The Search for Christmas Magic

PRESS, PLAY! Begin with the tradition of sitting in comfort, warm and cozy, and allow the mind to transport you to a familiar place and time. The story is often well-known, beloved and witnessed thousands of times. And, yet, seated with a child who is old enough to appreciate the experience, we anticipate watching the movie yet again in search of Christmas magic!

Our list of favorites is lengthy; yet, we can immediately call out the one that speaks from the heart!

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE In 1946, Frank Capra brought the world the 130-minute classic family drama “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Not a great success at the box office; yet, it became one of the most beloved American films. George Bailey, played by James Stewart, resonates with the audience the feeling of despair and questioning our life’s worth. Finally, an angel arrives to show George a life without him. Watchers will be reminded of their value, in all efforts, matters!

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Is there really a Santa Clause? The Miracle on 34th Street arrives when a man comes to Macy’s department store and takes the place of a deplorable, drunken Santa. Questions of sanity arrive as Kris Kringle claims he is real. One spectacular scene is the footage from the 1947 Thanksgiving Day parade. An authentic glimpse of Manhattan in the 40s. Another fun fact, the 1947 film became the first full-length black and white film to transition to color in 1985!

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS In December 1965, Charles M. Schulz released the first full-length holiday movie of the Peanuts gang. The piano music encourages viewers from anywhere in the house to run towards the television, awaiting old fictitious friends – Snoopy and Woodstock, Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy, Schroeder and Peppermint Patty. The cartoon is timeless, especially connected to Charlie Brown’s question, “Does anyone know what Christmas is really about?” Writer Schulz debated whether or not to include Linus’ memorable speech within the storyline. Fortunately, a 45-second speech provides heart-warming clarity. “Lights, please!” A CHRISTMAS STORY The phrase, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid,” became synonymous with the must-see 1983 holiday classic, “A Christmas Story.” Through a glimpse into Ralphie’s 1940s classroom, playground, family and neighborhood, the movie appeals to all ages providing a sense of nostalgia. What does Ralphie want for Christmas? Yes, he can tell you – a Red

Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION The Griswold’s are an iconic symbol of hoping for a fun-filled, old-fashioned Christmas and contending with problems as situations go wrong. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase has appealed to adults and teens since the movie first arrived in theaters in 1989. Due, in part, to great actors, the comedy scenes had many improved one-liners, worthy of fans to continue reciting quotes after 32 years.

THE SANTA CLAUSE In 1994, movie-goers would come to revere “The Santa Clause” movie as an instant classic. After 25 years, we are still right there witnessing Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, discover he will become the giver of presents due to the legal document, “The Santa Clause.” With every component checked off from family dynamics to the rush of wind from a reindeer-pulled sleigh, you’ll be eager to watch The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3!

THE POLAR EXPRESS All aboard! Young children will love watching the 2004 computer-animated Christmas musical and adventure film. It tells of a young boy who boards a train headed to the North Pole to meet Santa and receive a special gift! Unlike most movies, the Polar Express features human characters in live-action termed motion capture animation! Buckle-up, watchers will need to see to “believe!”

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Every classic needs a story about an antagonist who learns the truth about love, life and the belief in miracles. Unfortunately, the name “Scrooge” defies the spirit of Christmas. Whether you watch the classic tale from 1938, 1984 or the latest version, 2009, the beloved story through Christmas past, present and future leads to a heartwarming understanding that a miserly person can change!

Consider pressing play to the Christmas classic soundtrack and reliving the scenes just one more time!

Kaleideum is celebrating the holidays with a special weekend of wonder! Enjoy old favorites like Festive Family Friday and new experiences like Holidays around the World and Breakfast with Santa. Everyone’s favorite — IceVenture! — will be ready for sock skating in the Great Hall, and there will be plenty more festive fun during the weekend! Festive Family Friday

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 6-9 PM $5 per person members and non-members Catch the holiday spirit in this festive, fun-filled tradition!

