surge in the sleep hormone sets the stage for the potential for really great sleep.

However, sleep is actually a skill that needs to be taught. According to Daly, sleep issues are often habit based and not a result in the inability to sleep.

Babies Awake at Night However, babies will still wake during the night.

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Dr. Ferrell encourages families to help babies learn to self-soothe. “Most babies, after the age of four months old, should be able to sleep anywhere from 8-10 hours and do not need to be fed at night.”

Daly and Dr. Ferrell agree that the best way to encourage a good night’s sleep is through consistent bedtime routines.

“Establishing a consistent nighttime routine early in the child’s life will also assure an easier transition to proper sleep,” says Dr. Ferrell.

Local mom, Ashlee LeBlanc Bergeron started with nighttime routines when her babies were very little. It was an opportunity for both her and her husband to spend bonding time with the babies and set the stage for quality sleep. “My husband would bathe the babies with music playing and he’d sing to them,” she says. “After their baths, I’d take them to their rooms to read a few books while rocking them.”

Daly suggests that incorporating soothing or calming activities into their routines, such as reading or baths, prior to bedtime, is helpful in encouraging good sleep habits for your children.

To further encourage good sleep habits for your children, Daly explains, “Put baby down early, ideally around 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night, and allow babies to fall asleep on their own.”

No matter what bedtime routine a family chooses to establish, both Dr. Ferrell and Daly insist that consistency is always key. Good sleep habits are formed over time and are strengthened by consistent routines.

Sleepwalkers at Night Despite good sleep routines and establishing healthy sleep patterns, some parents may experience night walking or sleepwalking in their young children.

Local mom, Sachelle Stephens Kelly, was experiencing great sleep patterns with her middle child until he was moved out of his crib and into a regular bed. “He started night walking once he was moved out of his crib,” she says. “Sometimes we would find him in the den on the sofa with a pillow and blanket.”

According to Dr. Ferrell, sleepwalkers are usually unaware of what is happening.

“This child is usually in a deep stage of sleep and is totally unaware that she is doing this. In fact, the child usually has no recollection of the episode afterward.”

Kelly recalls instances when her son would interact with her. “He can be up walking around and have a conversation with us, and then go right back to his bed to sleep,” she says.

While seeing a child while he or she is sleepwalking may be unsettling to parents, the most important thing to

remember when dealing with a night walker is safety.

Both Daly and Dr. Ferrell encourage families to make sure that the home and surroundings are safe for the children.

“Parents should consider making sure that the sleepwalking child will not be able to access stairs and fall,” says Dr. Ferrell. “They should also make sure that all doors that exit outside are locked with a deadbolt so that the child can’t inadvertently let herself out of the house.”

One last key to good sleep for babies and young children is to place a limit on their screen time. Both Daly and Dr. Ferrell agree that screen time should be significantly limited prior to the children’s bedtimes.

According to Dr. Ferrell, “Children should not go to bed with a TV, phone, or tablet in their face.” This is probably a good habit for anyone who is trying to get to sleep as exposure to light can interfere with the pituitary gland’s natural release of melatonin; the hormone that helps people of all ages to always get a good night’s sleep. ■

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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LIVE LOCAL PROFILE

It Takes a Village

By Melanie Forstall Lemoine

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t takes a village to raise a child, and Shayna Landry and Amy LeJeune have created a village to support some of the most vulnerable children in our area. The Foster Village provides supplies such as clothing, toys, school supplies, and school uniforms, free of charge, to children placed into foster care.

When Shayna Landry was only 23 years old, she took in her first foster child, a 14-year old girl. “She moved into my home on the first day we met,” Landry says. Landry became a foster parent and immediately had to provide a home for this child, including clothes, toys, and basic belongings.

While this was an amazing experience for Landry, she admits it was not easy.

In 2015, Landry was called again to be 30

a foster parent to a newborn, whom she took in when she was a single mother.

Landry knew firsthand the needs of foster families. The needs are especially great for children who are taken out of their homes and placed immediately into care, often with little or no belongings.

Upon a chance meeting after the 2016 floods, she met Amy LeJeune, who was also a mother of foster children.

Together, Shayna and Amy realized their common dedication to support foster families and children. They also discovered the large amounts of supplies they each were storing and distributing to families on their own.

“Our dream of The Foster Village was born to help meet the needs of foster families, and to help manage the growing

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amount of supplies that were taking over our homes,” Landry says.

The pair quickly found space, provided by the Judson Baptist Church, in Walker; however, the initial room expanded into an entire building on the church campus.

“Today, The Foster Village is designed as a safe and enjoyable place for families to come together as a community and ‘shop’ (free of charge) for the items they need for their children,” Landry explains.

Often, families will receive foster children on very short notice. Children of all ages are placed into care, and no one can truly prepare for every type of placement.

Whether a family is receiving a newborn or a teenager, The Foster Village can help support their needs.

“If they find out there’s a 14-month-old baby boy on the way, we can help them secure a crib, clothes, and formula so that they can focus on bonding with their new guest,” says Landry.

For local mom, Julie Foreman, the placement of her foster child was immediate, and the child had no other belongings, except for a few pieces of clothing. While families and friends often help out, they can’t always provide everything a school-aged child needs.

“The Foster Village provided us with school uniforms, even some toys and other clothing,” says Foreman.

The Foster Village is a 501(c)3 and is run completely by volunteers. The local community can support The Foster Village by volunteering or making monetary or supply donations. However, donation needs can vary and change over time, so it is important to always check their Facebook page to see what The Foster Village is currently in need of for the families. ■

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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LIVE DAD NEXT DOOR

Zane Whittington

By Amanda Miller

OCCUPATION ▪ Principal of Jefferson Terrace Elementary WIFE ▪ Brooke CHILDREN ▪ Quinn, 3 1/2 HOBBIES ▪ Traveling, fishing, spending time with friends, and reading

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How would you describe raising your little girl?

Z: It’s the most enjoyable and most difficult thing I’ve ever done. She is such a blessing, and she’s quite the entertainer. She has a very strong personality as well.

What do you like to do as a family?

Z: We are always visiting with friends. Most of the couples have children who are under the age of 10, so we’ll have days at the park or Knock Knock, go tailgating, or have a barbecue.

What’s the greatest thing about being a dad?

Z: The most enjoyable thing is seeing your children express their affection for you. When I get home, she runs up to me, saying “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!,” and when she gives hugs, she says, “Squeeeze!” I love hearing her say, “I love you, Daddy.”

How has parenthood changed you?

Z: I think now I have a different perspective 32

Photo Credit: Kleinpeter Photography

ontinuing to always learn and grow is important to Zane Whittington. As principal of Jefferson Terrace Elementary, Zane has major goals on what he hopes for the futures of the students, teachers, and the school. However, it’s the standard he holds himself to that is truly admirable.

As a husband and father, Zane enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, whether they are checking out the local museums or spending evenings in the backyard for barbecues.

that I didn’t have before having kids. It’s a big undertaking. Now that I work in education, I can understand what it is like to be in the parents’ shoes. It’s a new level of understanding.

What do you love most about your job?

Z: The thing I enjoy the most is the thing you don’t always get to see. It’s how you can work with these children to improve the community.

You can only hope to have a positive impact on them. It’s the best and most stressful.

What life lessons do you find yourself teaching the students the most?

Z: Teaching the patterns of behavior such as: Keep your hands to yourself, when and when not to talk, and respecting the environment.

How do you make time to relax?

Z: It’s a work in progress. I’m a new administrator and I find myself working on weekends, but as I learn to do my job better and I am working to

BRPA RENTS .COM | DECEMBER 2019

improve, I’m trying to dedicate time to family, making sure to turn off my phone and step away from the computer.

What’s your favorite date night with your wife?

Z: For her, it’s pizza at home, watching Downton Abbey. For me, it’s going to dinner and having a social evening.

What kind of dad are you?

Z: I think every dad would describe themselves as the fun dad. I like to have fun and goof off. We do a lot of fun stuff. I’m not super rigid. I want to expose her to fun stuff and talk and be silly.

What’s something you hope to instill in her?

Z: Having an attitude of gratitude and to always try to find the silver lining, taking life as it comes.

What personality trait of yours does she have?

Z: Silly and a comedian. She’s always making people laugh.

What did you have as a child that kids today don’t have?

Z: The ability to go outside, check in at noon, and stay out until dark. There was a greater freedom back then.

Which family member has been your greatest role model in life?

Z: My mom. We butted heads. I had a strong personality and I challenged her a lot, but now I look back and ask, “What was I thinking?” I find that I draw upon things she instilled in us growing up. She was a nurse, so nothing was off limits. She wanted us to hear everything from her instead of someone else.

What’s your biggest goal in life right now?

Z: Continuous improvement. I want to see my students, teachers, and school be even more successful, and I want to improve myself.

Is there anything people don’t know about you?

Z: My aspiration was to do theater. I was also in ballet, and I was the only male in the class.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Z: We have a new school being built that will go to eighth grade, so I hope to still be principal and supporting the community I serve.

Do you have advice for other parents?

Z: Parent is not a passive role; you have to invest in another life. Be available and always accept help from friends. ■

Quick Q&A In my fridge, you will always find…all types of sausage.

Favorite movie growing up…Big Trouble in Little China.

My guilty pleasure is…Nutella, sausage, they’re all food related.

Music I’m loving…Bastille and Kings of Leon.

I feel my best when I…know I am helping others around me.

My favorite television show is...The West Wing and New Girl.

My favorite ice cream is...mint pistachio or homemade vanilla with buttered pecan.

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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LIVE EXCEPTIONAL LIVES

Photo Credit: Lauren Leopold Photography

A Different Kind of Strength

By Mari Walker

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rady Larson was two and a half when his parents, Sherry Carpenter Larson and Eric Larson, received the devastating news that he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The genetic disorder is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Brady, now eight, will soon be in a wheelchair full-time.

The third grader at Denham Springs Elementary doesn’t let his diagnosis slow him down. He receives physical and occupational therapy and adaptive PE at school and regularly travels to Cincinnati to be monitored by specialists.

Initially, the Larsons’ former pediatrician assured Sherry nothing was wrong despite missed milestones. During

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a session, a physical therapist said Brady looked like he had muscular dystrophy.

“I just remember leaving so mad at her, like how dare you tell me that my son has muscular dystrophy,” Sherry says.

Eventually, Sherry found her way to David G. Hill, MD, a Baton Rouge pediatrician who ordered blood tests that confirmed the therapist’s suspicions. “Dr. Hill has been amazing. He’s saved us,” Sherry says.

Although there is no cure for Duchenne, there are clinical trials, and Brady has been part of one. To maintain his muscle strength as long as possible, Brady has been on steroids for five years.

The Larsons are very involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the nonprofit health agency dedicated to

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curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding research. Once a year, Brady goes to MDA Camp. “It is amazing, like it’s a honeymoon for me and my husband,” Sherry says. Brady was also an ambassador for the Baton Rouge Toast to Life Gala hosted by the MDA of Southeast Louisiana.

Even with regular medical appointments and travel to Ohio to see specialists, Brady spends plenty of time being a kid, including experiencing Disney World in 2016 with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Brady loves to play Roblox and watch scary movies, and his favorite person in the world is PopPop, Sherry’s dad.

Brady loves his dogs, Lexie and Roux, and would love to have a service dog to help with tasks he can’t manage. A family friend nominated Brady for Lucky Dog, the CBS show matching specially trained dogs with deserving owners.

“Brady wants to be a vet when he grows up, which I pray he’s still here to do that,” Sherry says.

Brady longs to be a big brother.

Sherry has found out she is a carrier, meaning a 50-50 chance that another child would also have Duchenne. “So that’s why we decided not to have another kid, but I want to adopt another kid so bad,” Sherry says.

The Larsons attend First United Methodist Church, and Brady is involved with Spark Kids there. Brady is also on a soccer team for kids with disabilities in Walker. As the only player with a physical disability, Brady gets to be goalie and blow the whistle.

“He’s one of the strongest kids I know,” Sherry says. “He doesn’t let things bother him. He’s been through a lot as a child of eight years old. He inspires me so much.” ■

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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LIVE FAITH

Jesus, a Radically Inclusive Compassion

By Senior Pastor Andy Hale of University Baptist Church

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esus of Nazareth, the name conjures up a profound emotional reaction. For some, Jesus has too often been the subjective justification for overwhelming discrimination, alienation, and condemnation. For others, Jesus is the source of radically inclusive compassion.

In chapter nine of Matthew’s Gospel, the writer encapsulates the nature of God’s agenda on earth. Matthew boldly states: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (9:35-36) What Matthew conveys about Jesus is that God’s identity and drive is love. This is not a general fondness for humanity, but a deep abiding love for all people. The word compassion used in this verse translates, “he was moved from his inmost bowels.”

Jesus’s very core nature is that of compassion.

In this chapter alone, Jesus healed a paralyzed man, blessed the friends who loved their friend and brought the friend to him, loved the Pharisees enough to tell them that their religiosity is blinding them from God’s true calling, called a despicable tax collector to follow him, healed a woman suffering from disease, resurrected a girl to life, restored her parents’ hope, gave sight to two blind men, gave the voice back to a man crippled by demons, and loved the Pharisees enough to rebuke them by showing them that God is more interested in transforming humanity through love.

Every day, you and I carry a bucket. It is the bucket of our lives. We have the choice to either fill up or empty our lives, and to either fill up or empty the lives of others.

Jesus’ invitation is to rethink what’s in our bucket. Instead of a bucket full of hatred, grudges, judgment and fear, Jesus invites us to fill our lives with compassion that comes from God’s bountiful love for us.

As you carry your bucket, consider how you might fill the buckets of your neighbors, co-workers, and strangers with inclusive compassion. ■ 36

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Top 10 CELEBRITY THEATRES

PERKINS ROWE

An evening at Perkins Rowe is hard to pass up! Whether you’re browsing store to store, listening to live music, indulging in all of the delicious restaurants, or watching a movie at the theater, you and your loved ones will be sure to have a great time. This holiday season, spend some time with your family in Perkins Rowe. Pick up a few last minute gifts, sing along with the carolers in front of the movie theater, or rock out with Santa during Santa Rocks the Rowe on Saturday, December 14. There will be carriage rides, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, and children’s activities. ■ perkinsrowe.com

Let Celebrity Theatres be your holiday haven. After enjoying the latest movie release, extend your family time with a visit to our exciting and fun arcade! Why spend time shopping in crowded malls or aimlessly surfing the web when Celebrity Theatres gift cards are perfect for movie lovers of any age? Our gift cards are reloadable, and through December 31, 2019, you’ll receive $15 in Celebrity Concession Cash or every $50 in gift cards purchased. Let the magic of film help you create holiday memories your family will cherish.

Celebrity Theatres is located at 15365 George O’neal Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. Visit our website and follow us on social media. ■ celebritytheatres.com

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LIBRARY

EBRP Library has tons of holiday fun for elves of all ages! Starting December 4-23, visit the Library for a Discovery Dome presentation of Let It Snow! by LASM. This production features classics by Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Burl Ives, and Brenda Lee, with a multimedia finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Registration required. Check the Library’s newsletter or calendar for a full schedule. The whole family is invited to the Main Library for free concerts by the Talented Music String Orchestra, Choir, and Ensembles featuring area high school students December 7 & 8. For more information about Library holiday programming, visit them online. ■ ebrpl.com

LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM (LASM) LASM is your go-to spot for family fun this holiday season. On December 1, visitors can enjoy free Museum admission and discounted shopping in the Museum Store as part of Museum Store Sunday. Planning on enjoying Festival of Lights Downtown on December 6? Stop by to make an ornament and enjoy special planetarium shows. If you’re looking for the perfect Santa photo op, visit on December 7 for A Very Merry Museum! Also, enjoy screenings of The Polar Express on December 7, 8, 14, and 21. For more times and details, visit them online. ■ lasm.org

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DECEMBER 2019

SKATE GALAXY

Skate your way through the holidays. Skate Galaxy makes the perfect gift with their gift cards and pro skate shop gear. Their incredible venue offers a soft play gym, arcade, laser tag, roller skating, and a rock wall. They will also host their Jingle Glow Skate on December 13, which includes admission, a glow item, and skate rental.

There will even be an Ugly Christmas Sweater party with prizes on December 20.

Holidays hours are available from noon-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Check social media for up-to-date information.

It’s fitness and fun, all in one. ■ facebook.com/ skategalaxybr THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED CONTENT

Destinations ASCENSION PARISH LIBRARY

Ascension Parish Libraries are drumming up holiday fun this season! Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops, will bring her one-woman drumming show to Ascension this month. This energetic and interactive show is one you won’t want to miss. And, be sure you have your vocal chords warmed up for Carols in the Courtyard. Your family can come together to sing your favorite holiday tunes while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. For some hands-on fun, visit the libraries to collaborate on a snowflake mosaic puzzle. You can even color an ornament to hang on the children’s tree to add more holiday cheer to the festivities. ■ myapl.org

ZACHARY CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE AND DRIVE-THROUGH, LED CHRISTMAS LIGHT & MUSIC SHOW

Kick off the holidays in Zachary! Throughout the season (December-January 3), families are welcome to drive through a magical wonderland in the Zachary Historic District, featuring thousands of blinking and twinkling lights synchronized to Christmas music (tune to 105.9 FM) from 5:30-10 p.m. each night. Also, the annual Zachary Christmas in the Village Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 6-9 p.m. The village comes to life with synchronized Christmas light displays, performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and over 40 arts and crafts booths and food vendors. The official lighting of the displays will be at 6 p.m., and you can even tour beautiful turn of the century historic homes that are decorated for the holiday. ■ facebook.com/zacharychristmasinthevillage

AIRBORNE EXTREME TRAMPOLINE PARK

Jump into holiday fun with Airborne Extreme Trampoline Park. This locally-owned, affordable park in Denham Springs offers 10 attractions, including Open Court trampolines, a Kids’ Court, and Dodgeball Arena. They even provide events, including Family Night every Monday; Faith Night on the fourth Sunday; Homeschool Day on the first and third Friday; Toddler Time (ages six and under) on Tuesday and Saturday mornings; and a monthly Lock-In. Group rates are available, including field trips, church ministries, youth organizations, corporate events, family reunions, team sports, fundraising, and birthdays. Come fly with us! ■ airborneextreme.com

QUARTERS ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT

Challenge your family to a couple of rounds of bowling, take them on in laser tag, or see who can score the most tickets in the arcade to win awesome prizes. This family-friendly atmosphere is your onestop shop for endless entertainment. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take the kiddos while they are out of school or wanting to plan a party for your little one, Quarters Endless Entertainment is the place you will want to be. ■ quartersbr.com

ALL STAR LANES BATON ROUGE

Bowl a strike this holiday season with your family at All Star Lanes Baton Rouge! During the holidays, kids bowl free (just go to our website and sign up; it’s that easy)! From company parties to the last minute gift card, All Star Lanes Baton Rouge has everything to make your holiday season amazing. Plus, you can ring in the New Year with our family friendly New Year’s Special. The fun doesn’t stop at the New Year. All Star Lanes Baton Rouge has birthday parties for the young and young at heart, youth and adult leagues for all skill levels, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a cool arcade, a top-notch snack bar, and a full service lounge.

■ allstarlanesbr.com THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED CONTENT

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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WHEN SANTA’S NOT FAIR

Teaching Empathy to Our Children

By R.T. Ripley

W

hat’s the first thing you ask a child after Christmas? Did you answer, “What did Santa bring you?” or “What did you get for Christmas?” Chances are you did, and you’re not alone.

After all, you’re guaranteed a smile. And the ultimate conversation starter. Our kids are happy and grateful, and we love to hear them regale us with their cheer.

But it’s a whole different ball game when our kids get together and Santa wasn’t exactly equal when he passed out the toys. When a four year old shows her friend her new dollhouse, she may not know her friend wanted one too but couldn’t get one this year.

Empathy: A Critical Milestone Early childhood brings about the development of what psychologists call an emotional intelligence involving several stages that predict a child’s behavior in life. One of the critical stages is that of empathy. According to Baton Rouge clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Speier, “Empathy is critical in everyday interactions, cooperation, and cultural learning. A child learns first by watching his parents’ attentiveness to the emotional needs of the child. Later, the child learns by watching his parents’ reactions to others.” A child perceives the verbal and nonverbal cues of the parents as they react to social needs of others, and the earlier emotional education begins, the better.

Dr. Speier states that many research studies are indicating that the level of empathy in children has decreased in the last 20 years. One area being studied extensively as a possible cause is the distance that has been created in peer 40

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interactions by increased electronic communications. Texting has become the primary mode of communication, and the result is they don’t see each other’s eyes, hear the tone of their voices, or pick up on other nonverbal and verbal cues that result from having physical interaction.

Dr. Thompson Davis III, licensed clinical psychologist and director of Psychological Services Center at LSU states that the self-conscious emotions of jealousy, shame and embarrassment surface around the ages of 2-2 ½ in children. However, children don’t know the context in which they should process these emotions appropriately. Instead, they often rely on the feedback and direction of their parents and caregivers.

By the Ages Dr. Davis stresses that a warm, responsive attitude of parents is first.

Secondly, parents need to exhibit confidence and control. Parents don’t have to have the right answer, but they do

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need to show they can be relied on when a child is confused. Consistency between a parent’s words and behavior is also a key factor. “I’d rather parents say, ‘Do as I say and do,’ rather than the old saying, ‘Do as I say and not as I do,’” says Dr. Davis.

Empathy and humility don’t come naturally in preschoolers developing social skills, but parents can begin the process before a child’s innocent delight becomes a target for jealousy. What begins as sharing can sometimes turn to outright bragging.

Dr. Davis suggests that setting expectations becomes important. When a child does act appropriately, parents must follow through with praise. “I tell parents to schedule social outings with their children and make it a positive experience. They get a chance to practice social behavior and establish a relationship that is really necessary for later lessons as well as the present,” says Dr. Davis.

By the time your child is in kindergarten, she’ll be comparing herself with others as a normal part of development. Children begin noticing differences in abilities, talents and appearances as they begin interacting with each other on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, they also notice who has the most toys. A growing sense of materialism has entered their lives, and unless we take action now, possessions will trump empathy.

By ages five and six, children have not only developed a sense of equality, you’ll probably find they are becoming more competitive in their interactions with peers. “This is when a child announces his friend has more sprinkles than he does, and it isn’t fair,” Dr. Davis points out. The result is that bragging becomes common and more socially unacceptable.

be an example yourself. They really do notice how we talk about our own possessions to others. When our children see us bragging to our friends about our new cars and flat-screen televisions, it’s hard to teach them not to act this way themselves. As Dr. Speier points out, “If we don’t model what we teach, then we teach in vain.”

We can also teach our children gratitude. We can help them count their blessings and give thanks at our meals.

Help them see how lucky they are by making charity a part of your lives.

Gently teach your child that there are children who have less, and children who have more. Dr. Davis states that the character asset of “benevolence” comes in around the age of eight, so children feel compassion for someone who has less without judging the person’s worth.

Parents Can Help So, what can you do to stop a bragging child before she finds herself playing on that jungle gym alone? First of all,

Empathy: An Ongoing Process However, as Dr. Davis emphasizes, developing empathy is an ongoing process and sooner or later, a child will

probably cross the line from telling a friend about a new present to just downright bragging. If a child shows a need to one up her friends and never be outdone, it’s time to talk to your child.

Many parents don’t realize that in their own efforts to reinforce their children and build their self-esteem, there are statements that carry the wrong message.

Your child is not the best at everything, and telling her she is not only creates a little monster, but sooner or later your child will have to cope with others who may be better in some way.

Role-play with your child when you see patterns of bragging, and let her see how it feels to be the child with less.

Intervention is critical when behaviors are unacceptable. If you see your child pointing out to a friend that his toy is cooler or goes faster, it’s time to pull him aside and tell him the truth.

Empathy is a big word for them to learn, but lessons can begin as tiny steps.

And like most things, they watch the steps we take first. ■

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By Mari Walker

Get a free photo with Santa while you shop at these outdoor recreation supply stores. cabelas.com or basspro.com

From shopping to making your days merry and bright, jingle your way through this season of cheer with some of the many amazing holiday happenings around Louisiana. We’ve tracked down a sleigh-full of options for you and your little reindeer to enjoy as you make another year of memories. Happy holidays from all of us at Baton Rouge Parents Magazine!

Baton Rouge Zoo Lights Through December 30. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Enjoy more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday themes on a mile-long trail winding through the zoo. brzoo.org

Red River Express to the North Pole Through December 22. Shreveport Aquarium This boat ride provides an enchanting journey to the “North Pole” and will help you believe in the spirit of Christmas. The 45-minute experience includes hot chocolate, cookies and a visit with Santa, and each child receives a silver sleigh “Believe” bell. shreveportaquarium.com

Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General Through December 31. Corner of Bluebonnet Boulevard and Picardy Avenue Each night, the lawn transforms into a twinkling display complete with more than 100,000 lights synchronized to music. Family nights add real snow, Santa Claus, food trucks and more to the fun. facebook.com Celebration in the Oaks Through January 1. New Orleans City Park The magical winter spectacle draws more than 165,000 visitors each year to see City Park’s famous oaks swathed in more than a million twinkling lights and other breathtaking light displays. neworleanscitypark.com

Noel Acadien au Village 2019 Through December 23. LARC’s Acadian Village Half a million lights, new animated displays, carnival rides, photos with Santa, live nightly entertainment, local cuisine and holiday shopping await at this annual experience. acadianvillage.org Santa at the Mall Through December 24. Mall of Louisiana Meet and take photos with the big guy himself with your friends and family. malloflouisiana.com Santa’s Wonderland Through December 24. Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop 44

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Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights Through the New Year. Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville A tradition for 30 years, this trail spans I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana.

Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant lights along the route, dine at local restaurants, dance at the festivals, shop and play in all eight festive cities. holidaytrailoflights.com

Creole Christmas and Holiday Fair December 1 from 1-6 p.m. BREC’s Magnolia Mound This annual event features seasonal decorations in the historic house, local school children singing traditional songs in French and Spanish, period demonstrations, folk crafts and an annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel. brec.org Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express December 1 at 4 p.m. KCS Yard A festive, six-car train brings Santa Claus and his elves to communities throughout the Kansas City Southern’s U.S. rail network. Train guests can visit with Santa and walk through three cars filled with holiday displays. kcsouthern.com

Jazz Listening Room Presents: Bill Grimes Swings into the Holidays December 3 at 7:30 p.m. Chorum Hall Jazz musician performance. artsbr.org Holiday Wreaths at White Star Market December 4 at 6:30 p.m. White Star Market Decorate a beautiful evergreen holiday wreath with Bubbles + Blooms Botanical Bar. All supplies are included. eventbrite.com

Las Posadas: Children’s Christmas Event December 1 at 3 p.m. Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center Families accompany a shepherd on his search for the Holy Family. After hearing the shepherd’s story, visit with St. Nicholas, Bubbles the Camel, animals in a petting zoo, and take a pony ride. cypressspringsprayercenter.org

Hospice of Baton Rouge’s Trees of Light 2019 December 5 at 6:30 p.m. Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center Help support the only nonprofit hospice in the greater Baton Rouge area by attending its Trees of Light Annual Holiday Gala. The gala will feature food, libations and live music from The Tip Tops Band. hospicebr.org Central’s Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6 at 6:30 p.m. Central This annual event will be at the corner of Sullivan and Hooper kicks off the holiday season. cityofcentralchamber.com Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea December 1 at 2 p.m. Lod Cook Alumni Center This fun-filled festivity will feature dancing, crafts and photo opportunities with favorite characters from The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou. batonrougeballet.org

Downtown Festival of Lights December 6 from 4-9 p.m. Downtown Baton Rouge Experience the magic of the start of another holiday season with the lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree in North Boulevard Town Square, fireworks, free ice skating, a snow village, face painters, performances, a balloon artist and of course a visit from Santa. downtownbatonrouge.org LSU Museum Store Holiday Trunk Show December 6 from 4-8 p.m. LSU Museum Store At this 15th annual event, you can shop local artists’ handmade jewelry, pottery, woodmaking and paintings while enjoying refreshments and free gift wrap. lsumoa.org

Audubon Zoo Lights December 1, 6-8, 12-15, 19-23, and 26-30. Audubon Zoo The Audubon Zoo will be transformed into a wild, glowing wonderland with lights, holiday crafts and merry performances on select nights. audubonnatureinstitute.org The Doo Wop Project Holiday Show December 2 at 7:30 p.m. Manship Theatre This new holiday show brings the album Merry Christmas from The Doo Wop Project to the stage with holiday favorites recreated and reimagined. manshiptheatre.org

Reindeer Run and Jingle Bell Jog December 6 at 7 p.m. Downtown Baton Rouge This annual event features both a 5K and a one-mile fun run. Online registration is open until December 5, with entry fees from $20-45 depending on which race and whether purchased in advance. redstickreindeerrun.itsyourrace.com DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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On Pointe December 6 from 6-8 p.m. Pointe-Marie Free music series sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

Tonight’s performers are the Theatre Baton Rouge Carolers. artsbr.org Reindeer Ride December 6 from 5:30-8 p.m. BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center Mix in a healthy activity with the inevitable cookies and cocoa by taking part in this unique nighttime family bike ride up the levee to the Downtown Festival of Lights. outdooradventure@brec.org Christmas Under the Oaks of Sulphur December 6-7. Heritage Square The lighting of the Christmas tree takes place at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, and the event will feature food booths, a carnival, and bands. Plus a 100 percent chance of snow! sulphur.org or (337) 527-4500

Christmas in Central Parade December 7 at 11 a.m. Central The 33rd annual parade will roll from Joor Road. cityofcentralchamber.com Christmas in The Swamp Festival December 7 at 8 p.m. Culture Club Jose Xavier presents the first annual festival featuring thesmoothcat and The 9th Life, Alexander The Gee, Caleb Brown, Bombay Gino, Cul-DerSac, and Madi Swan. eventbrite.com Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival December 7 from 3:30-8 p.m. Earl G. Williamson Park, Oil City This free event will feature a variety of food and art vendors, children’s activities and live music. At 6:30 p.m., Pyromania Fireworks, LLC will light up the skies above Caddo Lake with a gorgeous fireworks display. christmasoncaddofireworks.com Christmas on the Boulevard December 7 from 6-8 p.m. Mall of Louisiana Includes Santa’s arrival and the annual tree lighting. malloflouisiana.com Christmas Movie Night See a Christmas movie while spending time with your children. tourascension.com Christmas Tour of Homes December 7. West Feliciana Parish Tour contemporary homes in West Feliciana Parish. stfrancisvillefestivals.com

Michael McDowell’s Christmas Spectacular December 6 at 7 p.m. Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church A unique fixture of Baton Rouge’s holiday season, pianist Michael McDowell will once again improvise on some of his favorite holiday tunes. mcdowellpianist.com St. Francisville’s Christmas in the Country December 6-8. St. Francisville Events include lighting of the Christmas tree during a welcome reception with fireworks, views into Holiday Homes, concerts, community prayer breakfast, a Christmas on the Run race, breakfast with Santa, fresh wreath sales, Polar Express train rides, a community sing-a-long, and a living nativity. stfrancisvillefestivals.com Playmakers of Baton Rouge presents Frozen Jr. December 6-15. LSU Reilly Theatre Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle are brought to life onstage featuring all the animated film’s memorable songs plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. playmakersbr.org

Krewe of Jingle Parade December 7 at 1 p.m. Canal Street The highly anticipated parade will kick off the holiday season in the Crescent City. Wear your best holiday attire for this family-friendly event featuring festive floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, and throws. downtownnola.com Light Up the Lake Christmas Festival December 7 at 3 p.m. Lake Charles Civic Center Kick off the Christmas season with a day-long event featuring Movies with the Mayor and a lighted boat parade along the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. cityoflakecharles.com Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Very Merry Christmas Breakfast December 7 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Raising Cane’s River Center Ballroom Santa will welcome families to a delicious breakfast buffet. Enjoy Christmas stories, carolers and special appearances from some of PBS Kids’ favorite characters. lpb.org

Theatre Baton Rouge’s Christmas Carol 2019 December 6-15. Theatre Baton Rouge The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future lead miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a powerful journey of transformation and redemption. theatrebr.org Baton Rouge Arts Market December 7, 14 and 21. 5th and Main Street.