Breakfast with Santa

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 9 AM-NOON $10 per person members; $12 per person non-members Have a delicious breakfast and spend some time with the jolly man in red… a photo with Santa is included!

Holidays Around the World

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1-4 PM Included with regular admission/membership Enjoy holiday music and take a trip around the world as you explore different traditions and crafts.

Elf Workshop

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1-3 PM The elves need some help! Assemble and decorate your own toy and holiday cookie house.

Explore Learning Reimagined

Kaleideum

KALEIDEUM DOWNTOWN

390 S Liberty St

Sat 10 am-5 pm Sun 1-5 pm KALEIDEUM NORTH

400 W Hanes Mill Rd

Tues-Fri 9 am-5 pm Sat 10 am-5 pm Sun 1-5 pm

Eight Great Movies About Exploring, Finding Peace and Clinging to Survival in the Wilderness

BY KAREN COOPER

The wilderness can be a refuge for anyone seeking stillness and a greater purpose in life. It can also become an arduous landscape that proves insurmountable for those who are unprepared for its many obstacles. No matter who you are or where you’re from, films about men and women conquering or coexisting with nature have a strong appeal. They can inspire us, offer an escape from daily life, keep us on the edge of our seat, or help us to find peace through the characters, who are often searching for the same thing. Following are some of the best movies to watch if you’re craving an adventure in the great outdoors….

Into the Wild (2007) Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) and his journey into the Alaskan Wilderness, Into the Wild is a close-up look at the lengths a man will go to reach his goals. Chris is a privileged son from a wealthy family who graduates from his university with honors, but abandons it all for a life off the grid.

Alive (1993) Uruguay’s rugby team becomes stranded in the Andes Mountains when their plane crashes. They are sure they will soon be rescued, but no one ever comes. Learning to survive in harsh, frigid conditions is not what they had planned, but there is no other choice if they are to have any hope of making it out alive. Stars Ethan Hawke as Nando Parrado. The Revenant (2015) The Revenant is a true story of Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), a man in search of redemption and revenge across America’s wild frontier. Glass is a frontiersman and fur trapper in the early 19th century who is mapping out the uncharted parts of the United States. He became a folk hero after surviving a grizzly bear attack and then traveling hundreds of miles alone to safety. This role earned DiCaprio his Academy Award for Best Actor.

Cast Away (2000) Driven and habitually punctual FedEx executive Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) is on a night flight for his demanding job when the plane goes down over the Pacific Ocean during a storm. Chuck washes up on a deserted island where all his efforts to attract help or escape to civilization fail. He is left only with his wits and any survival skills he’s picked up along the way, which he will need to keep himself alive and sane for a very long time.

Wild (2014) This film focuses on the true story of Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon), a 22-yearold woman whose life becomes a terrible mess after the sudden death of her mother from cancer. This loss throws Cheryl into a downward spiral of self-destruction, eventually wrecking her marriage and her once-promising future. With no hiking or survival experience, Cheryl sets out on a grueling 1,100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. The Way (2010) After learning his son has died while hiking the Pyrenees Mountains on the Camino de Santiago, Dr. Thomas Avery (Martin Sheen) travels to France to recover his son’s (Emilio Estevez) remains. Riddled with grief, Tom makes the difficult choice to embark on the hike and experience the traditional Christian pilgrimage himself—pledging to complete it entirely to memorialize and honor his son.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) A group of young girls from the very stern and proper Appleyard College in rural Australia take a field trip on St. Valentine’s Day, 1900, to Hanging Rock, a forbidding volcanic outgrowth of rocks and forest that hangs above the school and the nearby village. Some of the girls decide to go exploring on their own, which has consequences no one can imagine.

Leave No Trace (2018) Leave No Trace is a film about living off the grid in America. It’s a story of a family seeking harmony with the land, and with their country, a story about having to hide away in order to live as they choose, and how society makes it extraordinarily hard for anyone without access to resources to live freely and well. This film tells a story of the bond between a teenage girl and her veteran father, living in a vast urban park in Portland, Oregon and how they manage to lead this different kind of life.

Sensory Learning Activities for Your Child’s First Five Years

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

Within the past few years, information about sensory learning for children has become more available and widespread. Sensory learning is a type of learning that engages a child’s senses in multiple ways. It is used to promote growth and learning development. Through different activities, children are exposed to various textures, sights, sounds and more to help them learn about distinctive situations. The sensory learning theory has been around since 1985 beginning with education consultant Dugan Laird and the belief that if all the senses are involved, a greater chance for learning takes place. Throughout the years, the theory has taken different shapes and perspectives and has been a key feature in Montessori philosophy. Research has shown that it is important for children of all ages, but especially during the first five years of a child’s life. There are many sensory learning activities that children, whether they are one year old or five years old, can do at home or at school, such as these:

Count fingers and toes.

• Everything is new to a young toddler. While engaging their senses is essential, you also have to be careful to avoid overstimulation at times. Start with something small such as counting their 10 fingers and toes together.

Recite the numbers and come up with fun, silly ways to count.

Play with blocks or tupperware.

• Stack and create towers or sort the items in various categories to assist with a child’s dexterity, fine motor skills and handeye coordination.

Build a busy board.

• Little ones this age love trying to figure out how doors open, zippers zip and more. To create a busy board, all you need is a piece of wood and zippers, latches with snaps, buckles and knobs. You can also add items that turn on with a push, such as lights and other things with buttons. Attach each item to the wood, and let your one year old go to town.

Sensory Bins

• Give time for your child to explore new objects through a sensory bin. Fill a bin with uncooked rice, uncooked pasta, different fabrics and water. Then, place some toys into the bin. Help your child dig and explore with the materials, and find their toys. Always stay with your baby during this time, and be careful of them placing items in their mouths.

Create a discovery basket.

• A discovery basket is a different take on sensory bins. Inside a basket, container or bag, add in child-safe household items. You could include dish towels, spoons, musical toys, plastic lids and more. Take it a step further and make a specific category for your discovery basket. You could have a red item only basket, musical items only or something else.

Write names or draw in sand or rice.

• This activity is great for younger children. Fill a shallow container with rice or sand. Let your toddler use their fingers to draw in the texture.

If a child is a little older and learning how to write, this is a great way to practice their letters and numbers. Another safe option for kids who love to put everything in their mouths is to use yogurt or baby food for the materials.

Sound Hunt

• A sound hunt can be done inside or outside. Think about the common sounds your toddler could hear each day. Then, go on a scavenger hunt to find those people, animals or items. Can your child find something that buzzes or bangs, barks, quacks or goes whoosh?

Taste test with foods that are salty, sweet, sour and bitter.

• In individual bowls, place foods that are either salty, sweet, sour or bitter. Examples of items are a spoonful of sugar, something peppermint flavored, a lemon wedge, potato chip, orange rind, unsweetened chocolate and a pickle. With your child, taste each of the foods one at a time. Discuss what salty, sweet, sour and bitter each taste like, and determine which category the food falls into.

Move on until all of the objects have been categorized. This activity works best for older children in the one year to five years age group.

You can also ask what each food smell likes for another factor.

Play music and dance.

• A very simple task that can produce many results. Turn up the jams, and dance away.

Sensory learning activities are all around children. However, it is valuable to take the time and fully engage your child in specific activities to help his or her development. You can focus on multiple senses or only one, but sensory learning activities should be done a few times a week, if not more, for the best results. Always remember to get creative, have fun and enjoy making these memories with your child.

Child Safety Series

BY TARYN JEREZ

HOLIDAY EDITION

Each month this series will provide important facts and tips surrounding child safety in an effort to support parents and caregivers as they navigate reducing risks and creating the safest environment possible for the children in their lives.