The arts market includes a variety of hand-made art for sale, perfect for gifting or treating yourself. Stop by the concurrent Red Stick Farmers Market to grab produce for your holiday meals. artsbr.org Broadmoor Christmas Parade December 7 at 2 p.m. Broadmoor Neighborhood The Broadmoor Residents’ Association hosts an annual parade and collects canned goods and other food donations for the less fortunate. broadmoor-br.org 48

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Nottoway Christmas Bonfire Festival December 7 from 5-9 p.m. Nottoway Plantation & Resort Take a trip to Iberville Parish for the 10th annual festival at an 1850s sugarcane estate. The event includes food, music, Santa, fireworks and bonfires. nottoway.com

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden’s Christmas in the Garden and Poinsettia Sale December 7 from 9 a.m.-noon. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden Enjoy pancakes and pictures with Santa during the annual poinsettia display and sale. lsu.edu Pass-it-On-Christmas December 7 at 7 p.m. Upstage Theatre Black Box This production is performed by youth in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. upstagetheatre.biz StoryTime in the Garden (Christmas at Burden) December 7 from 9 a.m.-noon. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden Children ages three to eight can hear a story and enjoy imaginationthemed, hands-on craft activities every half hour. calendar.lsu.edu Walker Christmas Parade December 7 at 2 p.m. Walker See the wonderful floats in this parade through Walker. facebook.com

for another year. brso.org Zachary Christmas in the Village Lights Display December 8-January 3. Zachary Historic District Wind your way through a magical wonderland featuring thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music. cityofzachary.org An Evening of Holiday Jazz with George Bell and Friends December 9-10. Manship Theatre Enjoy this eighth annual holiday jazz performance. The two evenings will be full of music and fellowship. manshiptheatre.org Holiday Brass December 19 at 7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Cathedral This special concert will feature the full Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion performing brass renditions of holiday favorites. brso.org

Zachary Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade December 7 at 10 a.m. Zachary With a theme of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the sights and sounds of Christmas will come alive during this annual parade through the heart of town. cityofzachary.org Zachary Christmas in the Village Celebration and Christmas Light Show December 7 from 6-9 p.m. Zachary Historic District The village comes alive with synchronized light displays, performances, music, tours of decorated historical homes, arts and crafts booths, gourmet food trucks, and visits with Santa. cityofzachary.org

New Orleans The Polar Express December 9-January 1. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal All aboard! Trains will be departing New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal for a magical one-hour trip. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on The Polar Express. Once on board, your car host will punch your golden ticket before dancing chefs serve you hot chocolate and a delicious cookie. nolathepolarexpressride.com

Rural Life Christmas December 8 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. LSU Rural Life Museum Musicians, demonstrating artisans, storytellers and costumed re-enactors will set the holiday mood at the event, which will conclude with a bonfire and a special visit from Papa Noel. lsu.edu Donuts with Santa December 8 from 8-11 a.m. Louisiana Art & Science Museum Admission is $28 for everyone older than six months and provides access to unlimited food, beverages and sweets. redstickmom.com Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage December 8 at 5:30 p.m. Starting at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church Journey from church to church in the downtown area in this beloved annual tradition. Hear a wonderful assortment of music celebrating the season and join your voices in song as well. mtzionfirstbaptist.com Home for the Holidays Concert December 8 at 7 p.m. Istrouma Baptist Church Mezzo-soprano Amy Bouchard will make her Baton Rouge debut, and The Greater Baton Rouge Interfaith Ensemble led by Everrett Parker returns

Disney Jr. Holiday Party!

December 10 at 6 p.m. Saenger Theatre This dazzling musical wonderland allows children and their families to sing and dance along to their favorite Disney Junior songs with their favorite Disney friends. saengernola.com Livingston Parish Library’s Teen Yule Ball December 10, Denham Springs-Walker Branch; December 17, Watson Branch; and December 19, Main Branch in Livingston Celebrate a magical night at this Hogwarts-inspired ball. Teens can enjoy dancing, games and refreshments inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. mylpl.info Livingston Parish Library’s Christmas PJ Party December 12 at 6 p.m. Denham Springs-Walker Branch Library Wear your best holiday jams and get into the Christmas spirit. Drink hot chocolate, munch on Christmas cookies and popcorn while watching The Polar Express. mylpl.info The Gatlin Brothers Country & Christmas December 12 at 7:30 p.m. Manship Theatre Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will bring a holly jolly mix of Christmas music and gospel with country roots. manshiptheatre.org A Charlie Brown Christmas December 12-22. Ascension Community Theatre DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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Join the gang from the beloved comic strip with the adapted stage version of the 1965 classic animated TV special. actgonzales.org Pineville Christmas Parade December 13 at 7 p.m. Main Street at Napoleon Boulevard, Pineville An annual tradition featuring marching groups, drill teams, bands, floats and throws in true Louisiana parade style. pineville.net

Christmas Collection. saengernola.com Christmas in the Bluff December 14 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Moss Bluff Recreation Complex This free family Christmas event features a craft market, food vendors, live entertainment, story time and pictures with Santa for $5, a sweet shop, and fun activities for kids. facebook.com Cenla Christmas Spectacular 2019 December 14 at 7 p.m. Lagniappe Theatre Company, Alexandria In its 12th year, this show brings yuletide entertainment completely homegrown in central Louisiana. Featuring performances by the theatre company and Cajun radio hosts Dirty Coutille and Jean “the Clod” Claude, it promises to lift your Christmas spirits and tickle your funny bone. lagniappetheatre.com

Festival of the Bonfires December 13-15. Lutcher Recreational Park This weekend-long annual festival in St. James Parish features great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest, and carnival rides.

Each night ends with a single bonfire lighting, a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve bonfires. festivalofthebonfires.org Lauren Daigle: The Behold Christmas Tour December 13-15. Saenger Theatre Lauren Daigle will close out 2019 with three special performances in her home state of Louisiana. The tour will feature some of Lauren’s jazz-flavored seasonal favorites from her best-selling Christmas album, Behold: A

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Jingle Bugs December 14 from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Enjoy festive activities and treats for the entire family during your visit.

Regular admission applies. audubonnatureinstitute.org Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade December 14. Downtown Baton Rouge This year’s parade will roll through Baton Rouge with more than 80,000 people watching live. The parade includes about 80 entries, including marching bands, celebrities, decorative floats, dance troupes, nonprofits and local businesses. christmasinbr.com Denham Springs Christmas Parade December 14 at 2 p.m. Denham Springs The Kiwanis Club of Denham Springs presents “Christmas on the Bayou!” as this year’s annual parade theme. livingstonparishchamber.org Dimensions of Christmas December 14 at 7 p.m. Manship Theatre This eclectic journey of original arrangements and Christmas holiday classics are sure to delight. manshiptheatre.org Holiday Horse Show December 14 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. BREC Farr Park Kick off the 2019-2020 show season with Baton Rouge Horse Shows. Free for spectators. brhorseshows.com

Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $22. batonrougeballet.org Carols at the Rowe December 15 at 3 p.m. Perkins Rowe This free one-hour sing-along is led by music director Jude Wilson with song sheets and background music provided. perkinsrowe.com Princess Holiday Tea December 15 at 2 p.m. Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel Grab your finest attire for a visit with Santa, a Christmas craft, princess glam makeovers, singing and dancing with Anna, Elsa and Ariel. safetyplacela.org Cool Winter Nights, Hot Jazz December 17 at 7:30 p.m. Manship Theatre Enjoy this eighth annual performance featuring Brian Shaw, Fr. Greg Daigle, Sasha Masakowski Bill Grimes and Willis Delony in a program of new arrangements and holiday favorites. manshiptheatre.org A Christmas Story: The Musical December 17-22. Saenger Theatre This musical brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage. Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams. saengernola.com

Mandeville’s A Christmas Past Festival December 14 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mandeville Featuring more than 100 artists and crafters from across the greater New Orleans area, the event includes live music, a food court, a Children’s Village with arts and crafts and train rides, and horse and carriage rides. oldmandevillebiz.com Photos with Santa December 14 from 1-3 p.m. Robert A. Bogan Baton Rouge Fire Museum Make a unique memory and take a photo with the museum’s Fire Station Santa and a gentle Dalmation dog mascot next to vintage fire engines. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. (225) 892-6891 Reindeer Run & Romp December 14 at 9 a.m. Canal Place The New Orleans Downtown Development District will present the annual holiday fun run for kids. Santa, Rudolph and friends signal the start of the race with jingle bells. Following the run, racers enjoy healthy activities, music, games, and crafts. downtownnola.com Wild Ponies, Rod Picott & Amy Speace Holiday Show December 14 at 8 p.m. Red Dragon Listening Room A great way to spend the holiday season with the Nashville duo Wild Ponies and singer-songwriters Rod Picott and Amy Speace. facebook.com

Angelina Ballerina: The Very Merry Holiday Musical December 15 at 2 p.m. Manship Theatre Angelina and her friends are planning the best holiday dance pageant in all of Mouseland, but when a mix-up prevents the pageant from going on, Angelina and her friends must save the show and discover the true spirit of the holidays along the way. manshiptheatre.org Movie in the Park: The Grinch December 18 at 6 p.m. Forest Community Park Wear your ugly Christmas sweaters and enjoy an evening of holiday crafts, games, cookie decorating, and hot cocoa. brec.org Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis’ Holiday Shindig December 20 at 7:30 p.m. Manship Theatre As part of the Red Dragon Songwriters Series, join this power couple of the Austin music scene for their annual holiday show. Opening will be Baton Rouge’s own power couple Clay Parker and Jodi James. manshiptheatre.org Opera Louisiane’s Christmas and Carols December 20 at 7:30 p.m. First Baptist Church The annual event includes Amahl and the Night Visitors by Menotti, a joyous Christmas tale about a young boy’s transformation after encountering the three magi on their way to see baby Jesus. After the performance, join the cast for refreshments and a traditional carol sing-a-long. operalouisiane.com

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou December 14-15. Raising Cane’s River Center Arena The annual ballet brings together internationally acclaimed guest artists, local children, professional and amateur performers, and the Baton Rouge

West Baton Rouge Christmas Fest December 20-21 from 5-10 p.m. West Baton Rouge Tourist Information & Conference Center Pop across the river for the this new festival with live music, visits from DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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Santa and a free treat for kids. Ride the trains through the grounds and be dazzled by the Christmas lights. westbatonrouge.net Christmas Eve Buffet December 24 from 4-8 p.m. Nottoway Plantation Enjoy a Christmas Eve meal in Iberville Parish. Walk off those holiday calories with a stroll through the beautifully decorated grounds. nottoway.com

Boulevard Town Square. redstickrevelry.com New Year’s Around the World January 2. Knock Knock Children’s Museum Pop into the museum to celebrate 2020 and explore New Year’s traditions from around the world. knockknockmuseum.org

A Houmas Holiday Special Concert December 22 at 4:30 p.m. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens Visit the historic plantation for a special edition of Holiday Brass. The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion players perform traditional holiday favorites and some custom arrangements. brso.org Christmas Eve Celebration December 24 at 7:30 p.m. Steamboat NATCHEZ Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner buffet, reserved seating and live music on this festive cruise. Reservations are required and holiday attire is requested. steamboatnatchez.com

Zoo Year’s Eve December 31 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Audubon Zoo Ring in 2020 in wild style with music, games and prizes. Party hats and noisemakers, Pepsi drinks for toasting and a countdown at noon make this a perfect pick for the littlest revelers. audubonnatureinstitute.org Occasionally the date or location of an event may change after publication.

Always phone ahead or check online to confirm important information.

Ice Skating on the River December 20-January 5. Raising Cane’s River Center Bring your little ice dancers downtown when the arena is transformed into a skaters’ paradise for the entire school break. raisingcanesrivercenter.com Home for the Holidays December 26 at 7:30 p.m. Manship Theatre The annual show brings singer-songwriters from Louisiana together to celebrate their successes and preview what’s coming next in their careers. manshiptheatre.org Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker December 27 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre With world-class artists, more than 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, this show will be an early gift your family will love. saengernola.com New Year’s Eve Extravaganza December 31 at 10:30 p.m. Steamboat NATCHEZ The cruise features delicious holiday menu, premium open bar, party favors, reserved seating and live music by Nadja Cole dance band. steamboatnatchez.com Red Stick Revelry December 31 from 9 p.m.-midnight. Downtown Baton Rouge Head downtown for Baton Rouge’s official New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music on the Galvez Stage and two laser light shows. Ring in 2020 with fireworks over the Mississippi River once the Red Stick drops in the North Boulevard Town Square at midnight. redstickrevelry.com Red Stick Rising December 31 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Downtown Baton Rouge Skip the late bedtime and bring your little party animals to this annual celebration to watch the Red Stick rise into place at noon above the North 52

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We hope all of you have a wonderful and joyful holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

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Material World Tips for Teaching Children that Things Aren’t Everything

IN A WORLD WHERE ONE CAN GET A DATE, FOOD OR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS WITH THE TAP OF THEIR SMARTPHONES, IT'S HARD TO NOT BE SLIGHTLY MATERIALISTIC. NEVER BEFORE HAS THERE BEEN A TIME WHEN THE WORLD WAS SO SMALL. AS THE DIGITAL AGE CONTINUES TO CHURN OUT ONDEMAND SERVICE AFTER ON-DEMAND SERVICE, MANY PARENTS ARE LOOKING FOR EFFECTIVE WAYS TO RAISE NONMATERIALISTIC CHILDREN.

Understanding Materialism Problems According to Christine Belaire, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT, NCC, the problem of materialism starts with the parents and ends with empathy training.

"It begins with reflection. In general, we live in a materialistic society.

You cannot separate what parents are doing from what children are doing, as the children will naturally mimic their parents’ actions. Teens are one of the biggest buying groups, so ads are likely to target them, as well as young adults," says Dr. Belaire. “To combat this, it would be practical for parents to say, ‘When you get something, give something.’ By doing this, it helps kids practice empathy by thinking outside of themselves. We know that empathy training works for anti-bullying, as it helps people recognize and help others– 54

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which is an effective tool. Teaching them to recognize someone else’s experience will work better compared to surface level advice.”

In contrast, Alexandria Rosa, a mother of five, notes that the matter is more of a social issue than anything else.

“I think, as parents, we want our kids to be happy. I don’t really think it means we’re materialistic or teaching our kids to be materialistic. I know that I have no problem buying my son the latest electronics, so as long as he takes care of them. He knows that if he breaks or loses something expensive, it will be the last time that he enjoys that item. I also don’t buy him extra items when his grades are low or his behavior is poor. I personally think children and teens are wanting the latest and greatest items because they see their friends with them. It also starts with

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Cover Kid 2019-2020 Annabella (A.B.) P. Photo Credit: Lauren Leopold Photography

By Elise Gray

the child seeing their favorite musicians, actors or YouTube streamers with them.”