Winter holidays are a beautiful time to celebrate with family and friends, creating special memories! The little ones in our lives make the season even more magical, so here are a few important tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

Holiday Decorations

INDOOR SAFETY

For your youngest and smallest children, place all holiday decor out of reach of curious hands, especially when something is easily breakable or poses a choking hazard. If you have a Christmas tree, make a note to hang your more fragile ornaments higher up on the tree and consider covering plugs for your lights with safety covers. If you have a real tree instead of an artificial one, remember to water it amply so the needles don’t dry out, creating a fire hazard. Always keep open flames away from your Christmas tree. Keep any ingestible holiday plants, such as mistletoe and poinsettias, out of reach of children (and pets), as these can often be toxic.

OUTDOOR SAFETY

Your outdoor holiday decor may be a real show-stopper in the neighborhood, but make sure you take precautions with your festive setup. Use proper hanging techniques for wreaths, signage, and lights to ensure nothing falls, creating a hazard. When plugging in your lights and any other electrical decor, ensure you are using correct power strips with built-in circuit breakers, not allowing too many plugs to be plugged into one outlet. If you’re getting help from your kids with your outdoor decorating, always supervise them and set age-appropriate boundaries around what they can and cannot help with to avoid injury. Have children dressed appropriately with closed-toed shoes if they are climbing step ladders or getting into bushes etc., to assist.

GIFT GIVING

Presents are definitely a holiday highlight for kids! This is the perfect opportunity to remind friends and family about age-appropriate gifts, letting them know what age range to look for when shopping. When opening presents, look for small parts that may not be suitable for some children and anything that needs to be out of reach for smaller siblings, even if it is safe for big brothers or sisters to play with them. Collect wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, plastics, and disposable packaging from opened gifts to keep a clear and safe space for your kids. Consider waiting to place gifts under the tree until supervision is available, especially for items including batteries, small parts, liquids, or fragile elements.

FOOD AND ALLERGY AWARENESS

Holiday meals and treats aren’t just an adult festive favorite! Kids get excited about big family meals and special desserts and candies, but having a game plan on what’s appropriate and safe for little mouths and tummies is important! If you are trying any new foods or drinks, keep an eye out for

possible allergic reactions, giving small portions to try at first. If you have a child with a food allergy, let those in attendance at parties or get-togethers know about helping them avoid accidental exposure. Some children are too young for special treats like candy canes or caramel apples, but older family members may not be aware of this, so ensure supervision is given from a parent or sibling to help keep these boundaries in place.

Travel & Injuries

TRAVEL

If you plan to travel to celebrate the holidays, there are a few steps to take to avoid risk when traveling with your kiddos. First, make sure you pack appropriately for the trip, bringing weather-appropriate clothing, including any protective layers they may need for colder weather, such as a coat, hat, gloves, and warm pajamas. Pack medications and have them properly labeled and out of reach, as needed. Take precautions if driving to your destination to make sure your vehicle is serviced with safe tires, ample fuel, and an emergency kit with items like a flashlight, snow chains, gloves, and more. Have car chargers available for GPS devices and smartphones and a phone number saved for towing services like AAA. Let the people you are visiting know your route and your expected arrival time in case of emergencies.

TAKING ACTION IF AN INJURY OR ACCIDENTS OCCUR

Always have a first aid kit easily accessible, as well as any important documents, such as lists of medications your child is currently taking and phone numbers for contact information for pediatricians and emergency contacts. If you are unsure about the severity or care of an injury, but have concern, don’t wait to head to your nearest emergency room or call 911.

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE

• Safe Kids Worldwide - www.safekids.org/holidays [ONLINE ARTICLE

HYPERLINK: https://www. safekids.org/holidays]

• North Carolina Department of Public Safety [ONLINE ARTICLE

HYPERLINK: https://www. ncdps.gov/dps-services/ safety-tips/holiday-travel]

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