Breaking the Chain Humans are inherently social creatures.

So, whether they’re mimicking their parents or online personalities, how can parents hope to break the chain?

For something as complex as this, the answer to materialism lies somewhere in the middle of saving and giving. As both Dr. Belaire and Rosa have noted, it is natural for teenagers to want things.

Instead of simply buying your child the item that they want, make it an exchange. Teach them about saving money and the benefits that come with such practices. Perhaps make them practice donating an item when they get a new one so that they understand the value behind each thing. Sit down with them

and talk to them about causes that they are passionate about. Teach them that the value of giving back doesn’t always have to be surrounded by items.

Perhaps your teen likes animals and they want a new XBOX for the holiday season. Instead of asking them to mindlessly grab one of their old shirts and donate it, tell them that you will buy it for them if they donate one hour of their time at a local animal shelter. This will teach them the value of ethics, as well as the importance behind a simple exchange.

When it comes to material items, it’s much more about premise behind each thing, rather than the thing itself. Since adolescents are still sponges, it might be easier to show them the act of giving back rather than to tell them about it.

Teaching Gratitude With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the premise behind each gift should be more apparent. Some other things that parents can do to help their children understand the gift of giving can include encouraging experiences over items, as well as limiting advertisements.

It is obvious that parents cannot keep teenagers off the Internet. However, as parents do monitor the type of content that their kids see, they can also monitor the advertisements. There are Google Chrome extensions, such as AdBlocker, which will block pop up ads from filtering through websites while your child is browsing the web. Such tools can really help you limit the number of targeted ads that might be reaching your teen while online.

Jessica, a mother of two, had this to say about the gift of giving: “You have to teach them gratitude. They may not always know the value of something, but it’s your job to make sure they understand how easily things can come and go.”

When practicing the act of giving this holiday season, simply remember there will always be white elephant gift exchanges, anniversaries, and Christmases. In a world that demands that we take, it is ultimately important that we take the time to remind our children to give in ways that are unique to their personalities. ■ DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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PLAY A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD STAY CONNECTED If you would like to read more of Brandon’s adventures from A Day in the Life of Dad, visit us online at brparents.com.

GEAR UP Cut just a little grass at a time to keep your lawn looking perfect with the Husqvarna Automower. You’ll see results, time will be saved, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.

It’s like a Roomba for your lawn.

■ husqvarna.com

They’re Back

By Brandon Foreman

N

ot sure how many of you have elves who visit your home every December, but I have three. Yes, three elves who arrive December 1 and cause mischief until Christmas Eve every year. From ziplines to messing up the kitchen and the Christmas tree, these three are always up to something.

They arrived a few years ago and have been coming back every year, and when you walk into a room, they freeze in place and look like stuffed animals. Also, to note, you cannot touch them. If you do touch them, they lose their magic and cannot fly back home to the North Pole and report back to Santa. You see, as I understand it, they are sent to our home to watch the children and report back whether they are good or bad.

Not a bad job, I guess, but I’m left to clean up the mess every day or walk around them, leaving what they have done in place. Because remember? No one can touch them.

At first, this was a pain, but now, I have come to enjoy each morning, waking up and running through the house, looking for “what have they done now?” And, it makes everything like a little mini Christmas each morning. This year, I thought to share this with you all online. I will be posting pictures of what the elves have done at my home and hope you will share what they are doing at your home.

Let’s make it interesting! Everyone can vote online for the wildest elf night. Upload your pictures to brparents.com, and I will give out a prize pack at the end of the month for the whole family.

Ready, set, geaux! And,

Godspeed and Merry Christmas! ■

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‘‘

FROM THE MOUTHS OF DADS

Everything is more colorful, more exciting. Music, you know, sounds better.

He’s just a beautiful little boy.”

—John Stamos

PIC OF THE MONTH

Trey K. and his little ones got all dressed up for a royal ball.

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PLAY GET OUT OF TOWN

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky BEFORE YOU GO

Coordinates | 38° 19’ 43.4352” N and 85° 45’ 53.1756” W Baton Rouge to Louisville | 758 miles Driving Time | 11 hours, 47 minutes Why Louisville? | Most people know Louisville as the home of the Kentucky Derby, but there’s a lot more to this city of 750,000 residents than the yearly Run for the Roses. Founded in 1798 and named for King Louis XVI of France, the Derby City has the world’s largest bat, standing at a height of 120 feet, historic riverboat cruises along the Ohio River, and some of the best home-style cooking in this part of the country. Plus, the folks are downright friendly.

WHERE TO STAY

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at one of Louisville’s most historic hotels, the Seelbach Hilton. Built by the Seelbach brothers and opened in 1905, their vision was to create a hotel that would capture old-world splendor of European hotels. Although she’s 114 years old, this grand dame has all of the modern conveniences necessary, including a fitness room and room service. Cribs and highchairs are available for the youngest travelers, and tweens and teens will be happy to know that the hotel even offers in-room, on-demand games.

WHERE TO EAT

Recbar Take a trip back to the 80s at Recbar, a laid-back hangout that’s a mash up of a restaurant/bar/grill and entertainment venue. This eclectic spot has everything from tasty food and creative libations to 10,000 square feet of space bursting with video arcade machines and classic pinball games. One of their craziest creations is the Pressed PB&J: peanut butter and jelly spread between warm, crispy waffles.

SuperChefs It doesn’t matter if you’re a DC Comics fan or you side with Marvel, your family will agree that the food is fit for any superhero! This awesome restaurant is the brainchild of celebrity chef Darnell Ferguson and serves ‘urban eclectic’ American dishes with a twist. Breakfast is the winner at this hot spot. Kids will love ‘the Hulk,’ which consists of green waffles, sausage, candied bacon, egg and cheese, with a syrup drizzle. For lunch, try the Spiderman Superdilla which is pulled pork, caramelized onions, blended cheeses and mango BBQ sauce.

Boujie Biscuit If comfort food is a must for the people in your crew, try the Boujie Biscuit.

Biscuits at this establishment are topped with most anything you can imagine. One biscuit, The Gravy Train, is a biscuit completely smothered in pork sausage chunks and a delicious three-cheese sauce. Another dish, The Chicken Pot Pie, is rich with chicken breast chunks in a tasty creamy, veggie-filled gravy. Your sweet tooth will really love the Georgia Peach Biscuit that is topped with juicy peaches that are cooked in a buttery brown sugar sauce.

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THINGS TO DO

The best way to see downtown Louisville’s skyline is to take a river cruise.

There are two options: The Belle of Louisville, a 1914 steam-powered paddle boat and the Mary M. Miller a diesel-powered paddle boat, built in 1985. These charming riverboats offer a variety of different excursions, including lunch, brunch, dinner, harbor history or dance cruise.

Visit two states in one day via the Big Four Bridge. This former railroad truss crosses the Ohio River from Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. A walk across the bridge gives you a stunning view of the river and city skyline.

At night, the bridge is illuminated with a rainbow of LED lights.

Batter up! Baseball fans will cheer for the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. In the museum, you can hold a piece of history—bats that were actually used by legends like Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench and Derek Jeter. You can also have your picture taken alongside a life-size wax figure of Babe Ruth. The museum tour has been updated and expanded, allowing close-up views of how these legendary bats are manufactured.

Young explorers will love the Kentucky Science Center. The museum is divided into several different sections: Uniquely Human, The World We Create, Discovery Gallery, and the World Around Us. Catch a movie in the museum’s theater where both feature films and documentaries like Mountain Quest 3D or Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D. Saddle up and race over to the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs. The museum features iconic pieces, including the Down’s first electric gate and historic jockey silks, plus interactive displays where you can call a race or test your Derby IQ. They also offer golf cart tours of the track and a walking tour of the backside and the barns where the thoroughbreds are stabled.

Go ‘deep’ at the Louisville Mega Cavern, a mega space underground where you can participate in Mega Zips, Mega Quest, Mega Tram, Mega Walking Tour, and the Mega Electric Bike Tour. During the holidays, the Cavern hosts Lights Under Louisville where you can drive your car through to see thousands of lighted displays. ■

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PLAY THINGS WE L

VE

Complete your holiday look with this unique Morse Code Necklace from Premier Designs. The Morse Code stands for “BFF,” and all you have to do is attach your necklace with the clasp on the right to ensure the necklace reads correctly.

■ premierdesigns.com

Leave your cheeks looking perfectly flushed with Chantecaille’s Philanthropy Creek Shade. Each purchase of this shade donates some proceeds to save endangered sea turtles. ■ chantecaille.com

Make holiday cooking extra merry and bright with your little elves with the Santa Apron Bundle from Williams Sonoma. Featuring double front pockets and a design that matches Santa’s favorite suit, these aprons are the perfect addition to the holiday.

■ williams-sonoma.com

Give the Grinch some treats this year, so he won’t steal your presents! The Cookies and Milk Grinch Tray is a fun way to include the Grinch in the holidays as well.

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Get flawless makeup with blendSMART2 Rose Gold with Foundation + Powder Brushes. This rotating brush effortlessly blends for you.

You can use less liquid, crème or powder makeup to achieve your most even, natural coverage. ■ blendsmart.com

With The Perfect Christmas Candle, you can experience the holiday season all year round. Fill your home with the perfect scents of fresh cut pine, cinnamon sugar, and toasted marshmallow with essential oils.

■ bathandbodyworks.com

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PLAY MOMS ONLY The smell of evergreen and cinnamon in your house, all the joy and giving, and coming together with family and friends: these are the things that fill your house with cheer. These are the things that a mom looks forward to during the holidays. These are also the things that make her work extra hard for her family.

Christmas is the Best Season

By Jami and Katrina

Before kids, Christmas felt a lot less stressful. My first year as a mom, I found myself buying Christmas presents in the Spring. I stored them away in a closet and would pick up toys and gifts all year long.

I think that’s the most significant change for me because, before my little one, Christmas didn’t start until the leftover turkey was gone from my fridge. Christmas as a mom is just not the same.

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I have noticed that every year my tree is going up earlier and earlier. It’s amazing what lights and a tree can do to the ambience of a home, isn’t it? You automatically want to make gumbo, drink hot cocoa, and watch Elf for the seven millionth time.

It’s a tough job to be a mom. Sometimes, it’s thankless, and no other time is harder and more stressful than at Christ-

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mas time. There are presents to wrap, cards to address, parties to plan, and Christmas outfits to procure, among the many other chores and responsibilities.

I’m tired, I’m exhausted, and I’m at my wits end, but it will get done because I’m a mom!

Since Toy-R-Us has kicked the bucket, we are down to Walmart and Target for our “in store” Holiday shopping. I’m

more of an Amazon-in-my-PJs type of Mom anyway. However, I do miss the allure of going to the mall when it’s buzzing and decorated for Christmas. As mom, I dread that situation at all costs.

Topping it all off with the one and only, Santa Claus. It can be so frustrating to run around town for weeks, spend countless hours online scouring the Internet for that specific hot new toy or gadget this season. Saint Nick swoops in like Micheal Jordan to steal all of our glory.

It’s not fair!

I seriously debated this year on spilling the beans to my little one. Realistically, she can’t have too much longer left before the kids at school ruin it for her anyway. It all seems worth it when I get a tap on my shoulder on Christmas morning, “Mom! Mom! Santa came to our house!“ In that moment, we forget about all the stress that lead to that very moment.

The innocent giggles of our children as they tear through the wrapping paper, the wrapping paper we so carefully wrapped and purchased in bulk so that all the presents match, is really what makes being a mom priceless.

To all the tired and exhausted moms out there who think they can’t go on, we raise our glasses and salute you. Keep up the good work, Mom! Here is your holiday reminder that you can do it.

So when your kids change their Christmas list a week before Santa arrives, turn up their noses at your perfect Christmas dinner, or gasp, unwrap your perfectly wrapped presents under the tree, just remember it will all be worth it on Christmas Day. It’s all about remembering the magic of the holiday and that Jesus is the reason for this season.

But first, pour that glass of wine or eggnog and finish that huge pile of presents that still need wrapping. ■

Happy Holidays to all!

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HOLIDAY HARMONY

Who Comes First? Your Spouse or Kids?

By Kim Gilly

H

alloween comes and goes. You squeeze in a day for Thanksgiving.

You slowly ease into the holiday

season with shopping and trimming the tree, and then the chaos ensues. Your days and nights are consumed with cookie exchanges, class parties, Nutcracker performances, Teddy Bear Teas, Live Nativities and visiting Santa.

The next thing you know, it’s Christmas morning and you realize that the most substantive conversation you’ve had with your spouse over the last month was a debate over whether or not you should chaperone the middle school Christmas Dance, and the only quality time you’ve spent together was in Target trying to hunt down that LOL doll.

Parents tend to make their kids the number one priority, especially during the holidays when so much is geared towards children. By default, the spouse and marriage get bumped down Santa’s list. But when Santa checks his list twice, would putting the kids first land you on the naughty or the nice list?

Modeling Matters Research and literature overwhelmingly support the theory that couples should prioritize the marital relationship before their children. A strong marriage often creates a safe and secure environment for children and models what a loving relationship should look like, which will ultimately benefit all of your children in the long run.

Beth Mahaffey, a local Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), 66

agrees that the parents’ relationship with each other can definitely impact the family unit. “Children’s model for a healthy marriage is what they see at home. It is an opportunity for them to observe emotional love, physical love (hugging, hand holding, etc.), healthy communication, managing conflict and helping each other.”

She refers to Brene’ Brown’s (PhD, LMSW) quote, “Are you the adult you want your child to grow up to be?”

Mahaffey puts a marital spin on this and asks her patients, “Is your marriage the marriage you want your child to grow up to have?”

According to an article written by Linda Bloom, LCSW, and Charlie Bloom, M.S. on Psychology Today, “Making the needs of the marriage subordinate to the needs of the children can, as many

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have discovered the hard way, lead to unexpected consequences.” Parents obviously don’t intend for the marriage to deteriorate as a result of having children, but when the marriage constantly takes a back seat, it can result in marital trouble or even divorce.

Indulging Children Charlie Bloom, M.S., co-author of 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married: Simple Lessons to Make Love Last states that, “It’s gotten to the point now where parents are [often] judged and ostracized if they don’t accommodate and even anticipate and provide for [their children’s] needs over the needs of their relationship.”

Unfortunately for parents today, who are parenting under a microscope, it’s all too common to be more accommodating

to children than ever before. Bloom says that this can cause children “to grow up with the expectation that the world is going to indulge them, which creates a sense of entitlement”.

Of course, it is essential for children to always feel loved and valued within the family unit. You ask them how their day was at school, praise them for a job well done for every success, and cover them in hugs and kisses when they are hurt or feeling sad. But, it’s not unusual for parents to go weeks without checking in on each other’s emotional well-being or exchange similar affectionate gestures with one another.

Meeting for Marriage One of Mahaffey’s favorite practices to share with clients is a weekly “Marriage Meeting,” which can be especially important during the hectic schedules of the holiday season. A Marriage Meeting is often 20 minutes of uninterrupted time that is spent together. During this time, each spouse should show up with a positive attitude.

The meeting usually consists of four different components: 1. Discuss what went well the week prior, and share a few things for which you are grateful.

2. Discuss logistics for the upcoming week. This includes the menu, nighttime practices, games, meetings, working late and anything else that might impact the family during the week.

3. Plan date nights, and discuss any individual plans (girls’ nights, golf with friends, etc.)

4. Share what was challenging about the prior week and what would be more helpful in the future.

As most experts agree, it is important to nurture the romantic aspect of your relationship as well. One of the most common ways that you can do this is to incorporate date nights into your weekly schedule. It can seem close to impossible to find any extra time during the holiday season, so it’s important that the two of you create this special one-on-one time together. You will soon find out that you’re both calmer and more positive.

Kelly Papania and her husband Joey both work full-time and have three very active children, but they always make sure that they set aside time during the holidays for each other, whether it’s going on dates or running errands together.

“Joey and I have an annual tradition of both taking a day off of work before Christmas to shop, have lunch together, and just catch up,” she says.

Rebekah Buco and her husband Daniel have been to Ruffino’s every year for their annual Christmas dinner date.

“With four kids close in age, some years there was an infant carrier at the table just so we wouldn’t break the tradition. But no toddlers or older kids allowed!”

The magic of Christmas is no doubt a beautiful thing to experience through the eyes of a child, and the holidays provide endless opportunities to celebrate with the entire family.

However, don’t forget to keep the spark in your marriage this holiday season! Because you know what can happen when that one light in the string goes out... ■

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR

December

SESAME STREET LIVE! LET’S PARTY. Raising Cane’s River Center from December 3-4. Everyone’s invited to take part in the sunniest and funniest street celebration. Tickets run $15-65 with a special Meet and Greet for $25 from 5-5:30 p.m.

■ raisingcanesrivercenter.com

1 SUNDAY ASTRAL VISIONS: PHOTOGRAPHS BY CONNER MATHERNE. LASM. Immerse yourself in the mysterious beauty of the nighttime sky with this selection of photographs. lasm.org CAROLING AT THE LOCKS AND ALL IS BRIGHT: A HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS. Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park at 4 p.m. for Caroling, tree lighting, family activities, food, and arts and crafts. visitiberville.com CREOLE CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY FAIR. BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation from 1-6 p.m. with seasonal decorations in the historic house, demonstrations of traditional skills, songs in French and Spanish, and a bonfire to welcome Papa Noel.

(225) 343-4955 FATHER AND DAUGHTER DANCE. Broadmoor 68

United Methodist Church from 4:30-7 p.m. Music, dancing, dinner and door prizes to celebrate the bond between men and their daughters. eventbrite.com FREE FIRST SUNDAY. Free admission to the LSU Museum of Art, LASM, the Old State Capitol, USS Kidd, Capitol Park Museum and BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation. visitbatonrouge.com JOLLY JAMBOREE IN THE LP. North Park Pavilions 1 and 3 from 1-5 p.m. Enjoy holiday shopping with local businesses. facebook.com KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN HOLIDAY EXPRESS. KCS Yard at 4 p.m. A festive train that brings Santa and his elves to communities throughout the company’s U.S. rail network. kcsouthern.com.

LAND OF THE SWEETS NUTCRACKER TEA. LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center at 2 p.m. Enjoy

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sweets and finger foods while interacting with characters from Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s holiday favorite, The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou. batonrougeballet.org LAS POSADAS. Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center from 3-5 p.m. Children and adults accompany a shepherd in his search for the Holy Family. Includes a visit with St. Nicholas, Bubbles the Camel, the petting zoo, and pony rides. eventbrite.com MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY. LASM from 1-4:30 p.m. and LSU Museum of Art from 1-5 p.m. Be entered in a raffle to win a household membership with both museums. facebook.com PREPARING FOR DELIVERY. Woman’s Hospital from 1-5 p.m.

Learn basic information so you can recognize signs of labor and practice comfort measures. (225) 231-5475

SANTA IS COMING. D’s Garden Center from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bring your children and your camera. facebook.com SANTA PAWS. LSU Veterinary Medicine Building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Your pet can have a photo with Santa. Fees are $10-15. lsu.edu/vetmed SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAY. Chuck E. Cheese’s at 9 a.m. Opens two hours early with reduced lighting and games for children with autism and other special needs. chuckecheese.com

2 MONDAY

BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8 p.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 can learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

(225) 231-5475 GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING. BREC’s

Milton J. Womack, Antioch Boulevard Park, and Cadillac Park at 5:30 p.m.

Create a gingerbread house step by step with icing and treats. brec.org HOSPITAL ORIENTATION. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-7:45 p.m. or 8-9:15 p.m. Tour the birth suites, family waiting areas, and Transition Nursery. (225) 231-5475 LINE 4 LINE. O’Neils Barber and Beauty Salon.

Free haircuts once a month to boys ages 2-16 who read to the barbers.

(225) 389-7207 MARBLED NAIL POLISH HOLIDAY ORNAMENT CRAFT. Carver Library at 4 p.m. Make adorable marbled ornaments. (225) 389-7450 MOMMY AND ME. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 11 a.m.-noon. A breastfeeding support and education group. brgeneral.org PARENTS NIGHT OUT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE REGISTRATION DEADLINE. St. Jean Vianney Church on December 6 from 6:30-9 p.m. for children with special needs ages 2-12 and their siblings. $5 donation requested. parentsnightout@stjeanvianney.org PET PICTURES WITH SANTA. Mall of Louisiana from 5-8 p.m. Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa. Cats and dogs only.

All pets must be on a leash or contained in a cage. malloflouisiana.com THE DOO WOP PROJECT HOLIDAY SHOW. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

With their new holiday show, The Doo Wop Project brings their album to the stage. manshiptheatre.org

3 TUESDAY

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. All ages are invited to make a fluffy pom pom critter. (225) 686-4180 COMPASSIONATE HOLIDAY COOKIE SWAP. Jones Creek Library from 10 a.m.noon. Bring two dozen homemade holiday cookies.

(225) 756-1160 CPR FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Baton Rouge General Hospital from 6-8 p.m. Learn CPR and foreign body airway obstruction techniques for infants and children. brgeneral.org GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING. BREC’s Jackson Community Park at 5:30 p.m. Create a gingerbread house with icing and treats. brec.org GONZALES TREE LIGHTING. In front of the Gonzales City Hall at 6 p.m. Santa will be in the Gonzales Civic Center giving gifts to children.

Includes jambalaya, hot chocolate, cookies and entertainment. tourascension.com HANKIES2HOPE SUPPORT GROUP. Bistro Byronz, Zachary, at 6 p.m. Monthly ministry for moms who have lost a child. facebook.com

HEALTHY MOM HEALTHY BABY. Woman’s Center for Wellness from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join a registered dietitian and prenatal exercise specialist to learn about healthy eating and safe physical activity during pregnancy.

(225) 924-8709 HOLIDAY PENGUIN STORY/CRAFT. Fairwood Library at 4 p.m. Children ages four to seven will listen to My Penguin Osbert and make a holiday penguin craft. (225) 924-9385 HOPE CHESTS BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Ochsner Medical Complex, High Grove, from 6-7 p.m. Monthly support group with speakers and light refreshments. ochsner.org JAZZ LISTENING ROOM PRESENTS: BILL GRIMES SWINGS INTO THE HOLIDAYS. Chorum Hall at 7:30 p.m. Jazz musician performance. artsbr.org LSU CHAMBER SINGERS. LSU St. Alban’s Chapel at 5:30 p.m. lsu.edu SESAME STREET LIVE! LET’S PARTY. Raising Cane’s River Center at 6 p.m. Everyone’s invited to take part in the sunniest and funniest street celebration. raisingcanesrivercenter.com SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY. Perkins Rowe Town Square at 6:30 p.m. Join the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society and get a glimpse of the sky. facebook.com TEEN MOVIE NIGHT. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5 p.m. Teens can watch Spider-Man Far From Home and enjoy popcorn and snacks.

(225) 686-4140 THRIVING WITH DIABETES. Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, Gonzales, from 6-7 p.m. Free hour of fun and interactive learning while playing DiaBingo.

(225) 621-2906

4 WEDNESDAY

CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 4 p.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate

(CASA) Association holds orientation. casabr.org FIVE SEASONS: THE GARDENS OF PIET OUDOLF. Manship Theatre at 7 p.m. Director Thomas Piper filmed the garden designer Piet Oudolf over five seasons. manshiptheatre.org GIRLS WHO CODE. Iberville Parish Library, St. Gabriel, from 3:30-5 p.m. Girls in grades 6-12 are invited to learn code. myipl.org I CARE LIVE. Webinar series by the I CARE program at noon with various guest speakers who promote personal safety, drug prevention and selfhelp educational resources. icare.ebrschools.org SESAME STREET LIVE! LET’S PARTY. Raising Cane’s River Center at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Everyone’s invited to take part in the sunniest and funniest street celebration. raisingcanesrivercenter. com TOUR FOR TWO (OR MORE). Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 6-7 p.m. Free tour of the Birth Center. brgeneral.org YOGA PALS PLAYGROUP. Pediatric Therapy Solutions from 10-11 a.m.

Free sample yoga class for children ages two through five years old. Class includes music and movement. (225) 744-1717

Village at 7 p.m. Enjoy food prepared by area chefs while doing Christmas shopping. denhamspringsmainstreet.org ENGINEER ACADEMY. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5:30 p.m. Children can build and learn with robotics.

(225) 686-4140 GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING. BREC’s Anna T. Jordan Community Park at 5:30 p.m.

Create a gingerbread house with icing and treats. brec.org HOLIDAY LIGHTS FAMILY NIGHT. Baton Rouge General from 6-8 p.m. There will be a snow patch, photos with Santa, live music, and food trucks. facebook.com MY FIRST KWANZAA STORY/CRAFT. Eden Park Library at 3 p.m. Children ages three to six will listen to My First Kwanzaa and make a kinara (which is Swahili for candleholder) craft. (225) 231-3250 TEEN ADVISORY BOARD. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Teens can suggest programs, volunteer at the branch, and help choose books.

(225) 686-4180 TREES OF LIGHT 2019.

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center from 6:3010:30 p.m. Fundraiser for Hospice of Baton Rouge with food, drinks, and music. eventbrite.com

BABY FOOD BASICS. Baton Rouge General, Bluebonnet, from 6:157:30 p.m. A class for new and seasoned parents preparing to introduce their infants to solid foods. brgeneral.org BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8 p.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

(225) 231-5475 CHEF’S EVENING AND WINE TASTING EVENT. Denham Springs Antiques

ST. NICHOLAS DAY ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO. Covington Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas extravaganza with over 500 booths. steinhauerproductions.com BOOK BABIES. Watson Library at 10:30 a.m.

Activity for infants through age five with stories, music and games.

(225) 664-3963 BRECFLIX TEEN MOVIE NIGHT. BREC’s Independence Community Park at 6 p.m. Teen night with a PG-13 movie, food, music, and movie trivia. brec.org

5 THURSDAY

6 FRIDAY

CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Live Oak United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Performance by the Livingston Parish Children’s Choirs.

Tickets are $5. lpccsing.org CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY. St. Francisville area through December 8. Annual festival with old-fashioned family fun. stfrancisvillefestivals.com CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 7 p.m. Performance by Michael McDowell, pianist. mcdowellpianist.com FAMILY FRIENDLY CONCERT. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park at 11 a.m. Children’s storyteller and musician, Johnette Downing, performs. Free. johnettedowning.com FAMILY FRIDAY. Tin Roof Brewing Company from 4-6 p.m. Inflatable bounce houses, face painting, sweet treats, live music, and balloons. There will be a rotating food truck. facebook.com FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Downtown from 4-9 p.m.

Live music, food, movies, children’s activities, local art vendors, and sparkling lights. Includes special activities at LASM and Santa in the Senate at the Old State Capitol from 6:30-8:30 p.m. visitbatonrouge.com FRIDAY LUNCH LIVE. Baton Rouge General Hospital at noon. Free performance. Performers are George Bell and Friends. brgeneral.org GYM 101: A GYMNASTICS SHOWCASE. LSU Pete Maravich Assembly Center at 7:15 p.m. Watch the LSU Gymnastics team prepare for the upcoming season.

Free. lsusports.net HOLIDAY TRUNK SHOW. LSU Museum Store from 4-8 p.m. Shop local artists’ handmade jewelry, pottery, wood making and paintings, while enjoying refreshments, free gift wrap and 25 percent off one regular priced item. lsumoa.org LIVE AT 5 ON THE WESTSIDE. Town of Addis Railroad Museum and Park

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR from 5-8 p.m. Hear Parish County Line in this free concert. westbatonrouge.net ON POINTE. Pointe-Marie from 6-8 p.m. Free music series sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Tonight’s performers are the Theatre Baton Rouge Carolers. artsbr.org PAJAMARAMA POLAR EXPRESS STORYTIME. Barnes and Noble, Citiplace and Perkins Rowe, at 7 p.m. Wear your pajamas for this storytime. bn.com PARENTS NIGHT OUT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS. St. Jean Vianney Church from 6:30-9 p.m. for children with special needs ages 2-12 and their siblings. parentsnightout@stjeanvianney.org PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY. USS Kidd at 11 a.m. Ceremony to remember those who lost their lives, including USS KIDD’s namesake Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd. usskidd.com PICTURES WITH CHOCOLATE SANTA. Jewel J. Newman Community Center from 4-6 p.m.

No appointment necessary.

(225) 775-3935 REINDEER RIDE DOWNTOWN CELE-

BRATION. From BREC’s Farr Park campground to downtown from 5:30-8 p.m. The family bike ride for ages 12 and above features a colorful bike parade with many fun evening activities. outdooradventure@brec.org SENSORY SANTA. BREC’s N. Sherwood Forest Community Park from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Designed for those with sensory disorders and other disabilities. fhfgbr.org SWIM WITH SANTA. Crawfish Aquatics Swim School, Prairieville/Bayou Oaks, at 5:30 p.m. Swimming, Christmas activities, and a picture with Santa in the pool. crawfishaquatics.com THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. First Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. Hilarious Christmas classic. Admission is one non-perishable food item. fpcbr.org TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY. Corner of Sullivan and Hooper Road from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Features a band, choir, a reading of The Christmas Story and a lighting of the Nativity. cityofcentralchamber.com TRI-PARISH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER. Suma Hall Community Center at 7 p.m. A mini performance

with free admission with a non-perishable food item. facebook.com

7 SATURDAY

#LOVEBATONROUGESATURDAYS. Knock Knock Children’s Museum at 1 p.m. The museum will present a program with experts demonstrating how families can be healthy. Wear your PJs and celebrate sleep. knockknockmuseum.org 3D CHRISTMAS SCENE. The Arts Council of Livingston Parish from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Children ages 8-12 years old will paint Christmas scenes. artslivingston.org A BABY IS COMING. Woman’s Hospital from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for children ages four to eight.

Class designed to help big brother and sister learn about their new sibling’s arrival. womans.org A NEW ROADS CHRISTMAS. Downtown New Roads at noon. Carnival rides, food booths and pictures with Santa, followed by the Downtown Parade at 5:30 p.m. and Tree Lighting and Caroling at 6:30 p.m. newroads.net ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO. Covington Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.-5

6

JINGLE BELL JOG AND REINDEER RUN. Downtown at 7 p.m. Run in conjunction with the Festival of Lights. Registration runs $20-45. ■ itsyourrace.com

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p.m. Christmas extravaganza with over 500 booths. steinhauerproductions.com A VERY MERRY MUSEUM. LASM starting at 1 p.m. Activities, including a holiday ornament workshop, an appearance from Santa and the Coca-Cola truck from 1:30-4 p.m., and watch Let it Snow and The Polar Express. lasm.org BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET. Farmers Market downtown from 8 a.m.-noon. The event will feature special art activities for kids. artsbr.org BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

(225) 231-5475 BO’S CHRISTMAS BOZAAR. John Schneider Movie and Music Store from 5-9 p.m. Gospel concert, entertainment from the Spotlight Theatre Players, a ferris wheel and snow. facebook.com BREAKFAST WITH THE GRINCH/COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS SHOPPE. We Are the Difference from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Breakfast with the Grinch, vendors, taco soup, and concessions. wearethedifference.org BREASTFEEDING BASICS. Woman’s Hospital from 1:30-5 p.m. Learn the benefits of breastfeeding and how to avoid common problems. (225) 231-5475 BROADMOOR CHRISTMAS PARADE. Starts and ends at Broadmoor High School at 2 p.m. Spectators are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated. broadmoor-br.org CENTRAL CHRISTMAS PARADE. Joor Road from Hooper to Lovett in Central at 11 a.m. cityofcentralchamber.com CHRISTMAS CAROLING IN THE VILLAGE. Antique Village denhamspringsantiquedistrict.com CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY. St. Francisville area through December

8. Annual festival with old-fashioned family fun. stfrancisvillefestivals.com CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN AND POINSETTIA SALE. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens from 9 a.m.-noon. Have a morning of pancakes and pictures with Santa. Tickets are $30. Ticket includes all food, activities and picture with Santa. lsuagcenter.com CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE. Zachary Historical District from 6-9 p.m. Holiday-themed activities for families. cityofzachary.org CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT. Jambalaya Park Amphitheater from 5-9 p.m. Wear your pjs and bring your chairs and blankets. Enjoy complimentary concessions and hot chocolate while watching The Santa Clause. Free admission with a non-perishable item or a new, unwrapped toy. volunteerascension.org CHRISTMAS ON THE BOULEVARD. Mall of Louisiana from 6-8 p.m.

Join retailers and Santa for activities, live music, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Each child who brings two non-perishable food items to the Salvation Army tent will receive a free carousel pass. malloflouisiana.com CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES. Tour contemporary homes in West Feliciana Parish. stfrancisvillefestivals.com CITY CITRUS PICK EVENT. Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank starting at 8 a.m. Pick citrus fruit throughout Baton Rouge for the Food Bank. batonrougegreen.com CLINTON MARKET DAY. Downtown Clinton in front of Courthouse from 8 a.m.1 p.m.

(225) 683-5531 EBR TALENTED MUSIC STRING ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR CONCERT. EBR Main Library at 4 p.m.

Performance by more than 70 students. ebrpl.com EXPLORE CIRCUITRY WITH LITTLEBITS. Galvez Library at 10:30 a.m. Chil-

WEEKLY EVENTS A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS. Ascension Community Theatre from December 12-22. ■ actgonzales.org A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Theatre Baton Rouge from December 6-15.

■ theatrebr.org A VERY MOOEY CHRISTMAS. Chick-fil-A, Gonzales, at dark through December 31. ■ facebook.com/chickfilagonzales BATON ROOTS DEMO DAYS. 5509 Winbourne Avenue on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. Families can learn about growing their own food, harvesting, and eating healthy. ■ facebook.com/batonroots CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. City Park, New Orleans. Holiday lights display through January 1. ■ neworleanscitypark.com CHRISTMASVILLE SPECTACULAR. First Baptist Church, Denham Springs, from December 5-8 and 12-15. ■ eventbrite.com FROZEN, JR. LSU Reilly Theatre from December 6-8 and 14-15. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters. ■ playmakersbr.org HOLIDAY LED LIGHT SHOW. Zachary Historical District from 6-10 p.m. through January 5. Thousands of blinking and twinkling lights synchronized to Christmas music. ■ cityofzachary.org HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAY. Baton Rouge General, Bluebonnet, through December 31. The lawn in front of the hospital will be transformed into a twinkling, singing and musically synchronized lights display. ■ facebook.com/brglights LET IT SNOW. EBR Libraries from December 4-23. Presented by the LASM Discovery Dome for children of all ages. This family-friendly soundtrack is visually enhanced with full-dome animation, laser imagery and special effects. Registration required. ■ ebrpl.com NOLA CHRISTMASFEST. New Orleans Convention Center from December 2031. Ice skating, ice slides, gingerbread house, rides, characters, inflatables and crafts.

■ nolachristmasfest.com POLAR EXPRESS RIDE. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal from December 9-January 1. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs.

■ nolathepolarexpressride.com SANTA AT THE MALL. Mall of Louisiana through December 24.

■ malloflouisiana.com SOCK IT TO ME! SOCK DRIVE. Donate new socks to children in need through December 15. Drive hosted by Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. ■ brparents.com SKATING ON THE RIVER. Raising Cane’s River Center from December 20-January 5. The sessions are $12-14 per person. ■ raisingcanesrivercenter.com

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE dren can make connections and create machines with easy and swappable circuit boards. (225) 622-3339 FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH HIKE. Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson. Join a park ranger on a guided hike.

(888) 677-3400 HOLIDAY NUTCRACKER. The Dunham School at 4 p.m. Performance by the Cangelosi Dance Project. cangelosidanceproject.com IBERVILLE PARISH BONFIRE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL. Nottoway Plantation from 5-9 p.m. Includes bonfires, the American Queen steamboat, arts and crafts, food and concessions, local band, church choirs, carolers, Louisiana Vintage Dancers, Christmas tree lighting, Santa, and fireworks. nottoway.com IRMA THOMAS IN CONCERT. Baton Rouge Magnet High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Concert that benefits the school. visitbatonrouge.com JAY DUPUIS AS ELVIS. Old South Jamboree at 7:30 p.m. with Elvis Christmas and gospel songs followed by a full Las Vegas-style concert. jaydupuisaselvis.com LPB’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST. Raising Cane’s River Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Special appearances from Daniel Tiger, Curious George, Luna, Super Why and Princess Presto. bontempstix.com LSU CANDLELIGHT CONCERT. LSU Student Union Theater at 7:30 p.m. lsu.edu MEET A PRO: YOUTH DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS CLINIC. BREC’s Forest Community Park from 9-11:30 a.m. Children ages four to nine will learn the fundamentals of softball/baseball. Registration required by December 5. athletics@brec.org PANCAKES WITH SANTA & PARENTS MORNING OUT. Broadmoor United Methodist Church at 8:30 a.m. There will

be pancakes and pictures with Santa, and parents are encouraged to enjoy the morning out. facebook.com PASS-IT-ON-CHRISTMAS. Upstage Theatre Black Box at 7 p.m. A youth production. upstagetheatre.biz PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY. USS Kidd from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ceremony at the ship. usskidd.com PEPPERMINT PLAYDATE. Java Mama at 9 a.m.

Includes a hot chocolate bar, breakfast, musical entertainment, and a craft. facebook.com PET ADOPTIONS. Petco, Siegen, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Includes pictures with Santa from 1-4 p.m. where your donation benefits local homeless pets in your community. rrrofsouthla.com PICTURES WITH CHOCOLATE SANTA. Jewel J. Newman Community Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No appointment necessary. (225) 775-3935 SANTA COW IS COMING TO TOWN. Chickfil-A, Gonzales, from 9-10 p.m. Christmas themed book, cookie decorating, and holiday-themed activities. Free. facebook.com/ chickfilagonzales SANTA’S KITCHEN. Louisiana Culinary Institute with sessions from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fun-filled holiday program with three culinary experience stations. (504) 913-5980 SATURDAY SCIENCE: WHERE DO GALAXIES COME FROM? EBR Main Library at 1 p.m. Adults and teens can enjoy a free seminar led by LSU Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Ivan Agullo.

(225) 231-3750 SWAMP BIRD WALK. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp from 7-9 a.m. Hike led by a volunteer of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. General admission.

(225) 757-8905 TEEN CRAFT. Jones Creek Library at 3 p.m.

Teens can make tiny origami stars and fill a

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR decorative jar with them.

(225) 756-1170 THE DIFFERENCE IS US. Dr. Leo S. Butler Center from noon-1:30 p.m.

Metro Health is observing World AIDS Day with a free luncheon, music and entertainment. eventbrite.com THE POLAR EXPRESS. LASM at 4 p.m. Beloved holiday movie in the planetarium theater. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate before each show. Wear your holiday PJs. lasm.org THYME TO SLICE AND DICE: KIDS COOKING CLASS. Grace Church of Central from 10 a.m.-noon.

Children ages eight and up are invited to learn how to make some of the season’s best treats. eventbrite.com TRI-PARISH BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER. Suma Hall Community Center at 2 p.m. Features professional dancers and local talent. bontempstix.com TYKE HYKE. Woman’s Hospital from 9-10:15 a.m.

Prepare your three year old for your hospital stay by taking a brief tour of the hospital and through practice with baby dolls. womans.org WALKER CHRISTMAS PARADE AND SANTA IN THE PARK. Parade starts and ends at Walker High School at 2 p.m. followed by Santa in Sidney Hutchinson Park at 5:30 p.m. walker.la.us ZACHARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHRISTMAS PARADE. Downtown Zachary at 10 a.m. cityofzachary.org

8 SUNDAY

A RURAL LIFE CHRISTMAS. LSU Rural Life Museum from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Musical groups, demonstrating artisans, storytellers and costumed re-enactors. The event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel. lsuagcenter.com ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO. Covington Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas extrava72

ganza with 500 booths. steinhauerproductions.com CHRISTMAS COOKIES WITH SANTA. St. Michael’s High School Cafeteria at 1 p.m. Precedes the SMHS Band Concert at 2 p.m. kpage@ smhsbr.org CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY. St. Francisville area. Annual festival with family fun. stfrancisvillefestivals.com DONUTS WITH SANTA. LASM from 8-11 a.m. A festive holiday-themed playdate. Sponsored by Red Stick Mom. Tickets are $28. eventbrite.com DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS PILGRIMAGE. Downtown churches starting at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church at 5:30 p.m. and ending at First Baptist Church at 8 p.m.

Enjoy a short Christmas concert at each church. downtownbatonrouge.org EBR TALENTED MUSIC SOLOS AND ENSEMBLE CONCERT. EBR Main Library at 3 p.m. Free performance by the EBR group with area high school musicians. ebrpl.com GRANDPARENTING 101.

Woman’s Hospital from 3-5 p.m. Grandparents can brush up on baby skills. womans.org HOLIDAY NUTCRACKER. The Dunham School at 3 p.m. Performance by the Cangelosi Dance Project. cangelosidanceproject.com HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE. West Baton Rouge Museum from 2-5 p.m. Arts and crafts, choirs, elf scavenger hunt, Papa Noel, gingerbread and hot cider. westbatonrougemuseum.com HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Istrouma Baptist Church at 7 p.m. Annual holiday performance by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Includes a carol sing-a-long. brso.org IMPECCABLE MANNERS HOLIDAY ETIQUETTE CLASS. The Royal Standard from 2-3 p.m. Etiquette class for children ages six and up. Children will enjoy games, role play, and a light

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learning meal encouraging table manners and how to be respectful of others in a social setting. eventbrite.com JACKSON CHRISTMAS MARKET. Simply Blessed Antique Mall from 4-8 p.m. The local shops will be open for evening shopping, and the historic inns will be decorated in full Christmas regalia perfect for Christmas photos with your family under the tree. facebook.com JFA CHRISTMAS PARADE. Gonzales. tourascension.com MAGIC HAPPENS RABBIT RESCUE ADOPTION DAY. Millerville PetSmart from 2-4 p.m.

Includes rabbits and guinea pigs looking for homes. magichappensrescue.com OLD TIME COUNTRY JAM. West Baton Rouge Museum from 3-5 p.m.

Anyone with an acoustic instrument is welcome to join, and music lovers are welcome to sit back, relax, and enjoy. westbatonrougemuseum.org PEPPERMINT PLAYDATE. Java Mama at 1 p.m.

Includes a hot chocolate bar, brunch, musical entertainment, and a craft made by each child. Cost is $10-25. facebook.com PET ADOPTIONS. Petco, Siegen, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by Rescue, Rehome, Repeat. rrrofsouthla.com PICTURES WITH CHOCOLATE SANTA. Jewel J. Newman Community Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No appointment necessary. (225) 775-3935 THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. First Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m., before the Pilgrimage.

Hilarious Christmas classic. fpcbr.org THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM. Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. PG-rated documentary followed by an interview with local farmers. manshiptheatre.org THE POLAR EXPRESS. LASM at 1 p.m. Beloved holiday movie in the planetarium theater. Warm up with complimentary

DATE NIGHT

CHEF’S EVENING AND WINE TASTING EVENT. Feast on different foods that are prepared by area chefs during the Chef’s Evening and Wine Tasting Event. Visit Denham Springs Antiques Village at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5 to get a jump start on some Christmas shopping while also trying tasty foods. There will be more than 20 unique and shops to visit, too! Tickets are $25-26.

■ denhamspringsmainstreet.org

LARRY, STEVE, AND RUDY: THE GATLIN BROTHERS. Featuring a mix of Christmas music and gospel, you and your date will have a joyful holiday experience at Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 12. Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers are a Grammy Award-winning trio who have dazzled audiences for more than 60 years with a lifetime of noteworthy achievements in their storybook career. ■ manshiptheatre.org

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Watch the classic holiday film on a big screen at Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 22. George Bailey has so many problems, and it’s Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback.

His guardian angel shows up and shows him what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds over the years. Rated PG. Tickets are $9.50. ■ manshiptheatre.org

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE hot chocolate before each show. Wear your holiday PJs. lasm.org TIGER 10K: RACE TO DEATH VALLEY. South Stadium Drive from 8 a.m.-noon. Also includes a 5K and Kid’s Mile. Finishes in the shadows of Death Valley. tiger10k.com UCT SPECIAL FRIENDS CHRISTMAS DANCE. UCT Hall from 4-7 p.m.

Dance for those with developmental disabilities and their parents/caregivers. (225) 939-2923 WINTER WONDERLAND FOOD FESTIVAL. St. Joseph Catholic Church from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. A Taste of French Settlement, Father Jason’s Christmas village, arts and crafts, Santa, hayrides and train rides, a car and truck show. livingstontourism.com

9 MONDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Isla M. 2019-20 Cover Kid 10 years old BREASTFEEDING BASICS. Baton Rouge General Hospital from 6-9 p.m. Course on the advantages of breastfeeding, how to care for yourself while breastfeeding, and proper breastfeeding techniques. brgeneral.org GEORGE BELL AND FRIENDS: AN EVENING OF HOLIDAY JAZZ. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Join George Bell and friends as they play seasonal jazz favorites. manshiptheatre.org PET PICTURES WITH SANTA. Mall of Louisiana from 5-8 p.m. Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa. Cats and dogs only.

All pets must be on a leash or contained in a cage. malloflouisiana.com PREGNANCY 101.

Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. Learn how to provide your baby with the best possible environment for growth and development. (225) 231-5475 TABLETOP GAMING NIGHT. Denham SpringsWalker Library at 5 p.m.

Ages 12 and up can play role-playing, adventure, strategy, or board games.

(225) 686-4140

10 TUESDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Layla A. 2019-20 Cover Kid 12 years old ADVANCED HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING CLASS. The Arts Council of Livingston Parish from 6-8 p.m. Class for high school age and up. Fee of $45 includes all supplies. artslivingston.org AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers. Cost is $35.

(225) 231-5475 DISNEY JUNIOR HOLIDAY PARTY. Mahalia Jackson Theater at 6 p.m.

Live theatre experience. ticketmaster.com GEORGE BELL AND FRIENDS: AN EVENING OF HOLIDAY JAZZ. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Join George Bell and friends as they play jazz favorites. manshiptheatre.org GOVERNOR’S OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP IN DISABILITIES AWARDS. Old State Capitol. Includes the 2019 Inclusive Art Contest display. The GOLD Awards recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have contributed

their time and talents to benefit the lives of persons with disabilities in Louisiana. gov.louisiana.gov HANKIES2HOPE SUPPORT GROUP. New Life Church at 6 p.m. Monthly ministry for moms who have lost a child. facebook.com HOGWARTS HOLIDAY CRAFTS. Bluebonnet Library at 6:30 p.m. Ages 18-30 can make Harry Potter-themed crafts while enjoying hot cocoa and sweet treats.

(225) 763-2250 MAKING FEEDING FUN. Pediatric Therapy Solutions from 4:30-6 p.m. Free workshop for parents of children ages 18 months through six years of age who are interested in expanding their child’s solid food diet. (225) 744-1717 TEEN YULE BALL. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5 p.m. Teens can celebrate a magical night with dancing, games, and refreshments inspired by the Wizarding World.

Muggle formal attire or Harry Potter costumes are suggested but not required.

(225) 686-4140 ZOO AND ME MORNING: HAPPY HIBERNATORS. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Children’s program for ages three to six. (225) 775-3877

11 WEDNESDAY

AFTER BABY COMES (ABC): BABY CARE AND PARENT CARE. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-9 p.m. For new parents, grandparents, adoptive parents or other caregivers.

(225) 231-5475 GIRLS WHO CODE. Iberville Parish Library from 3:30-5 p.m. Girls in grades 6-12 are invited to learn code. myipl.org GROCERY STORE TOUR. Rouses, Bluebonnet, from 10-11 a.m. Join Baton Rouge General’s dietitians for a grocery tour to learn how to choose fresh and healthy foods and how to understand

confusing nutrition labels. brgeneral.org LEGAL ASSISTANCE. West Baton Rouge Library from 10 a.m.-noon. A representative from Southeast Louisiana Legal Services will be available to answer legal questions.

(225) 342-7920 SANTA’S VISIT. Iberville Parish Library from 9:30 a.m.-noon. myipl.org

12 THURSDAY

BUBBLY AND BRIGHT. Baton Rouge General from 6:30-9 p.m. Adult only event for ages 21+ with bottomless champagne cocktails stations, festive small bites, and live music. brgeneral.org CHRISTMAS PJ PARTY. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 6 p.m. All ages are invited to watch The Polar Express and drink hot chocolate while munching on popcorn and cookies in PJs. (225) 686-4140 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING. Train Station, Denham Springs, at 6 p.m. Family-oriented activities including Santa, a choir, and refreshments. denhamspringsantiquedistrict.com HOLIDAY JEOPARDY AT THE LIBRARY. Jones Creek Library at 7 p.m.

Teams will test their knowledge of holiday trivia and win prizes. (225) 756-1160 THE GATLIN BROTHERS COUNTRY AND CHRISTMAS. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. A mix of Christmas music and gospel. manshiptheatre.org

13 FRIDAY

BLACK NATIVITY. LSU Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

The play by New Venture Theatre tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey through song and dance. newventuretheatre.org BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn from a certified lactation nurse and other moms about their own successes and challenges with breastfeeding.

(225) 231-5475 FAMILY DINNER IMPROV COMEDY SHOW. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Rated R-ish. Tickets are $6. manshiptheatre.org FRIDAY LUNCH LIVE: QUINTESSENTIAL HARP. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet Cafeteria, at noon. Free performance. brgeneral.org GEMINID METEOR SHOWER. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

The Geminids are one of the major meteor showers of the year, the only one caused by an asteroid.

(225) 768-9948 HOLIDAY MOVIES ON THE PLAZA. EBR Main Library at 7 p.m. Free movie in the outdoor plaza which will also be simulcast in the Large Meeting room.

The Lemonade Bus will be available for the purchase of refreshments. ebrpl.com

14 SATURDAY

AARON NEVILLE. L’Auberge Hotel at 8 p.m.

American R&B and soul vocalist and musician from New Orleans. lbatonrouge.com A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS. Audubon State Historic Site from 6-8 p.m. Costumed guides accompany the visitor on a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. Taste holiday food, listen to period music, and enjoy the Christmas dance.

(225) 635-3739 ASCENSION LEGO CLUB. Donaldsonville Library at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. Legos, Duplo blocks and Mega Bloks will be provided. (225) 473-8052 BASF KIDS’ LAB. LASM at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Explore the world of chemistry in hands-on workshops for children ages 6-12 and their parents or caregivers. kidslab@lasm.org BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET. Farmers Market downtown from 8 a.m.-noon. The event will feature special art activities for kids. artsbr.org

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR

BATON ROUGE CHRISTMAS PARADE. Downtown at 5 p.m. with the Battle of the Bands at 4 p.m. in front of Raising Cane’s River Center. A family-friendly Christmas parade. christmasinbr.com BLACK NATIVITY. LSU Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

The play by New Venture Theatre tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey through song and dance. newventuretheatre.org BODY BASICS FOR BOYS. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Preteen boys ages 10-13 and their dads/moms will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

(225) 231-5475 CAJUN DANCE. UCT Hall at 7:15 p.m. with free dance lessons and the band at 8 p.m. Christmas dance with band. Admission runs $10-12. batonrougecajundance.com CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 10 a.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. casabr.org CHILDBIRTH CLASS. Ochsner Medical Center from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Free class covers pregnan-

cy, pain theories, pre-labor signs, postpartum/newborn procedures and basic breastfeeding.

(225) 755-4854 CHRISTMAS ADOPTION EVENT. Hooters, Denham Springs, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pet adoptions, photos with Santa, free hot cocoa and pet giveaways. rrrofsouthla.com CHRISTMAS ON BROADWAY. Abundant Life Church at 6:15 p.m. Central Community Theater Cabaret benefit performance for Mrs. Kim Dean Sullivan. Dessert, coffee and hot chocolate will be served from 6:15-7 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. centralcommunitytheatre.org CHRISTMAS WITH THE WARDS: CELEBRATING FAMILY, FOOD AND FUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS. The District Theater at 8 p.m. Performance features father-son duo, violinists Michael and Shaun Ward, comedian Howard Hall and DJ Incredible. eventbrite.com DENHAM SPRINGS CHRISTMAS PARADE. Starts at Denham Springs High School at 2 p.m. cityofdenhamsprings.com DIMENSIONS OF CHRISTMAS. Manship

Theatre at 7 p.m. An eclectic journey of original arrangements and Christmas holiday classics. Tickets are $27.19. manshiptheatre.org DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS GAME DAY. EBR Main Library at 4 p.m. Teens are invited to play the popular fantasy tabletop role-playing game.

(225) 231-3750 EVERGREEN TREES STORY/CRAFT. Bluebonnet Library at 11 a.m.

Children ages 7-10 will hear Night Tree and make a layered picture of evergreen trees in the snow.

(225) 763-2250 FESTIVAL OF THE BONFIRES. Lutcher Recreational Park from 8 a.m.-midnight with food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest, and carnival rides followed by bonfires and fireworks. festivalofthebonfires.org JINGLE BUGS. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Celebrate the holidays with activities and treats for the entire family. audubonnatureinstitute.org JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM: LIVING NATIVITY. Blackwater United Methodist Church from 6-8 p.m. Free drive-thru live Nativity with Christmas carols on the radio.

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FESTIVAL OF THE BONFIRES. Lutcher Recreational Park from 2 p.m.-midnight with food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest, and carnival rides followed by bonfires. ■ festivalofthebonfires.org 74

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blackwater​umc.org KIDS HOLIDAY PAINT POP-UP. The Royal Standard from 2-3 p.m. Festive paint class for children ages six and up, taught by artist, Adrienne Clement. eventbrite.com LAMAZE: LABOR OF LOVE. Woman’s Hospital from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for couples wanting to learn how Lamaze techniques assist in labor and birth. womans.org MID CITY MAKERS MARKET: HOLIDAY EDITION. 541 South Eugene Street from 4-8 p.m. Makers’ booths, food, a bar, a kids’ area and music. midcitymakers.market MODEL TRAINS. Republic of West Florida Historical Museum from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free indoor and outdoor model train displays by the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders.

(225) 634-3473 MOVIE IN THE PARK: AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Flanacher Road Park at 6 p.m. Dress as your favorite superhero and enter to win a prize. brec.org MR. WILLOWBY’S CHRISTMAS TREE STORY/CRAFT. EBR Main Library at 10 a.m. Children ages three to six can listen to Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree and then make a felt holiday ornament.

(225) 231-3750 PEPPERMINT PLAYDATE. Java Mama at 1 p.m.

Includes a hot chocolate bar, brunch, musical entertainment, and a craft made by each child. facebook.com PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA. Petco, Siegen, from 1-4 p.m. Have your pet take a photo with Santa, and your donation benefits local homeless pets in your community. rrrofsouthla.com PHOTOS WITH SANTA. Bogan Fire Museum from 1-3 p.m. Take a photo with Fire Station Santa and a Dalmation, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. boganfiremuseum@gmail. com REPTICON. Lamar-Dixon Expo Center from 10 a.m.-

5 p.m. Reptile and exotic animal sale. repticon.com SANTA CLAUS STORY/ CRAFT. Pride-Chaneyville Library at 2:30 p.m. Children will listen to Where Oh Where is Santa Claus and make a santa picture using their handprint.

(225) 658-1550 SANTA’S KITCHEN. Louisiana Culinary Institute with sessions from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fun-filled holiday program with three culinary experience stations. (504) 913-5980 SECOND SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Family-friendly event with local produce and seafood for sale, nature hikes, live music and planetarium shows. audubonnatureinstitute.org SOLAR VIEWING. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory from noon-2 p.m. Staff shows the sun in three manners so visitors are able to see any sizable sunspots or flares occurring. hrpo.lsu.edu SOUTHERN PLANTATION HOLIDAY MARKET. The Myrtles from 8 a.m.-noon 20 vendors. facebook.com SPECIAL SATURDAYS: ESCAPE FROM DISASTER. LSU Museum of Natural Science from 10-11 a.m. with the exhibit area open from 11 a.m.-noon. lsu.edu STORIES IN ART. LSU Museum of Art at 10:30 a.m. Free program for children from birth to age six and their caregivers with a Spanish and English reading of a children’s book and a fun art activity.

(225) 389-7207 THE NUTCRACKER: A TALE FROM THE BAYOU. Raising Cane’s River Center at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This treasured production by the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre continues to thrill children and adults alike. ticketmaster.com TEEN HOUR OF CODE. Jones Creek Library at 3 p.m. Teens can learn beginning JavaScript through

a gamified one-hour Star Wars-themed course.

(225) 756-1170 THE POLAR EXPRESS. LASM at 4 p.m. Beloved holiday movie in the planetarium theater. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate before each show. Wear your holiday PJs. lasm.org V. WATTS TRADE MART TRADE DAY. V. Watts Trade Mart from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. outdoors and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. indoors. Includes food and music. facebook.com WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY. Port Hudson National Cemetery from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. An annual tribute to veterans during the holiday season held nationwide at all national cemeteries.

(225) 751-6318

15 SUNDAY

BASF KIDS’ LAB. LASM at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Explore the world of chemistry in hands-on workshops for children ages 6-12 and their parents or caregivers. kidslab@lasm.org BLACK NATIVITY. LSU Shaver Theatre at 3 p.m.

The play by New Venture Theatre tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey through song and dance. newventuretheatre.org CAROLS AT THE ROWE. Perkins Rowe in front of the Cinemark Movie Theatre at 3 p.m. Sing-a-long led by music director, Jude Wilson, with song sheets provided. visitbatonrouge.com CHRISTMAS ACAPELLA. St. Paul Church at 4 p.m.

An evening of a capella Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces and a selection of Christmas carols. visitiberville.com COMMUNITY CONCERT. Knock Knock Children’s Museum. Concert by Kids’ Orchestra. kidsorchestra.org FESTIVAL OF THE BONFIRES. Lutcher Recreational Park from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. with food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest, and carnival rides followed

by bonfires. festivalofthebonfires.org FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHRISTMAS CONCERT. North Boulevard Town Square from 4-6 p.m. Free concert with games, food, crafts and music sponsored by First United Methodist Church. fumc.org HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING CLASS. The Arts Council of Livingston Parish from 10-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-3 p.m. Class for children ages six and up and one parent. artslivingston.org HOSPITAL ORIENTATION. Woman’s Hospital from 1:30-2:45 p.m. or 3-4:15 p.m. Tour the labor birth suites, family waiting areas and Transition Nursery. (225) 231-5475 JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM: LIVING NATIVITY. Blackwater United Methodist Church from 6-8 p.m. Free drive-thru live Nativity with Christmas carols on the radio. blackwater​umc.org LE JAM. West Baton Rouge Museum Barn from 3-5 p.m. with live music, singing and dancing. westbatonrougemuseum.org PRINCESS HOLIDAY TEA. Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel from 2-4 p.m. Photos with Santa, a Christmas craft, Princess Glam makeover, singing and dancing with princesses, a Christmas story

by The Santa Princess, and tea. eventbrite.com REPTICON. Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Reptile and exotic animal sale. repticon.com SOUTHERN PLANTATION HOLIDAY MARKET. Nottoway Plantation from noon to 5 p.m. Vendors, bonfires, music and fireworks. facebook.com THE NUTCRACKER: A TALE FROM THE BAYOU. Raising Cane’s River Center at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. This treasured local production by the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre continues to thrill children and adults alike as one of the most highly anticipated

events of the holiday season. ticketmaster.com

16 MONDAY

PET PICTURES WITH SANTA. Mall of Louisiana from 5-8 p.m. Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa. Cats and dogs only.

All pets must be on a leash or contained in a cage. malloflouisiana.com

17 TUESDAY

CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 11 a.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. casabr.org COOL WINTER NIGHTS, HOT JAZZ. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Performance by Brian Shaw, Willis Delony, Father Greg Daigle, Sasha Masakowski and Bill Grimes of new arrangements and holiday favorites. manshiptheatre.org DIVAS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION. Delmont Garden Library at 6 p.m.

PREACH invites women in the community for door prizes, surprises and wonderful speakers. facebook.com DIY ORNAMENTS CRAFT FOR 20-SOME-

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE THINGS. Fairwood Library at 6 p.m. Adults ages 18-30 can create fancy snowflake ornaments.

(225) 924-9385 GROWING UP: BOYS. Our Lady of the Lake Ascension from 6-7:30 p.m.

Class on puberty for boys ages 10-12 and their dads/ moms. (225) 621-2906 HANKIES2HOPE SUPPORT GROUP. La Madelines, Perkins Rowe, at 5:30 p.m. Monthly ministry for moms who have lost a child. facebook.com HERE COMES THE BELLS, SO MANY BELLS. Gonzales Library at 6 p.m.

One-woman interactive, energetic show by Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops. myapl.org REINDEER GIFT BAG. Jones Creek Library at 2:30 p.m. Children ages 3-11 will listen to Mistletoe and make a gift bag.

(225) 756-1160 SANTA’S WORKSHOP. Lil Bambinos Playtorium from 6-7:30 p.m. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, storytime, songs, crafts, cookie decorating, and toy assembly with elves. facebook.com SOUTHERN PLANTATION HOLIDAY MARKET. Nottoway Plantation from noon to

5 p.m. Vendors, bonfires, music and fireworks. Free admission to the market. facebook.com TEEN YULE BALL. Watson Library at 10:30 a.m. Teens can celebrate a magical night with dancing, games, and refreshments inspired by the Wizarding World. Muggle formal attire or Harry Potter costumes are suggested but not required.

(225) 686-4180

18 WEDNESDAY

A HARRY POTTER ESCAPE ROOM. Jones Creek Library at 3 p.m.

Teens and their teammates have 30 minutes to find the keys of Headmaster Umbridge’s office and escape. (225) 756-1170 BODY BASICS FOR GIRLS. Woman’s Hospital from 6:30-8 p.m. Preteen girls ages 9-12 will learn how their bodies grow, what changes to expect during puberty, and how to take care of themselves.

(225) 231-5475 COOL WINTER NIGHTS, HOT JAZZ. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Performance by Brian Shaw, Willis Delony, Father Greg Daigle, Sasha Masakowski and Bill Grimes of new

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SANTA ROCKS THE ROWE. Perkins Rowe from 5-9 p.m. Live music by the Baton Rouge Concert Band, carriage rides, caroling, children’s activities, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. ■ facebook.com DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE CALENDAR arrangements and holiday favorites. manshiptheatre.org HERE COMES THE BELLS, SO MANY BELLS. Galvez Library at 10 a.m and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Hickley M. Waguespack Center, Donaldsonville at 6 p.m.

One-woman interactive, energetic show by Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops. myapl.org HOLLY JOLLY FAMILY STORYTIME. Jones Creek Library at 7 p.m.

Children ages 2-11 with their families will enjoy seasonal books, listen to rhymes and songs, and make an ornament.

(225) 756-1160 I CARE LIVE. Webinar series at noon by the I CARE program with various guest speakers who promote personal safety, drug prevention and selfhelp educational resources. icare.ebrschools.org MOVIE IN THE PARK: THE GRINCH. Forest Community Park at 6 p.m.

Free movie begins at dusk.

Holiday crafts, games, cookie decorating and hot cocoa. Rated PG. brec.org SANTA’S WORKSHOP. Lil Bambinos Playtorium, Gonzales, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Meet and greet with Santa

and Mrs. Claus, storytime, songs, crafts, reindeer games, cookie decorating, and toy assembly with elves. facebook.com SOUTHERN PLANTATION HOLIDAY MARKET. The Myrtles from 8 a.m.-noon 20 vendors.

Free admission to the market. facebook.com TEEN ANIME CLUB. Watson Library at 5:30 p.m. Anime and Manga enthusiasts can watch anime, discuss manga, learn about Japanese culture, and play games. Snacks provided.

(225) 686-4180

19 THURSDAY

BABY CARE BASICS. Baton Rouge General Hospital from 6-9 p.m. Learn how to prepare for your baby’s arrival and how to survive the first two weeks. brgeneral.org BINGO @ The LIBRARY. Jones Creek Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.

(225) 756-1160 CHRISTMAS CRAFTS. Denham Springs-Walker Library at 5:30 p.m. Make a craft while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies.

(225) 686-4140 FEEDING YOUNG MINDS. Denham Springs-

Walker Library at 5:30 p.m.

Free meal sponsored by Mighty Moms in partnership with LPPS School Food Services.

(225) 686-4140 HERE COMES THE BELLS, SO MANY BELLS. Dutchtown Library at 10 a.m.

One-woman interactive, energetic show by Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops. myapl.org HOLIDAY BRASS. St. Joseph Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. A holiday celebration featuring the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s brass section along with student guest singers. brso.org HOLIDAY LIGHTS FAMILY NIGHT. Baton Rouge General from 6-8 p.m.

There will be a snow patch, photos with Santa, live music, and food trucks. facebook.com/brglights PFLAG SUPPORT GROUP. Unitarian Universalist Church at 6:30 p.m. Support group for friends and families of LGBT people. unitarianchurchbr.com RUNAWAY DREIDEL STORY/CRAFT. Eden Park Library at 3 p.m.

Children ages 5-11 will listen to Runaway Dreidel and make and decorate Dreidel characters.

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(225) 231-3250

20 FRIDAY BRUCE ROBISON AND KELLY WILLIS’ HOLIDAY SHINDIG. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. A Red Dragon Songwriters Series.

Tickets run $40-60. manshiptheatre.org CHILDREN EMPOWERED BY CAREGIVERS OF LOUISIANA, INC. SUPPORT GROUP MEETING. Delmont Gardens Library at 10 a.m.

Provides education, empowerment, and advocacy for grandparents.

(225) 775-4164 CHRISTMAS AND CAROLS. First Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. Performance

by Opéra Louisiane of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Includes a sing-along and refreshments. operalouisiane.com GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING. Party Time, Bluebonnet, from 6-8 p.m. partytimebr.com HOLIDAY MOVIES ON THE PLAZA. EBR Main Library at 7 p.m. Free movie in the outdoor plaza which will also be simulcast in the Large Meeting room.

The Lemonade Bus will be available for the purchase of refreshments. ebrpl.com KID’S COMPUTER BASICS CRASH COURSE. EBR Main Library at 10 a.m. Children ages 8-11 can learn the basics of computer use. (225) 231-3750 SUNSHINE SOCIAL: UGLY SWEATER PARTY. BREC’s Womack Ballroom from 6-9 p.m. Dance for ages 16 and up with special needs and their friends and families. Suggested donation is $5. (225) 216-7474

21 SATURDAY

ANGELINA BALLERINA: THE VERY MERRY HOLIDAY MUSICAL. Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. Presented by Vital Theatre NYC. Angelina and her friends are planning an absolutely positively spectacular holiday dance pageant. ■ manshiptheatre.org 76

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BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET. Downtown from 8 a.m.-noon. The event will feature special art activities for kids. artsbr.org BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET: JEFFERSON HIGHWAY. ARC Baton Rouge from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. artsbr.org

BSAFE BABYSITTING COURSE. Baton Rouge General, Bluebonnet, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A one-day class for babysitters ages 12 and older who would like to be certified in First Aid and CPR and learn home safety, tips on starting a babysitting business, and child care basics. brgeneral.org CHRISTMAS CAROLING IN THE VILLAGE. Antique Village, Denham Springs. denhamspringsantiquedistrict.com CHRISTMAS PJ PARTY. Operation Imagination, Jones Creek Road, from 5-7 p.m. Includes a party with a craft, milk, cookies, letters to Santa, and storytime and song with an elf friend. operationimagination.com DOG DAY AT THE SWAMP. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Swamp drops its “no pets” policy and opens its doors and trails to pets. brec.org/swamp FELICIANA TRADE DAYS. Graceland Portable Buildings at the corner of Hwy. 10 and Line Road, Jackson, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Crafts, pottery, clothes, yard sale items, a farmer’s market and food.

(225) 719-2199 HANDMADE GIFT BAGS. Pride-Chaneyville Library at 11 a.m. Teens can make a unique gift bag.

(225) 658-1550 LIGO SCIENCE SATURDAY: A YEAR IN REVIEW. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory is open to the public for free from 1-5 p.m. Tour the facility, talk to a LIGO Scientist or science specialist, and explore and interact with over 40 LIGO Science Concept exhibits. ligo.caltech.edu/LA LOUISIANA SATURDAY NIGHT VARIETY SHOW. Suma Crossing Theatre. grandcountryjunction.com SADD CHRISTMAS ALIVE NATIVITY. Train Station Park at 6 p.m. Breathtaking live nativity scene with activities for children and

CALENDAR IN EVERY ISSUE refreshments. Attendees encouraged to bring lawn chairs. facebook.com THE POLAR EXPRESS. LASM at 4 p.m. Beloved holiday movie in the planetarium theater. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate before each show. Wear your holiday PJs. lasm.org YMCA GINGERBREAD JOG. BREC’s City Park at 8:30 a.m. 5K and one-mile family fun/run and dog walk, and an ugly sweater contest for participants and their dog. ymcabr.org

22 SUNDAY

First Day of Chanukah CAJUN NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS STORYTIME. Barnes and Noble, Perkins Rowe, at 11 a.m.

Listen to the story and make paper ornaments. bn.com CHANUKAH CELEBRATION. State Capitol steps from 4-5:30 p.m. Hosted

by Chabad of Baton Rouge. chabadbr.com HOLIDAY BRASS II. Houmas House Plantation at 4:30 p.m. A holiday celebration featuring the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s brass section. brso.org IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Manship Theatre at 2 p.m.

Watch the classic holiday film on a big screen. manshiptheatre.org LIVE NATIVITY. First Presbyterian Church from 6-6:45 p.m. and 7-7:45 p.m. Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, angels, the children’s choir and the shepherds, along with a donkey and sheep will reenact Jesus’ birth with a children’s petting zoo for the kids. fpcbr.org WESTSIDE CHRISTMAS FEST. Grounds of the West Baton Rouge Tourist Information and Conference Center from 5-10 p.m. This event will include holiday light displays, train rides, live music, visits with Santa, crafters, face painting, and balloon art for all to enjoy. westbatonrouge.net

23 MONDAY CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 9 a.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. casabr.org CHRISTMAS JAZZ. L’Auberge Hotel from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Performance by the Baton Rouge Jazz Ensemble. brje.org JINGLE! JANGLE! MUSIC AND ME. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 10:3011:30 a.m. Multisensory group activity designed for children ages six months and older that focuses on strengthening the parentchild bond while encouraging communication, motor development and creativity through the use of live holiday music. brgeneral.org TABLETOP GAMING NIGHT. Denham SpringsWalker Library at 5 p.m.

Ages 12 and up can play role-playing, adventure, strategy, or board games.

(225) 686-4140

24 TUESDAY Christmas Eve

25 WEDNESDAY Christmas

26 THURSDAY First Day of Kwanzaa

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP. Woman’s Hospital from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn from a certified lactation nurse and other moms about breastfeeding.

(225) 231-5475

28 SATURDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Britton, Bryson & Sebastian H. 2019-20 Cover Kid 3 years old BASF KIDS’ LAB. LASM at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Explore the world of chemistry in hands-on workshops for children ages 6-12 and their parents or caregivers. kidslab@lasm.org CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION. Baton Rouge General Hospital, Bluebonnet, from 8 a.m.-noon.

Learn the basics of labor and birth. brgeneral.org DEEP SOUTH BAYOU DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS GAME DAY. EBR Main Library at 4 p.m. Teens are invited to play the popular fantasy tabletop role-playing game.

(225) 231-3750 MODEL TRAINS. Republic of West Florida Historical Museum from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free indoor and outdoor model train displays by the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders.

(225) 634-3473 SCOTLAND SATURDAYS. Scotlandville Plaza between Scotland Avenue and Scenic Highway from noon-3 p.m. scotlandsaturdays@gmail.com

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Manship Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The songwriter night held between Christmas and New Years has become a holiday tradition. manshiptheatre.org WINTER BREAK MOVIE FEST. EBR Main Library at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Children can enjoy the movie, Frozen. ebrpl.com

29 SUNDAY

2020 PREVIEW PARTY. BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory. This party will preview the upcoming programming. hrpo.lsu.edu

BASF KIDS’ LAB. LASM at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Explore the world of chemistry by doing handson workshops for children between 6 and 12. kidslab@lasm.org SUNDAY MOVIE MATI-

27 FRIDAY

NEE. Jones Creek Library from 3-5 p.m. Featurelength movie suitable for all ages. ebrpl.com

30 MONDAY

CASA ORIENTATION. CASA office at 4:30 p.m.

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association holds orientation. casabr.org GET READY FOR THE NEW YEAR. Jones Creek Library from 2-4 p.m.

Children ages 3-11 can stop by to make a New Year’s pennant. (225) 756-1160 SAFE SITTER COURSE. Woman’s Hospital from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sitter can learn safety skills, first aid and rescue skills, life and business skills, and child care skills. (225) 231-5475 YOUTH GAME NATION. Carver Library at 4 p.m.

Children ages 8-11 can listen to How to Feed Your Parents and then play on the Nintendo Switch.

(225) 389-7450

EDITOR’S NOTE

Occasionally the date or location of an event may change after publication.

Always phone ahead or check website to confirm important information.

SUBMISSIONS

Baton Rouge Parents Magazine welcomes submissions of events of interest to families.

Send all calendar submissions to: calendar@brparents.com.

Include: dates, times, location with address, recommended age, cost, public telephone number, website address, and photos.

Submit information for the January calendar by December 8, 2019.

31 TUESDAY New Year’s Eve

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARADE. The intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street at 2:45 p.m. The parade will come to an end on Canal Street. allstatesugarbowl.org AUDUBON ZOO YEAR’S EVE. Audubon Zoo from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kid-friendly New Year’s celebration for families, including music, games, prizes and a countdown for the New Year at noon. audubonnatureinstitute.org RED STICK REVELRY. North Boulevard Town Square with a daytime celebration from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Includes kids’ activities with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and evening festivities from 9 p.m.-midnight with music, a laser show, a Red Stick drop, and fireworks at night. redstickrevelry.com DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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MARKETPLACE IN EVERY ISSUE

Make it your business to know their business

Call 225-292-0032

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE THE LAST WORD

HO! HO! HO!

An Elf is Watching You

By Janeen Lewis

I’m really trying my best to flex with new kid traditions. As my two children insist on growing up and blowing past milestones, I’ve noticed things have changed a bit since I was a kid.

Take, for example, the amount of moolah the Tooth Fairy leaves. When my older child, Andrew, now 12, started losing teeth, the word on the street was the Tooth Fairy left multiples of a dollar.

This left my hubby, Jesse, sucking air.

Like me, he remembers when the Tooth Fairy worked in quarters. I patted Jesse on the back and blamed inflation. “You know honey, it’s not 1976 anymore!”

I’ve also noticed that today’s world has a plethora of fairies. My parents belonged to the “Suck it up, buttercup” generation.

But if today’s parents don’t want their child to have something–say an outgrown “binky” or Halloween candy–the child leaves it out at bedtime, and during the night, poof, a pacifier or candy fairy whisks away the undesirable item and leaves a toy.

On Valentine’s Day, not only valentines, but also their containers have grown more elaborate. At my daughter Gracie’s school, I’ve seen valentine boxes that had to have taken no less than a weekend, a trip to Home Depot and a building permit to construct.

Even St. Patrick’s Day hasn’t gone unscathed by change. Parents used to get by with merely sending their children to school in a pinch-proof green, any shade.

But oh no, not today’s parents! Now, St. Patty’s is about dyeing all liquids green– everything from milk to toilet bowl 80

water (seriously!)–and even building Leprechaun traps.

I was doing my best to just roll with it until one change came along that affected our family’s favorite holiday, Christmas, thanks to our new holiday companion, “The Elf on the Shelf.” Apparently there’s a whole crew of these elf scouts that help Santa keep an eye on his clientele while he’s busy managing his workshop, and I got to remain blissfully oblivious to the entire concept for years. Then one day before Christmas, Gracie, who was seven at the time, came home from school upset because she was the only kid in her class who didn’t have an elf.

“Santa doesn’t like me!,” she cried. I thought quickly. “No! Santa loves you!

He trusts you–you’re so well behaved, he doesn’t need to send an elf to watch you.”

I thought it was genius.

Gracie wasn’t having it. “He doesn’t like me!,” she wailed.

Thank goodness Old Saint Nick came through two days later and an elated Gracie found an elf for her on our fireplace mantel.

Santa, thoughtful guy that he is, also left a book with the elf that includes everything you need to know when an elf is crashing at your pad. The one major rule is that the elf may not be touched by humans or it will lose its magical powers. If this happens, the elf returns to the North Pole for two nights to have its powers restored. One of my friends says, “Fine by me! Who’d want to touch it? It’s creepy.” But to my daughter, the elf isn’t creepy. Gracie named her Carrie, and

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she writes miniature books for her elf to read so she won’t get bored while she sits around our house all day. Gracie loves Carrie and is excited to find the new place the elf has moved to during the night (I’ve thought about leaving Carrie my own book in which the elf folds laundry and unloads the dishwasher.)

Still, as much as Gracie loves Carrie, toy-wielding fairies and elves’ rules make me yearn for the simpler time of my own childhood–an era when it was okay to bring home a truckload of candy at Halloween (in a pillowcase no less). Kids traded corny valentines kept in shoeboxes crudely covered with construction paper, our teeth were worth quarters, and Santa’s only sidekick, Rudolph, didn’t have to be stabled for December.

But then I realize, as much as times have changed, they have stayed the same.

Just like parents when I was a kid, today’s parents love their kids so much that they want to give them happy, healthy childhoods. Our goal is to raise kind, compassionate human beings. I look at my own two children–Gracie with her big heart and Andrew with his happygo-lucky nature, and I see these traits.

So, like other parents I know, I’ll keep beckoning fairies and dyeing the toilet water green, and adopting elves, because all these things bring joy to my children, and that, in turn, brings me joy.

But come spring, if the Easter Bunny says he knows a flower nymph that needs a place to stay, I’m putting my foot down.

(Okay, okay...I’m probably putting my foot down.)

DECEMBER 2019 | BRPA RENTS .COM

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BRPA RENTS .COM | DECEMBER 2019

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